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Barista: CV and cover letter examples

2 fully written cover letters, a ready CV with a placeholder portrait and practical tips – open the example and replace the details with yours.

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Cover letter examples

Each example is written for a different starting point. Borrow the structure, not the sentences – your own examples and numbers are what make a letter work.

1Experienced barista for a roasteryExperienced

Jasmine Okoro
80 Lewes Road
Brighton BN2 3HZ
030 23125 010 · jasmine.okoro@example.com

Cornfield Coffee Roasters
Albers
70 North Road
Brighton BN1 1YD

DD Month YYYY

Application for the position of Barista / shift lead

Dear Mr Albers,

the first thing I do every morning is dial in the grinder, because beans change overnight and with the weather. For many customers that is a detail; for me it is the difference between a good espresso and a very good one.

I have worked at a specialty café for four years, for the last year as shift lead with cash responsibility. I have completed a barista foundation course and a sensory course, and I can explain why an Ethiopian filter can taste of berries. I would gladly help with cuppings and training.

Yours sincerely,

Jasmine Okoro

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2Student for the morning shiftPart-time

Poppy Bennett
10 Trafalgar Street
Brighton BN1 4EQ
0221 4710 254 · poppy.bennett@example.com

Café Principal
Seddon
15 Bond Street
Brighton BN1 1RD

DD Month YYYY

Application for the position of Barista (part time, mornings)

Dear Ms Seddon,

on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays my lectures start at eleven. I would like to spend the morning rush from seven to ten behind your machine.

At home I worked for two years in a bakery with a coffee bar. Cappuccinos and flat whites are no problem, and my hearts come out right most of the time.

Yours sincerely,

Poppy Bennett

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All people, companies and contact details in the examples are fictional.

CV example

A complete CV for the role – with an illustrated placeholder instead of a photo.

Preview of the CV of Jasmine Okoro in the Modern design
Read the CV as text

Jasmine Okoro

Barista and shift lead

80 Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 3HZ · 030 23125 010 · jasmine.okoro@example.com

Placeholder portrait: replace it with your photo in the editor, or remove it.

Work experience

  • 2022 – present
    Barista, shift lead from 2025
    Bean & Leaf, Brighton
    • Dialling in, espresso bar
    • Rotas and cash
    • Training new staff

Education

  • 2017 – 2020
    BTEC Hospitality
    City College, Brighton

Skills

Espresso, Milk and latte art, Sensory skills, Till

Languages

English (Native), Igbo (B1 – intermediate)

Interests

Home roasting, cycling

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Good to know

Your application in three steps

  1. Add your own photo – or none

    The example uses an illustrated placeholder. Replace it under “Choose photo” in the editor, or remove it: in the UK, US and many other countries a CV photo is not expected.

  2. Replace the details

    Name, contact, jobs, skills: everything is filled in and can be overwritten field by field.

  3. Save as PDF

    The PDF is created in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, no account needed.

What employers look for

Baristas dial in the grinder, pull shots, steam milk, look after guests and keep the machine clean. Cafés care about speed at the morning rush, cleanliness and real interest in coffee.

  • Espresso machine experience

  • Dialling in and extraction

  • Milk texturing and latte art

  • Speed at the morning rush

  • Friendly and tidy

Tips for your application

Do

  • Name machines and coffee knowledge.
  • Show speed and cleanliness.
  • Connect to the café.

Don’t

  • Only say you love coffee.
  • Send latte art photos instead of experience.
  • Rule out early shifts.
Typical interview questions

Prepare a short, honest example from your own work for each one.

  1. How do you dial in a grinder?
  2. What do you do if the espresso tastes sour?
  3. How do you stay friendly at the morning rush?
  4. How do you clean the machine?

Salary expectations

If the advert asks for your salary expectations, give an annual gross figure or a range you have researched – through pay scales, salary surveys from public sources or people who do the job. If it does not ask, leave pay out of the letter; it will come up in the interview.

Frequently asked questions
Do I need a barista course?

Not necessarily. Many cafés train you themselves, but a course shows interest and gives you basics you can demonstrate on a trial shift.

Should I put a photo on my CV?

It depends on the country. In the UK, Ireland and the US a photo is usually left out to avoid bias, and many employers prefer CVs without one. In Germany and some other countries it is common but optional. If you use one: recent, friendly, plain background, dressed as you would be on a good day at work.

Can I copy the example letters?

Yes, they are free to use. But recruiters read a lot of letters – one with your own examples, numbers and a real reason for choosing this employer will always do better. Use the examples as scaffolding and write the sentences yourself.

Is my data stored anywhere?

No. The CV and the letter are created in your browser. Nothing is stored unless you switch on “Save the draft” in the editor – and then only on your device.

Related jobs

Finish your application

Cover letter and CV as PDF, certificates added, all in one file – small enough for any job portal.