I'm looking to hire two new baristas, I was wondering if anyone has a test I could use to see their knowledge, etc., without having to re-invent the wheel if you will!

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have em make five espressos in a row all with the same technique and have em tell you what and why they do what they do.
What is your objective for the test?
Nothing now cause I just wrote one! That way I can at least hire a competitant barista, or we should how\pe so any whoo!
I'm with Andy here... perhaps adding a latte and cappuccino to that mix, to assess milk skills and basic drink construction. Additional coffee knowledge is great, but a competent barista must be able to actually make drinks. There can be a pretty big difference between knowing how something is done and actually being able to do it.
To see if i want to let a wanabee barista get there gruby little paws on my machines I fire a couple of no brainer quick questions?
1. shot time?
2. A good water temp ?
3. why updose?

I dont expect perfect answers or encylopedic knowledge but reasonable replys other than-

fast, to get que down
Hot... and
use up coffee in the doser .....

will normally let the games begin.
ya theres nothing worse than a "text book" barista! Had a guy come in a couple of months ago for an interview, and no joke he knew ridiculous amounts about coffee, but when asked to make a latte he didn't have a clue ... such a waste of time.
Jen said:
ya theres nothing worse than a "text book" barista! Had a guy come in a couple of months ago for an interview, and no joke he knew ridiculous amounts about coffee, but when asked to make a latte he didn't have a clue ... such a waste of time.

That was me 2 years ago. Knew more about the stuff than 3/4 of the "baristas" around. BUT it took me at least 3 months on bar before my boss or I considered myself a "competent" barista... then another 9 until I actually was!
Right on, thanks guys! I would agree, I hate having my time wasted. This kiosk is down stairs from my cafe in the Federal Court House Building. A very prestigious area of town and very prestigious clientele! God help me tomorrow at 1:30 in the afternoon! That's when they all come for their interview! I believe in group interviews it helps weed out the poo poo, pardon the expression!
didn't mean that to be an insult to anyone like if someone comes in and actually tells us they havent done much practical work but know a lot then thats cool, but the particular person i'm talking about just acted like he was world champ. it was hilarious :)

Brady said:
Jen said:
ya theres nothing worse than a "text book" barista! Had a guy come in a couple of months ago for an interview, and no joke he knew ridiculous amounts about coffee, but when asked to make a latte he didn't have a clue ... such a waste of time.

That was me 2 years ago. Knew more about the stuff than 3/4 of the "baristas" around. BUT it took me at least 3 months on bar before my boss or I considered myself a "competent" barista... then another 9 until I actually was!
It was histerical to see that one of my applicants answered that "Starbucks" was the orginator of the espresso drink! LMFAO.

I about died laughing.

They'll all be doing practical in the store testing tomorrow, this ought to be fun!

Jen said:
didn't mean that to be an insult to anyone like if someone comes in and actually tells us they havent done much practical work but know a lot then thats cool, but the particular person i'm talking about just acted like he was world champ. it was hilarious :)

Brady said:
Jen said:
ya theres nothing worse than a "text book" barista! Had a guy come in a couple of months ago for an interview, and no joke he knew ridiculous amounts about coffee, but when asked to make a latte he didn't have a clue ... such a waste of time.

That was me 2 years ago. Knew more about the stuff than 3/4 of the "baristas" around. BUT it took me at least 3 months on bar before my boss or I considered myself a "competent" barista... then another 9 until I actually was!
Jen said:
didn't mean that to be an insult to anyone like if someone comes in and actually tells us they havent done much practical work but know a lot then thats cool, but the particular person i'm talking about just acted like he was world champ. it was hilarious :)

Brady said:
Jen said:
ya theres nothing worse than a "text book" barista! Had a guy come in a couple of months ago for an interview, and no joke he knew ridiculous amounts about coffee, but when asked to make a latte he didn't have a clue ... such a waste of time.

That was me 2 years ago. Knew more about the stuff than 3/4 of the "baristas" around. BUT it took me at least 3 months on bar before my boss or I considered myself a "competent" barista... then another 9 until I actually was!

No offense here.
Chef John, Could you tell us a little bit about how you conduct a group interview? I've never tried that.

Chef John said:
Right on, thanks guys! I would agree, I hate having my time wasted. This kiosk is down stairs from my cafe in the Federal Court House Building. A very prestigious area of town and very prestigious clientele! God help me tomorrow at 1:30 in the afternoon! That's when they all come for their interview! I believe in group interviews it helps weed out the poo poo, pardon the expression!

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