WIBU to go for a job without the right qualifications?

[bluebellforest]

Right, bear with me.
There is a perfect job going in a little, local cafe.
I have the people skills, I was a barmaid and worked on a checkout for a few years. I can handle money, work a till. I love talking to customers.
I have a passion for baking, so could really get stuck in there.
The only downside is, they have said, experience with a coffee machine is essential 😣 I've never used one in my life.
The job is advertised online.
WIBU to pop in for a chat with the owner?
I would even be willing to pay for a barista course.
If you were the owner of the cafe, how would you react to somebody coming in and asking like me?
What should I do? What would you do?

Just don’t fib. Explain why you would be excellent even though you haven’t done it before.

Go in and talk to the owner/manager. You can learn how to use the machine. All your other experience is far more relevant.

I would definitely talk to them. They'll probably love your enthusiasm and initiative!

The last two jobs I've had specified a 2:1 degree minimum. I didn't go to university at all, and still got both jobs. Sometimes the right attitude is worth more than you think!

Good luck (do update the thread with how you get on )

Go for it!

Firstly, Google 'How to use a Barista coffee machine'. You'll find lots of demonstrations on Youtube.

Then offer to come in on your own time and shadow the member of staff using it.

I'd be more than happy with someone who took the initiative to research and were willing to learn.

You can't buy that kind of enthusiasm.

I meant to say, tell them you've been watching online demonstrations and researching.

I didn't mean watch the demos and then try to blag it

I’d pop in to see the owner and be honest about the coffee machine. It’s not exactly a difficult thing to teach someone so I’d be surprised if it’s a deal breaker if you have the customer service skills and are really enthusiastic. I was shown how to use one when I worked as a receptionist in a fancy private bank so I could make coffees for clients when the office butler was at lunch- remembering the difference between a flat white and a latte is the difficult bit, not using the machine itself! Maybe you could do some research to show some initiative?
Good luck

Yes! Customer service skills are absolutely invaluable..... making people feel welcome is worth more than half and hours training in a machine. You’ll get the hang of it it no time.

Absolutely pop in and have a chat.

Using a coffee machine is something you can learn, excellent people skills is something you either have or don't have.

I'd employ you with that attitude and teach you how to use the machine, something I'm sure, that is not beyond your capabilities.

Good luck.

Blimey, I used to work in a cafe with a coffee machine. It took about an hour max to learn how make espresso, cappuccino, latte, americano, etc. My favourite was the steamer to make the frothy hot milk. I could make a lovely latte with the coffee at the bottom in a tall glass. Looked beautiful!

Go for it OP.

Oh wow! Thank you so much you lot, you have given me the push to do this 😁
I thought everyone was going to say I was being silly for even trying without the coffee experience.
Thank you so much! ❤

I agree with everyone else. Absolutely pop in and have a chat.

Go for it. The worst that can happen is that the manager says no but theres a good chance that, as others have said, they will be impressed by your enthusiasm.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

Good for you, OP, go in & have a chat. Hope it works out for you!

Definitely do it. I am a regular coffee shop addict and shops are continually full of trainee baristas and half of them aren't even very nice. A really nice assistant who happens to be a trainee, no problem. You'll know how to use the machine in a couple of days. Many experienced baristas cant make a decent cup of coffee to save their lives anyway. Good luck.

You sound awesome - they’ll be lucky to have you!

Go in when it’s quiet so they’ll have time to talk.

Great idea from PP to offer to learn how to use their coffee machine on your time off.

Go for it! Go see them! They can teach you that easily enough if they want to. (It’s not that hard, tbh!)

I am a big believer in the maxim “recruit attitude, train skills”. You sound like you have the right attitude so go for it.