Starbucks Philippines Interview (Initial)

Photo not mine

Starbucks Coffee is one of the leading coffee shops not only here in the Philippines but also around the world. Starbucks Coffee has been creating its name in the coffee industry for years with their world class coffee and outstanding service. Now, who wouldn't want to try working for them, right? Making story short, I'm one of the people who wants to be a barista at Starbucks. 

Since I've been unemployed for a few months now, I asked myself, why not try Starbucks? I'm the type of person who finds calmness and joy spending time at a coffee shop. Reading my books, observing people around me, writing journals, thinking of random stuff and enjoying my cup of frappuccino. ☕️ It's so wonderful how relaxing coffee smells. It automatically hypes you up and makes your day. Most of us prefer it every morning before they start their day while others drink it thrice a day. Haha! Too bad I palpitate easily. But nonetheless, I still love coffee ❤️ 

I decided to apply online September 6, 2015, Sunday. I went to Starbucks PH site and sent my updated resumé. There are a few questions to answer and informations needed for applying. It's just basic informations and the questions were about your personal skills. Don't worry, it's just easy! ☺️

Monday came and I got a text from another company so I thought, too bad, I want Starbucks more but I haven't heard from them yet. Monday night at 8pm Starbucks PH texted me. It was from Ms. Ma-ann (recruiter) it's an invitation for initial interview on September 9, 2015, Wednesday, 9 am for Barista position at their main office in Makati. She asked me to be in business attire and to bring a pen, valid ID and an updated copy of my resumé. It says there too that I need to reply with my full name to a given number as a sign of confirmation and so I did. 

Starbucks Main Office 

Address: G/F Urban Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. (If you're from south it's at the left side so you need to cross, and if you're from north, you just need to walk it's just beside XVI bldg/SM CyberTwo) 

I did prepare for it whole Tuesday by practicing my answers in front of a mirror for whatever possible questions they could ask. I keep on constructing my introduction in my head and how to appear like I'm confident enough for the job even though it's really nerve-racking. 😂 

TIP: If you still have time before the interview whether a night or a day before it, prepare for answers and practice it too. It's better to show up prepared than be mental blocked while being interviewed. 

Wednesday morning, I woke up at 6 am and left 7 am cause I'm from Parañaque which I know would just take me an hour and a half to travel to Makati (traffic included). So I decided to take a shuttle to Ayala and bus from Ayala to Buendia. It's so annoying cause of the horrible traffic that day, I arrived 30 mins late. I was rushing to the bldg and immediately went to the front desk, the woman asked for my ID and gave me a Visitor's Pass. I signed the attendance sheet and was shocked to find out that it's more than 50 applicants they're expecting. So I sat down together with other applicants to fill up the 2 page sheet the woman handed me. It's a personal information sheet plus the questions that were asked online were there too. So another woman came (Ms. Janine) and called names. The second time she came, she called me and other two girls. I was so nervous  that I didn't immediately stand up until she smiled and nodded so I did stand up and we followed her. I was surprised to be welcomed by 10 more other people inside a conference room. 

Beginning of Interview

Ms. Ma-Ann introduced herself and asked us if she's gonna call names randomly or someone would like to volunteer. Guess what? I did!!! 😂🙋 i was sitting in the other end of the long table which made me kind of the center of attention, literally by volunteering as well. So I started introducing myself in straight english. It includes my educational background, trainings and past work experience. She asked me two questions and I answered both questions in fluent english too. Questions were based on what I said and what is on my resumé. After my interview others started volunteering too. It took us an hour to finish. 

She left us for 5-10 mins break for evaluation. I was so nervous to the point that I didn't leave my seat during break time. 

Ms. Janine came back and has letters in her hands and smilingly called 7 people. I wasn't one of them. I was full of questions if they're the ones who passed or it's us who passed but to answer that, she came back and said "Congratulations, you all passed the interview!"

 Damn, I'm so happy to pass that interview. Although I still need to go through another interview with store manager and district manager, atleast I'm a step closer to getting the job! 😁 Hooray!  

TIPS: > Make sure to be confident even though it's hard to prevent yourself from being nervous, try your best to introduce yourself fully without stuttering. 

> Just be yourself and enjoy the interview cause it's the personality that really gets them.

> Sell yourself without sounding too cocky and just let them know how much you want the job and how you're suited for the position. 

> While answering the questions, always answer directly and on point. Rambling can mislead and it won't give a nice lasting impression to the recruiter. 

> One of the most important thing to remember: SMILE! Do I even need to explain this? :) 

> Be light and comfortable, make sure to be as honest and sincere cause it's the integrity that they value too and it reflects I think? Haha

Check my next post for the Store Manager and District Manager Interview :)

That's me with red classic lippie ❤️