Why Starbucks hires for attitude - not experience

“What sets a candidate apart in a job interview?” That’s a question Lisa Robbins, HR Director at Starbucks is frequently asked.

Well, “there’s no single answer; no magic formula for getting hired,” she says. That said, most interviewers would agree on the basics: successful candidates are invariably a combination of personable, competent at the job they are applying for, hardworking and committed, and confident but not overconfident.

“At Starbucks, we hire on attitude rather than experience or qualifications,” Robbins explains. “The character and skills we look for (aside from a passion for great coffee!) include being a great team player and a caring person as well as good communication and customer service skills. These are difficult to demonstrate without prior experience in the workplace.”

Citing research that shows that young people taking on weekend or part-time jobs are on the decline, Robbins says that one way candidates can set themselves apart is through voluntary work.