You’re rising the retail ranks and are looking for a position as a coffee shop manager. Whether you already hold that title or are looking for a job change combined with a higher role, you need a resume that highlights your perfect blend of qualities.
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With 300+ resume examples and writing guides, Resume.io is here to help energize your job search. This resume guide, along with the corresponding coffee shop manager resume example will cover the following topics:
- What does a coffee shop manager do?
- Best ways to write a coffee shop manager resume
- The best format for a coffee shop manager resume
- Advice on your summary, work history, education and skills sections
- Professional resume layout and design hints.
What does a coffee shop manager do?
Coffee shop managers must be strong leaders who implement effective team-building strategies to achieve optimal levels of customer satisfaction. They are highly aware of the importance of positive customer experiences, and aim to continually grow and improve as a trusted and loved establishment. They oversee inventory, introduce new items to menus, and aim to maintain a clean and inviting environment.
Large companies such as Starbucks, Peet’s or Caribou offer benefits packages and opportunities for advancement, while small shops may offer more freedom to innovate. Overseeing the operations of a coffee shop can be a tough grind. The morning rush is full of groggy people who need to get to work and want their order now. You’re managing the baristas, the inventory and the budget. But the job can also be rewarding. Repeat customers may become new friends and you get to hone your leadership skills.
Here are salaries for four top coffee chains.
| Coffee chain | Store manager median salary |
| Peet’s | $63,288 |
| Starbucks | $55,102 |
| Caribou | $49,073 |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | $37,741 |
How to write a coffee shop manager resume
The very first step in writing your coffee shop manager resume is understanding what sections to include. Your CV should contain the following elements:
- The resume header
- The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- The employment history section
- The resume skills section
- The education section
For even more writing tips and ideas check out our retail resume samples including our Starbucks resume sample, retail cashier resume sample, retail manager resume sample or shop assistant resume sample.
Choosing the best resume format for a coffee shop manager
In most cases, the reverse chronological format is the way to go. Why? Recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) favor this organization because it makes it easy to find your recent work history. This resume format is your best option unless your career falls into a special circumstance.
If your career has taken a winding path, if you have changed careers, or are a seasoned professional, you may consider the other resume formats we suggest as chronological alternatives or hybrids. We do not recommend the functional resume style which highlights skills over work experience. That format is typically reserved for niche technologists or scientists.
The Applicant Tracking System hurdle
A fabulous coffee shop manager resume is a start, but if you don’t understand Applicant Tracking Systems, it may not matter. Almost all large companies use these software programs to scan, sort and assess resumes looking for keywords and phrases the employer has pegged to the job. If you apply online, your resume will pass through one before it gets to the human resources person.
The best way to ensure that your resume won’t get filtered out is to analyze the job listing, carefully highlighting keywords and phrases within it that you can then use in your resume. That’s because you can be sure those traits are exactly what your prospective employer wants.
Resume summary example: your best shot
What distinguishes you from other applicants and how can you show it off in your coffee shop manager resume? Your summary, AKA profile or personal statement, gives you just that to know opportunity albeit in a mere 100-200 words. That means every phrase must pack a punch. Your goal here is to tell hiring managers why you are the right person for the job.
Do a bit of research on the shop you are targeting. Go in and get a pour-over or whatever their specialty is. Note the environment and culture and use that to set the tone of your resume. Start off by describing your rise to management and why you’re passionate about the coffee business. Then, highlight your leadership and business skills and how you have used them to create an efficient shop that’s a great place to work.
You will find a coffee shop manager resume example summary below.
Skilled and dynamic coffee shop manager with excellent leadership and management abilities. Adept in overseeing all coffee shop operations and committed to serving as a positive and motivating team leader. Experienced in managing and training employees, handling financial transactions and accounting, and implementing powerful marketing strategies.
Employment history sample: your robust ideas
The employment history section is where the reverse chronological order format comes into play. The best coffee shop manager resumes go well beyond a list of responsibilities. Think of your career as a series of challenges you have overcome and ideas you have implemented. Then, use each bullet item to describe the results you have achieved.
Your goal here is to prove to the hiring manager that you already know how to do the job and show your value-add to the shop and company overall.
Try a few of these coffee-related words to boost the energy level of your work history:
- Balance
- Blend
- Complexity
- Filter
- Grind
- Pull
- Roast
You will find a coffee shop manager employment history resume sample below.
- Effectively managed this fast-paced coffee shop in one of the busiest areas of the city.
- Hired capable and committed employees, and continually encouraged them to put their best foot forward.
- Managed orders, supervised stock, and occasionally altered menus to offer seasonal and customer-pleasing items.
- Maintained a clean and organized environment, conducive to customer satisfaction.
CV skills example: cream of the crop
Recruiters are busy people who receive lots of CVs. One method of eliminating applicants (after the ATS) is to quickly scan the skills section. If your coffee shop manager CV has a top-flight skills section, you’re more likely to make the cut.
How do you do that? You’ve already done the work of figuring out what the hiring manager is looking for. Choose your top attributes, making sure you offer a blend of business skills, interpersonal abilities and knowledge of the coffee business.
If you are fluent in more than one language, make sure you note your language skills as well. They are an asset in the global economy even at a local level.
Here are the top skills retail managers need, according to Retail Doc:
- Multi-tasking
- Decision-making
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Making the first sale of the day to get employees going
You will find a skills resume sample below.
- Management Skills
- Business Development Strategies
- Effective Team Leader
- Customer Service Skills
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
Coffee shop manager resume education example
Many coffee shop managers learn on the job, therefore, the education requirements for the position are a high school diploma or GED. However, if you have earned any business degree, at the associates or bachelor’s level, list it here.
If you have earned any retail awards such as barista of the month or customer service honors, feel free to list those here as well.
If you are new to the job market or the field, consider listing any business or management classes you have taken to show that you know the basics.
See resume example for an education section below.
2011-2015 Ithaca High School, High School Diploma Ithaca, NY
Resume layout and design
The design your barista creates in your latte doesn’t change the flavor, but it probably makes you smile and tells you the shop cares enough to take the extra step. Think of your resume design the same way. This first visual impression makes a difference.
What image do you want to project in your coffee shop manager resume? Professional and efficient? Keep those attributes in mind as you develop your layout.
Here are some pointers to guide you:
- Choose one sans serif type such as Arial or Calibri and one serif type such as Garamond or Constantia. Use one for display type and one for the body text.
- Proofread carefully to avoid errors that will make you look sloppy or choose an online resume builder such as ours that includes a spellcheck function.
- Create white space by varying your line lengths.
- Consider using one of our field-tested resume templates to simplify the design process.
Key takeaways for a coffee shop manager resume
- Coffee shop managers can work at small shops or for large companies; each offers its own benefits
- Match the tone of your resume to the coffee shop culture.
- Choose a blend of leadership, business and customer service attributes for your skills section.
- Check out our coffee shop manager resume sample for more ideas on creating a great page layout.
