Starbucks Cover Letter Example & Writing Tips

Be sure you use the proper cover letter format to make your cover letter readable and professional.

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a cover letter in a way that makes you seem like the best candidate for the job.

This real-world Starbucks cover letter managed to win over Starbucks’s hiring managers and landed our client the job. Samuel examines why it works.

1. Tailor your cover letter to Starbucks

In this cover letter, I made a conscious effort to tailor my message specifically to Starbucks by referencing its unique values and culture. For instance, mentioning the ‘third place’ environment demonstrates a deep understanding of Starbucks’ ethos as a welcoming, inclusive space beyond home and work.

This creates an immediate connection with the reader and shows that my client did their homework. Additionally, highlighting Starbucks’ emphasis on authenticity and inclusivity reflects the client’s alignment with their mission, making the letter feel personalised and relevant.

Why this works

Employers value candidates who take the time to show how their skills and values align with the company’s. Referencing specific elements of Starbucks’ brand and culture demonstrates that you’re not sending a generic application but are genuinely invested in the role.

2. Highlight your soft skills

This letter effectively showcases key soft skills such as adaptability, relationship-building, and enthusiasm. Phrases like ‘ability to connect with people’ and ‘build genuine relationships with both customers and colleagues’ highlight interpersonal strengths that are critical for success in a customer-facing role.

Additionally, I drew attention to my client’s organisational skills and adaptability, particularly in fast-paced environments, which are essential for managing the demands of a barista position.

Why this works

Soft skills are often the deciding factor for roles involving extensive customer interaction. By directly linking these abilities to the job requirements, you present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who can thrive in Starbucks’ collaborative and dynamic setting.

3. Emphasise your career goals

This letter positions my client’s interest in the barista role as part of a longer-term vision. Highlighting Starbucks’ reputation for ‘providing avenues for growth’ conveys that my client views this position as a stepping stone within a company they admire.

This subtly indicates their desire to build a career with Starbucks, making the application more compelling. Employers favour candidates who are committed to growing with their organisation.

Why this works

By aligning your personal goals with Starbucks’ emphasis on employee development, you make yourself seem like an investment for the company rather than a short-term hire. This shows forward-thinking and ambition while maintaining a tone of gratitude and enthusiasm for the entry-level opportunity.

4. Use professional cover letter formatting

The structure of the cover letter is clean and professional, following a logical flow: an engaging introduction, a clear body highlighting relevant skills, and a concise conclusion with a call to action.

Breaking up the content into short, digestible paragraphs ensures readability, while the tone remains professional yet approachable.

I kept the letter concise to respect the hiring manager’s time while still conveying key information.

Why this works

A professionally formatted letter creates a positive first impression and ensures your message is easy to follow. This approach balances professionalism with the warm, welcoming tone Starbucks is likely to appreciate from potential baristas.