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Barista - Downers Grove

Peet's Coffee · Downers Grove, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a job or activity where you had to be friendly and quick at the same time.

What they are checking: Whether they can balance warmth with pace, which is the heart of working a coffee bar.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work or school and how you fixed it.

What they are checking: Whether they own mistakes openly, which keeps small errors from becoming bigger ones.

How do you handle a customer who is rude to you?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay polite without taking it personally and know when to get a lead.

Why do you want to work at Peet's?

What they are checking: Whether they have a real reason to join, which predicts how long they will stay.

What would you do

The line is long and the mobile orders keep printing. How do you decide what to make next?

What they are checking: Whether they follow the bar's flow and communicate with teammates instead of freezing or freelancing.

A customer says they were charged twice. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm, check the facts and get a lead involved when money is in question.

A teammate is struggling on the bar and you are on register with no line. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they notice and jump in to help without being asked.

What does your weekly availability look like, including weekends?

What they are checking: Whether they can cover the shifts a part-time coffee schedule actually needs.

About the work

What would you want to learn first about making coffee here?

What they are checking: Whether they show curiosity about craft, which matters at a brand built on better coffee.

How do you keep the counter and bar clean while orders keep coming?

What they are checking: Whether they clean as they go instead of waiting for a slow moment that may never come.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Peet's Coffee from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Peet's Coffee.

Perk up your career with a bold new opportunity at Peet’s Coffee! We’re seeking passionate people to join our team as Baristas. Do you want to work with curious, authentic, and passionate people who care deeply about coffee, customers, and the continuous pursuit of better – if so, apply today! WHAT WILL FILL YOUR CUP Competitive Pay, Perks & Benefits: • Medical, dental and vision benefit options (for employees who work 21 hours or more per week). • Paid vacation (accrual following completion of 4 months of employment). • Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. • 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). • Employee Assistance program including useful resources for all employees. • Flexible part-time schedule. • The pay for this position is $16.50 per hour. Additionally, employees may earn an estimated average of $3.00 to $6.00 per hour in cash and electronic tips. Growth With Us: We believe careers are crafted. Whether you’re driven by people, process or purpose – Peet’s is a place where your growth journey can thrive – grow with us. Tuition scholarship opportunities with Oregon State University E Campus. Who We Are: Our purpose at Peet's Coffee is the pursuit of better, better coffee, for people and the planet. Our ambition is to become the chosen brand for coffee lovers around the world, and we know earning that place means an uncompromising focus on quality, craft and authenticity. As part of Keurig Dr Pepper and JDE Peet's, the world's leading pureplay coffee company, Peet's is growing as a global coffee brand anchored by a clear set of values that reflect who we are today and where we're going. We Dare to Amaze, Own It, Make It Simple, and Win Together challenging ourselves every day to do better than the day before. We've learned that the secret to great coffee is the people who make it, and we apply the same care in selecting and preparing our teams as we do when crafting the perfect cup. Purposeful Work: At Peet’s, we are committed to improving conditions in coffee communities around the world. With Enveritas, our non-profit partner, we work to assess and improve conditions on the farms where we source our coffees. WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL • Deliver exceptional customer experiences by consistently following Peet’s service steps with quality engagement and friendly service. • Prepare handcrafted beverages and products to Peet’s high standards in taste, appearance, and consistency. • Contribute to a positive, team-oriented workplace by collaborating with coworkers, seeking feedback and taking initiative to support operations. • Drive sales through suggestive selling, product education, and sampling, helping customers discover and enjoy Peet’s offerings. • Demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and timely completion of tasks throughout the shift. • Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked coffeebar while demonstrating urgency and composure in a fast-paced setting. WHAT YOU WILL BRING Minimum Qualifications: • Required to maintain schedule availability of a minimum of two days a week or more that must also meet business needs (business needs can include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights and/or holidays). • Must be legally eligible to work in the country where this job is located. • Must be at least 16 years of age or older. • Must be able to comply with Peet's Employment of Minors policies and work with and among minors. • Perform various physical tasks during the work shift. ( See Physical Requirements ) The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. Job responsibilities can change according to the operational needs of the business. To view the complete job description, which includes the essential duties for this role: Barista Job Description At Peet’s, we believe in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, uniform service, veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local ordinances. Peet’s is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If you need assistance or accommodation, please contact employeerelations@peets.com . Brew Something Great Together: At Peet’s, we don’t just make coffee - we make community. Join a company that values coffee, culture, and continuous growth. Sound like your perfect blend? Apply today and start crafting your career at Peet’s.

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