Shift Lead - Chicago - East 8th
Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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 time you ran a shift when the store was short a person. How did you set up the floor?
What they are checking: Whether they can reassign stations quickly and keep drinks moving instead of trying to cover every job themselves.
One of your baristas is great with customers but slow on bar during the morning rush. How would you coach them?
What they are checking: Whether they can give specific, kind feedback in the moment without embarrassing someone in front of guests.
Tell me about a time you had to tell a coworker who used to be your peer that they weren't doing something right.
What they are checking: Whether they can step into authority with friends on the team without becoming bossy or avoiding the conversation.
This is a part-time role with a flexible schedule. What does your availability look like, and how do you handle a last-minute call-out?
What they are checking: Whether they are reliable and have a plan for coverage, since a lead is the one people call when someone is missing.
Tell me about a time you turned around an unhappy customer.
What they are checking: Whether they listen first and fix the problem, rather than defending the store or rushing the person out.
What would you do
A regular says their latte tastes off and it's the third complaint about that espresso this morning. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they connect one complaint to a pattern and check dial-in or equipment before blaming the barista or the customer.
You're closing and the cash drawer is short twenty dollars. Walk me through what you do next.
What they are checking: Whether they follow a careful count and report it honestly rather than covering it up or accusing someone on a hunch.
A line is out the door, mobile orders are stacking up, and a customer asks you a long question about beans. How do you handle it?
What they are checking: Whether they can stay warm with one guest while still steering the team through a backed-up rush.
About the work
How do you hand off a shift so the next lead walks into a clean, stocked store with no surprises?
What they are checking: Whether they think about counts, prep, cash and open issues as things the next person depends on.
Peet's talks about caring deeply about coffee. What do you know about coffee that you'd want to teach a new barista?
What they are checking: Whether they have real curiosity about the product, which is part of what a lead models for the team.
How do you keep food safety and cleaning tasks from slipping when the store gets busy?
What they are checking: Whether they treat sanitation and temperature logs as non-negotiable, even when speed is the pressure in the room.
Practice this interview out loud.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Peet's Coffee.