Having trouble hiring good people?

Go buy a cup of coffee.

If you are a Starbucks coffee fan like I am, you probably know what I am going to say. Starbucks employees are some of the best, most customer focused and hardworking employees that I have seen.

It doesn’t matter which Starbucks that I visit, I receive the same excellent service. So how do they hire such great employees?

I recently read an interview conducted by Heather Wood Rudulf with Melissa Lang, Retail Recruiting Manager from Starbucks. Here are some of the requirements for working at Starbucks:

Starbucks is looking for employees from just about every career discipline.
Starbucks is making a concerted effort to attract Millennials, which represent 80 percent of its workforce.
Every candidate has to show a genuine desire for connection to the company and their community.
Every candidate needs to come in with questions specific to the business of Starbucks.
Starbucks has plenty of partners who don’t drink coffee.
Starbucks wants employees who live in the area so they can speak the language of the culture.
Starbucks wants people who are self-aware enough to talk about their past mistakes and reflect upon them.
If you are going to send a standard thank you email after your interview, don’t bother.
Starbucks gives clear expectations for candidates on the Careers page on their website: https://www.starbucks.com/careers/find-a-job/faq
The Starbucks interview process is focused on overall excellence, respect for customers and co-workers, and a dedication to corporate social responsibility.
No previous experience is required.