Caribou Coffee Interview Questions & Reviews
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Updated May 25, 2012 – Interview questions and reviews posted anonymously by interview candidates.
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Difficulty Rating [?] Based on 24 ratings 
“Easy” Interview
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Interview Experience [?] Based on 24 ratings
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| 11–20 of 24 Caribou Coffee Interviews | Sort by |
Team Member at Caribou Coffee
Posted Aug 23, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Aug 2011 (took a day)
The manager called me to set up an interview the day after I applied online. After one or two preliminary questions about availability, we arranged an interview for the next day. The interview took place in the store lobby and lasted 20 to 30 minutes. Much of it was conversational and the manager spent some time talking about himself and how the store works, so it wasn't a solid block of q&a. As he said he would, the manager called me back within a couple of hours to schedule a second interview, giving me the option to come back either that same day or later that week. I chose the former, had another 20-30 minute interview with a different manager, and was offered the job on the spot (provided my background checked out).
Before both interviews I was offered a complimentary drink. I would suggest accepting the drink to show that you like their products. If your interviewer asks how the drink is, try to describe the flavor or texture rather than just something generic like "It's great" or "It's delicious." Wine words like "robust" are good for coffee drinks. If you can't come up with anything else, at least say it's refreshing. The point is to say something a customer might want to hear if they ask about a particular drink.
They told me that the company has been using a new interview process (new questions, etc.) since the beginning of summer, so a lot of the questions I saw on this site were not asked. Also, I got the impression that it was rare to get a same-day callback and even rarer to have both interviews in the same day, so don't lose hope if you're not called back immediately!
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
If you have a lot of coffee experience, you might (might) be able to negotiate, but generally when you're on the lowest rung of the ladder and in the food service industry, you have to take what you're offered.
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview and a Background Check.
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Team Member at Caribou Coffee
Posted Jul 18, 2011
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Jul 2011 in Commerce Twp, MI (took a day)
They ask you 'out of the box' questions such as what type of animal would you be, but also ask questions why you want to work here, what challenges have you had at your current employer, and so on.
The store itself was nice, quiet, and large enough. The interviewer was plesant and offered me a drink which I declined. Lasted about 10 minutes and was told I'd be emailed shortly. I checked my email when I came home and was not "what they were looking for". I find it to be extremely rude to base my qualifications within half an hour after an interview and email me instead of personally telling it to my face or on the phone. I also find that they should at least consider an application for a day before telling the person.
Apparently if you never worked in a coffee shop you probably won't get this job. I however am not mad that I was not offered a job, but the way the responded so quickly as to not wanting to hire me. Don't get your hopes up!
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
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No
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Barista at Caribou Coffee
Posted Feb 5, 2011
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jul 2009 (took a day)
Keep in mind management differs greatly from one store to the next. My interview was very basic. It seems they get a general feel for your personality. They ask the basics about school, work experience, goals, etc. Sometimes they will have two interviews if they are unsure. I know that some of the people I work with were given two interivews. The process is very quick if the store in question is hiring and the person applying is qualified.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
At the time of the interview (2009) I had heard that coffe shops pay $8.00 per hour. I mentioned this at the interview and that is what the manager agreed to pay. I have a feeling at the time this was probably the max hourly wage for new hires.
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
More Caribou Coffee Barista Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
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Support Center Management at Caribou Coffee
Posted Jan 30, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Mar 2009 in Minneapolis, MN (took 3 days)
Three phone interviews (recruiter, business partner, hiring supervisor) and full day at office interviewing with wide variety of people. Tour of roastery and opportunity to ask any questions I desired
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
Little room for negotiation...positions have salary range and won't offer more than the range for the postion
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, an IQ/Intelligence Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Team Member at Caribou Coffee
Posted Jan 20, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Dec 2010 in Minneapolis, MN (took 6 days)
i sat down with the manager and we talked very briefly. i am not a coffee drinker and i had never been to a caribou in my life but i felt prepared because i did a lot of research about the company. i rode my bike to the interview and it was rather hot inside so i was a bit sweaty. i was going to use the bathroom to towel off but the door was locked. the interview did not go that well because it was clear that i was not a coffee person and i was not a caribou person.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
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Helpful Interview?
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No
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Marketing Manager at Caribou Coffee
Posted Aug 24, 2010
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Aug 2010 (took 2 days)
Good interview. I was very comfortable.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Shift Supervisor at Caribou Coffee
Posted Aug 19, 2010
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Received and Declined Offer
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Interviewed Apr 2010 (took a day)
I came to the store and the shift supervisor sat me down and ran through some questions with me. It was fairly laid back with minimal pressure and the tone was very conversational. The work culture seemed genuine and the employees seemed to really get along.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
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Helpful Interview?
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No
Inappropriate?
Barista at Caribou Coffee
Posted Aug 18, 2010
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Aug 2010 in Phoenix, AZ (took a day)
Interview was great, free drink at my interview and the manager was very nice.
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
More Caribou Coffee Barista Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Team Member at Caribou Coffee
Posted Jul 21, 2010
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jul 2009 (took 1 week)
Online application very long ~90 minutes and consisted of a personality test (multiple choice) mostly to ensure candidates are friendly, enjoy working with people, have the proper sense of urgency, etc.
Next was a phone interview with behavioral questions like, "Tell me about a time you had to sell a new product to customers..." and a review of my coffee & retail experience.
Then I had two 1:1 interviews with the Store Manager and a Shift Supervisor with the same type of questions.
Everyone was friendly and welcoming.
As for tips, I would encourage candidates to dress appropriately for an interview. Although it is a casual atmosphere (uniform is jeans and a black or white collared shirt), wear dress slacks, a button down shirt and real shoes. People who did well on the phone screen were sent away without being interviewed because of improper attire (ex: flip flops, tank tops, etc) I shouldn't have to say this, but there it is!
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
As this is a service-type entry level job there is really no negotiation on salary. It pays what it pays and you can accept or not.
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview and a Personality Test.
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Helpful Interview?
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Store Manager at Caribou Coffee
Posted Mar 26, 2010 — 0 of 1 people found this helpful
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Mar 2008 (took 2 weeks)
This was a very long, back and forth process. Multiple phone interviews, 1 on 1's, and talking to too many different people. I should have turned away then. Silly, non-specific questions. My final phone interview was about 30 min and was mainly about my fav baseball team. Then to top it off after I was hired, I was tod multiple times that I was not their first choice!
Interview Questions
Other Details
I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Background Check.
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Helpful Interview?
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No
Inappropriate?
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