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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious food and drinks while providing top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join The University of Edinburgh, a leading research institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, staff discounts, and a creative work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team and make a positive impact on campus life.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and great communication skills.
- Other info: Guaranteed 20 hours per week with paid training before the semester starts.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 19500 £ per year.
Overview
The Opportunity: Together we can do great things. Be part of something bigger. We offer careers and roles in just about every area you can think of. Whether you are looking for entry-level, mid-career or roles at the top of your chosen specialism, we can offer you a career where you can flourish and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large. Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their abilities and experiences to our organisation.
From student accommodation to café’s restaurants and hotels, we are a 24/7 organisation that embraces the traditional and the modern in equal measure. From historical buildings to state of the art technical and research hubs our mission is to ‘enrich student learning and growth as well as impact our local communities’ and our values drive everything we do.
Position details
The position will be based in the Library Café on our central campus. Working as part of the team, you will be responsible for delivering excellent customer service and fantastic food to our wide range of customers. We are looking for someone with great attention to detail and strong communication skills who is able to proactively manage their time efficiently.
Grade UE02: £24,547 per annum, pro-rata (£13.45 per hour) plus an 18.1% uplift. Accommodation, Catering and Events (ACE) / CSG. Guaranteed Hours: 20 hours guaranteed per year. Open-ended: permanent. Vacancies: 5.
Are you a good fit?
Are you PASSIONATE about making a difference? Do you like to COLLABORATE and achieve things as a team? Is INCLUSION at the forefront of all you do? Do you thrive when given OWNERSHIP? Are you inspired by INNOVATION and excited to bring new ideas to life?
Benefits
- Interesting work
- Variety every day
- Responsibility and autonomy
- Excellent benefits and support
View the full job description
How to apply
Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:
- CV
As a valued member of our team
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive staff benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on the right to work webpages. The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. They will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates
The closing date for applications is 17 February 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser’s local time zone. Interviews will be held within 2 weeks after closing date.
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Barista / Café Assistant employer: The University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
The University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Barista / Café Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the café culture at The University of Edinburgh. Visit The Café if you can, observe the atmosphere, and engage with staff to understand their service style. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service skills in conversations. Since the role focuses on delivering excellent service, share specific examples from past experiences where you went above and beyond for customers.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of The Café or similar establishments. They can provide insights into the work environment and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss teamwork and communication. As a Barista/Café Assistant, you'll be part of a team, so think of examples that showcase your ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues.
We think you need these skills to ace Barista / Café Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in customer service and teamwork, as these are key attributes for the Barista / Café Assistant role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for providing excellent customer service and your ability to work efficiently in a team. Mention why you want to work at The University of Edinburgh specifically.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as attention to detail, strong communication, and organisation. These are essential for delivering fantastic food and service to customers.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Show Your Passion for Coffee
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for coffee and the café culture during the interview. Share any personal experiences or knowledge about different coffee types, brewing methods, or customer service in a café setting.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous jobs or projects. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Experience
Customer service is key in this role, so be ready to talk about your past experiences in providing excellent service. Use specific examples to illustrate how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond for customers.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the café's operations, team dynamics, or training opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
