Many people want to work at Starbucks, and it isn’t difficult to understand why.
First of all, it’s fun making drinks.
Nothing beats entering a shop where you could smell freshly brewed coffee from every corner, along with freshly baked pastries.
Also, depending on your manager, work hours at Starbucks are super flexible.
If you like being in a job where you don’t get too anxious or worked up on most days, it’s where you should be.
However, you might be wondering, does Starbucks drug test?
Keep reading to find out.
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Why Work at Starbucks?
If you have a knack for customer service, working as a Barista at Starbucks can be rewarding.
Starbucks is one of the most popular coffee shops not just in America but in the world.
In the USA alone, the prestigious chain has over 15,000 outlets.
According to Glassdoor, the starting rate for baristas in Starbucks is $10 to $15 per hour.
However, the hourly wages aren’t what makes this company a great place to work.
Employees at Starbucks get provided with healthcare benefits, 401(k) plans, stocks and savings, paid time off, commuter benefits, and more.
Starbucks: A Great Place for Felon Job Seekers
Aside from the cool perks, many people are encouraged to apply to Starbucks because of the amazing workplace culture.
Starbucks has taken the Fair Chance Business Pledge to give people with a criminal history to get a chance to be hired and find a rewarding career.
They are also committed to the Ban the Box hiring practices, a set of fair hiring policies that involve evaluating candidates on a case-to-case basis.
Starbucks Hiring Policy
Requirements
For entry-level positions such as barista, cashier, and shift supervisor, Starbucks has a few requirements that aren’t hard to meet.
Firstly, applicants should be at least 16 years old and hold a high school diploma or an equivalent.
They also welcome applicants who don’t have prior experience but are willing to be trained with food and beverage preparation.
Job Application
Job applications for Starbucks are done online through the company’s official website.
You should start by submitting an application that contains all the necessary details.
Assessment Test
The next stage in Starbucks’ hiring process is the assessment test.
It’s a personality-based assessment designed to evaluate applicants’ behavior.
Take note that Starbucks is known for its unparalleled customer service.
It’s not just the coffee they are selling. It’s all about the experience too.
The assessment has 80 to 120 questions which may come in various formats.
Interview Process
Applicants who pass the personality assessment test will be scheduled for a phone interview that can last for thirty minutes.
It is the final step of the hiring process. Before the call ends, you’ll most likely get a feel of whether you’re hired or not.
Does Starbucks Drug Test?
Now, on to the most commonly asked question, does Starbucks drug test?
The answer is “yes and no”.
Frankly, it’s quite rare for Starbucks to conduct drug tests on applicants.
It is great news for recreational drug users and qualified individuals who would make excellent employees but are not hired because they fail a drug test.
In most cases, your performance during the interview will determine whether or not you get the job.
It is just one of the many reasons Starbucks makes an excellent choice for felons who want to find a job and start fresh.
That said, franchise owners have a say in the hiring policies for their respective branches.
Thus, some stores do perform drug tests, while others do not.
One example is Starbucks Denver.
This branch is known for its rigorous hiring process, which often involves drug testing, even for entry-level positions.
What Is Starbucks Drug Testing Policy?
It isn’t surprising if Starbucks would conduct drug testing.
After all, the company has a stellar reputation that they need to protect.
A fool-proof way to do that is to make sure they are hiring the best employees.
Starbucks conducts drug tests, although occasionally.
It’s usually up to the branch manager to decide whether to test an applicant for drugs or not.
When they do, they adopt a streamlined testing process.
Urine Drug Testing
Similar to other businesses, drug testing in Starbucks is via urine testing or urine drug screen.
While it isn’t the most comprehensive, urine drug testing is highly effective.
It screens for the presence of certain illegal drugs and prescription medications that are prone to abuse.
USD specifically screens for amphetamines, methamphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, PCP, and methadone.
It can also detect the presence of marijuana, PCP, and narcotics.
Starbucks Drug Test Process
For Starbucks branches that require drug testing on applicants, urine samples get taken to a third-party lab for analysis.
It often takes a few days to a week before applicants can get the result of their drug tests.
Do Employees at Starbucks Get Tested for Drug Use?
Aside from pre-employment, there are two other conditions in which the company may ask employees for a drug test.
One is following a workplace accident.
According to the company policy, employees involved in a workplace accident can be subjected to a drug test.
The other scenario is when Starbucks may prefer to run a drug screening at any time of the year or whenever they deem fit.
Starbucks Background Checks
Even though not all Starbucks branches conduct drug testing, the company runs background checks on potential employees.
However, they only do this after a conditional employment offer has been made.
That means if you’re shortlisted for the position you’re applying for, you will be asked consent for a background check.
A typical background check at Starbucks takes about a week.
Like most companies, they will consider the period from the applicant’s conviction, the nature and severity of the offense, and its relevance to working at Starbucks.
Wrapping Up
Starbucks is a felon-friendly workplace that adheres to fair hiring practices.
They also have more relaxed hiring policies and requirements that are not difficult to meet.
Even though Starbucks has a clear policy on drug use and does not tolerate it, it’s rare for the company to perform pre-employment drug testing.
Very few outlets require applicants to undergo drug tests, which are typically done through urine analysis.
