Bean Probe
A Bean Probe, also known as a coffee tryer or coffee sampler, is a simple but important tool used in coffee shops and roasteries to check coffee bean quality. It's like a long, hollow metal tube that coffee professionals use to pull out samples from bags of coffee beans without opening the entire bag. This helps check if the beans are good quality before buying or using them. Think of it like a taste-test tool, but for checking coffee beans before they're even roasted.
Examples in Resumes
Regularly used Bean Probe to assess quality of incoming coffee shipments
Trained staff on proper Coffee Tryer techniques for bean sampling
Maintained quality control standards using Bean Probe and Coffee Sampler tools
Typical job title: "Coffee Quality Controllers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Coffee Quality Controllers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you train others in proper bean probe usage and sampling techniques?
Expected Answer: Should explain their method of teaching proper angle and depth for sampling, safety procedures, and how to analyze samples effectively. Should mention documentation and quality control standards.
Q: How do you handle quality control across large coffee shipments?
Expected Answer: Should discuss sampling patterns for different bag sizes, record-keeping procedures, and how to make consistent quality decisions across multiple samples.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What do you look for when sampling coffee beans?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking for bean size consistency, color, damage, moisture content, and any signs of defects or contamination.
Q: How do you maintain and clean a bean probe?
Expected Answer: Should describe proper cleaning procedures between samples, storage methods, and maintenance routines to prevent cross-contamination.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a bean probe and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a tool for sampling coffee beans from bags and why sampling is important for quality control.
Q: What safety precautions should you take when using a bean probe?
Expected Answer: Should mention proper handling techniques, being careful with the sharp end, and proper storage procedures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic bean probe operation
- Sample collection
- Basic coffee bean quality identification
- Safety procedures
Mid (1-3 years)
- Detailed quality assessment
- Multiple sampling techniques
- Record keeping
- Equipment maintenance
Senior (3+ years)
- Training and supervision
- Quality control program management
- Large shipment sampling strategies
- Supplier relationship management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic coffee bean quality factors
- Unfamiliarity with safety procedures
- Poor attention to detail
- No experience with quality control documentation
