Pour Over

Term from Cafes industry explained for recruiters

Pour Over is a manual coffee brewing method where hot water is carefully poured over ground coffee in a filter. It's considered a premium coffee preparation technique that requires skill and attention to detail. Unlike automatic drip coffee makers, Pour Over brewing is done by hand, allowing baristas to control every aspect of the brewing process. This method is popular in specialty coffee shops and high-end cafes where customers expect carefully crafted beverages. Similar methods include Chemex, V60, or Hand Drip Coffee, all referring to variations of this careful, manual brewing process.

Examples in Resumes

Trained staff in Pour Over and other manual brewing techniques

Achieved consistent quality ratings for Pour Over Coffee preparation

Specialized in Pour Over methods using various equipment including Chemex and V60

Typical job title: "Baristas"

Also try searching for:

Specialty Coffee Barista Coffee Bar Manager Manual Brew Specialist Coffee Shop Manager Craft Coffee Barista

Where to Find Baristas

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you design a training program for new baristas learning Pour Over methods?

Expected Answer: A senior barista should discuss creating step-by-step training materials, quality control measures, and methods to ensure consistency across different staff members. They should mention the importance of understanding water temperature, grind size, and timing.

Q: How do you handle quality control for Pour Over coffee in a busy cafe environment?

Expected Answer: Should explain systems for maintaining consistency, training standards, and quality checks while managing high customer volume. Should address time management and efficiency without sacrificing quality.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors affect Pour Over coffee quality and how do you adjust for them?

Expected Answer: Should discuss water temperature, grind size, pouring technique, and timing. Should be able to explain how to adjust these factors based on different coffee beans and desired taste outcomes.

Q: How do you explain Pour Over coffee benefits to customers who are used to regular drip coffee?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to communicate the value proposition of Pour Over coffee in customer-friendly terms, including taste differences and the craft involved in preparation.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic steps of making a Pour Over coffee?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the fundamental process: proper filter rinsing, coffee grinding, initial bloom, and the circular pouring technique with appropriate timing.

Q: What equipment is needed for Pour Over coffee preparation?

Expected Answer: Should list essential equipment like the dripper, filter, kettle, scale, and timer, and explain the basic purpose of each item.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-1 years)

  • Basic Pour Over preparation steps
  • Understanding of coffee grinding
  • Basic coffee measurement
  • Customer service skills

Mid (1-3 years)

  • Multiple Pour Over brewing methods
  • Coffee bean knowledge
  • Training newer staff
  • Speed and efficiency while maintaining quality

Senior (3+ years)

  • Advanced brewing techniques
  • Staff training and management
  • Quality control systems
  • Menu development

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of proper water temperature for brewing
  • Inability to explain basic Pour Over steps
  • Lack of attention to detail in preparation
  • No understanding of coffee grinding basics

Related Terms