If you claimed experience
A café may reasonably expect you to demonstrate the basics you said you know.
Practical barista interview
What If a Barista Interview Asks Me to Make Coffee and I Do Not Know How?
Do not panic. And do not pretend.
Commercial café equipment is expensive, hot, and shop-specific. Randomly pressing buttons is not confidence.
What to say
“I have not worked with a commercial espresso machine before, so I would need guidance on your equipment and process. I am happy to try with instruction, but I do not want to pretend I already know your setup.”
What might they actually be evaluating?
Following instructions
Customer interaction
Cleanliness
Communication
Initiative
Team fit
Basic drink skills if you claimed experience
If you clearly disclosed no experience
The useful question becomes: can you follow instruction?
If they show you how the shop does something, pay attention, ask a relevant question if needed, and try. You are demonstrating coachability, not pretending you arrived fully trained.
What if I mess up?
“I can see where I went wrong. Can I try that step again?”
That response is usually more useful than spiraling or becoming defensive.
If the role is entry level
Expectations may focus more on learning, customer service, and how you respond to instruction.
Questions to ask before a practical trial
What will you be evaluating?
Is this primarily observation or hands-on?
Should I prepare any specific drink?
Is prior equipment experience expected?
How do you normally train people new to coffee?
Your best asset is not fake confidence.
“I do not know yet, but I can learn” is much easier to train than someone who pretends to know and creates a mess.