Workshop Description: In today’s coffee industry, hiring for a cafe or roastery goes far beyond determining whether a candidate can execute the technical requirements of the job. Across the specialty coffee industry, leaders are recognizing that the skills that matter most: hospitality, problem-solving, curiosity, teamwork, and alignment with company values, are rarely revealed by traditional interviews. This session will explore a structured approach to interviewing that helps employers identify not just who can do the job, but who will elevate the team, represent the brand, and grow with the company.
We will discuss how to translate company values into interview questions, how to assess behavioral responses to real-life scenarios, and how to build a consistent, equitable interview structure that reduces bias and leads to stronger hires. By shifting interview focus from task capability to values alignment, you can improve retention, engagement, and strengthen workplace culture.
Learning Objectives:
1. Distinguishing the difference between hiring for technical skills and hiring for values, and understanding the role each plays in long-term retention and team stability.
2. How to design and apply values-based interview questions that reveal motivation, interpersonal abilities, and alignment with company culture.
3. Understanding how structured interviewing and consistent evaluation practices can reduce bias and improve hiring effectiveness across all teams in your business.
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Room Number: 30 C
Category: Business
REGISTRATION FEES:
Regular - $275
Paid Member - $230
Booking: To book your place in this Workshop, head to the World of Coffee San Diego Registration & Booking Portal and add a session to your order. Already registered? Simply login using the credentials created at purchase to access your booking and add other paid events to your badge.
Instructor
Richelle Taylor
Richelle Taylor is the Director of Operations at Olympia Coffee, bringing over a decade of experience across both front and back of house in the coffee industry. A systems thinker and passionate team builder, she has worked with countless teams to strengthen operations, improve collaboration, and drive meaningful change. Her work has supported impactful initiatives, including B Corp certification, Living Wage practices, and Fair for All programs. Known for her thoughtful leadership and people-first approach, Richelle is dedicated to building resilient teams and sustainable systems that elevate both the employee and guest experience.