Meet the Beans: Evelyn's Journey with Costa Coffee
Name: Evelyn Micallef D'Amico
Job Role: HR & Operations Manager
Favourite Quote: " Treat people the way you want to be treated "
Favourite Coffee: A classic Americano
This month we’re proud to introduce Evelyn, in a series of interviews with some of the great people who work at Costa Coffee Malta. Starting as a barista seven years ago, Evelyn has worked her way up through different positions in the company, now working in a top management position. Today she is Costa’s very own HR and Operations Manager.
We sat down and had a chat with Evelyn over coffee (of course!) to find out all about her success story and to let us in on a few tips.
Costa Coffee: How long have you been working at Costa Coffee Malta?
Evelyn: My journey with Costa Coffee started way back in October 2013, as a Barista at Costa Coffee Departures store at MIA.
Later on, I became a Store Manager and was then further promoted to Assistant Operations Manager. I’ve recently been appointed HR & Operations Manager.
C. What does your role as an HR and Operations manager involve?
My role at Costa is diverse. My primary responsibility is to support the operational side of the company. I make sure that all Costa standards are met throughout all stores. My HR role, on the other hand, involves recruiting new team members, supporting employees through any obstacles they may be facing, helping them to get on the right track and be as happy and productive during their employment with Costa.
C: What’s the first word that pops into your head when you hear ‘Costa Coffee’?
E: 'Second home'. I spend a lot of time at work. Thanks to the lovely atmosphere and great team, it makes me feel like I’m at one of those huge family events where you meet all your cousins; the quiet ones, the loud ones and the funny ones, on a regular basis.
C: Mention one memory that you cannot forget while working at Costa Coffee?
E: Considering I've been with the company for almost seven years, I have a lot of amazing memories, so it’s difficult to choose. Still, one fond memory was back in 2016, when I was awarded a Silver Flying Bean, (which is a Costa prize that is given to barista for their exceptional performance at work) for my performance at work. It made me realize that hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. It gave me an extra boost to keep on succeeding and doing my best to continue achieving great results.
C: What are the phases for barista recruitment within Costa Coffee Malta?
E: We receive many CVs daily. We go through each application and start selecting the candidates who have displayed potential for the job vacancy in question. After review, we contact shortlisted candidates to schedule a meeting.
When recruiting baristas, the interview process is quite casual. It’s an opportunity to introduce ourselves and the brand while also getting to know potential candidates, discuss related work experience and give more information about the role.
Once all the interviews are conducted, we review all applications and discuss all candidates. The shortlisted candidates are contacted again and informed that we would like to offer them a barista contract. All other applicants are also notified if not selected.
C: Any tips you would like to share with interested recruits?
E: Don’t be scared to grab an opportunity or take on a new challenge that comes your way. Always be committed to what are you doing, irrelevant to whether it is your priority in life or not. You never know what the future holds, so being committed and dedicated opens up more and more possibilities.
C: Where do you see yourself within the next five years?
E: I'm always up for a challenge, and my carrier at Costa Coffee has progressed a lot in these past seven years. In the next five years, I see myself, in a higher position in the HR or operations field.
What’s more, next month is recruitment month. Follow Costa’s blog and social channels to find out what we have in store for anyone interested in joining the team.
Wish to start your own Costa Coffee journey? Send your CV to Evelyn on "hr@costamalta.com"
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