Starbucks is one of the most well-known corporate names in the world, not just in America. The coffee shop chain has branches in most cities, states, and in countries throughout the globe. This explains why I keep getting asked “does Starbucks drug test?” Who wouldn’t want to work in a nearby Starbucks?
Getting hired can be difficult for recreational drug users because most workplaces choose to drug test their potential employees before hiring. You most probably live close to a nearby Starbucks and don’t want to blow your chance working there simply because you failed a drug test.
That’s why I decided to research the subject and find out of Starbucks drug tests new employees before hiring.
Starbucks Company Facts
Starbucks is by far the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. The company was founded in Seattle, Washington in 1971 and has been growing exponentially ever since. They have over 30,000 locations worldwide, with most being in the United States.
The odds are that you’ll most likely have several Starbucks coffeehouses close to where you live in your city. According to stats from 2018, the company has over 290,000 employees worldwide.
There are many types of jobs available at Starbucks. So you’re almost certain to find something that suits you. The most available job involves working as a barista (i.e. a person who prepares and serves espresso-based coffee drinks) where you will also spend some time working as a cashier.
If you have more experience, you can apply for a job as a shift worker or branch manager. People who have higher levels of education and training can apply for a position at corporate HQ in Seattle, Washington.
Starbucks Drug Test Policy in 2023
Starbucks is a well-known brand that has a stellar reputation to maintain. They won’t endanger that reputation by incurring customer complaints as a result of their employees being high on the job. As a result, Starbucks has a strict no drug policy. So you should never show up for a job interview or work your shift while under the influence of any type of drug.
If you’re going to be tested at Starbucks for drugs, they’re going to test you for marijuana, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and more. Testing positive for any of these can lead to serious consequences – including termination of your employment.
What to Expect During Starbucks Hiring Process?
The hiring process at Starbucks is quite simple. You either submit an application online or at one of their local branches. It’s best, however, that you submit your application online as they’ll send it to one of the available stores near you. That way you’ll almost guarantee working at a branch close to your home.
If you just apply to a single Starbucks and they don’t have any vacancies, then you’ll reach a dead end. An online application will give you more opportunities of securing a job with them.
After you submit your online application, you’ll receive a phone call from the store manager to schedule an interview. Most locations have applicants go through two interviews, not just one. The interviews are easy to pass though as they normally only ask standard simple questions.
After the interviews are over, they’ll give you a call to let you know whether or not you got the job. If so, you only need to pass a simple background check.
Does Starbucks Drug Test New Employees?
Fortunately for recreational drug users, Starbucks does not drug test employees before hiring them.
This is great news because many qualified individuals who would make excellent employees are not hired because they fail their pre-employment drug test.
So this is excellent news for recreational drug users because it means their odds of landing a job at Starbucks are much higher because they don’t have face the possibility of failing a drug test.
Your interview performance will determine whether or not you get the job though. Therefore, you shouldn’t go to the interview while high on drugs. Your performance will be affected accordingly and it will look like you’re not taking the job seriously. As a result, Starbucks will most likely be reluctant to hire you.
Does Starbucks Do Random and Pre-Promotional Drug Test?
Starbucks has the right to randomly drug test its employees whenever they like. But they very rarely exercise that right. In fact, some employees say that even if you get into an accident at work, they won’t drug test you.
People who want to continue using drugs while employed at Starbucks will like this because they don’t really have to fear a surprise drug test. It’s not a good idea, however, to show up for work while high on drugs though because if your manager suspects you are high, there will most likely be serious consequences (e.g. termination of your contract).
It doesn’t seem like Starbucks drug tests its employees before a promotion. Whether you’re getting promoted or applying for a job as a manager, you will most likely not need to take a drug test at Starbucks.
What kind of Drug Test Does Starbucks Use?
As mentioned earlier, the instances where Starbucks drug tests its employees are very rare. When they do decide to drug test someone, however, they use a urine drug test. You’ll urinate into a collection cup and give it to them. They’ll take the sample to a lab to be analyzed. The lab will then send the results back to Starbucks. It’s highly unlikely for employees or applicants to be drug tested at Starbucks though.
Can You Fail Your Drug Test for Using Prescription Drugs?
No, you can’t fail your drug test at Starbucks for using prescription drugs. The company can’t fire you by law. You just need to let them know that your urine sample might come back positive for drugs because you’re on a prescription. To be safe, you should however give them your physician’s contact info so they can confirm with him or her that you’re on a prescription for drugs that may show up positive on a drug screen.
You and your doctor shouldn’t disclose what meds you’re taking or why you’re taking them. That’s confidential information information that you shouldn’t share with any potential employer.
How to Pass a Drug Test at Starbucks?
If you are asked to go through a urine drug test at Starbucks, you should not worry too much if you are a light or moderate user and have specially formulated detox drinks handy.
However, if you use marijuana several times a week, your chances of passing your test will be very low, if you didn’t abstain from marijuana for at least 35-60 days before the test.
Summary
Starbucks is a great place to work. It’s friendly, cozy, well known, and has many locations. There will most likely be one or more Starbucks stores nearby your home. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about drug testing when applying for a job at Starbucks. Just remember to apply online and do well on your interviews.
Thank you for reading our article “Does Starbucks Drug Test New Employees?”
We would love to hear about your experiences going through Starbucks hiring process and drug testing procedure.
We believe others who are applying for jobs at Starbucks will definitely appreciate and benefit from it.
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Helpful links:
“How Long Does Weed (THC) Stay in Your Urine? – Important Data You Need to Know!!!”
“Fact or Fiction – You Can Beat a Drug Test with Home Remedies?”
Learn more here:
PMC, Chemistry, Metabolism, and Toxicology of Cannabis: Clinical Implications
American Journal of Clinical Pathology, The Effects of Adulterants and Selected Ingested Compounds on Drugs-of-Abuse Testing in Urine
Jpo.Wrlc.org, The marijuana detection window: Determining the length of time cannabinoids will remain detectable in urine following smoking
