Tea Tasting Job: How to Get In, What to Expect, and Tips to Shine

If you love the aroma of a fresh brew and can spot a subtle flavor note, a tea tasting job might be right for you. It’s not just about sipping; it’s a skill‑based career that pays attention to detail and a love for the plant.

Most tea companies, specialty cafés, and tea importers need people who can taste, grade, and describe tea. These roles range from entry‑level cuppers to senior tea sommeliers who travel to farms and train staff. Knowing what the job looks like helps you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

What Employers Look For

Employers focus on three main things: sensory ability, knowledge, and professionalism. First, they test your palate. Can you tell the difference between a light green tea and a slightly oxidised one? Can you describe astringency, sweetness, and finish in clear terms?

Second, they want tea knowledge. Basic facts about tea regions, processing methods, and brewing variables go a long way. Many hiring managers ask about terroir—how climate and soil affect flavor—so a few minutes of reading on Assam, Darjeeling, and Yunnan will help.

Third, they check your professionalism. A tidy notebook, accurate record‑keeping, and the ability to communicate findings to growers or marketers are essential. Being punctual for tastings and keeping the tasting room clean also matters.

How to Land the Job

Start with a solid resume. Highlight any food‑service or hospitality experience, even if it’s coffee bar work. Add any tasting‑related courses, like a Certified Tea Sommelier program or a sensory analysis workshop. If you’ve written tea reviews for a blog, list them as writing samples.

Next, get certified. While not always required, a tea sommelier certificate shows commitment and gives you a structured way to learn tasting techniques. Many schools offer online modules that fit a busy schedule.

Practice tasting regularly. Set up a simple tasting kit at home: a selection of green, black, oolong, and pu‑erh teas. Brew each the same way, take notes, and compare. Over time you’ll develop a consistent vocabulary that interviewers love to hear.

Network in the tea community. Attend local tea festivals, join online forums, and follow industry influencers on social media. A friendly chat at a tasting event can lead to a job lead that isn’t posted anywhere.

When you get an interview, be ready for a practical test. You might be asked to blind‑taste two teas and describe the differences. Keep your answers focused: mention aroma, flavor, body, and aftertaste. Don’t over‑complicate; simple, accurate descriptors win.

Finally, think about where to look. Check tea company career pages, specialty coffee and tea shops, hospitality job boards, and even agricultural extension services that work with tea farms. Some positions are seasonal, especially during harvest, so stay flexible with timing.

Landing a tea tasting job takes curiosity, practice, and a bit of networking. By building your palate, getting the right credentials, and showing professionalism, you’ll stand out from other candidates. So brew a cup, take notes, and start your tea career today.