No experience with con cafe work! Can you make money? What is the hourly wage? How to prepare for an interview? How to look for a job?

What is Working at a Maid Cafe?

For those wondering “Working at a maid cafe seems fun, but what’s it really like?”, “Are maid cafes dangerous?”, or “How do I start working at a maid cafe?”, we’ll introduce the realities of working at a maid cafe and how to get started.

There is no clear definition of the term “concept cafe”. Basically, it refers to restaurants with a particular theme or worldview. The scope is broad, potentially including collaboration cafes and animal cafes, but

We provide more details about maid cafes in the following article:
https://conconcafe.com/what-is-concafe/

3 Types of Maid Cafes

Maid cafes can be broadly categorized into three types: “Cafe Type”, “Bar Type”, and “Cabaret Type”.

Yurina

It’s best to clarify which style you want to work in and choose a type where you can provide service comfortably.

Cafe Type

The cafe type is similar to a family restaurant, with the main job being serving food and drinks. There are table and counter seats, and the cast members spend less time talking to customers compared to other types. The operating hours are earlier, making it easier for high school students to work.

Bar Type

The bar type is similar to a girl’s bar, with counter seating being the main focus and alcoholic beverages served. The cast members’ job involves conversing with customers from across the counter, not one-on-one, but with the customers in the entire venue.

Cabaret Type

The cabaret type operates with an adult entertainment permit, offering more intimate services like sitting next to customers and pouring drinks. Those under 18 cannot enter or work at these establishments.

Attractions and Precautions of Working at a Maid Cafe

Attractions of Working at a Maid Cafe

Working at a maid cafe offers a unique fun that can’t be found in other part-time jobs. There is also the opportunity to earn money from cast menu items like photo sessions. The hourly pay is generally high too. Additionally, you get to wear costumes themed around the cafe’s concept and perform unique routines. Communicating with customers is another source of enjoyment, as developing relationships with regulars can provide a sense of fulfillment.

Precautions When Working at a Maid Cafe

While working at a maid cafe offers plenty of fun and appeal, there are some important points to be aware of as well. These are the aspects sometimes referred to as the “dark side” of maid cafe jobs.
Particularly for cabaret-type establishments that require an adult entertainment permit, those under 18 cannot work there. Many have late-night operating hours, so you need to be mindful of not disrupting your daily routine. Additionally, active use of social media is expected, so managing your privacy is crucial.

Can You Earn Good Money Working at a Maid Cafe? Hourly Wages

The average hourly wage for maid cafes
1200 to 2000 yen.
This is just an average range, and some places may pay higher.
Working 3 days a week, 5 hours a day, you could earn 70,000 to 80,000 yen per month from your hourly wage plus tips. Popular cast members can make 150,000 to 200,000 yen.
Maid cafes tend to have higher pay due to various extra income sources like photo sessions, drinks, bottles, original cocktails, and original food items. The payout for these extras is usually 10-30% of the sales price.

The Workflow at a Maid Cafe

While there are various types of maid cafes, the basic workflow is similar. Let’s follow a maid cafe staff member through her workday.

From Arrival to Start of Work

Operating hours vary by establishment. Cafe-type places often open in the afternoon, while bar-type and cabaret-type are more common in the evenings. Before clocking in, the day starts with doing makeup and grooming. Some cafes require taking a selfie called an “okyuin” and posting it on social media before starting work.

Start of Work: “Okyuin”

“Okyuin” is a combination of the words “okyuuji” (server/hospitality worker) and “IN,” meaning “I’ve started my work.” It’s a word used on social media to announce the start of a workday, often accompanied by a selfie taken that day.

Opening Preparation

Preparations are made to welcome customers. This may include cleaning tables, setting up signs, placing orders, and running errands, all of which can be handled by the staff. However, there are rarely any difficult tasks involved.

Greeting and Serving Customers

When customers arrive, they are greeted with a unique performance characteristic of the cafe. For example, at a maid cafe, customers might be welcomed with a phrase like “Welcome home, master,” giving them a sense of entering a different world in line with the cafe’s concept. The specific service provided depends on the type of cafe, but generally involves making drinks, preparing food, serving, and communicating with customers.

Unique Services and Performances

Some cafes may offer karaoke or stage performances. Additional services like taking purikura photos or decorating omurice with ketchup may also be provided upon request.

Check-out and Farewell

The method of payment differs across cafes, with some using handheld terminals for automatic calculation and others relying on manual calculation. It’s the staff’s responsibility to handle payments accurately. Many cafes also offer point cards, which customers look forward to using. Unique farewell performances are common, with staff energetically bidding customers goodbye to ensure they leave with a positive impression.

Clean-up, Clocking Out, and “Okyuowa”

After customers leave, it’s time for closing duties. Staff may only handle minimal clean-up tasks, with the manager taking care of the rest. The workload is often lighter than other part-time jobs like working at an izakaya. After clocking out and changing clothes, the workday is over. Just as “okyuin” marks the start of the shift, some staff may post an “okyuowa” (a combination of “okyuuji” and “OWA,” meaning “it’s over”) on social media to signify the end of their shift, expressing gratitude to customers and sharing photos of items ordered that day.

Points to Confirm When Looking for a Cafe Job

Check if Alcohol is Served

First, it’s crucial to confirm whether the cafe serves alcohol. At establishments that serve alcohol, individuals under 18 cannot legally work there. Additionally, minors are prohibited from working late-night shifts past 10 PM. As such, job listings may state conditions like “no high school students” or “no minors allowed.” Be sure to check this information in advance to ensure you meet the requirements for working at a particular cafe.

Confirm Non-service Duties

Cafe jobs involve more than just serving customers. In addition to hall service duties, some positions may require promotional activities like handing out flyers or calling out to passersby to invite them into the cafe. Confirm whether such duties are part of the job and consider if you’re able to handle them.

Understand the Staff-Customer Boundaries

One of the distinctive features of maid cafes is the close proximity between customers and staff, but this can also lead to potential issues. There is a non-zero risk of stalking or harassment incidents occurring. To work with peace of mind, it’s crucial to confirm in advance the appropriate customer-staff boundaries and how the cafe handles such problematic situations.

Stalking and Harassment Countermeasures

When taking a job, it’s necessary to consider the possibility of issues like stalking or harassment arising. By confirming the cafe’s policies and support systems for dealing with such problems in advance, you can prepare to work safely. For example, it’s important to understand how the cafe maintains an appropriate distance from customers and how they would respond if an incident were to occur.

Verifying a Safe Working Environment

The collaboration and support system among staff members is also crucial. Choosing a cafe with a positive working environment where staff members can assist one another will allow you to work with greater peace of mind. This includes good communication among staff and an approachable atmosphere for seeking help when needed.

How to Get a Maid Cafe Job?

Check Job Listing Sites

When applying for a maid cafe job, first look for appealing cafes on job listing sites or social media. Be sure to check the points mentioned earlier, and if the wage and benefits match your expectations, proceed to apply through the provided application form or email.

Interview

During the interview, you can confirm the cafe’s atmosphere and job details. Don’t hesitate to ask questions proactively to determine if the cafe is a good fit for you. Interview results are often communicated within a few days.

Key Points and Strategies for Maid Cafe Job Interviews

Yurina

For those attending their first maid cafe job interview, I’ll provide detailed guidance on what to expect!

Key Points Evaluated in Maid Cafe Interviews

The following are the main points that maid cafe interviewers focus on:

・Whether you can be flexible with shifts
・Whether your appearance and demeanor fit the cafe’s atmosphere
・Whether you are likely to be popular with customers
・Whether you are likely to cause any trouble

Understanding these points and taking appropriate measures can significantly increase your chances of being hired.

Shift Flexibility

Interviewers are often also shift managers, so your ability to be flexible with shifts can directly impact the hiring decision. Presenting shift conditions that would be helpful for the shift manager is crucial.

Strategy: List more available days, and be flexible with shift preferences. Saying something like “I can work any time, but I’ll leave the shifts up to you” can be effective. Additionally, highlighting your ability to work until the last train can create a positive impression regarding your availability.

Appearance and Demeanor Fit for the Cafe

Maid cafes place a strong emphasis on maintaining a unique atmosphere. As such, it can be challenging to get hired if your appearance and demeanor do not align with the cafe’s vibe.

Strategy: Refer to the social media accounts of current staff members and aim to dress and style yourself in a way that matches the cafe’s atmosphere. However, be mindful of going overboard, and strive for a balanced look appropriate for any cafe.

Potential Customer Popularity

In maid cafe interviews, your “impression during the conversation” is emphasized more than your work history or stated motivations. Interviewers aim to gauge your potential customer service skills based on your attitude during the interview.

Strategy: Maintain a friendly smile and speak frankly. Avoid stiff or overly formal speech patterns, and respond with charm. If you have relevant part-time work experience, a significant social media following, or an existing fan base, be sure to highlight these positively.

Potential for Causing Trouble

Candidates who seem likely to cause trouble are typically avoided. It’s important not to raise any red flags during the interview.

Strategy: Avoid excessive makeup or extreme fashion choices for the interview. Punctuality and proper manners are also essential. If you anticipate being late, notify the cafe in advance and handle the situation appropriately.

By preparing with these points in mind and presenting yourself appropriately, you can significantly increase your chances of being hired.

Frequently Asked Questions in Maid Cafe Interviews

Iroha

I’ll introduce some frequently asked questions in maid cafe interviews. In addition to general part-time job interview questions, there are also maid cafe-specific questions, so be sure to prepare your responses in advance.

Motivation and Self-Introduction

The most commonly asked questions in interviews are about your motivation and self-introduction. While these are common across various jobs, it’s important to specifically convey why you want to work at a maid cafe and what skills or strengths you possess. In particular, emphasize how your skills can benefit the cafe and how you plan to utilize them.

Strengths and Weaknesses

You’ll likely be asked about your strengths and weaknesses. Highlight strengths relevant to customer service, and when discussing weaknesses, frame them positively by stating that you hope to overcome them by working at the maid cafe.

Previous Part-time Job Experience

You may be asked about your previous part-time job experiences. If you have experience working at a maid cafe, a girls’ bar, or a cabaret club, be sure to highlight this positively as an experienced worker. If you’ve had short-term jobs, be honest about them and clearly explain the reasons for leaving.

Hobbies

Since many maid cafe customers are interested in anime and games, you may be asked about your hobbies. Having shared interests can facilitate conversations with customers, so discuss your hobbies in detail. If you don’t have relevant hobbies, express a willingness to learn from customers.

What kind of staff member do you want to become?

Providing specific examples, such as “I really like the [concept] aspect, and after seeing the staff working so cheerfully on social media, I want to become like them,” can help convey your enthusiasm. The ideal staff image you describe should align with the cafe’s atmosphere, as this could be a deciding factor in the hiring decision.

Dance or Singing Experience

Some maid cafes require dance or singing performances, so you may be asked about your experience in these areas. If you have experience, highlight it positively; if not, express a willingness to practice and improve after being hired.

Preferred Work Days and Hours

You’ll definitely be asked about your preferred work days and hours. Conveying flexibility creates a positive impression. Be honest about the days and times you can realistically work.

When You Can Start Working

You may be asked when you can start working. If there’s no particular reason, respond with “I can start tomorrow.” If you have special circumstances, feel free to explain them honestly.

Holding Multiple Jobs, Including Other Maid Cafes

You may be asked if you have other jobs. Having a regular part-time job or a main job alongside the maid cafe job is generally acceptable, but working at multiple maid cafes or nightlife establishments is often not allowed. Be honest about your situation.

Willingness to Appear in Public

You may be asked about your willingness to appear publicly, such as on the cafe’s website, social media, or in flyer distribution. If possible, agree to this, but if you have privacy concerns, politely explain your reasons and offer a compromise.

Keep these points in mind as you prepare for the interview. With proper preparation, you should be able to answer confidently and without excessive nervousness.

Ability to Distribute Flyers

Whether you can distribute flyers is an important question for cafes that require this task. If you cannot commit to flyer distribution, your chances of being hired may be lower. However, there are also many cafes that don’t require flyer distribution, so you could consider those if you’re not interested in that task.

Key Points and Specific Examples for Succeeding in Maid Cafe Interviews

Yurina

Prepare thoroughly for your interview. With genuine enthusiasm and proper preparation, your chances of being hired at a concept cafe will increase significantly. Let me explain the key points and provide specific examples!

1. Express Your Enthusiasm for Working at the Cafe

Point: It’s important to clearly convey your reasons and enthusiasm for wanting to work at the specific cafe you’re applying to.

• Example: During the interview, share a specific anecdote like, “I love the atmosphere of this cafe, and it has been my dream to work here.” This will help demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm.

2. Prepare Your Resume Carefully

Point: Your resume plays a significant role in creating the first impression, so it’s crucial to prepare it carefully.

• Example: Even if you struggle with handwriting, take the time to write each character neatly, demonstrating your dedication. Choose a resume photo that is clean and clearly shows your face.

3. Ensure Your Appearance Matches the Cafe’s Atmosphere

Point: Make sure your attire and makeup align with the cafe’s atmosphere and concept.

• Example: For a cute maid cafe, wear a maid-style skirt or dress, and style your hair in a cute way that suits the cafe’s vibe.

4. Maintain a Friendly and Approachable Demeanor

Point: During the interview, your friendliness and approachable attitude will be evaluated, as engaging conversations with customers are an essential part of the job. Be sure to present a friendly demeanor.

• Example: Maintain eye contact and smile throughout the interview. Avoid excessive nervousness, and respond naturally with charm and liveliness.

5. Demonstrate Flexibility with Shift Schedules

Point: Highlight your ability to be flexible with shift schedules.

• Example: Show your willingness to accommodate shifts by saying something like, “I’m available to work on weekends and holidays,” or “I can adjust my schedule during busy periods.” This flexibility will be appreciated.

6. Respect Time and Etiquette

Point: Be punctual for the interview and demonstrate proper etiquette and manners.

• Example: Arrive on time for the interview and greet the interviewer politely. If you anticipate being late, notify them in advance and handle the situation with sincerity.

7. Highlight Your Strengths and Potential Contributions

Point: Showcase your previous part-time job experiences, special skills, or any relevant strengths to demonstrate how you can contribute to the cafe.

• Example: Actively highlight your strengths, such as “I have experience working at other maid cafes” or “I have a large following on social media.” This will help make a positive impression.

8. Research and Understand the Cafe

Point: Before the interview, check the cafe’s website and social media to understand its atmosphere and concept.

• Example: Before the interview, review the social media accounts of the cafe’s staff to research the preferred styles of clothing and makeup. This preparation will be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maid Cafe Interviews

Iroha

Here are some items that many people are likely to be curious about regarding maid cafe interviews!

How early should I arrive for the interview?

For a maid cafe interview, aim to arrive at least 5 minutes early. Being late is strictly prohibited, but arriving more than 10 minutes early can inconvenience the cafe’s preparation process. Therefore, confirm the cafe’s location in advance and leave with ample time on the day of the interview. You can wait at a nearby cafe and then enter the maid cafe 5 minutes before your scheduled interview time.

When can I expect to receive the interview results?

For maid cafe interviews, you can expect to receive the results within one week after the interview. In some cases, you may be informed of the decision on the same day, but most often, you’ll be notified during the interview about when to expect the results, such as “within X days after the interview.” If you don’t receive any communication after a week, it’s acceptable to follow up.

What are the hiring criteria?

There are no strict age requirements, but most maid cafes employ individuals in their teens and twenties. While there may be appearance standards specific to each cafe, the most important factors considered are your brightness, friendliness, and enthusiasm. If you fail to convey your eagerness and positivity during the interview, you may not be hired regardless of your appearance. During the interview, make sure to answer confidently, maintain eye contact with the interviewer, and communicate your charm and appeal.

In Conclusion

Once you’ve found a cafe you’d like to work at, first research its atmosphere, and then apply to the cafe that best matches your preferences. Carefully prepare your resume, summarize your motivations and self-introduction, and then attend the interview.

ConconcCafe provides information on concept cafes across Japan, so if you’re interested in working at a maid cafe, be sure to use our site as a reference when choosing a cafe!