anytime is a good time to apply at starbucks!! but i find that just before school is the best time to apply because workers would be less available to work so more workers are needed. spring and summer... hmm... tough call. stores would need more people to work because it gets busier-- however, since school is out, lots of baristas open up their availabilities and prefer more hours

it really depends on the location you're applying at though, and how willing you are to work at another location if the first choice in terms of location is not really looking for new baristas. in addition, the hours you can hour/ your flexibility is important as well. you're 17, so you can't work past certain hours. are you available to work days? weekends? the more flexible/ available you are the better chances they'll prefer you over other candidates

managers are not always in store. if you drop by and the manager is there and is not busy, you can ask a barista to ask if the manager is available to talk to you. ask the manager if that store itself is hiring-- and mention (if this is applicable to you) that you are willing to work at other burnaby locations as well and she might forward your applications to other stores in the area.

there was recently a hiring fair for starbucks in richmond, there might be one for burnaby as well. ask the manager if there is one, and if it has already passed, and if not- can you attend. in the hiring fair, managers are already there conducting interviews on the spot.

good luck!!