Whether you're trying to break into the wine and spirits industry or further your career, knowing how to interview effectively is crucial for success. And when it comes to putting yourself a step ahead of the competition, preparation is key.
We caught up with Rachel Doueck, the Director of Sales: Spirits, Wine & Beer Division at ForceBrands, a leading recruiting firm for consumer brands, to learn some best practices for making a great impression during the interview process.
1. Research the brand
There is nothing worse than walking into an interview with no knowledge about the company. Do your homework beforehand so you can confidently talk about the company and its portfolio. Nobody is expecting you to be an expert before you’re hired, but if you’ve never tried their products, try them out to form your opinion.
The wine and spirits industry is rapidly growing, so researching recent press coverage as well as the company website is also a smart idea. This will help you ask relevant questions during the interview and will also help you determine if this is the type of company you want to work for.
2. Be prepared
This is a common, yet critical interview tip. Preparation ranges from being physically prepared (always bring extra copies of your résumé) to being mentally prepared. While having a piece of paper listing your accomplishments and skills is a great reference for your future employer, do your best to avoid reading off of it. Be able to speak to your own successes and how your accomplishments are relevant to the position you are interviewing for.
Be ready to speak about your past positions, certifications, and relevant industry experience. What skills have they taught you? Then, take it one step forward and explain how those skills can be applied to benefit the company you are interviewing at.
3. Know the competition
No matter what position you are interviewing for, making sure you are up-to-date on competitors. If you are interviewing for VP of Marketing, being up-to-date with some competitors’ marketing techniques will show awareness and attention to the industry.
Bringing up a few creative ideas that would differentiate the company from others in the field will not only show your passion for the industry but also help you stand out among other potential hires. While companies may want consumers to see them through rose-coloured glasses, employees should be critical thinkers who can recognize flaws and help to improve them.
4. Stay confident
If you thought the interview went great and you really want the job, write a thank you note. And even if you thought the interview went poorly but you really want the job, still write a thank you note. Just because you think you could have done better it doesn’t mean it’s game over.
Reiterating why you think you’d be a good fit for the company and thanking the interviewer for their time goes a long way. And even if this job doesn’t work out, the wine and spirits industry is a huge web of companies and positions. Who knows, maybe the connection you made will help match you with your future dream job.
Interested in working in wine and spirits? Explore BevForce.
Not sure what job in the industry would be suitable for you? Check our career paths page to find out what different roles entail.
Written by Isabel Portnoi, ForceBrands
