The new year is the perfect time to seize new opportunities in the wine industry.
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to explore exciting career paths and seize new opportunities in the wine industry. Here are a few “resolutions” to get you started on your new journey.
Prepare a comprehensive list of your desired job types, clearly outlining both essential requirements and criteria to avoid.
- Type of work (sales, education, production, logistics, etc.)
- Company size
- Travel requirements
- Work hours, nights/weekends
- Remote work, 4-day work weeks, or flexible hours
- Compensation in the form of hourly, salary, commissions or a combination
- Benefits (health, financial, lifestyle)
Conduct research on potential positions using a range of platforms and resources, using targeted key words such as winemaker, wine production, intern, wine educator, sommelier, tasting room, and wine sales. Below are several curated links specifically focused on opportunities in the wine industry:
Check wine companies’ job boards for openings and review the descriptions and requirements. Use these links to focus your search:
- 14 Top Distributors in the United States according to Beverage Trade Network
- Top 10 Wine Importers to the USA according to TradelmeX
Update and improve your resume. Amy Gardner, a professional recruiter and founder of the wine-focused executive search firm WineTalent, offers a wealth of helpful articles on her blog, including the following:
Refine your LinkedIn Profile. Career Counselor Robin Ryan wrote this great article for Forbes.com, where she explains “Why Your LinkedIn Profile is as Important as Your Resume.” Amy Gardner also provides great advice on “Writing Your LinkedIn Profile”, and Paycom offers “6 Tips to Optimize Your LinkedIn”.
Apply. Once you’ve found appealing roles and updated your resume and LinkedIn profile, it’s time to dip your toes in the wine job pool and apply for the jobs at the top of your list.
- Be sure and have a great cover letter. Amy Gardner, from WineTalent offers great advice in this recent article.
- Track companies and jobs by using a spreadsheet to note when you send your resume, contact information and follow-ups. Microsoft Excel’s Job Application Tracker is a helpful tool.
My advice?
- Only apply for jobs you actually want so you don’t waste your time on a role that isn’t the right fit.
- Don’t allow a qualification list to deter you from expressing your interest, as it’s uncommon for any candidate to meet every requirement.
- Don’t call out your shortcomings.
- Don’t put a picture on your resume.
- Tailor your resume to match the job description for every position you seek. Employers clearly state their requirements—make it easy for them to see how you fit the role.
- If you’re short on wine knowledge, the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) program is widely accepted as the global industry standard. Sign up for a class and mention it on your resume as “in progress” to show your dedication. The award-winning Napa Valley Wine Academy is a great choice, as it specializes in WSET and offers courses both in-person and online.
These are simple resolutions that can make a big difference. There’s no time like the present to follow your dreams. This new year might just lead to a new you.