Resume Tips and Tricks for Food and Beverage Professionals

December 11, 2023 in Career and Job Search Tips, Resume Tips

 

Laurie Hyllberg

Laurie champions Kinsa Group’s position as the top food and beverage recruiting firm in the nation and its presence in the global FMCG marketplace. To her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Business Management, and Marketing she adds over 20 years of executive search experience in the food and beverage industry at Kinsa. Building a network of executives and professionals through membership in the Women’s Foodservice Forum, Institute of Food Technologists, FaB Wisconsin, Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network, and maintaining professional expertise in recruiting as an Executive Board Member for the Recruiters Of Wisconsin association, Laurie is able to connect top talent in the food industry with food and beverage processors and foodservice providers growing their teams at the C-Suite, VP, Director, and Management level. Connect with Laurie today!

 

 

Crafting a Strong Resume for Food and Beverage Professionals

Resume Tips and Tricks: Unleashing the Power of a Strong Objective Statement

The first element of a resume that catches a hiring manager’s attention is the objective statement. This brief opening paragraph sets the tone for the rest of your resume and can greatly influence the reader’s perception of your qualifications and goals. For food and beverage professionals, a well-crafted objective statement can make all the difference in standing out from the competition.

When creating your objective statement, it’s crucial to tailor it specifically to the job you’re applying for. Generic and vague statements like “seeking a challenging position in the food and beverage industry” won’t make much of an impact. Instead, craft a statement that showcases your unique skills and ambitions. For example, “Goal-oriented food production manager with a passion for quality control and exceeding customer expectations” instantly sets you apart from other candidates and demonstrates your specific area of expertise.

Another effective strategy is to incorporate keywords from the job description into your objective statement. This not only demonstrates that you understand the requirements of the position but also increases your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use to filter resumes. For instance, if the job description emphasizes the need for a “detail-oriented and organized individual,” you can state, “Detail-oriented and organized food and beverage professional seeking a challenging role where I can contribute to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.”

Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience

Once you’ve captured the attention of the hiring manager with a strong objective statement, the next step is to dive into the meat of your resume – your skills and experience. When it comes to the food and beverage industry, hiring managers are particularly interested in candidates who possess the necessary technical skills and hands-on experience.

Start by creating a skills section that clearly outlines your core competencies. These may include specific knowledge of food safety regulations, experience with various production machinery, proficiency in inventory management systems, or expertise in quality assurance protocols. Align your skills with the requirements of the job you’re applying for, and make sure to provide examples of how you’ve applied these skills in past roles.

To make your skills and experience even more impactful, consider using quantifiable metrics to showcase your achievements. For example, instead of stating that you “improved production efficiency,” provide specific details such as “implemented a new production line configuration that increased output by 20% while reducing waste by 15%.” This demonstrates not only your ability to drive results but also your dedication to continuous improvement and cost reduction.

Format Your Resume for Visual Appeal

While the content of your resume is undoubtedly crucial, the way it is presented can also greatly impact how it is received by hiring managers. In today’s digital age, a visually appealing and easy-to-read resume is essential for capturing attention and conveying professionalism.

When formatting your resume, consider using bullet points to break up the text and make it more scannable. Use bold headings to clearly define sections such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Additionally, choose a clean and professional font style and size to ensure readability.

While you may want to make your resume more visually engaging, be cautious not to overdo it with special formatting. Graphics, an unusual layout, and extra columns are often difficult for an ATS to read.  Simplicity and professionalism should always be the priority.

Tailor Your Resume for Different Roles

One of the biggest mistakes food and beverage professionals make when creating their resumes is using a one-size-fits-all approach. While it may be tempting to create a generic resume that can be sent to multiple employers, tailoring your resume to the specific role and company you’re applying to can greatly increase your chances of success.

Carefully review the job description and make a list of the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, adjust your resume accordingly to highlight how your experience aligns with those requirements. This may involve rearranging the order of your job experiences, emphasizing certain skills or accomplishments, or even adding relevant coursework or certifications.

By customizing your resume, you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and your attentiveness to the employer’s needs. This extra effort can make a significant impact and set you apart from candidates who simply submit generic resumes.

Utilize the Power of Networking and Referrals

In addition to crafting a strong resume, networking and leveraging referrals can be powerful tools in your job search as a food and beverage professional. While experience and qualifications certainly matter, personal connections can often open doors to opportunities that may not be advertised openly.

Reach out to fellow professionals in the industry, attend industry events, and engage in online communities and forums to expand your network. These connections can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and even potential job leads. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for referrals from colleagues, supervisors, or industry connections who may be aware of job openings that align with your skills and aspirations.

When applying for a position, mention any mutual connections or referrals in your cover letter or introductory email. This can immediately grab the attention of the hiring manager and make them more inclined to give your resume a closer look. Never underestimate the power of personal connections in your job search – they can open doors that you may not have even known existed.

Maximize Online Presence and Digital Portfolios

In today’s digital age, an online presence and digital portfolio are increasingly important for food and beverage professionals. Employers often search for candidates online and may be more inclined to consider those who have a strong presence and demonstrate their skills and expertise through various digital platforms.

Create a professional LinkedIn profile that highlights your experience, skills, and achievements. Use this platform to connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups and discussions, and showcase your knowledge through thoughtful content and engagement. Be sure to include a professional photo that would best represent you in a work environment.

Maintain an updated presence on industry-specific job boards and websites. Many employers in the food and beverage industry use these platforms to find talent, so regularly updating your profile and resume ensures that you appear in relevant searches.

Resume Tips and Tricks: Conclusion

Crafting a strong resume is a critical step for food and beverage professionals on their career path. By strategically incorporating a compelling objective statement, highlighting relevant skills and experience, formatting for visual appeal, tailoring to specific roles, leveraging networking and referrals, and maximizing online presence, you can greatly increase your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.

Remember, your resume is your ticket to securing your dream job or advancing your career in the food and beverage industry. Invest the time and effort to create a resume that not only impresses hiring managers but also reflects your passion, skills, and potential. By following these resume tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking new opportunities and reaching new heights in your professional journey.

Kinsa Group’s food industry recruiters and our broad network of food industry executives are always looking for top talent and we’d like to help you find the best opportunity to match your skills. Submit your resume today with our resume tips and tricks and our recruiters will reach out as new roles open up!

Submit Your Resume
RELATED POSTS: