A Guide to Landing Brewery Jobs in Chicago
How to land brewery jobs in Chicago
Discover the ins and outs of landing brewery jobs in Chicago. From where to find job listings, how to apply, to insider tips for success, this guide brews up all the essentials for turning your passion into a career in Chicago's thriving beer industry.
Looking for brewery jobs? Chicago, long recognized for its vibrant beer scene, has never tasted so promising for the beer enthusiast seeking to turn passion into a career.
If you're eager to dip your toe into the thriving world of Windy City brewing, then stay put. In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed guide on where to find the best brewery jobs in Chicago, how to apply, and insider tips to help you stand out. Get ready to imbibe a brew of information that could change your career forever.
Where to Look for Brewery Jobs in Chicago
Knowing where to search for brewery jobs in Chicago can be half the battle. Here are some surefire ways to unearth exciting opportunities:
Brewery Websites
Breweries often advertise job openings on their websites. The websites for District Brew Yards and the other breweries of the Chicago Brewing District are excellent starting points. Remember to check these sites regularly, as new opportunities can pop up anytime.
Brewing Job Boards
You can check out career-specific job boards, such as Brewers Collective, that share job openings at breweries such as Goose Island Beer Company. Another great job board is BreweryJobs.com, which features open positions at breweries across the country that you can filter by your preferences—and it has a bunch of tips and tricks to help you succeed!
Job Listing Websites
Indeed is a fantastic resource for job seekers in every industry, including brewing. You can search for "brewery jobs Chicago," set up alerts, and even apply directly on the platform.
The professional networking site LinkedIn is another valuable tool in your job hunting toolkit. Not only can you find job postings, but you can also follow breweries you're interested in, connect with people in the industry, and get a feel for the company culture.
Cold Outreach
Cold outreach may sound daunting, but it can be remarkably effective. If there's a brewery you're interested in that doesn't have any current job postings, don't hesitate to send the management team a polite, well-crafted email expressing your interest and experience. Just like brewing, job hunting often requires a bit of boldness and creativity.
Networking
In a community-driven industry like brewing, connections can be everything. Attend local beer festivals, tastings, and brewery tours to meet like-minded individuals and potential employers. Join beer and brewing societies in Chicago, such as the Chicago Beer Society, and don't forget online communities too. In brewing, it's often not just what you know, but who you know.
Remember, every job hunt requires patience, persistence, and a bit of luck.
How to Apply to Brewery Jobs in Chicago: The Yeast You Need To Know
Brewery jobs in Chicago are as varied as the beers on tap, so the application process might differ from one brewery to another. However, here's a general guide on how to go about it:
Craft Your Resume: Highlight any relevant experience you may have, whether it's previous work in a bar, home brewing, or even beer blogging. If you have any beer-related certifications, make sure to include those too.
Cover Letter: This is your chance to show your passion for beer and why you want to work at a specific brewery. Be personal, be passionate, and be honest.
Application Process: Most breweries post job openings on their website or on job listing sites. Be sure to follow application instructions to the letter.
Networking: Brewing is a tight-knit community. Attend beer festivals, tastings, and brewery tours to meet people in the industry.
As you can see, the mechanics behind securing a brewery job in Chicago are similar to those that drive the application process in most industries. The difference, however, is that many—if not all—of those who work in the craft beer industry are extraordinarily passionate about their careers and the community, meaning you’ll be getting yourself into more than just a regular, boring 9-5. You’ll need to be ready to demonstrate your motivation and eagerness to learn. Now, let’s take a look at some tips for doing just that.
Tips to Land Your Dream Brewery Job in Chicago
Here are some brewer-approved tips to help you stand out:
Know Your Brew: Knowledge about different types of beer, the brewing process, and industry trends will make you a more appealing candidate.
Show Passion: Employers want to see that you're passionate about beer and the industry. Don't be afraid to let your enthusiasm shine through.
Be Flexible: The brewing industry often involves working unconventional hours. Show that you're flexible and willing to work hard.
Keep Learning: The beer industry is constantly evolving. Continuous learning and adaptability are highly prized traits.
Unleashing the secrets to securing brewery jobs in Chicago isn't rocket science, but it does require the same degree of precision, passion, and creativity that goes into making a great beer. So, roll up your sleeves, strap on your work boots, and get ready to dive into the frothy, exciting world of Chicago brewing. After all, the best way to predict your future is to brew it yourself.
Cheers!