Today I spoke to Chris at Left Hand Brewing about a regional sales position I applied for a few weeks ago. Chris was generous and called me back to "not have a resume go into a black hole." It says a lot about someone when they call just to say, "Hey, sorry you aren't a fit but I'm happy to talk to you." We talked about my professional experience and how moving from my current employer to a small craft brewer might be a wake up call and how I'd have to take a pay cut, etc. I told him I was not naive and knew what I was asking for, but also knew that my experience isn't always the fit brewers are looking for. Chris was complimentary of my background and passion but said he can't always just take someone on who loves beer. If he did that, he'd be employing lots of unexperienced people. If I were in his shoes, I'd have done the same thing, thought I will admit I can't help but be a bit disappointed that I may never break into the industry without just taking the leap and starting my own venture.
He encouraged me though, as he said my experiences and side jobs will help over time. He told me to keep trying and keep volunteering at small breweries and is sure that over time something would crack when the time is right. So, we continue down the road and enjoy the journey and we'll see what happens next.
That guy was fantastic to call you back and have something of a mentoring conversation with you. I'm pleased you're working so hard to follow your dream, and I believe if you keep working at it, networking, volunteering, etc, that you'll get there.
Posted by: Beverly | Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 10:58 AM