Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/898117
34 / the tasting panel / november 2017 F orceBrands is the leading recruiting and staffing firm for the beverage, food, and beauty industries. We offer executive recruiting services, board of director assembly, and industry specific job boards including BevForce—which connects global beverage companies with future leaders. The Movers & Shakers newsletter features the latest new hires at the leading global beverage companies. Visit forceb.co/MOVINGSHAKING to sign up for the Movers & Shakers newsletter or to report your job move or recent hire. Matthew Hanlon has been named General Manager at Mikkeller Brewing San Diego. He had been Director of Operations at Green Flash Brewing Co. Matthew Denune, DWS has been named Wine Consultant at Montcalm Wine Importers, LTD. He had been Key Account Specialist at Domaine Select Wine & Spirits. Eric Jorgenson has been named Quality Manager at Victory Brewing Company. He had been QA/QC Manager at Highland Brewing Company. Chad Merriweather has been named Business Unit Manager—Control States at Luxco, Inc. He had been State Manager—Pennsylvania at Sazerac, Inc. Chris Lowrey has been named Brand Manager at Austin Eastciders. He had been Associate Brand Manager at Amplify Snack Brands. Movers & Shakers Five Best Questions for the Beginning Interview Stages ForceBrands' recruiters share some of the most important questions to ask in the earliest stages of the interview process. "Why is this position open?" Determine if the role is a new one or one that has been recently vacated. Was someone promoted? Did someone leave for a new opportunity? Asking these fundamental questions will help you learn more about the role and, ultimately, the company. "What is the management style of the hiring manager?" This is a question that often gets overlooked in the initial stages of the interview process, yet it is a critical one for determining the overall team culture. Asking if the hiring manager possesses the leadership skills you desire will help you better determine if the role would be a good fit for you. "What are the three to four most important skills the ideal candidate would have for this position?" Understanding how your skills align with a role is paramount to evaluating how successful you will be at filling it. Set honest expectations early and recognize your own personal strengths and weaknesses when it comes to your qualifications. "What are the goals for this role, and how will they be measured?" This is a smart question that shows you're not only willing to take on the role, but you're eager and driven to go beyond simply earning employee status. Ambition goes a long way and it starts in the initial interview stages. If you're hungry for the job, show you're willing to put in the work. "What do you like most about working here?" Turn the interview around on the hiring manger and ask them what they think about their own role. How they choose to respond to this question will offer you a better idea about what it's really like to work there. Want to connect with beverage industry leaders? Tap into BevForce at www.bevforce.com or email info@bevforce.com for more information. CAREER CORNER