What Food & Beverage Employers are Actually Looking for in New Grads

• Veronica Hislop
• August 28, 2026
• Career Guide Article

What do food and beverage hiring managers actually look for in new grads? Learn what makes a resume stand out, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make a strong impression during an interview.

---

Curious how hiring managers evaluate your resume or why you did not land that interview? We’ve got answers. In a special FoodGrads That’s a Food Job! podcast mini-series, three food industry Human Resource leaders shared what stood out when hiring students and new grads.  

Here is what we learned. 

 

There Is No Silver Bullet. But There Is a Wrong Way. 

As a new grad, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by what you should and shouldn't do. Here is some reassurance: there is no single formula for getting hired. What impresses one hiring manager may not resonate with another. Some companies expect a cover letter, while others do not. Hiring practices vary across the industry, so stop searching for the one perfect approach. It does not exist. However, there are clear things you should avoid. 

 

Typos and grammatical errors signal carelessness and can cost you the role. Additionally, showing up late or low-energy to an interview sets the wrong tone immediately. 

 

As Steve MacIntyre, VP of People and Culture at Fine Choice Foods, puts it, "on time means ten minutes early". These may seem like small details, but they matter. The good news is that these simple actions are within your control, and you do not need experience or education to get them right. 

 

Your Resume Is Being Read Between the Lines 

When posting entry-level positions (or co-op positions for that matter), hiring managers already expect that those applying will have little to no experience. They are not looking for years of experience. Instead, they are looking for clues in your resume that show who you are, how you think, and what kind of employee you will become. 

 

That part-time job you had through school matters. The volunteer project you organized matters. The self-directed project you completed matters. Even a cooking Instagram where you share your creations can matter.  

 

Olga Cenic, Hiring Manager at Voortman Bakery, looks for students with retail or fast-food experience who have shown small career progression in the company. To her, these roles demonstrate dedication and responsibility, which are traits that would be valuable for the food and beverage industry. Volunteer experience also gives her insight into your values and what you care about beyond the classroom. 

 

What about technical skills? Include them, but remember they are the baseline, not what sets you apart. If you and a classmate have the same education and no added experience, your resumes will look the same. That is why it is important to find ways, both inside and outside of school, to stand out. 

 

If your experience feels limited, group your resume by skills such as communication, leadership, and project management. Support each with a clear example and outcome. Hiring managers are not just looking at what you did. They are using your resume to predict how you will perform on the job. 

 

As Nicolas Pretorius explains, hiring managers read between the lines: "When you have a problem, do you just say, 'I have this problem'? Or do you come with a solution? I'm not looking for a perfect solve, but it shows that you're trying. That's ownership. And that's massive for me." 

 

Your resume should reflect that mindset. Highlight moments where you took initiative, solved a problem, or went beyond what was expected. Even small examples can signal ownership. 

 

On Cover Letters: It Depends, But Do Not Get Lazy 

Should you write a cover letter? How long should it be? The answer depends on the company. There is no universal rule. 

 

Some hiring managers read every single one. Olga is one of them, and she pays close attention to spelling and punctuation. Others, like Steve, weigh them less heavily. Still, do not outsource it to AI. Start with a template, if needed, but make it personal. This is your chance to show why you want this role at this company. That matters. 

 

Do Your Homework Before the Interview 

Getting the interview is a big deal. Now it is about how you show up.  

 

All three HR leaders agreed: candidates who ask thoughtful, informed questions stand out every time. If you don't ask any questions, it can make you seem uninterested in the role and someone who lacks curiosity.  

 

Olga recommends bringing at least two prepared questions, with room to add more during the conversation. 

 

These questions should not be generic; they should be specific and show that you have actually done your research. 

 

Read the company website. Follow their LinkedIn page. Pay attention to what their leadership is posting and talking about.  

 

Steve describes exactly what gets his attention: "It's always impressive to me if someone says, 'I was reading the LinkedIn post from your CEO, and they said this.' That demonstrates this person is going above and beyond — and it causes me to want to lean in and learn more about them."  

 

These questions are not just a way to stand out. They also help you decide if the company is the right fit for you. 

 

Final Take-away 

There is no silver bullet when it comes to getting a job, but there are clear ways to stand out. 

 

Be thoughtful about what your resume signals. Take your cover letter seriously. Show up prepared and ready to have a real conversation. Hiring managers know you lack experience. They are looking for someone willing to learn and contribute. 

 

Want to learn more? Check out the That’s a Food Job! HR Mini-Series for even more tips and full interviews.