Your Job Search Isn’t Over the Moment You Say “Yes”

You’ve done it. After months of networking, interviews, and follow-ups, you’ve landed the offer and officially accepted a new role. Congratulations!

But before you completely close this chapter, there are a few critical steps to ensure a smooth transition and set yourself up for long-term success.

Here’s what you should focus on once you’ve accepted an offer.

1 Gracefully Wrap Up Other Opportunities

If you were interviewing for multiple roles, it’s time to let the other companies know you’re withdrawing from their process. Why this matters:
It keeps your reputation strong.
It maintains relationships for the future.
It ensures you leave doors open in case things change down the road.

How to decline an offer or withdraw from an interview process professionally:

“Hi [Hiring Manager/Recruiter], I truly appreciate the opportunity to be considered for this role and...

 Rejection stings—especially when you feel like you were the right fit.

I recently worked with a corporate leader who wanted to use his leadership in smaller organizations than he had previously.. He had the skills, the experience, and the drive. But after an interview, the hiring manager gave him feedback that felt like a gut punch:

"You’re too corporate."

He took it hard. He assumed this meant he’d never make the leap. But instead of accepting that narrative, we rewrote the story.

Why Perception Matters More Than Qualifications

This client wasn’t actually "too corporate." He had plenty of scrappy, adaptable experience—it just wasn’t coming through in his resume or interviews.

Together, we shifted the way he told his story:

We reworked his resume to highlight agility over structure.
We repositioned his experience to emphasize problem-solving over process.
We created new talking points to show how he had navigated ambiguity, adapted quickly,...

Does Your Job Search Feel Like Chaos?

If your job search feels like juggling 25 browser tabs—applications half-done, follow-ups forgotten, interviews unprepared—you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to manage so many moving parts. But here’s the truth: chaos doesn’t create results—focus does.

One of my clients recently turned their chaotic search into a streamlined strategy that produced real results. Let me show you how they did it and how you can, too.

Start with Time Blocking: Structure Your Week for Success
The first step to a focused job search is to set aside dedicated time. My client started by blocking 20 hours a week specifically for their job search.

This approach helps eliminate the “I’ll get to it later” mentality and creates accountability. Whether you’re balancing a job search with work, school, or personal commitments, time blocking ensures you stay consistent.

Pro...

 Turn Interviews Into Conversations, Not Tests
Interviews often feel like a test—questions fired at you, and you’re expected to have all the “right” answers. But here’s a secret: the best interviews are conversations, not interrogations.

The strongest candidates don’t just wait to answer questions—they take control of the discussion by showing curiosity, confidence, and value. Let me show you how to flip the script and guide your next interview like a pro.

Ask Questions That Show You Care About Their Goals
A great way to stand out in an interview is by asking questions that go beyond the surface. Instead of focusing solely on the role description, dive deeper into the company’s challenges and priorities.

Common interviewing advice says to save questions to the end of the interview.

Consider asking questions throughout the conversation.

For example, after you’ve answered a question on the biggest challenge you have, ask them a...

Rejection. It’s a word that can sting, whether it’s after a job interview, a networking event, or even a conversation with someone you admire. You’ve likely experienced that sinking feeling—the doubt creeping in, making you question your worth or abilities.

But here’s the truth: rejection doesn’t define you. It’s a stepping stone toward growth and resilience. In this post, I’ll share how to reframe rejection and use it as fuel for your next big opportunity.

What Is Rejection Really Trying to Tell You?

Rejection feels personal, but more often than not, it’s simply feedback. A “no” could mean:

• The opportunity wasn’t the right fit for you.
• The timing wasn’t ideal.
• You need to adjust your approach or messaging.

It’s not a verdict on your abilities or your potential—it’s information. When you reframe rejection as a learning opportunity, you begin to see it as part of the journey, not the end...

Every Interview Is a Networking Opportunity

When most people think about interviews, they only focus on landing the job. But here’s the thing—interviews are so much more than that. They’re opportunities to expand your network, build relationships, and even open unexpected doors.

One of my clients shared this great story: after an interview that didn’t result in an offer, the hiring manager introduced them to someone else in their network who was hiring. That introduction led to a role that turned out to be a much better fit.

The truth is, how you show up in an interview matters beyond the immediate role. Every conversation is a chance to leave a lasting impression and strengthen your network.

Ask Smart Questions That Spark Connection
Interviews aren’t just about answering questions—they’re about having a meaningful conversation. When you ask thoughtful, open-ended questions, you show that you’re genuinely curious and invested in...

Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward or transactional. At its core, it’s about creating meaningful connections that open doors—not just asking for favors. In today’s job market, many opportunities, especially unposted ones, come from the people you already know or could get to know with a simple message.

If the idea of reaching out feels intimidating, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down into actionable steps that make networking easier, more effective, and even enjoyable.

Why Networking Isn’t Asking for Help
A client once hesitated to send a message because they didn’t want to “bother” someone. They reframed their mindset after realizing that networking isn’t about asking—it’s about connecting. When they finally sent a message like, “I admire your work and would love to learn about your career path,” it led to a genuine conversation. That one conversation turned into a referral for an...

In the competitive landscape of the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, job seekers are constantly seeking ways to differentiate themselves. While the digital age has transformed hiring processes, the impact of a personalized thank-you note after an interview remains significant. A small but strategic gesture like this can set you apart, creating a lasting impression that resonates with hiring managers who often sift through dozens of candidates.

Why Thank-You Notes Matter More Than Ever in the CPG Industry

The CPG sector thrives on relationship-building, attention to detail, and understanding consumer behavior—qualities that a well-crafted thank-you note can convey. In an industry where personalized marketing and customer engagement are critical, taking the time to customize your thank-you note demonstrates that you embody these same principles. It shows that you understand the value of personalization and are willing to go the extra mile, both as a potential employee and...

Losing a job can be one of life’s biggest challenges, especially in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, where competition is fierce, and companies are restructuring and reorganizing. However, a layoff doesn’t have to be the end of your career—it can be the start of a new chapter filled with growth, clarity, and resilience.

With the right approach, you can turn this period of transition into an opportunity to refine your career goals, build valuable connections, and ultimately advance your CPG career. Here’s a step-by-step plan to help you stay focused and proactive on your job search journey.

1. Develop a Focused Strategy

One of the first things to do after a layoff is to develop a clear and actionable job search strategy. Rather than applying to every available job, take time to set specific, targeted goals. Outline what you want in your next role—consider factors like company culture, growth potential, and alignment with your skill set.

Ask...

Receiving a job offer is an exciting milestone, but it's also a crucial point for setting up a successful start to your new role. Handling the offer process with care—expressing appreciation, reviewing terms thoughtfully, and negotiating strategically—can make a significant difference in your career journey. Below, we’ll walk through Polly’s expert recommendations for navigating a job offer, ensuring you secure the best possible terms while maintaining professionalism.

Step 1: Express Gratitude and Enthusiasm

When you receive a verbal job offer, start by expressing sincere appreciation and enthusiasm. This not only shows your excitement for the role but also sets a positive tone for any future discussions. For example, you might say:

“Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m incredibly excited about joining the team and contributing to [mention specific goals or projects].”

This approach reinforces your interest and builds goodwill right...