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...

Searching for a new job can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling other responsibilities and commitments. To succeed, effective time management is key, allowing you to streamline your job search process, reduce stress, and maximize productivity. I’m Polly Rowland, and as a career coach, I’ve helped countless job seekers take control of their schedules to reach their career goals. My time management approach centers on intentional planning, proactive goal-setting, and focusing on what truly matters. In this post, I’ll share my strategies to help you take charge of your time and make meaningful progress in your job search.

Intentional Planning: My Method for Optimal Productivity

In my approach, intentionality is essential. I encourage my clients to block out dedicated times on their calendars for specific tasks, treating these blocks as non-negotiable commitments. Each time slot should be approached with a clear objective in mind, which minimizes wasted time...

The “You Attitude” is a powerful communication approach that places the focus on the recipient’s needs, interests, and goals, rather than your own. When applied effectively in networking, this strategy can transform how people respond to your messages, ultimately opening doors to new opportunities. At its core, the "You Attitude" is about shifting from a self-centered mindset to one that seeks to provide value and solve the other person’s challenges. In a networking context, this means reaching out with messages that showcase your understanding of their work, align your skills with their needs, and offer something valuable in return.

Networking messages that prioritize the recipient's perspective stand out in a sea of generic, one-size-fits-all communications. In today’s digital age, where people receive countless requests for connections, mentoring, or opportunities, it’s essential to differentiate yourself by showing that you’ve...

Hey there, CPG all-stars! It's Polly, your go-to resource for navigating the exciting and competitive world of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) careers.

One of the most powerful strategies I emphasize in my coaching is this: interviewing is networking, and networking is interviewing. They’re two sides of the same coin, and when you embrace this mindset, every interview—whether it leads to a job or not—becomes an invaluable opportunity to build relationships and propel your career forward.

We all know the job search process can feel overwhelming, right? The pressure to perform and impress during an interview can easily take over. But here's the key: when you start seeing interviews as a form of networking, it takes the pressure off. You shift your focus from just "getting the job" to "building lasting relationships."

This subtle but powerful change in perspective allows you to show up as your authentic self. It encourages you to engage in meaningful conversations and...

In the demanding world of CPGl life, maintaining mental wellbeing can often be a challenge. Yet, it's a critical component of sustained career success and personal happiness. Insights from a recent coaching session shed light on effective strategies for mental health management.

"I need to change my thoughts because the thoughts that are running through my mind are not healthy for me." my client shared.

Identifying Negative Thought Patterns Awareness is the first step. Recognizing when your thoughts are unproductive or harmful allows you to take action. Negative patterns can lead to stress and decreased productivity.

Techniques to Cultivate Positive Thoughts

• Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness or meditation to stay present and reduce anxiety.
• Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to counteract negative thoughts.
• Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout your day to refresh and reset your mind.

Implementing and Sustaining Change My client’s approach to...

Networking is a cornerstone of professional success, but its true value is realized through effective follow-up. Building genuine connections and maintaining them over time can transform your career trajectory, opening doors you never imagined.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make the most of your networking efforts by mastering the art of follow-up and why it’s the secret ingredient for long-lasting professional relationships.

The Foundation of Networking

Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn. It’s about:

• Creating a Supportive Web: Build relationships that guide and assist you throughout your career.
• Fostering Authentic Connections: Focus on meaningful interactions rather than surface-level acquaintances.

When done right, networking becomes a powerful tool for both personal growth and professional advancement.

Why Follow-Up is the Key to Success

A single meeting or introduction holds potential, but...

Authenticity can sometimes feel like a rare commodity in CPG. However, embracing genuine interactions can profoundly impact your career, leading to more meaningful connections and opportunities. One such instance was beautifully articulated by one of my clients  during a recent coaching session.

"Last week was the first time I ever showed up and I was like, this is going to be a conversation. This isn't me performing; this is me being authentic." 

1. The Power of Authentic Conversations: The shift from performing to having a real conversation marked a turning point. Authenticity not only helps in expressing oneself better but also builds trust and rapport with colleagues and potential employers.
2. Steps to Embrace Authenticity:

• Be Present: Focus on the conversation at hand without worrying about the outcome.
• Be Honest: Share your true thoughts and feelings instead of what you think others want to hear.
• Listen Actively: Engage with what the other person is saying, showing...

LinkedIn isn't just another social media platform; it’s a powerful tool that can significantly impact your career growth and professional development. Whether you’re actively looking for a new job or simply wanting to expand your professional network, LinkedIn offers a plethora of opportunities to showcase your expertise, connect with like-minded professionals, and attract new opportunities. Here's how you can harness the power of LinkedIn to build your professional brand.

1. Showcase Your Expertise Through Posts

One of the most effective ways to make LinkedIn work for you is by regularly sharing valuable content. This could be insights from your industry, reflections on your professional experiences, or even sharing articles and adding your commentary. When you post consistently, you not only keep your network engaged but also position yourself as a thought leader in your field.

Tips for Creating Engaging Posts:

• Share Personal Stories: People love stories. Share your...