Turning Interviews into Networking Gold: A Guide for CPG Professionals

career growth consumer packaged goods cpg polly rowland coaching Oct 09, 2024

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 make connections that can open doors down the line, regardless of the interview’s immediate outcome.

After all, every person you meet during the interview process has their own network in the CPG industry. By making genuine connections, you're not just interviewing for a single role—you’re potentially positioning yourself for future opportunities.

In this blog post, we'll explore how to turn interviews into networking gold by focusing on these key strategies:

Shifting Your Mindset: Embracing the "interviewing is networking" philosophy.
Preparing Strategically: Identifying ways to add value and leave a lasting impression.
Following Up Thoughtfully: Nurturing connections after the interview.
Leveraging Your Network: Turning interviewers into advocates and referral sources.

Ready to turn those interviews into a goldmine of career-boosting connections? Let’s dive in!

1. Shifting Your Mindset: Interviewing IS Networking

The first step to turning interviews into networking gold is adopting the mindset that every interview is a networking opportunity. Instead of viewing the interview as a high-pressure test, consider it a conversation between two professionals. You’re not just there to impress—you're also assessing if the company, role, and culture align with your career goals.

This mindset shift helps you stay relaxed and authentic. When you're focused on making a genuine connection, you naturally ask better questions, listen more actively, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Remember, this isn’t just a one-way street—both parties are learning from each other.

2. Preparing Strategically: Add Value from the Start

Going into any interview well-prepared is essential, but when you treat the interview as a networking opportunity, your preparation shifts slightly. It's not just about knowing the company or role inside and out—it's about understanding how you can add value.

Research the interviewer’s background, review the company’s challenges, and identify areas where your skills and experience align with their goals. This way, you can have deeper, more valuable conversations and show that you’re not just thinking about the current position, but how you can contribute in the long term.

Demonstrating this level of understanding can help you stand out as someone who is not just a potential employee, but a potential long-term asset to their network.

3. Following Up Thoughtfully: Building Relationships Beyond the Interview

After an interview, don’t just send a generic thank-you note and call it a day. Use the follow-up as an opportunity to strengthen the connection. Reference something specific from the conversation or share a resource you think the interviewer would find helpful. This not only shows that you were engaged during the interview but also positions you as someone who is thoughtful and proactive.

Building relationships in the CPG industry—or any industry—takes time. By following up thoughtfully, you start nurturing a relationship that can go beyond the immediate job opening and lead to future opportunities.

4. Leveraging Your Network: Turn Interviewers into Advocates

Finally, one of the biggest benefits of seeing interviews as networking opportunities is the potential to turn interviewers into advocates. Even if you don’t get the job, a strong connection can lead to referrals for other roles or introductions to other professionals within the interviewer’s network.

Stay in touch with the people you interview with, especially if you feel a strong connection. Engage with them on LinkedIn, comment on their posts, or share articles they might find interesting. Over time, these small touch points can turn a one-time interaction into a long-term professional relationship.

Conclusion

Approaching interviews as networking opportunities is a game-changing strategy for CPG professionals. By shifting your mindset, preparing strategically, following up thoughtfully, and leveraging your network, you can turn every interview into a stepping stone for future success. Remember, the connections you make today can lead to career-boosting opportunities tomorrow.

So, the next time you walk into an interview, don’t just focus on landing the job—focus on building relationships that could last for years to come. You never know which conversation will turn into your next big opportunity!