How do I follow up after a networking conversation without feeling awkward?
The easiest way to follow up without feeling awkward is to treat the conversation like a real relationship, not a fragile opportunity you now need to manage perfectly. Good follow-up is usually brief, specific, and connected to something that genuine...
What should I say when reaching out to someone for a networking conversation?
The best outreach messages are short, specific, and easy to say yes to. You do not need to sound especially polished or impressive. You need to sound clear, relevant, and human. A strong message gives just enough context for the other person to under...
How do I network effectively when Iā€™m between senior leadership roles?
Networking effectively between senior leadership roles starts with removing unnecessary pressure from the conversation. You are not trying to perform, pitch, or force an outcome. You are trying to stay in relevant conversation, sharpen market signal,...
Why do online job applications rarely lead to interviews?
Online job applications often fail to create interviews because they remove context. For experienced professionals, that matters. Senior backgrounds are rarely simple, and online systems tend to reward obvious pattern matches more than nuanced capabi...
Should I apply to jobs online or focus on networking?
Should I apply to jobs online or focus on networking?
At senior levels, networking usually creates better traction than online applications. That does not mean online applications are useless. It means they should not be expected to carry the majori...
How many companies should I target in a strategic job search?
How many companies should I target in a strategic job search?
For most experienced professionals, 20 to 30 companies is a strong starting range for a strategic job search. That is broad enough to create real opportunity and narrow enough to keep you...
How do I create a target company list for my job search?
A strong target company list should do more than collect names of brands you like. It should help you focus your search around companies where your experience is likely to create value. The best lists are built around fit, business need, and strategi...
How do I restart a stalled job search as an experienced CPG professional?
To restart a stalled job search, do not begin by adding more activity to a system that is already producing weak traction. Start by understanding where the signal is breaking. For experienced CPG professionals, a stalled search usually does not mean ...
Why do experienced candidates get overlooked for leadership roles in the CPG industry?
Experienced candidates get overlooked for leadership roles in CPG when the market respects their background but cannot place it cleanly enough against the companyā€™s current need. That does not necessarily mean the candidate is too senior, too niche, ...
Why do recruiters say my background is impressive but still pass on me?
When recruiters say your background is impressive but still pass on you, they are usually signaling that they respect your experience but do not feel confident matching it to the role. This is often not a question of talent. It is a question of trans...
