The Best Roles Aren’t Always Posted. Here’s How to Get on Their Radar Anyway.

If you’re building a job search strategy, chances are you’ve heard the advice:
“Start with your target company list.”

But once you have that list… what do you actually do with it?

Waiting for a role to be posted—and applying like everyone else—is too late in today’s market. Especially in CPG, where companies often rely on internal referrals and quiet networking before a job ever hits LinkedIn.

Here’s how to move from passive to proactive—and build real momentum with your top-choice employers.

1️⃣ Map Who You Already Know

Before you go cold, start warm.

• Search for the company on LinkedIn
  
  
• Click “People” to see who works there
  
  
• Filter by 1st- or 2nd-degree connections
  
  

You may already have someone in your network who can offer insight—or better yet, introduce you to a hiring manager.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you don’t know someone well, a warm referral is often just one introduction away.

2️⃣ Build a Lis...

If you're not actively job searching but want to support others in your network who are, you may wonder what value you can bring.

Here's the truth: You don’t need to be a hiring manager or recruiter to be an invaluable networking contact.

Especially in an industry like CPG—where change is constant and connections are key—your willingness to show up with insight and intentionality matters more than ever.

Why It Matters: The CPG Job Market Is Complex

People navigating the job search in CPG are dealing with:
🔹 A shortage of openings in niche areas like digital, analytics, and omnichannel.
🔹 The cultural fit tightrope — even highly qualified candidates can get passed over if they don’t align with leadership style or org values.
🔹 Shifting consumer expectations that influence which skills are most in demand.

You can help by offering clarity, sharing your perspective, and connecting people in meaningful ways.

1️⃣ Prepare for the Conversation

If someone reaches out to you for a network...

You’re Not Failing — You’re in the Middle of the Process

If your job search has taken longer than you expected, I want to start with this:
➡️ You’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re not behind.

I work with talented, experienced professionals every day — people who are highly capable — and many of them have faced long job searches for reasons outside their control.

It’s easy to think something is wrong with you when you see others landing roles quickly. But there are so many factors in play — market timing, organizational changes, hidden opportunities — that have nothing to do with your worth.

Still, when the search stretches on, it’s discouraging. So let’s talk about how to reset, refocus, and move forward when your job search is taking longer than you hoped.

1️⃣ Acknowledge the Emotional Toll (and Give Yourself Some Grace)

Long job searches are exhausting.

It’s okay to feel frustrated, discouraged, and tired of hearing "we went in a different direction."

But here’s the th...

If You’re Listing Job Duties in Interviews, You’re Missing the Point

One of the most common mistakes I see job seekers make — even really talented, experienced professionals — is talking about their value in terms of responsibilities instead of results.

I hear it all the time in mock interviews and coaching calls:

➡️ “I managed a team of five.”
➡️ “I handled customer accounts.”
➡️ “I was responsible for marketing strategy.”

Here’s the problem: That’s what you did. Not what impact you had.

Hiring managers don’t just want to know what was on your to-do list.
They want to know:
➡️ What changed because you were in that role?
➡️ What did you improve, fix, or create?
➡️ What would you bring to us that you brought to them?

Why Talking About Tasks Doesn’t Work

When you focus on tasks, you blend in.
Everyone in that role does those things.

But when you focus on impact, you stand out.

Think of the difference:

❌ “I led a cross-functional team.”
✅ “I led a cross-functional team that laun...

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 th...

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 chang...

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 it’s the follow...

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 genui...

In your CPG Career, the concept of a passive job search offers a strategic pathway for professionals who are currently employed but looking to advance their careers. The nuances of conducting a passive job search, as opposed to an active one, involve a delicate balance between excelling in your current role and discreetly exploring new opportunities. Based on expert insights from Polly Rowland, let's delve into how you can navigate this journey effectively.

Understanding Passive vs. Active Job Search

A passive job search signifies the pursuit of new career opportunities while being employed full-time. This contrasts with an active job search where the individual is fully dedicated to finding a new role, usually due to unemployment. While the goals remain similar—to advance one’s career—the strategies and considerations can differ.

Navigating the Derailers of a Passive Job Search

Two primary challenges can derail a passive job search: commitment and time management. Commitment waver...

In C-suite and senior management job hunting, stepping beyond the usual job boards can open up a realm of possibilities you might not have considered. Why? Because the most coveted executive positions are often hidden away, entrusted to specialized retained search firms by companies prioritizing discretion and specificity in their recruitment.

So, let's chat about why engaging with a retained search firm could be a game-changer for your career trajectory. Imagine stepping into a landscape where the roles you dream about are within reach, not because you're tirelessly scrolling through job listings, but because you've made a strategic connection with those who know where the real opportunities lie.

Building a Relationship with Retained Search Firms: A Guide to Elevating Your Career Path

Retained search firms are the gatekeepers to the executive roles that never make it to the public eye. These firms are hired by companies to find the best fit for their top positions, which means they...