Networking Doesn’t Have to Feel Forced, Awkward, or Exhausting

If you’re an introvert, you’re probably used to hearing advice that feels overwhelming:
➡️ “Put yourself out there!”
➡️ “Go to every event you can!”
➡️ “Just reach out and ask for what you want!”

But for many people, networking feels uncomfortable—especially when you're in a job search and feeling vulnerable.

Here’s what I tell my clients:
👉 Networking doesn’t have to be a performance. It can be a conversation.

Let me show you how to approach networking in a way that feels natural—even enjoyable—if you’re an introvert.

1️⃣ Shift Your Mindset: Networking is About Building Relationships, Not Asking for Favors

The biggest reason networking feels awkward?
➡️ Because we think we have to ask for something.

But real networking is about building relationships, not making a pitch.

Instead of thinking, “I have to ask for a job,” think:
➡️ “I want to learn from this person and see where the conversation goes.”

Most people lov...

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...

Feeling Stuck Doesn’t Mean You’re Lost—It Means You’re Ready for Clarity

If you’re in a job search (or thinking about starting one) and catch yourself saying, “I don’t even know what I want to do next,” you’re not alone.

I hear this all the time from smart, capable professionals—people who’ve built great careers but now feel stuck at a crossroads.

Here’s what I want you to know:
➡️ You don’t need all the answers today. You just need a starting point.

Let’s break down how to figure out what you want next when you’re feeling overwhelmed, unclear, or pulled in too many directions.

1️⃣ Stop Trying to Solve It All in Your Head

When you’re stuck, it’s easy to spin in your own thoughts. But clarity comes from action, not overthinking.

Instead of trying to figure out your next role sitting alone with a blank screen, start by:

• Talking to people in roles you’re curious about.
• Exploring job descriptions that spark any interest—without judgment.
• Taking note of what feels exciting and w...

Job seekers often spend too much time proving where they’ve been instead of showing where they can take a company next. But here’s the truth: you’re not being hired for what you’ve done—you’re being hired for what you’ll do.

This mindset shift can change the way you approach interviews, making you stand out as the solution they need, not just another qualified candidate.

Why Experience Alone Won’t Get You Hired

I recently worked with a marketing leader who had a strong background and consistently performed well in interviews, yet he wasn’t getting offers. His experience wasn’t the issue—the way he positioned it was.

He spent too much time justifying his past instead of helping hiring managers see a clear path to their future success.

The turning point came when we reframed his interview approach to focus on one key question:

➡️ How does my experience solve their specific problem?

Once he started positioning himself as the missing piece to their business challenges, things change...

 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.

1️⃣ 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 have enjoyed learning more about your team. I wanted to...

 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, and thrived in fast-moving enviro...

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 Tip: Treat these hours like non-negotiable appointments. Block them in y...

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 solving challenges.

Here are a couple of my favorit...

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 yourself:

• What aspects of my...

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...