Prep For Recruiting in CPG

If you’re excited about CPG, here’s some great news: the industry offers amazing opportunities in Brand Management, Finance, Sustainability, and more. While many big players bring interns back for full-time roles, there are also exciting openings for experienced hires popping up all year long.

 What is a recruiting trend that I should keep in mind as I conduct my internship/job search?

CPG organizations have continued to rely on campus recruiting, offering both virtual and on-campus engagements. Hiring in this space remains consistent, with major players maintaining a strong presence at their core recruiting schools. However, recruitment within CPG startups has significantly decreased compared to previous years.

What is the recruiting approach I should keep in mind as I conduct my internship/job search?

Recruiting in CPG is highly structured, with organizations following a campus-based recruiting approach and internships often converting into full-time roles. However, some organizations recruit just-in-time, with those job postings appearing in the spring. Full-time roles are available via campus recruiting with summer start date. Applicants should pay close attention to visa sponsorship, as most organizations do not sponsor international students.

Does this industry embrace applicants who are looking to pivot?

Applicants looking to pivot are always welcome to apply for roles in CPG, as previous candidates have come from diverse backgrounds. Having two to three years of experience is advantageous. There are many functions within CPG, including finance, product management, sustainability, supply chain management, marketing, and more.

How important is networking?

Networking is key. Please connect with alumni, request coffee chats, attend events, and reach out to hiring managers when possible to build your visibility and to learn. Take advantage of contacts listed in 12Twenty and start by engaging with recruiters.

Is there anything unique about the interviewing process?

Interviews are typically a combination of behavioral questions and technical or marketing case interviews. Some organizations may offer case prep sessions to help students prepare for the main interview.

What does full-time recruiting look like? Are internships the best path to a full-time role?

Internship is the best path to full-time, and this has not changed for most CPG organizations. However, there are full-time roles available if you have previous experience, and these roles are posted throughout the year. I don’t see small CPG/startups converting internships to full-time roles, but then can be great ways to gain both CPG industry and start up experience.

What does internship recruiting look like?

Internship recruiting starts in late September, with employers hosting info sessions and coffee chats, and applications opening around the same time. Applications close in December for internships, and hiring managers review applicants on a rolling basis, which means postings may close early.

Internship interviews begin the first week students return to school in January and continue through early February. Some employers prefer to conduct interviews during Winter Break, between January 2nd and January 20th, so students should be flexible and prepared to attend interviews remotely. The CPG industry is flexible, as interviews are conducted both remotely and in person.

RESOURCE GUIDE 

In addition to the resources listed below, add commonly referenced resources within the CDO website, CMS resource library, and external resources that you think are essential to understanding recruiting within this industry.   

Written with support from ChatGPT