At Females in Food (FIF),we’re committed to creating spaces where our members can connect, collaborate, and thrive. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the recent activation of our Southern California region!
Members in this region can now look forward to ongoing casual meet-ups designed exclusively for FIF community members and their guests. These events are a unique opportunity to network, share ideas, and foster collaboration in a relaxed, in-person setting throughout the year.
While our virtual offerings—like leadership development workshops, virtual networking events, and exclusive executive fireside chats—continue to provide incredible value, these meet-ups add a personal touch by bringing members together face-to-face to deepen relationships and build stronger connections.
This initiative is part of FIF’s broader mission to close the gender gap in the F&B industry by empowering women to lead and succeed. By providing year-round opportunities for meaningful engagement, we’re ensuring our members always feel supported in their professional and personal growth.
If you’re based in Southern California, we can’t wait to see you at one of these exclusive events—whether it’s a coffee chat, a happy hour, or a creative workshop. And if you’re not in the region, don’t worry! We’re working on expanding these opportunities to more locations.
Thank you for being an integral part of the FIF community. Together, we’re driving change and creating lasting connections in the food and beverage industry.
Stay tuned for meet-up announcements, and don’t forget to bring a guest to share in the experience!
The food and beverage industry is evolving, and the need to support and retain top talent has never been greater. That’s where Females in Food (FIF) comes in. As a leading community designed for women in F&B, FIF helps individuals and companies succeed by offering unmatched access to resources, meaningful connections, and actionable insights.
Discover how being part of our FIF membership community can create opportunities, amplify voices, and drive results—and why 2025 is the year to join this powerful movement.
What Makes FIF Membership Unique?
At FIF, we’ve cultivated a space where ambition meets action. Our members gain access to:
Exclusive Learning Opportunities: Attend curated events, webinars, and workshops designed to elevate skills, broaden perspectives, and inspire leadership.
Real-Time Feedback and Resources: Engage with a global network of professionals through our digital platform and app, connecting members to advice, tools, and support whenever they need it.
Thought Leadership and Visibility: Showcase expertise and share insights with a community of industry leaders, amplifying the voices of women in food.
Networking That Matters: From regional meet-ups to our signature Summits, members connect with peers, mentors, and industry advisors who help propel their careers forward.
What’s New in 2025?
We’re taking our commitment to the next level with exciting new benefits launching in January 2025:
Doubling Leadership Workshops: We’re doubling the number of professionally facilitated leadership development workshops to provide even more opportunities for growth.
Exclusive Executive Circle Access: Members can join six intimate fireside conversations through our Executive Circle, designed for high-level networking and leadership insights.
Expanded Regional Meet-Ups: Connect with like-minded professionals at more regional events, fostering deeper local connections and collaboration.
Tailored Leadership Packages: New leadership development packages will help members elevate their careers with targeted resources and support.
Conference Networking Events: Join us at four major conferences—Expo West, ADPI, IFT, and Supply Side—for exclusive networking events that bring together the best minds in the industry.
How Membership Supports Talent Development, ROI, and Retention
Investing in an FIF membership isn’t just an investment in individual careers; it’s an investment in organizational success. Here’s how:
Talent Development: Members gain access to cutting-edge training and development resources that sharpen skills and prepare them for leadership roles. This ensures your team is always equipped to tackle emerging industry challenges.
Business ROI: Empowered employees bring fresh ideas, foster innovation, and deliver measurable results. With FIF’s emphasis on leadership growth and collaboration, organizations see direct benefits in productivity and performance.
Talent Retention: Employees who feel supported and connected are more likely to stay. FIF’s network provides a sense of belonging and professional alignment that boosts morale and long-term engagement.
Take the Next Step: Invest in a FIF Community Membership
FIF membership is more than a professional investment—it’s a strategic tool for career and business success. To help you share the value with your organization, we’ve prepared a detailed deck outlining our benefits, ROI, and why companies across the F&B sector choose FIF.
Download the deck and discover how becoming an FIF member can drive growth, innovation, and impact for both employees and organizations.
Let’s close the gender gap in leadership, together. Join us in 2025 to step into your power and transform the future of food.
Where FIF Members Lead: Representing the Entire F&B Value Chain
At Females in Food (FIF), our mission goes beyond supporting women in leadership—we aim to create a thriving network that bridges every corner of the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Our members are leaders, innovators, and changemakers, representing a broad spectrum of the entire F&B value chain:
CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods)
B2B Ingredients
Suppliers
Consultants
Agriculture
Foodservice
Retail
This unique, comprehensive representation is what sets FIF apart from any other industry group. We connect women across diverse sectors, fostering collaboration and growth that ripple across the entire industry.
Connecting Women Across the Value Chain
In the highly interconnected world of F&B, every sector depends on the success of the others. FIF understands this interdependence and creates opportunities for members to connect beyond their immediate fields, enabling:
Cross-Sector Collaboration: From farm to table, FIF members share insights and resources that drive meaningful change.
Knowledge Sharing: With members spanning agriculture to retail, FIF is a hub for exchanging ideas and best practices that benefit the entire ecosystem.
Unique Networking Opportunities: Our events and initiatives unite professionals from every part of the industry, creating relationships that foster both personal and professional growth.
Through our give/get reciprocity model and custom membership app, we’ve cultivated an unmatched culture that empowers members to unlock business opportunities, spark innovation, and solve challenges more quickly. This collaborative approach ensures that our network remains a powerful resource for addressing the industry’s most pressing needs.
Delivering Value Beyond Connections
While our ability to connect women across the F&B value chain is a cornerstone of FIF, we go further by offering programs and resources that amplify both individual and organizational success:
Talent Development: Through leadership workshops, fireside chats, and mentorship opportunities, FIF equips members with the skills to excel in their careers.
Talent Recruitment: By working with our corporate partners, FIF helps organizations attract and retain top talent, while empowering women to find roles that align with their ambitions.
Branding Initiatives: FIF helps elevate the profiles of both members and their organizations, showcasing leadership and innovation in a highly competitive industry.
Our Members Lead the Way
When you join FIF, you’re joining a community of leaders who are driving the future of the F&B industry. From global CPG giants to innovative start-ups, our members are shaping the landscape at every level.
To celebrate the breadth of our membership, we’ll be showcasing the logos of the incredible organizations that our members represent. These visuals speak volumes about FIF’s reach and impact within the F&B ecosystem.
Be Part of the FIF Movement
Females in Food isn’t just a membership group; it’s a movement. By connecting women across the entire value chain and providing unmatched resources for talent development, recruitment, and branding, FIF is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative industry.
Are you ready to join this community of trailblazers and take your career—and your organization—to the next level?
👉Join FIF Today and experience the power of a network that represents the entire F&B value chain.
At Females in Food (FIF), we believe that growth happens when opportunity meets action—and we’re here to provide both. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the relaunch of FIF.
Membership in 2025!
This is not just an update; it’s a transformation. We have listened to your feedback and reimagined our membership to include even more value, ensuring every woman in our community has the resources, connections, and guidance to achieve her career goals.
What’s New in 2025?
We’re doubling down on leadership development, creating even more spaces to connect, and elevating the tools you need to thrive:
Twice the Leadership Development Workshops
Leadership is a journey, and we’re offering double the opportunities to develop essential skills with professionally facilitated workshops tailored to help you lead with confidence.
Executive Circle Fireside Conversations
Gain access to six exclusive, intimate discussions with top industry executives. These conversations are designed to provide actionable insights and advice, bringing you closer to the leadership table.
Regional Meet-Ups—More Than Ever Before
We’re making it easier to connect with FIF members in your area through expanded regional meet-ups, helping you grow your local network in meaningful ways.
Leadership Development Packages
New for 2025, these tailored coaching programs will provide personalized guidance to help you achieve your career aspirations, whether you’re climbing the ladder or building something new.
Networking at Major Conferences
We’re bringing our community to you at Expo West, ADPI, IFT, and Supply Side with exclusive FIF networking events designed to connect you with peers and thought leaders in dynamic, career-boosting settings.
What’s Staying the Same?
We’re keeping the foundation strong by continuing to offer the core benefits you already love:
✔️ Exclusive Market Insights Conversations
Stay ahead of industry trends with actionable insights and expert-led discussions.
✔️ Quarterly Networking Calls
Collaborate and grow your connections during these interactive, high-value sessions.
✔️ Professional Resume Reviews
Receive tailored feedback to refine your resume, highlight your strengths, and stand out in a competitive market.
✔️ FIF Job Search Accelerator
Fast-track your career with resources and guidance to help you land your dream role.
✔️ Custom Membership Platform & App
Your one-stop hub for all things FIF, designed to keep you connected and informed at every step.
Membership Pricing Update: Act Now to Lock in Your Rate!
Starting January 21st, 2025, the annual membership rate will increase to $464 to reflect the enhanced value and expanded offerings.
Join Before January 21st to Lock in the Current Price of $348!
Existing members and those who join before this date will keep their current rate of $348 for the lifetime of their membership.
This relaunch represents our commitment to empowering women in the food and beverage industry. With FIF Membership 2025, we’re creating a space where you can grow, connect, and lead—because your success is our mission.
Females in Food Launches Data Insights to Drive Progress for Women in F&B
Females in Food (FIF), an organization dedicated to empowering women throughout the food and beverage (F&B) industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Data Insights initiative. This pioneering project is designed to capture and analyze key data on the experiences, opportunities, and challenges women face across the entire F&B supply chain. By providing data-based insights, FIF aims to drive meaningful progress, establish industry benchmarks, and track changes over time that contribute to a more equitable and inclusive workplace for women in F&B.
A First-of-Its-Kind Data Initiative for Women in F&B
The Data Insights initiative represents the first comprehensive effort by FIF to quantify the experiences of women across all sectors of F&B. From production and processing to retail and restaurant operations, this project is set to capture a holistic view of the industry, identifying the specific areas where women excel, encounter barriers, and see opportunities for growth. FIF’s research will span topics such as career advancement, workplace culture, and the impact of diversity and inclusion efforts, ensuring that women’s voices are represented in critical industry data.
Angela Dodd, Founder of Females in Food, states, “When we understand the data behind women’s experiences, we can turn it into actionable change. This initiative is a crucial step toward building a future in F&B that values and empowers women at every level. I’m proud that Females in Food is leading this effort, and I’m excited to see the impact it will have on our industry.”
Why This Data Matters
As F&B evolves, there is a growing need to understand the factors that shape women’s experiences and success in the industry. FIF’s Data Insights will provide a reliable, ongoing source of data that allows stakeholders to measure advancements in areas such as representation in leadership, career satisfaction, access to mentorship, and work-life balance. By capturing this data, FIF aims to create a foundation for impactful change that responds directly to the needs and experiences of women in the field.
Data Insights will also allow FIF to identify emerging trends and shifts in workplace culture, helping companies address potential gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Alyssa Badger, President of Females in Food, added,“Data is a powerful tool for progress and with this initiative, we aim to give women the representation they deserve in the data that drives our industry forward. We want to illuminate the female experience across the entire supply chain, helping industry leaders and organizations understand the progress we’re making and the areas that need focused improvement. This research will allow us to set benchmarks, track changes over time, and inform initiatives that truly support women in our industry.”
An Inclusive Approach: Inviting All Voices
While the focus of Data Insights is on capturing the female experience, FIF welcomes insights from all genders. By collecting diverse perspectives, the initiative aims to build a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics that affect women in F&B and foster an inclusive dialogue. This approach ensures that the data reflects the full landscape of the industry, considering the perspectives of all who contribute to it.
How to Get Involved
FIF invites all professionals within the food and beverage industry to participate in this landmark study. By sharing your experiences and insights, you’ll contribute to a vital resource that will support women and promote equity in F&B for years to come.
To participate in the survey and learn more about the Data Insights initiative, please visit this page
When I founded Females in Food (FIF) five years ago, my goal was not just to bring women together but to create a space where they could truly feel seen, supported, and empowered. Having spent years in the food industry myself, I understood the challenges women face in making meaningful progress and finding allies who champion their growth. This is my journey—one that started with a vision and has since evolved into a thriving community.
From Food Science to Community-Building: My Background
Before founding Females in Food, I (Angela Dodd) built my career as a food scientist and commercial sales leader, working with food ingredient organizations and learning the complexities and demands of the industry. As I advanced, I noticed a common challenge for women in food: we were often present, but seldom heard or fully represented at senior levels.
Today, as a mother of two boys, I feel an even stronger commitment to creating a world where women leaders are the norm. When I founded Females in Food, I recognized that women needed something beyond traditional networking—a space built on real, supportive connections. FIF began with the understanding that we needed to build authentic bridges, not just connections, to truly uplift each other.
The Birth of Females in Food
The idea for Females in Food was born from this desire to create an authentic, supportive community. I wanted FIF to offer more than a business card exchange; I envisioned a place where women could bring their full selves—sharing their dreams, struggles, and achievements openly. FIF would be about learning from each other, growing together, and creating a collective impact that would help close the gender gap in leadership.
So, in 2019, I launched FIF with a clear vision: to close the gender gap in senior leadership by connecting women with the resources, support, and community they need to succeed. Starting small, we held workshops, networking events, and industry discussions to create safe spaces where women could connect deeply and meaningfully.
Redefining Networking as Community-Building
From the beginning, my goal with FIF was to change the narrative of networking. We emphasize “community” over “network” because we believe in building bridges that go beyond transactional relationships. For FIF, networking means building a community of women who are invested in each other’s growth—personally and professionally.
Networking in FIF is about helping each other grow by sharing real experiences, expertise, and guidance. Whether it’s mentoring a newcomer, sharing insights on work-life balance, or collaborating on ways to foster inclusivity in the workplace, our community thrives on genuine connections.
Five Years of Progress and Impact
Over the past five years, FIF has grown from a small, close-knit group to a global movement, with over 2,000 women participating in events, workshops, and mentorship programs. Some key achievements that I’m especially proud of include:
Building a Digital Platform and App – This platform provides our members with real-time feedback, resources, and connections, bringing support right to their fingertips.
Hosting 150+ Events and Two Major Summits – From fireside chats to panel discussions and immersive symposiums, FIF has created countless opportunities for women to share knowledge, build confidence, and make meaningful industry connections.
Corporate Partnerships – FIF now collaborates with companies looking to elevate female thought leadership, strengthen their employer brand, and support women in leadership roles. These partnerships allow us to amplify our impact on a larger scale.
Expanding Our Reach – Over the years, FIF has brought valuable insights and resources to over 100,000 people, expanding our mission of gender equality and inclusion across the industry.
Supporting Career Growth for Women – Through our leadership development initiatives, FIF provides the resources for women to step into their power and advance their careers, whether through peer mentorship, skill-building, or cultivating a growth-oriented mindset.
What’s Next for Females in Food
We have an enhanced membership launching in January and a new executive-level membership designed for women in senior roles, offering more tailored resources and opportunities for growth. Members will also enjoy greater access to industry advisors and executives, gaining insights from top leaders in the F&B industry. Our State of the Industry Report will provide key insights and actionable recommendations to help drive change. In addition, we’re introducing more regional events to strengthen local networks and boost our presence at major industry conferences. Finally, we’re expanding our corporate partnerships to collaborate with organizations on leadership development, talent connection, and employer branding—helping companies create inclusive environments where women can thrive.
A Final Thought: Building Bridges
Females in Food isn’t just about networking; it’s about building lifelong connections that support and sustain us as we move forward. I am incredibly grateful for every member, partner, and supporter who has joined us on this journey. Together, we are not just building bridges but creating pathways for future generations of women to thrive.
As FIF continues to grow, I am honored to stand with each of you as we redefine what it means to network, to lead, and to succeed in the food industry. Here’s to many more years of building bridges, breaking barriers, and supporting each other every step of the way.
Corporate America is still 48 years away from achieving gender parity.
Read that again.
Despite some progress, the latest Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & Company and Lean In reveals that the state of women in leadership remains largely stalled. While women have made some strides, holding a record-high 29% of C-suite jobs, systemic barriers continue to limit their full advancement.
Here are some key findings from the 2024 report:
The “Broken Rung” Persists: Women continue to face significant challenges at the first critical step up to management. For every 100 men promoted to manager, only 81 women receive the same promotion. This gap is even more stark for women of color. While promotion rates improved for Black women in 2021 and 2022, the progress has since regressed to 2020 levels.
Decreasing Commitment to Diversity Initiatives: In a concerning trend, companies are pulling back on gender and racial diversity efforts. Compared to 2022, there’s been a 33% reduction in formal sponsorship programs for women, with a 50% drop in programs for women of color.
Limited Adoption of Best Practices for De-biasing: Although many organizations are working to de-bias hiring and performance reviews, only one in four have adopted the best practices experts recommend to ensure fairness in talent processes.
These findings make it clear that while progress has been made, it isn’t enough. Companies must take bolder steps if they hope to create lasting change and address the inequalities that continue to plague the workplace.
The Path Forward: What Can Companies Do?
The path to gender parity requires action, commitment, and a comprehensive approach. Here are some solutions that could help:
Fix the Broken Rung: Organizations need to prioritize advancing women, especially women of color, into management roles by rethinking promotion criteria and addressing unconscious biases that impact decisions.
Recommit to Sponsorship and Mentorship: Formal sponsorship and mentorship programs are essential for the career development of women and underrepresented groups. Organizations should reinstate or expand these programs with a focus on intersectionality.
Adopt Best Practices in De-biasing: Companies should fully embrace expert-recommended best practices in hiring and performance evaluations to ensure that women are given equal opportunities to advance.
Foster an Inclusive Culture: Gender parity won’t be achieved without a culture that supports inclusivity at all levels. This includes transparent communication, policies that promote work-life balance, and leadership that champions diversity.
How Females in Food (FIF) Can Help
At Females in Food (FIF), we understand the unique challenges women face in leadership in the food and beverage industry. Our 360-degree approach to leadership development, employer branding, and talent recruitment empowers organizations to advance gender parity from every angle.
Leadership Development & Networking: The FIF community provides women with the leadership development and networking opportunities that equip women with the skills and confidence to rise through the ranks, helping organizations close the gap at all levels.
Employer Branding: By working with companies to position themselves as champions of gender diversity, we help them attract top female talent and build a reputation as inclusive employers.
Talent Recruitment: Our network of highly skilled women in the food industry offers companies a diverse talent pool, ensuring they can find and recruit the best candidates for their leadership roles.
The results of the 2024 Women in the Workplace report are a wake-up call that more work is needed. With FIF, organizations can take proactive steps to not only support women in leadership but also create lasting change that drives gender parity forward.
What do you imagine it’s costing you, or more specifically your organization, in terms of time, money and resources to invest in developing emerging leaders who don’t stick around long enough to become your senior leaders?
Well, the answer is…A trillion dollars… That’s what U.S. businesses are losing every year due to voluntary turnover (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Voluntary turnover costs money. But, as any leader or manager knows, turnover has many costs that never register directly on a spreadsheet.
Losing your best people means losing your reliable winners, your constant innovators and your most effective problem solvers.
Internally, it significantly erodes team morale, while externally, it leads to the loss of valuable customer relationships. Considering that a significant proportion of this voluntary turnover comprises women, it becomes imperative for the Dairy industry, as well as the broader Food and Beverage industry, to undertake systemic changes.
Some of the top factors pushing women to depart from their roles include a lack of flexible work arrangements, inadequate paid family leave benefits, micro-aggressions in the workplace, inequitable pay, and a lack of development and career progression opportunities.
By investing in and supporting women leaders, organizations can drive long-term success by tapping into diverse perspectives and in turn, enhance innovation. While the root cause to these problems has been detailed by many researchers and experts, at Females in Food, we know first hand that if the solution was singular or easy – the industry would have already achieved gender parity in the industry.
To achieve meaningful and sustainable progress towards gender equality, the dairy industry needs to focus on two broad goals: getting more women into leadership positions and retaining the women leaders they already have.
However, two pipeline challenges put gender equality out of reach for most companies; the broken rung and the fact that women are leaving the workplace at the highest rate than in years past.
According to the 2022 Women in the Workplace report, we have seen modest gains in representation over the last eight years, however, with only 1 in 4 C-Suite leaders being women, they are still dramatically underrepresented.
Put the glass ceiling aside, the Broken Rung phenomenon is causing women to fall off the corporate ladder in droves. The broken rung refers to the phenomenon where women are disproportionately underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly at the first step up into management. This is a problem in the workplace for 4 reasons:
First, it limits diversity and the range of perspectives and experiences that are brought to the decision making process.
Second, it perpetuates gender stereotypes; when women are consistently passed over for promotions, it reinforces the idea that women are less capable than men in leadership roles.
Third, it can lead to a lack of role models; when women don’t see other women in leadership positions, it can be difficult for them to envision themselves in those roles.
Fourth, the economic consequences for an organization and the broader industry are real numbers that can’t be ignored. We know that when women are not represented in leadership, the earning potential and overall economic growth of a company and industry is reduced.
In a 2023 poll of 168 women in the dairy industry by IDFA, 61% of respondents said their gender has played a role in their missing out on a raise, promotion, key assignment, or chance to get ahead and nearly half of the respondents believe women have fewer opportunities to advance in their organization than men.
These are sobering statistics for the Dairy industry and part of the reason women are leaving the industry and workforce at greater numbers than ever before. It’s time for the dairy [and broader F&B] industry to take action and create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women to thrive and lead.
Together, we can do this by addressing the root causes for why women are leaving. Additionally, organizations can create workplaces that foster and champion women’s contributions such as implementing career development programs, mentoring and sponsorship initiatives, fostering community and networking opportunities, and adopting inclusive policies which are essential steps toward building a more equitable industry.
In addition, it’s important to recognize that women and men need different kinds of networks to succeed. In a recent study by Harvard Business Review, it was found that women who have a diverse and tight inner circle of female contacts are more likely to land executive positions with greater authority and higher pay. Women leaders are hungry for connection with other women who are or who have been on a similar journey and desire a place where they can candidly ask for help, share ideas, and receive ongoing professional development. This can be achieved by establishing internal ERG groups or by allowing female employees to join membership associations, such as Females in Food.
In order for the Dairy {and broader Food and Beverage] industry to thrive, it is crucial to acknowledge the need to address the existing leaks in the leadership pipeline. By doing so, we can prevent the loss of exceptional leaders and avoid wasting valuable time and resources on recruitment and development efforts that do not yield sustainable returns. This entails conducting a thorough assessment of what works and what doesn’t for women within your organization, setting specific and measurable goals for improvement, and holding yourself and your leaders accountable for driving progressive change.
It is essential to believe that change is possible and within our grasp. We must recognize that it starts with individual actions and a focus on progress rather than perfection. As the saying goes, “We can go fast alone. We can go further together.”
Start by initiating the important conversation within your company, knowing that there is industry support and valuable resources available through groups like Females in Food, which are dedicated to facilitating the necessary and desired shifts.
Let us remember the wise words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” By taking these steps together, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for the F&B industry.
It’s no secret. The world, as we know it, is undergoing a time of crisis. No country or continent is a stranger to change, but perhaps we’re not used to such a unified sense of confusion.
However, rather than feeling helpless or like a sense of impending doom is hanging over you, we encourage you to take this time to work on yourself, continue to flourish and endeavor to find new ways to stand out in the crowd. For many of us, our jobs are in a state of flux. Whether you were working towards a promotion before now, or you were actively hunting down that next role, here are a few things that you can start doing to keep pushing your career forward.
… Because we will come out of the other side of this – and you can come out stronger than you might have thought possible…
Networking in isolation
It sounds kind of counter-intuitive/impossible… but it really isn’t.
Just as you jump on Houseparty or Facebook to call your family, you could be sipping a virtual (or real) latte over a chat with your colleagues. You could be organizing catch-ups with your seniors, showing initiative and going out of your way to ‘see what you can do to help’. Those that reach out are remembered! Get yourself on Zoom and start networking in isolation! (Hey, no one needs to know you’re only wearing a pantsuit on your top half…)
Stay present in your industry by catching up with others in the same field. For us, that’s our Females In Food community. Together, we discuss the challenges we’re facing in our relative roles, discuss where we’re going next, and mastermind the moves we need to make to keep on growing – all whilst supporting each other in our individual journeys.
Be a social butterfly
Sure, you can’t gossip over the water-cooler or grab an after-work cocktail with your colleagues, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have lighthearted, inspiring, or insightful conversations…
Use your social presence to boost your professional brand. On LinkedIn, reach out to people and start conversations. Keeping your network small does nothing for you – you might think that it keeps you safe or protects your professional presence, but it actually renders your profile ineffective. Don’t be afraid to comment on relevant threads, jump into debates (with an air of impartiality) and post your own thought-provoking insights.
As with networking, no one remembers the person who said nothing. Add something constructive to the conversations around you and get your name out there in a professional and targeted way. Think about what your future employer or promotion-deciding-seniors would want to see from you…
Be an initiative taker
There are so many ways in which you can take initiative in your role, especially if you’re currently working from home. Operate under the premise of doing things before they are asked of you… for example:
Send update emails or reports to your boss on a regular basis, before they ask for them.
If you’re customer-facing, do the same thing. Update customers and get in touch with them before they start asking you questions.
If you’re currently out of work, take the initiative within your own schedule. Work on your social profiles, spruce up your CV, take some classes or undertake industry research.
Don’t stop applying if you’re looking for a new position. Industries such as the food industry are still hiring – because these industries must remain stable, no matter the global or economic climate.
Within specific industries, the initiative might look different.
In supply chain, that might involve preparing for a shortage of drivers or forecasting demand ahead of time.
In foodservice, you might want to consider the rerouting of your product offering. If people can’t enter your premises, how can you go out to them? Have you created a re-opening plan? What strategies can you use to encourage people back through the door?
In marketing, how can you futureproof the image of your business? What pivots or initiatives could you introduce to protect the current business’ goals? How could you console and pacify your customers?
In food science, stay sensitive to the short term demands of this crisis, but don’t neglect your edge of innovation. Stay current and stay curious.
Future proof yourself
If you’re finding that you have a little more time on your hands than normal, excellent! Now is the perfect time to do all those ‘better-myself’ tasks that were on your pipedream list.
Whether you’d like to take on a secondary qualification or start a project on the side, use this time to bolster yourself in your industry. Like we’ve said before, the action takers, talkers, and do-ers are the ones that are remembered. How could you make yourself indispensable when this all blows over?
Overwhelmed with it all
Now, while there are a lot of tips in this article, it’s important to avoid analysis paralysis.
This is a stressful time. You’re entitled to feeling overwhelmed – in fact, you’re entitled to a few days under the covers, pretending it’s not happening. But don’t let that become the norm – don’t let overwhelm rob you of these opportunities.
Create a plan of the things that you want to achieve and just hit one thing at a time. Lists that are as long as your arm, that never get ticked off, are just going make you feel like an instant failure. Pace yourself, prioritize, and take the breaks you need.
Feeling like your job is at a standstill? That it just doesn’t seem to be moving in any direction? – You feel stuck, performing the same uninspiring tasks day in and day out, waiting to be challenged? Feeling your self-confidence slipping away as others around you are promoted? Familiar with the feeling? If you are eager and excited about moving up and becoming more of a key player in your company and actively seeking opportunities to do so then Females in Food Membership Community may be what you’re looking for. Tap into a network of women in the industry who can offer you all the guidance and support you need. Take a peek, what have you got to lose!
Job searching made easier
Maybe you want to land your dream job and you have no idea how to go about applying – after all, isn’t it just about sending off your resume and hoping against all odds that they pick your resume? After all, you’ve got all that it takes – or so you thought. Whether you are looking at getting promoted at your current company or ready to apply for that dream job, here are some good tips to start getting noticed at work – Later, we’ll review and revamp your resume and help you stand out in this hugely competitive market.
Do an outstanding job no matter what you do, every day. That will get you seen by your boss and other top leadership because of the valuable contributions that you are adding to the company
Volunteer your services and use your skills so that management and co-workers see what an invaluable asset you are.
Don’t be confrontational and try to get along with everyone: Treat others as you want to be treated.
Help co-workers if you think they might need some assistance without expecting favors in return – do it just because you are kind and want to.
Become an expert in a particular area because people turn to problem solvers, from peers to upper management. Look for great opportunities where you can apply these skills, then volunteer for projects where you can show them off.
Continuously prove that you are the best thing that happened to your company! Not just one time. Every day when you go to work, you need to show your boss your value.
Always remember that your career is your responsibility. Continuously strive to improve yourself, and work to define your career aspirations and plans. Share this with your boss, asking for his or her help and support. Register for classes, seminars, conferences, etc
Making you and your resume stand out
At last you find the dream job you’ve been searching for. You want it desperately but there’s going to be plenty of competition applying for the same position. How do you make yourself stand out to recruiters and hiring managers? Here are some helpful reminders:
First, how does your resume look? It is important that your qualifications match the job you’re applying for. An appealing all-important cover letter should be next on the list. You’ll need to highlight your professional qualifications so that they match the hiring requirements. What you are offering needs to be presentable and match with the networking sites you might be on, i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook.
Use your connections to boost your search – they could bolster your resume or even get you an interview. Don’t procrastinate when you see something you want – go for it!
Practice your interview that might come – do you know everything about the company you want to join when they ask you questions? Are you ready with the right interview clothes so you look professional? Remember, first impressions count and you want yours to be positive!
Always follow up with Thank You Emails! It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in helping you stay memorable.
Modern job searching is constantly evolving. It’s no longer the simple format of applying for the job and hoping to get a call for an interview. It is rare to get offered a job after simply putting in an application, going to a job interview, and getting an offer. Today’s job market is a very competitive, network-driven job market. A successful woman will have used a variety of strategies in order to reach her goals. She will establish a social presence; she will target companies she wants to work at, and she will have made it easy for employers to find her online.
Look what the experts say are key tips to successful job searches today in the competitive marketplace
Keep your résumé short and concise: The experts say that the hiring managers and the computer algorithms they use to sift through all the resumes are rapid. That means you need your CV to be one that reads quickly and is in small bites., using key terms. Today, typical CVs are scanned in a matter of 6-10 seconds. Use just one contact email address, one phone number, and your LinkedIn profile URL, for example.
People consider hiring a coach so that they are up to date with video interviewing skills. As you know, many employers rely on video conferencing for long-distance screening interviews. That means lots of job seekers use coaches so that they can excel in their video interviews.
You may not have known this, but in the last couple of years, LinkedIn has been one of the key platforms for connecting employers with qualified candidates. When you have a sharp LinkedIn profile, it is considered by some as being even more important than having a great résumé.
Go beyond the usual: If you want to impress your boss, you need to differentiate yourself from others. These three things will set you apart:
Your attitude
How you treat others
How you act when you think no one can see you
When you’ve landed the job, here are fab ways to make and keep your good impressions at the workplace
Be a trailblazer – forthcoming with new ideas, originating new proposals, not being afraid to make your own tracks.
Keep people informed because then you save them from distractions, speculation, and rumors.
Be the go-to person – That really does make a big impression – a person of value.
Think Long-Term While everyone is worrying about today’s problems, be the one to think about the solutions for tomorrow. Be sensitive to issues and trends before they become a problem.
Speak with confidence, sharing what you know, letting others know you can be helpful and supportive.
Be an initiator because making an impact means seeing what needs to get done and taking the initiative to do it.
Be an active listener by paying attention to what people say. Focus on the speaker instead of thinking about how you will answer.
Go the extra mile and do your job with excellence.
With this positive mindset, you will be able to take on tasks with enthusiasm and pleasure – it will take you far. By taking the lead by serving others, not only will you stand out, but you will leave strong and lasting impressions behind!
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