The Hershey Company

EMPLOYEES

13,000

PRIMARY BUSINESS

The Hershey Company is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and is a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionary. Headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the company’s iconic brands include Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, KitKat, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers and Hershey’s Bliss chocolates. With revenues of more than $5 billion, The Hershey Company is also a leader in the fast-growing dark and premium chocolate segment, marketing such brands as Hershey’s Special Dark and Hershey’s Extra Dark chocolates.

VISION STATEMENT

Great People Building Great Brands.

PERSONNEL PHILOSOPHY

One of the things that make working at the Hershey Company special is the deep connection employees have to the company and its brands. This sense of connection, shared commitment and dedication is unique and forms the foundation of the company’s success.

The Hershey Company is solidly committed to making a positive difference in the community and actively works to enrich the lives of it’s employees and retirees through competitive wages and benefits including a wide variety of wellness programs, incentive programs, a progressive 401(k), a tiered medical plan, benefits for domestic partners, matching gift programs and more.

As part of the legacy of Hershey Company Founder Milton S. Hershey, employees share a deep commitment to helping those in need. The company’s corporate philanthropic efforts are focused on children at risk, providing support for The United Way, the Children’s Miracle Network and numerous other organizations that work to enrich lives in the local and global communities.

Hershey’s values, “One Hershey,” tell a powerful story: A global and diverse team, operating with integrity, working together, determined to make a difference.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Hershey is committed to being all-inclusive and to realizing its vision, “Great People Building Great Brands.” The company’s strength comes from bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, ideas and interests. Hershey provides opportunities for all employees to learn, grow, and shine both in both the work environment and in the community.

Diversity Councils and Affinity Groups provide a forum through which employees provide and discuss recommendations on increasing productivity as well as the quality of the work environment. Such Affinity Groups and Councils include the Asian Affinity Group, the African American Affinity Group, the Hispanic Affinity Group, the Network of Young Professionals, PRISM- A GLBT Resource and Alliance, The Women’s Council, and the Sales Diversity Council.

The Hershey Company understands the importance of strengthening business for the overall economic growth of the communities it serves. With a strong supplier diversity program, the company is committed to partnering locally and nationally with diverse suppliers to provide goods and services in support of its global operations.

Read more about diversity at Hershey’s.

Read more about supplier diversity at Hershey’s.

New CPGjoblist Companies Are Hiring!

Although the year is winding down, things are still hopping at CPGjoblist.

In the last several weeks, we have welcomed a number of new companies to our growing roster of clients listing active job searches including Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola Bottling Consolidated, the Federated Group, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Balance Bar / Brynwood partners, and many more. The number of top CPG companies listing their open positions on CPGjoblist is growing and that means additional opportunities for you!

Update Your Profile For Visibility to New Companies

Has it been a while since you updated your Candidate Profile in CPGjoblist? Remember, our hiring companies can only see your personal information and resume if you check the names of those companies off in your Profile. If it has been a few weeks since you visited the site, take some time to do so now.

To allow a new company to see your Profile, simply click “Select Your Target Companies” from the menu in your Profile, then add to your current list by holding down the CTRL key (CMD on a MAC) while making your selections.

Complete Your CPGjoblist Profile

All of the hiring and staffing managers who work with CPGjobs look for qualifications and experience that match the position for which they are hiring. They really do search the fields in your candidate profile when looking for qualified candidates.

Gone are the days when meeting one or two qualifications for a position will get your foot in the door. Be certain your resume and Candidate Profile accurately and completely reflect your background and experience. If you have not meticulously accounted for your experience in your Candidate Profile, you may be overlooked in a hiring manager’s candidate search. Make it a habit to review the information in your Profile and update your information on a regular basis as new skills are acquired.

Also, be sure to upload a resume into your Candidate Profile. It is easy to update your resume simply by updating your Profile, so don’t hesitate to do this. Hiring companies will not consider candidates without a resume, regardless of how detailed the other sections of your Candidate Profile is.

Remember…putting your CPGjoblist Candidate Profile on your “list” this holiday season could mean a much happier New Year in 2010. Take full advantage of our growth by updating your Target Companies today!

Congratulations New Hires!

We want to extend our congratulations to the following CPGjoblist candidates recently hired:

Andall Allison – Bell Carter Foods
Ash Khan – Reckitt-Benckiser
Roderick Brown – Newell Rubbermaid

FREE Teleseminar: Debunking Common Resume Myths

With so many resume resources available today, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. Like most people, you’re probably left with more questions about your resume than answers. How much of my work history should I include? Shouldn’t I try to appeal to as many job opportunities as possible? Will bullets really help my resume stand out?

Join resume experts Kathy Keshemberg and Kevin Morris on Tuesday, January 5th, as they debunk common resume myths and explain what really goes into an interview-winning resume.

To register, drop Kathy an email at cpg@acareeradvantage.com; complete details will be forwarded to you.

Can’t make the call live?
No problem … it will be recorded and those who pre-register will receive the link.

Networking During the Holidays – 5 Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

We all know that networking is the #1 suggested activity for those involved in a job search. But … do you have a strategy mapped out before you walk into that networking event?

Here are some tips to help you maximize your effectiveness.

1. Create a succinct “sound byte” or “elevator speech.”

Remember, the “Rule of Sevens” – once you begin a conversation you have 7 seconds to make a first impression, 14 seconds to create sufficient interest, and 21 seconds to tell your story. That’s a total of less than a minute to get your point across, so every word counts!† Don’t waste time on past history or the reasons you are in the job market; instead be forward-thinking – what position do you want and what value do you offer. Once you have this message crafted practice it out loud – you’ll be surprised how different it sounds in words rather than “in your head.”

2. Prepare questions and/or icebreaker topics in advance.

Keep your questions open ended to ensure the conversation flows, for example, “What one or two things would you like to take away from this event?” “Who would you most like to meet this evening?” “What is your biggest business or networking challenge and how can I help you?” Current local/national events are good “neutral” topics (avoid politics, please!).

3. Commit to a goal.

Decide on the number of people you’d like to meet that evening. Very often it’s tempting to continue in a conversation for longer than necessary to avoid the need to move on into the unknown. If your goal is to meet five new people you’ll be more likely to exit a conversation and move on.

4. Show up in a positive frame of mind.

Many times I encounter job seekers at events who have a very “needy” attitude – “poor me, I’m out of a job” – you want to be positive and convey that this search is an exciting opportunity for you to land a rewarding new challenge.

5. Be prepared to tell the listener what they can do for you.

Never convey that you expect them to have a job for you. Instead you want to ask for referrals, which allows them to help but removes the direct pressure. Remind them to keep you in mind if they know of someone who can use your skills or ask if they know anyone they could introduce you to who would be in a position to help.

Attending networking events isn’t just about showing up – preparing in advance will make the time investment much more worthwhile.

For more than two decades, Kathy Keshemberg, NCRW, CCMC and her team at A Career Advantage have been providing professionals with world-class resume consultation and writing, career coaching and personal branding services. Learn more…

Entrepreneur to Employee: Essential Steps Towards Making The Transition

As Senior Vice President for CPGjoblist, I have the opportunity talk to lots of CPG candidates and review hundreds of resumes every week. Quite a few of the professionals I talk to are in the process of making the delicate transition from entrepreneur or consultant into full-time employment— a transition that requires a rather specific set of strategies in order to be successful.

Pursuing a corporate job after running your own firm or providing services through a consultancy requires a bit of additional preparation as you begin your search process. Hiring managers might wonder if you are running away from problems in your own business, how you will handle working within a corporate hierarchy, or if you are simply biding your time until the economy improves.

You may wonder whether you are making the right decision; in particular, whether or not you can find an organizational fit that is right for you—a company that is a good match both in terms of your skills and personal values.

If you are making such a transition, begin by taking the following steps:

1. Answer the question, “Why Do You Want To Work For Someone Else?”
   
   Being able to answer this question is really important, because believe me, it’s one of the first a hiring manager is going to ask you. Begin by asking why you went to work for yourself in the first place. What is it that you are passionate about? Think about how you can translate that passion into an exceptional “level of service” you can provide a prospective employer. In other words, your ultimate (interview) answer to this question should reflect the value your experience brings to the corporate world.
   
   
2. Translate Your Skill Set Into Value For Your Employer
   
   Oftentimes, business owners and consultants have a hard time seeing how their experience and skills effectively translate into a corporate environment. Try to think of this process as a business pitch. Draw upon your strengths as a manager and translate them into a “proposal” for your new employer.
   
   For example, consider a branding consultant whose business provided creative communications products to her clients. For any given contract, she managed a cadre of independent contractors such as web designers, packaging designers, copywriters, media planners, etc. The ability to effectively manage disparate, distributed teams of people is a solid skill set that is highly valued in the corporate world.
   
   Think about how your skills can translate into bottom-line results for your future employer. Using basic research techniques and your professional connections (see #3 below) to determine what market challenges your prospective employer may currently be facing. Be prepared to talk about how your experience and skills can help solve their problem. Craft your unique solution around your being there for the long term.
   
   
3. Reach Into Your Professional Network
   
   I can’t emphasize how important it is to use professional networking tools liked LinkedIn— both for research and for providing the personal connections you need to get your foot in the door.
   
   Start with your immediate contacts, and then go 3 to 6 degrees of separation outward. Do some research to find those organizations that are a good fit for your skills and personal values. Ask for personal introductions to managers at these companies from your direct contacts and their direct contacts.
   
   Most people love to talk about their personal experiences. Find out what the recipes are for success at your target companies. Interact with others in professional groups in your industry (like CPGpeople) to gain information and introductions to hiring managers.
   
   
4. Fine Tune Your Resume
   
   Does your resume simply list your business or consultancy at the top of your work history? If so, it’s time to rethink. Your resume should solidly reflect the skill sets and results you built before and during your entrepreneurial career.
   
   Don’t be afraid to highlight your major accomplishments as a business owner. Feature big picture thinking as well as specific clients you worked with and the results you achieved. Don’t be afraid to drop names. Got a big-name client? Mention it! And don’t forget any speaking engagements, publications, or press mentions. If you’re having trouble crafting a solid resume, seek the help of a professional resume writer.
   
   
5. Avoid The “Black Hole”
   
   You’ve probably already discovered that applying for positions through a traditional job board is not going to work well for your particular situation. Pitching a cover letter and resume into the job board “black hole” without a specific introduction is hit or miss— (mostly miss).
   
   Here at CPGjoblist we can help ease your transition by making a personal introduction directly to hiring managers on your behalf. Much like a professional introduction through LinkedIn, this personal approach gives us an opportunity to present you as a “whole package” to decision makers at your target companies.
   
   If you see a position for which you are well qualified, just give us a call. We’ll review your background and if we agree, we’ll get you in front of the hiring manager personally…and ahead of the pack. Then, you take the pitch from there!
   
   

Don’t forget, as a seasoned entrepreneur, you bring fresh ideas, diversity, and a willingness to take calculated risks— qualities that are very attractive to many employers. Do your homework, leverage your professional connections and keep your eye open for opportunity…and don’t hesitate to call on us for help as you make your transition.

Happy Holidays! I look forward to working with you in 2010!