General Mills
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Lisa Bormann
Recruiting Manager at General Mills
Name: Lisa Bormann
Position: Recruiting Manager
Education: Iowa State University, marketing and advertising
Location: Minneapolis, MN
How did you get your start at General Mills?
I was recruited out of college into our marketing services area. I went through the campus recruiting and interview process, so I like to tell candidates, ‘I was in your shoes!’ I remember coming up to the corporate office and being nervous, and having a lot of questions. For twelve and a half years I focused on promotion marketing and integrated communications before moving into corporate recruiting.
What do you look for in entry-level employees?
We look for three things: fit for role, fit for function, and fit for company. Fit for role means you meet the criteria listed in the job description and can handle the responsibilities associated with the position. Fit for function means you have the right background, meaning degree and skills. And fit for company means your fit with our culture. We’re looking for somebody who is innovative, can drive results, has integrity, and can be a good leader.
Can you give an example of something a student or other applicant has done that really impressed you during the recruiting process?
What impresses me is when the candidate takes the time to think of unique questions for the interview, and takes the time to get to know their interviewer. Anything that shows you’re detail-oriented and have prepared for your interview in advance. I had one candidate create portfolios that she gave to the interviewers. It was nothing over the top, but it was very customized and gave a personal touch to the interview.
What “insider tips” do you have for anyone applying to General Mills?
It’s really important to be prepared. We purposely have some of our recruiters make public LinkedIn profiles, so candidates can do research and know the background of their interviewer. We like people who do their due diligence—they read our website and get to know the company. It’s always a little awkward when a candidate comes in and says I love that brand! And the brand belongs to our competitor. Don’t be that person.
Can you give us any sneak peaks into the typical interview?
Our focus is getting to know the candidate. We want to know what they’ve done in the past and how well they know themselves. We want candidates who can give examples of learning experiences, be self-reflective, and tell us about results they’ve delivered. These examples don’t have to come from prior jobs, but can be from classroom experiences, school clubs, etc. Even bad experiences are good to talk about, because you can share how you’ve grown and what you would do differently.
How should a candidate follow up after an interview at General Mills?
I don’t think the format matters so much, but it is important to reach out somehow and let your contact know you’re interested in the position. I’ve had people who call me to follow up, people who write me a note, and people who send an email. It’s not about the format, it’s the point of circling back and expressing your interest.
Position: Recruiting Manager
Education: Iowa State University, marketing and advertising
Location: Minneapolis, MN
How did you get your start at General Mills?
I was recruited out of college into our marketing services area. I went through the campus recruiting and interview process, so I like to tell candidates, ‘I was in your shoes!’ I remember coming up to the corporate office and being nervous, and having a lot of questions. For twelve and a half years I focused on promotion marketing and integrated communications before moving into corporate recruiting.
What do you look for in entry-level employees?
We look for three things: fit for role, fit for function, and fit for company. Fit for role means you meet the criteria listed in the job description and can handle the responsibilities associated with the position. Fit for function means you have the right background, meaning degree and skills. And fit for company means your fit with our culture. We’re looking for somebody who is innovative, can drive results, has integrity, and can be a good leader.
Can you give an example of something a student or other applicant has done that really impressed you during the recruiting process?
What impresses me is when the candidate takes the time to think of unique questions for the interview, and takes the time to get to know their interviewer. Anything that shows you’re detail-oriented and have prepared for your interview in advance. I had one candidate create portfolios that she gave to the interviewers. It was nothing over the top, but it was very customized and gave a personal touch to the interview.
What “insider tips” do you have for anyone applying to General Mills?
It’s really important to be prepared. We purposely have some of our recruiters make public LinkedIn profiles, so candidates can do research and know the background of their interviewer. We like people who do their due diligence—they read our website and get to know the company. It’s always a little awkward when a candidate comes in and says I love that brand! And the brand belongs to our competitor. Don’t be that person.
Can you give us any sneak peaks into the typical interview?
Our focus is getting to know the candidate. We want to know what they’ve done in the past and how well they know themselves. We want candidates who can give examples of learning experiences, be self-reflective, and tell us about results they’ve delivered. These examples don’t have to come from prior jobs, but can be from classroom experiences, school clubs, etc. Even bad experiences are good to talk about, because you can share how you’ve grown and what you would do differently.
How should a candidate follow up after an interview at General Mills?
I don’t think the format matters so much, but it is important to reach out somehow and let your contact know you’re interested in the position. I’ve had people who call me to follow up, people who write me a note, and people who send an email. It’s not about the format, it’s the point of circling back and expressing your interest.
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