What are the best ways to integrate sustainability into your job search?

Start by defining your specific areas of interest within sustainability, whether it's renewable energy, environmental conservation, or corporate social responsibility. Target organizations that align with your passion and values, researching their sustainability initiatives thoroughly. Moreover, don't underestimate the power of informational interviews. Reach out to professionals working in your desired field, learn about their experiences, and seek advice on breaking into the sustainability job market. Building relationships with individuals already established in the industry can provide valuable insights and potential job leads.

Part of identifying your goals needs to be identifying what your definition of sustainability is. For many companies it is not their core business, but it is what they do to make their core business less harmful on the environment. They seek a sustainability officer or manager to help drive and report on these activities. For other companies sustainability is the purpose and at the heart of the business. Any job in such a company is about sustainability. So when defining your goals the central question is: do I want to work in sustainability or in a sustainable company and do I want to directly or indirectly contribute to a more sustainable world? There are many jobs in sustainability and still not that many truly sustainable companies.

Sustainability is a diverse field and in order to make up your mind to get into this field, you need to understand how your qualifications and degree can relate to any subfield of sustainability. You need to align those previous experiences and skill sets to seek further opportunities in the field of sustainability. There are a lot of sub-fields in sustainability like reporting, analytics, social sustainability etc.

Do broad research and give yourself time to find what it is about sustainability that clicks with you the most. Subscribe to sustainability job searches on different platforms. LinkedIn is of course a great resource in this respect. When you get offers, read carefully what is expected and what are the responsibilities. Consider what you already know and have experience in and what skills you still need to develop. Be patient. Sustainability is such a broad field that you will surely find where you fit best. Remain open to exploring new possibilities and sectors you would normally never think of. Draw from what you know, but also be ready to try something new.

Before job hunting, clarify your preferred sustainability role and relevant sectors. Use resources like AASHE's Sustainability Career Guide to understand job types and required skills. Engage in informational interviews, webinars, and events to build insights and networks, refining your focus on a specific sustainability niche.

After defining your goals and target sectors, customize your resume and cover letter to emphasize sustainability skills and accomplishments. Incorporate keywords from the job description, showcasing your understanding of specific sustainability challenges. Highlight relevant projects, courses, certifications, or volunteer experiences to demonstrate competencies like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, or innovation. Utilize the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to articulate achievements and quantify your impact, providing a clear, compelling snapshot of your suitability for the sustainability role.

I believe that the right networking can really make a difference in a sustainability-focused job hunt. Getting involved in discussions, speaking at forums, or just being a part of the conversation can do wonders for your CV. But honestly, it's about more than that – it's also a great way to grow personally. Plus, don't underestimate the power of putting your thoughts out there through research papers, white papers, or even a few passionate blog posts. It's a fantastic way to get your ideas circulating and show potential employers what you're all about. It's like saying, 'Hey, not only do I care about these issues, but I'm also ready to roll up my sleeves & do something about them.' Well, that kind of enthusiasm and initiative gets noticed.

Seek out like minded people in both the industry & business you are applying to. Social networking & direct networking groups are usually full of helpful people who are passionate about ESG agenda & can link you in to their extended networks too.

Stand out in interviews by researching and asking questions about the company's sustainability initiatives. Prepare stories highlighting your sustainability skills and values, aligning them with the company's mission. Utilize social media, especially LinkedIn or Twitter, to engage with influencers, organizations, and groups in the sustainability space, showcasing your commitment and insights.

Keeping up with important sustainability related developments is one way of showcasing your interest in the sector. That can also be done here on LinkedIn, by building a network of people who share valuable insights on the subject. If you find open events in your area join them to both educate yourself and expand your network.

Talk with people. Some of them have already gone down the path you are intending to take. Ask them about their experiences, and check what they would do differently if they had a chance to start again. Learn from their experiences. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability. If you are searching for a new job and are entering a new career path, it might appropriate to admit “I don’t know” and “I am not sure.” In today’s culture, we are expected to be strong and confident, but uncertainty and vulnerability are also valuable and they help us build relations. Be authentic. Find mentors, counselors and communities. And if you get support, remember to pay it back in the future. This is also a part of making the world more sustainable.

In today's digital age, maintaining an online presence focused on sustainability can be highly beneficial. This might involve contributing to sustainability forums, writing articles on LinkedIn about sustainable practices, or sharing relevant content on social media. This not only increases your visibility to potential employers but also establishes you as a knowledgeable individual in the field of sustainability. I have often encouraged professionals to undertake personal sustainability projects, such as a community clean-up initiative or a blog on environmental issues. This showcases initiative and passion for sustainability, making you a more attractive candidate to like-minded employers.

In today’s world every job can be a sustainability job. Sustainability is not a trend but a model of conducting business that will be with us for the long term. Therefore, do not try to come up with something that is unfamiliar to you, but integrate sustainability into what you already know and have experience in. Are you a marketeer? Amazingly, this is a sustainability job. The same as procurement, communication, management, and administration – whatever you do, sustainability can always be added to your current experience. Learn how to integrate environmental and social aspects into what you do. Even if you want to change your professional life completely, it might be better to do it step by step.