The Sustainability Job Seekers Playbook
In this cost-conscious economic climate, there is a surplus of people looking for work versus available opportunities. When you add in political pushback and a move away from sustainability, things start to look challenging for those looking for their next job.
What would I do if I were looking for a job right now? Well, I do. I am always looking for new mandates for Farrell Associates to work on, and I have had to adapt and grow to make sure that we stay relevant when our clients are dropping off the radar.
Rationalise – Start by taking a pragmatic perspective. Things are bad — terrible, almost — but there are good things happening, pockets of growth, and a great role out there for you. Accepting the worst but then making a positive plan allows you to focus your energy in the right places.
Know who you are – What is it that you really want to do? What is your level? And what is your personality profile best suited for? Hiring teams are thinking about this when they are interviewing (because they want to make sure they don't get the hire wrong), and they will figure it out. So it stands to reason that it saves you time (and the emotional damage of being rejected) if you can lead with this certainty. You can also rest assured that someone who is certain about who they are and what they want is super attractive to hiring teams.
Focus on the roles that fit who you are and what you want – Business development, or looking for a new role in sustainability, is about emotional and time management. It is the balance of focusing on what is achievable while keeping a positive attitude. If you can try extra hard to only apply for roles which are a genuine fit for your background and future aspirations, then you will have a higher likelihood of success, and you will limit the downside of rejection, which can hurt and knock your confidence and focus, which means you might miss out on the perfect opportunity.
How can you make yourself really stand out – Certainty and confidence are very attractive to hiring teams, and if you find the role that is the one for you, don't think about telling them you're perfect or leaning in with selling your skills — start off by telling them why you are at the interview and what it is you're looking for. In sustainability, we are all attracted to passion and impact, but really, we want to hire great people who are good in the role and who stay for the long term. Getting bombarded by a sales pitch can be confusing and only pushes people away.
What to do on LinkedIn – Personally, I don't see the value in the green banner. I would mention that you are open to opportunities and maybe keep your profile updated, signalling that you are taking on some study or self-improvement while looking for a new role. I would always think: 'What does my profile say about me?'
Finding a great job in this market is really hard. It will test your patience, emotions, fortitude, and faith in the recruitment process. Just realise you are not alone, and that it is the ability to keep moving forward and learn as you go that will stand you apart.