Advice From People in Climate Careers

The climate industry is a dynamic and evolving field. If you've recently embarked on your journey to secure a climate job, you'll quickly realize that it's a whole new ballgame compared to conventional job hunting. It involves building relationships, gaining in-depth knowledge of the sector, and crafting an influential reputation. For climate career novices, this might seem like a tall order. But it's doable, here are five insider tips from climate professionals that can help you navigate this unique industry. Apply these strategies to your job search, and you'll be well on your way to landing a job in this space!

1) Ignite Your Climate Passion

• Hiring managers in the climate space often expect candidates to demonstrate a robust understanding of the industry. If your experience isn't rooted in climate, don't worry. You can make up for this by immersing yourself in the sector and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. Climate is vast, so we suggest identifying three climate solutions that fascinate you and diving deep into those areas. In this blog on the "Hidden Job Market" we've detailed a three-step process that will help you map out your sector (here's some more advice on conducting a climate sector market map), articulate your impact, and leverage these insights during networking conversations.

2) Networking: Your Key to Success

• To secure a climate job, you need to stand out. Most climate jobs aren't publicly advertised; they're filled through connections. Becoming one of these connections significantly boosts your chances of landing a job. The golden rule of networking is reciprocity - aim to assist others as much as they are helping you. Identify their challenges and offer solutions where possible. If you can't provide immediate solutions, take time to think about how you can be of assistance. It could be as simple as sharing a relevant news article or LinkedIn post in a follow-up email. It's crucial to nurture these relationships beyond a single conversation. Keep detailed notes about your discussions to ensure effective follow-ups. We've designed a networking tracking template to help you document these conversations, brainstorm questions, get follow-up reminders, and note key discussion points. We're also hosting a networking Mini-Series with Laurie McGinley starting in January '24, register for free here.

3) Never Stop Learning

• The climate sector is constantly changing, so it's essential to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. Stay informed about the latest innovations in your areas of interest. Subscribing to newsletters like CTVC, Climate Draft, Driven by Impact, and others is an excellent way to stay in the loop. There are also numerous cohort options like Terra.do, Voiz, Climate Vine, OPF, Climatebase, and more that can enhance your understanding.

4) Leverage Your Transferable Skills

• Transitioning into the climate sector from a different industry might seem daunting. However, your past experience can be a goldmine of transferable skills that can make you a valuable asset in the climate industry. For instance, project management, problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills are highly sought after in this field. To effectively leverage these skills, you need to understand how they apply in the context of climate jobs.
• Start by reviewing job descriptions and identifying the skills that are consistently required across different roles. Next, reflect on your past experiences and identify instances where you've demonstrated these skills. When communicating your abilities, use concrete examples to show how you've used these skills to generate positive outcomes. This approach will demonstrate your potential value to prospective employers and set you apart from other candidates.

5) There is Demand For You

• With the escalating global climate crisis, the demand for professionals in the climate sector is at an all-time high. This surge in demand presents an incredible opportunity for those willing to step up and join the fight against climate change. Companies and organizations across the world are looking for diverse talent to fill a myriad of roles, from policy advocacy to renewable energy engineering.

However, breaking into the climate sector requires more than just a passion for the cause. It's about demonstrating your unique value proposition and showing how you can contribute to the organization's mission. This involves keeping on top of industry trends, continuously learning and upskilling, and networking with key industry players. By doing so, you will not only increase your chances of securing a climate job but also make a meaningful impact on our planet.

We've compiled all these insights and more in our comprehensive Climate Job Seeker Playbook. Harness these tips, and you'll be well-prepared to make your mark in the climate industry.