What are the best ways to prepare for a virtual interview in sustainability?

1 Research the organization

Before you apply for any job, you should do some background research on the organization you are interested in. This is especially important for sustainability roles, as you need to demonstrate your alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and values. Find out what are their main goals, projects, and achievements in sustainability, and how they measure their impact. You can also look for information on their culture, values, and expectations from their employees. This will help you tailor your resume, cover letter, and answers to their specific needs and interests.

2 Showcase your skills and experience

Sustainability is a multidisciplinary field that requires a range of skills and competencies, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and innovation. You should be able to highlight your relevant skills and experience in your resume, cover letter, and interview. Use concrete examples and stories to illustrate how you have applied your skills and knowledge in different contexts, such as academic projects, volunteer work, internships, or previous jobs. You should also show your awareness of the current trends and challenges in sustainability, and how you keep yourself updated and informed.

3 Prepare for common questions

Virtual interviews can be nerve-wracking, so to reduce your anxiety and increase your confidence, you should prepare for some common questions that you might encounter in a sustainability virtual interview. Examples include: why you want to work for the company, what the most pressing sustainability issues are in your field or sector, how you approach sustainability problems and solutions, how you communicate and collaborate with others on sustainability projects, how you deal with uncertainty and ambiguity in sustainability work, and what your short-term and long-term career goals in sustainability are. Practicing with a friend or mentor is recommended, as is recording yourself and reviewing your performance. Additionally, come up with some questions of your own to ask the interviewer, such as what the main objectives and priorities of their sustainability team or department are, how they evaluate the impact and effectiveness of their sustainability initiatives, what the main opportunities and challenges they face in their sustainability work are, how they foster a culture of sustainability and engagement within their organization, and what the next steps in the hiring process are.

4 Test your technology and environment

One of the most important aspects of preparing for a virtual interview is to ensure that your technology and environment are ready and reliable. You should test your internet connection, camera, microphone, and software before the interview, and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. You should also choose a quiet, well-lit, and professional-looking place to conduct the interview, and avoid any distractions or interruptions. You should dress appropriately and professionally, as you would for an in-person interview, and maintain eye contact and a positive body language throughout the interview.

5 Follow up and thank the interviewer

After the interview, you should send a thank-you email to the interviewer, expressing your appreciation for their time and interest, and reiterating your enthusiasm and fit for the role. You should also mention any specific points or topics that you discussed during the interview, and highlight your skills and value proposition. You should keep your email brief, polite, and professional, and avoid any spelling or grammar errors. You should also follow up with the interviewer if you don't hear back from them within the expected timeframe, and ask for feedback or updates on the hiring process.