You're in a job interview for a sustainability position. How can you show your passion?

Being passionate about sustainability in a company where senior managers are not is not likely to be a good interview or career enhancing strategy! So if you are passionate and you think your line manager may not be (do research ahead of the interview), you will want to show you are also very practical. Or better, find a firm where your passion will be genuinely valued. How to best demonstrate genuine passion? Focus on something you *genuinely* care about - and where you have kept going, despite initial set backs. Speak human!

Quando eu fiz a entrevista para a vaga de Analista de Sustentabilidade que assumi na Ingredion Incorporated, eu criei uma linha do tempo com todas as iniciativas que já desenvolvi em ESG relacionadas aos ODS. Trouxe situações em que exerci liderança, protagonismo, inquietude e coragem para mudar processos. Eu era da área ambiental da época, mas a vaga possui foco no social, então eu criei um roteiro de entrevista conectando minhas contribuições ambientais às sociais previamente desenvolvida e trouxe possíveis projetos que gostaria de desenvolver no novo cargo. Felizmente, fui aprovada e já estou há um ano na posição.

Benchmark the company against best of class competitors. This will give you data points to highlight where you see opportunities and risks and allow you to craft your expertise around the ROI you will help deliver.

Hi There It's my first time to write in this feature. I'd love to give and sharing my experience do the research in CSR in various aspect, especially in marketing dicipline.

Cuando fundé una empresa de energías renovables en Perú, valoraba mucho el conocimiento del sector y los retos globales que afronta. Los candidatos que entrevisté para diversas posiciones, me dejaron aprendizajes sobre la importancia a nivel personal y profesinoal sobre el rol de la sostenibilidad para el planeta. Además la visión a largo plazo es importante para entender hacia donde se dirige el negocio de las energías renovables en el Perú.

In my experience, using visual aids such as charts and graphs to present both quantitative and qualitative data is helpful. Visual aids should be used to illustrate projects you have worked on, their impact, successes and learnings. This is a good way to set yourself apart from other candidates.

Highlight your skills: My toolkit boasts a range of eco-centric skills—carbon footprint analysis, waste reduction strategies, and sustainable supply chain management. I'm like a green Swiss Army knife, ready for any sustainability challenge.

In meiner Ausbildung und Arbeit habe ich wichtige Fähigkeiten für Nachhaltigkeit entwickelt: Kritisches Denken: Analysieren komplexer Umweltprobleme im Studium. Problemlösung: Angegangen von Herausforderungen in der Lieferkette, z.B. durch effizientere Produktionsprozesse. Kommunikation: Klar und überzeugend Stakeholder informiert und mobilisiert. Zusammenarbeit: Eng mit verschiedenen Interessengruppen zusammengearbeitet, um nachhaltige Lösungen zu entwickeln. Kreativität: Innovative Ansätze wie die Erforschung alternativer Materialien oder die Nutzung neuer Technologien angewendet.

Showing continuous education in sustainable development, be it through university degrees, professional certifications, or specialized online courses, indicates deep interest and commitment to the field. Highlighting relevant experience, including volunteer roles or personal projects related to sustainability, can underline practical engagement in the field. I could mention familiarity with frameworks such as the European Green Deal, the Non-Financial Reporting Directive, etc.

In my case, I could speak about projects and achievements such as initiatives to reduce GHS emissions, EMAS audits, waste management but also EHS compliance audits, etc. I could demonstrate an understanding of how CSR can be integrated into an overall strategy and add value not just in terms of compliance but also in enhancing the company's reputation and economic performance. The ability to effectively communicate about sustainability issues and advocate for sustainable practices within and outside the organization is a major strength.

By avoiding saying, "I am passionate about sustainability." This statement is far too general. Share what precisely within the field of sustainability you are passionate about. Share how you are involved in the sustainability community. Share your sustainability origin story. Share what makes you unique from the others who "are passionate about sustainability."

People don't usually go for a job in sustainability for the money. They do so because of a deep sense of connection to nature, animals, and our planet. They do so because they are apprehensive about climate change and want to do something about it. They do so because a sense of fairness and justice deeply drives them. If this is why you are after a job in sustainability, don't be afraid to talk about it with passion and emotion during your interview.

Use examples of companies whose work in sustainability you love. And try to stay away from the typical Patagonias of the world. What companies do you respect because they’ve made the hard choices in a difficult situation or communicated about a sustainability issue hard to explain to stakeholders. Who are your benchmarks for a “North Star”?

Be authentic and don't use jargon. Sustainability is a general term and can apply to one's lifestyle and professional interests - which is key! Connect your passion for fighting the effects of climate change to your every day passions that will be impacted by climate change. For example - did you know that climate change threatens 70% of the world's wine regions? If you're a wine enthusiasts, share that it shows you care more than any certification.

To demonstrate your passion for a sustainability role, find common ground between your personal motivation and values in relation to the organisation you're applying to. For example, review the employer's values. Then prepare an interview answer aligned with each of these values (e.g. integrity, leadership, etc.) based upon your professional experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This approach will help you to channel your passion for sustainability while ensuring your answer demonstrates the business impact you can create for your prospective employer.

Ask for feedback: Just like a plant needs water to thrive, I need feedback to grow. How can I enhance my sustainability efforts? I'm all ears, eager to absorb knowledge like a sponge in a rainforest.

Expresaría mi pasión por la sostenibilidad compartiendo mis motivaciones personales sobre esa temática, mis valores y la visión que tengo de un mundo sostenible y al que todos debemos aportar de alguna manera para cuidar nuestra casa grande que es el planeta.

Ob eine Dankesnachricht nach einem Vorstellungsgespräch die Chancen massiv erhöht würde ich bezweifeln. Wenn sich ein Anknüpfungspunkt ergibt, dann auf jeden Fall, aber ansonsten ist der Effekt überschaubar. Wenn die email aber professionell und recht freundlich geschrieben ist und vor allem den Empfänger nicht irgendetwas aufdrängt, dann schadet es auch nicht und bringt einen nochmal in Erinnerung.

Personal experience: From organizing beach clean-ups to implementing energy-saving measures at home, my sustainability journey is a testament to my commitment. Like a tree rooted in eco-consciousness, I've grown and flourished.

Reach out to other people in the field to hear more about what the hiring space looks like so you can be prepared for any follow-up interviews or interviews at new companies. There are always a multitude of opportunities, it just sometimes can take time to discover them!

I agree, and don’t forget to mention certain aspects and discussion points that were brought up in the interview that engaged both parties.

Action speaks louder than words. Begin to be involved in sustainability today for tomorrow's opportunity. Passion has to come from within.

Wear sustainable clothing! It will bring authenticity to your words and show you genuinely live and breathe the values you’re talking about.

Don’t rely on passion to land you this job. It’s one thing to be passionate, it’s another to understand the complexity of wholesale operational and strategic change. Some people will disagree with the sustainability agenda. Being able to work with them, not take their resistance personally and make strategic compromises will make all the difference to you making progress. Passion burns out. Show them that you understand politics.

Follow up: Like a sustainable cycle, I believe in the importance of continuity. A follow-up conversation would not only demonstrate my ongoing interest but also reaffirm my dedication to making a positive impact in the realm of sustainability.

The most straightforward method to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability is by detailing your previous achievements, highlighting your indigenous and holistic approach to addressing environmental challenges. Regardless of its size.