ESG and Sustainability are no longer mere buzzwords – they’ve become integral to corporate strategies. A remarkable 88% of publicly traded companies, 79% of venture and private equity-backed firms, and 67% of privately-owned enterprises have embraced ESG initiatives1. Moreover, 77% of small and mid-cap companies proudly align themselves with formal ESG-focused purpose statements2. This seismic shift reflects consumer sentiment, with 88% expressing increased loyalty to companies championing social and environmental causes3.
This shift not only reshapes businesses but also catalyses a surge in ESG and Sustainability career opportunities. The demand for sustainability professionals is soaring, prompting companies and recruiters to seek specific skills and expertise. Crafting a CV that demonstrates your commitment to ESG and Sustainability is now pivotal for career success. In this article, we share how you can make your CV ESG-focused in nine impactful steps.
Start with a Strong Summary
Your CV’s opening statement should convey your dedication to ESG and Sustainability in a concise yet impactful manner. Mention your interest in contributing to organizations that prioritize sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical governance. For instance:
“Dedicated professional with a passion for sustainability and a track record of supporting ESG initiatives. Seeking opportunities to leverage my skills to drive positive impact and promote responsible business practices.”
Highlight Relevant Experience
When detailing your work experience, focus on roles and projects that demonstrate your involvement in ESG and sustainability related activities. This could include sustainability projects, corporate social responsibility initiatives, community engagement efforts, ethical governance practices and volunteering experiences. Where possible, use quantifiable achievements to showcase your impact, such as reducing carbon emissions, increasing diversity in hiring, or improving supply chain transparency.
Showcase Your ESG and Sustainability Skills
Dedicate a section that explicitly outlines your ESG and Sustainability related competencies. Encompass areas such as sustainable business strategy, impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, responsible investing, data analysis for ESG metrics, and knowledge of ESG reporting frameworks (GRI, TCFD, etc.). Align these skills with the specific requirements of the job. In a previous blog, we shared the key skills required ESG and Sustainability role.
Emphasize Your Soft Skills
ESG and Sustainability focused roles require strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Highlight instances where you’ve demonstrated these abilities in your previous positions. Discuss teamwork on cross-functional (sustainability) projects, successful engagement with stakeholders, or leadership in driving ESG and other initiatives within your area of work.
Showcase Relevant Education and Training
If you’ve pursued any formal education or training in sustainability, ESG, or related fields, make sure to highlight them. This could be a degree in environmental science, sustainable business, social impact, or relevant certifications. Additionally, showcase any ongoing professional development in ESG to underscore your commitment to staying updated in the field. Here is a list of online courses you can access to further improve your ESG and Sustainability knowledge.
Tailor Your Achievements to ESG and Sustainability Metrics
When discussing your achievements, align them with ESG and Sustainability metrics whenever possible. For instance, if you led a project that resulted in significant waste reduction, quantify the amount of waste diverted from landfills. If you initiated a community engagement programme, highlight the positive social outcomes achieved. If you led or engaged in diversity programmes at work, articulate the impact it has created.
Reflect Values Beyond Work
Include a section that highlights your involvement in extracurricular activities related to sustainability and social responsibility. Mention volunteer work, membership in sustainability organisations, participation in clean-up drives, or any other relevant initiatives. This demonstrates your commitment to ESG and Sustainability values even outside the professional realm.
Customise for Each Application
Tailor your CV for each job application by focusing on the specific aspects emphasised in the job description. Highlight the skills, experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the role you’re applying for. Adapt your CV to reflect the depth of your experience. If you are starting a career in sustainability, consider how you can make your other experiences relevant for the specific role. This targeted approach increases your chances of standing out to hiring managers.
Proofread and Polish
As with any CV, thorough proofreading is essential. Ensure your document is free of grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. A polished CV reflects your attention to detail, a trait highly valued in ESG-focused roles.
By creating a CV that showcases your commitment to ESG and Sustainability values, you’re not only positioning yourself as a valuable candidate, but also contributing to a more sustainable future through your career choices. Remember, an ESG-focused CV is not just a document, it’s a testament to your dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Notes:
- https://www.navex.com/blog/article/environmental-social-governance-esg-global-survey-findings/
- http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/94646/1/QCA_Research_Report_ESG_in_Small_and_Mid-Sized_Quoted_Companies.pdf
- https://www.conecomm.com/research-blog/2017-csr-study
- Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-getting-a-job-interview-5989931/
