Resumes suck. But here’s how to rock the search

For more guidance on making the biggest green job hunting pain points less painful, read on.

Keep in mind:

• An hour spent networking is more valuable than an hour spent applying for jobs you find on the internet.
• In your resume, focus on the outcomes of your work
• Learn how broaden your job search by applying specific modifications to your dream job
• For more guidance, visit Net Impact’s Six Steps to Job Search Success.

1. How do I write a resume that results in a job interview?

• Focus on what you’ve accomplished -- big or small -- rather than on your everyday responsibilities.
• Include specific examples of outcomes, like the number of shares on a social media post or a project getting picked up by the media. Think about numbers, percentages and other metrics.
• Use these examples to demonstrate the benefits you’ll bring to a new organization or hiring manager.

2. Why can’t I get a job interview?

• You’re not networking well. Don’t apply blind if you can help it. Find a classmate, former employer, or friend of a friend who is connected to the organization you are applying to.
• An hour spent networking is more valuable than an hour spent applying for jobs you find on the internet. You should be networking at least triple the time you spend searching for jobs online.
• Build a network of people you trust to offer encouragement, hold you accountable, ask you tough questions and serve as sounding boards for practice interviews.

3. There are so many kinds of planet-saving jobs. Where do I fit?

• Consider which type of workplace is most appealing: nonprofit, government agency, foundation, B Corp (triple-bottom line company), for-profit business (large or small?) or community organization.
• Traditional roles like accounting and marketing are vital to every organization focused on sustainability.
• Many traditional for-profit businesses now hire “impact” roles such as sustainability analysts and reporters and policy advocates.

4. I want to help save the planet but I don’t know where to start.

• To begin envisioning your dream job, write it out, draw it, or describe it to a friend. What are the day-to-day tasks? What type of organization? Any specific dream organizations? Are you working in front of a screen or out in the field? Do you want to work on a team or solo?
• Which parts of your dream job are you willing to modify? For example, would you still be interested if it were for a different company? What if the organization were much smaller than you’ve imagined, or in a rural area rather than a city? Modify the role in a couple of ways and open up your job hunt.
• Organize a group of friends or classmates to keep you accountable on your job search with Net Impact’s self-guided workshop, Making A Path (MAP).

Learn more:

• Find social impact and sustainability job listings on Net Impact’s Job Board
• Transform a traditional resume to a green one with Greenbiz’s Resume Guide
• Once you get that interview, practice! Use Net Impact’s interview toolkit to get ready.

Visit our Green Jobs Hub for job-hunting resources and listings and more links to information about salary and diversity in green careers.