Writing a great CV (or resume, if you’re from the USA) is an essential skill, not just for a green job but any job. However, there are certain tricks to use to make sure that your application stands out from the crowd when you’re polishing up your CV for green jobs. Here’s our list of top tips for writing a CV to get that job of your dreams!
Be Concise
As an employer or recruiter, advertising a popular green job will often result in a huge pile of applications. One of the first things that prospective employers will do when starting to whittle down the pool of applicants is to skim-read the CVs which they have received. In reality this means that they will only look at the first page at most, and make a snap decision on whether to keep or reject the application. This means that if your CV runs to several pages, the recruiter will be making that first judgement on just a small fraction of the information you’ve provided.
In our experience, we’ve found it makes sense to keep your CV limited to a single piece of paper – so no more than two pages of text when you’re preparing it. You can then put the most important information on the front page, and preferably on the top half of the page so it is in full-view of whoever is skimming the pile. If you make it to the interview stage you’ll have plenty of opportunities to elaborate on your strengths and experiences.
Smarten Up
Whilst having a beautiful design isn’t the number 1 priority when writing your CV for green jobs it definitely can’t harm to make it look neat and tidy. Stay away from any garish or outlandish fonts, and if you’re going to use colour use it very sparingly (although perhaps a hint of green wouldn’t go amiss).
It is important to have a smart CV because it can help you stand out from other applicants and make a good impression on potential employers. A smart CV is well-organised, easy to read, and includes all of the relevant information that an employer needs to know about you. It should also be tailored to the specific job that you are applying for, highlighting your relevant skills and experience. By having a smart CV, you can increase your chances of getting an interview and ultimately landing the green job you want.
Tailor your CV for Green Jobs
- Highlight your relevant skills and experience: When tailoring your CV for a green job, it is important to highlight any skills and experience that are relevant to the job and the industry. This may include technical skills, such as knowledge of renewable energy technologies or experience with energy efficiency measures, as well as more general skills, such as problem-solving and teamwork.
- Use keywords and phrases: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen CVs, and these systems often use keywords to identify relevant candidates. When tailoring your CV for a green job, make sure to include relevant keywords and phrases, such as “renewable energy,” “sustainable development,” and “green technology.”
- Show your passion for the environment: Employers in the green job market are often looking for workers who are passionate about the environment and sustainability. In your resume, be sure to highlight any personal or professional experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these values, such as volunteering for a conservation organization or working on a sustainability project.
If you enjoyed this article, why not take a look at the rest of our Career Skill Guides?
