Writing a cover letter is a tricky skill to master, but follow our tips and you too can write the perfect cover letter to get that green job. We’ve got tips on general cover letter writing, then a guide on specifically how to write cover letters for green jobs.
General Cover Letter Tips
A cover letter is a document that is typically sent along with a CV or job application. Its purpose is to provide additional information about your skills and experience, as well as to introduce yourself to the employer. First, here are some tips for writing a good cover letter, regardless of which job you are applying for:
- Keep it concise: Your cover letter should be no more than one page long, so be sure to get straight to the point and avoid rambling.
- Use a professional tone: A cover letter is a formal document, so make sure to use a professional tone and avoid using slang or overly casual language.
- Customise it for each application: Don’t just send out the same cover letter for every job you apply to. Take the time to tailor it to the specific job and company you’re applying to.
- Use bullet points to highlight your skills and experience: Use bullet points to highlight your most relevant skills and experience, and provide specific examples of how you’ve used them in the past.
- Proofread: Be sure to carefully proofread your cover letter for spelling and grammar errors. A cover letter with mistakes can make a bad impression on the employer.
- Keep it positive: Focus on the positive aspects of your skills and experience, and avoid complaining or making negative comments.
- End with a call to action: End your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering your application and expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview for the position.
Cover Letters for Green Jobs
OK, here’s the interesting bit – here are our top tips for customising your cover letter to make it a perfect fit for the green job you are applying for:
- Research the company’s values and focus: Look into the company’s mission and values, and try to align your cover letter with their focus on sustainability.
- Highlight your relevant skills and experience: Emphasise any skills or experience you have that are relevant to the green industry. For example, if you have experience with renewable energy technologies or have completed coursework in environmental science, be sure to mention it.
- Explain your passion for sustainability: Share your personal values and motivations for pursuing a green job. This can help the employer see that you are committed to sustainability and are the right fit for their company, and is a great addition when writing cover letters for green jobs.
- Use specific examples: Provide specific examples of how you’ve applied your skills and experience in the past to contribute to sustainability efforts.
Transferable Skills for Green Jobs
Even if you don’t have any particular experience in the green sector, there are many transferable skills which you can refer to in your cover letter. These include:
- Knowledge of environmental science and sustainability principles: Understanding the environmental impacts of different industries and technologies, as well as how to reduce those impacts, is crucial for many green jobs.
- Technical skills: Depending on the specific green job, you may need to have technical skills in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, water management, or waste reduction.
- Communication and collaboration skills: Working effectively with a team, as well as being able to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences, can be important in green jobs.
- Problem-solving skills: Identifying and addressing environmental challenges often requires creative and analytical problem-solving skills.
- Leadership and management skills: Some green jobs may require managing people, projects, or budgets, so leadership and management skills can be valuable.
- Interpersonal skills: Working with a diverse group of stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and businesses, can be a key aspect of many green jobs, so strong interpersonal skills can be important.
If you found this useful, take a look at our guide to writing the perfect CV for a green job!
