We’ve all been there. You’re applying to your dream job at your dream company — they emphasize the importance of sustainability, commit to ambitious goals to limit their carbon footprint, and partner with key climate advocates like Protect Our Winters. And you — with no scientific or professional sustainability background — are a perfect fit for the job. Plus, you recycle. Compost. Shop second-hand. Ride your bike to work.
But how do you communicate your passion, values, and commitment to sustainability in a natural, authentic way — without sounding like you’re bragging?
Start with Your Summary
While you don’t want to ignore your professional background, use this white space to explain who you are and what you care about. Include key phrases that are authentic but also may serve as helpful search terms for recruiters and applicant tracking systems: “mission-driven,” “purpose-aligned,” “passionate about environmental impact.” As long as it’s true, this is the blankest slate you’re given in your resume — use it.
Weave Sustainability Into Your Work Experience
Find ways to thread sustainability into your professional story, even if it wasn’t your primary focus. Maybe you led a waste-reduction initiative at the office, partnered with vendors aligned with ESG goals, or managed events that incorporated carbon offsetting or zero-waste efforts.
For example, I worked in experiential marketing — an industry rife with waste. I couldn’t make my clients build with sustainable materials, but I was able to get them to commit to a carbon-offset program for our travel, covering 30+ people who traveled internationally on a monthly basis.
If you worked at a B Corp or a 1% for the Planet partner, call it out. Don’t count on recruiters to search the company to discover its sustainability credentials.
Highlight Values-Driven Skills
In your skills section, identify key traits that are valued in the climate space. These might include:
- Systems thinking
- Stakeholder alignment
- Values-driven decision-making
- Ethical leadership
- Adaptability in dynamic environments
These signal to hiring managers that you're aligned with the company’s purpose — even if your job isn’t climate-focused.
Include Volunteer Work or Mission-Driven Projects
Every resume includes summary, experience, and skills. But an optional section that can help you stand out is one dedicated to volunteer work or side projects. Maybe you’re a member of a local park-cleanup crew. Or perhaps you volunteer your professional skills through a platform like Catchafire, where you can support nonprofit organizations focused on environmental causes.
Use your copywriting to help save sharks. Use your event planning expertise to help plant trees. The key is showing that your values show up in how you spend your time, not just in your words.
Mention Relevant Courses or Certifications
Lastly, include any certifications or courses you’ve taken or are actively pursuing. Whether it’s climate literacy, sustainability in business, or ESG fundamentals, it’s all evidence of your commitment to learning and growth.
Summary
You don’t need a degree in environmental science to work for a mission-driven, sustainability-focused company. What matters is that your values show up clearly and authentically — not just in your summary, but throughout your experience, skills, and story. By framing your professional background through the lens of purpose and impact, you’ll not only stand out to eco-conscious employers, you’ll also feel more aligned with the work you do every day.