5 Steps to Get your Foot in the Door in ClimateTech

Maybe you saw an inspirational LinkedIn post on eco-anxiety, you came across a podcast diving deep into the depths of regenerative agriculture, or saw a Twitter debate on carbon capture — nonetheless, you were introduced to ClimateTech and you’re curious.

Next thing you know, you’re seeking out more podcasts, reading books, attending webinars (subtle plug), and skimming newsletters, and you’re hooked. You’ve done the hardest part, you’ve conceptualized a career in climate. 51% of people we interviewed in a recent survey aren’t applying for climate jobs because they believe they need direct climate experience.

If you’re like most people, you care about the planet (you’re a decent human being) and you want to work on something that is actually worthwhile to you. However, you didn’t realize the unique opportunity for you to use your skills to help combat climate change. So hey, you’re doing better than most!

That being said, you’re probably pretty inundated with resources and feel quite overwhelmed. Well, again, you are not alone.

Follow these 5 steps to help you see through the noise and turn your pipe dreams of a climate job into a reality.

1. Dive in headfirst

There is a lot, and I mean a lot of resources for climate job seekers. We’ve found that it’s a bit of a microcosm — before you discover the climate community, you don’t know that they exist, but then once you discover one, you find hundreds and hundreds more.

Our survey showed that 83% of respondents without climate jobs were still using LinkedIn to find one. People who are not already in the climate community are rarely using climate-specific resources to find jobs. So, once they discover climate resources, they become inundated.

In our most recent webinar, Leone Baron the Community Lead at MCJ Collective recommended taking a pyramid approach to navigating climate resources. 👇👇

2. Narrow down the sectors you’re interested in

Once you’ve discovered climate as an industry and have done your initial research, the next step is to narrow down the sectors that you'd like to lend your skills to. There are thousands of different climate solutions out there, which ones speak to you and how do you determine this?

Project Drawdown is an incredible resource to help lay your framework. They offer a detailed explanation of every sector and ways to conceptualize your individual role within the greater arena.

3. Network

Once you have an idea about the specific climate sectors that interest you, talk to people who are working in that space. The Work on Climate and MCJ Collective communities are incredible places to meet these very people. Having these conversations will allow you to develop a strong grasp of what a real-life solution looks like in your industry and in your sectors of interest.

Everyone always says to “just network” but how do you do it? It’s integral to put your shame to the side and commit to your networking goals. People in the climate space want to help and 9/10 times they will agree to chat with you.

Here’s some of Seth Collins, the Director of Learning Strategy at Terra.do’s advice on the matter. 👇👇

Set realistic goals for yourself and commit to them. Do whatever you have the time for but 3-5 conversations every few weeks would be a great place to start.

Here’s a template for reaching out to these individuals:

”Hello {name},

My name is {your name} and I’m a {your job} at {your company/industry}. I just came across your profile and am impressed by {their __ project, their role, their experience, etc.} and would love to learn more. I have experience with {a project, a role, a certain experience} and think it could be of value to you. Here’s a link to my calendar if you want to get something scheduled. Thanks for your time and I hope you have a great day!”

4. Lay out the exact job that you want

It’s key to figure out the types of jobs that you’re interested in. The best way to narrow this down is to pull from your networking conversations. Find people whose career trajectories impress you and reach out. From this conversation, look at their job title and compare that with similar jobs on LinkedIn. Take note of all the recurring skills and qualifications. This research will be essential when interviewing and applying. If you can pinpoint these skills on your resume and articulate them in interviews the hiring manager will be impressed.

When you start applying for jobs make sure you follow up on the application to increase your chances of getting an interview.

Here’s a template for continuing your networking conversation with the hiring manager.

”Hello {name},

My name is {your name} and I’m a {your job} at {your company/industry}. If you have a second, I would love the chance to discuss how my experience {top 3 skills} might match the {job title} role I’ve applied for. Thanks for your time and I hope you have a great day!"

5. Make a timeline

Getting a climate job is no walk in the park. In order to remain optimistic and on track, you must set realistic expectations. Ask yourself what you have the time and capacity for and set SMART goals.

Are you working a full-time job or can you commit 40 hours a week to your search? Your individual circumstances obviously come into play, make sure you account for them so you don't overcommit and burn yourself out.

Another critical element is timing. If you're going to embark on the climate job search, ensure that you’re ready to commit. Is the time to jump now? Or should you continue with steps one and two?

Climate People’s founder, Brendan, teetered with the idea of founding a climate company for two years before he eventually made the move.

My final piece of advice is to keep your head up. I know this is way easier said than done, but looking for a job can be a bit of a demoralizing process if you let it be. Rather than dwelling on your inevitable rejections, I encourage you to invest in your failures, aim to get rejected and reframe your mindset to view all of this as a stepping stone leading you to your dream job.

The Climate People team and the entire climate community are rooting for you!

Good luck out there! As always, we’re here to help! <3