Improve Job Prospects by 'Greening' Your CV
Actively promoting your green credentials to a potential employer could now stand you in better stead for securing the job.
Improved Prospects of the Green Worker
At one time displaying green characteristics in the workplace, such as by encouraging colleagues to sort their rubbish, switch off their workstations or stop wasting paper, may have got you branded as a nuisance, but with companies now keenly aware they must adapt to a climate of green concern in order to survive, that self same eco concern is now casting a positive light, and could well improve your job prospects.The ‘Eco Factor’
The growing significance of the ‘eco factor’ to recruiters has been highlighted by a poll conducted by the UK recruitment website fish4jobs, which found that one third of employers would turn down an applicant if they weren’t happy with the standard of their green credentials.What this actually means in practice is unclear. Can a job candidate really be vetoed on the grounds of their poor eco habits, and if so what bad green credentials could possibly emerge at the recruitment stage - a candidate advertising their membership of a toxic waste-dumping group, or listing illegal rainforest logging as a hobby? This is, of course, very unlikely.
The sensible advice the poll does promote is that more and more employers are actively seeking good green credentials from their job applicants. According to the poll, one in ten employers (11%) quiz candidates about their environmental commitment and carbon footprint as part of the application process.
The overriding message is clear - job candidates can boost their employment prospects by improving and actively promoting their green awareness and credentials.
How Can I Boost My Green Credentials?
So what can the dutiful job candidate do in future to improve their green appeal?Before applying for any position, applicants are advised to research the green credentials of the company to ascertain their stance on green matters. Organisations are now under constant pressure to exercise environmentally friendly policies in all aspects of their business, from their transport use and waste management to what supplies they purchase and their energy use. It therefore makes sense to employ a candidate who is sympathetic and knowledgeable rather than ignorant about these aims.
However, eco-friendliness is not just a concern for employers assessing potential employees – the survey shows that over one in ten job seekers assess a prospective employer’s credentials before deciding whether they actually want to work for them.
How can you find out this information? As any green policies are a badge of honour to be displayed with pride, they will invariably be easily available for public scrutiny, such as on their company website.
Interview Preparation
This information can be used to help compile some examples for use in the interview for ways in which the company can further improve its green credentials.Other examples it is useful to have to hand at the interview are those that relate green working practices that you have already initiated or taken an active part in during previous employment. These will help to show that you have a positive attitude towards green policy.
It is also advisable to research current environmental issues before walking into the interview so that you are able to ask questions about them or be ready with intelligent answers if they quiz you.
