Looking to transition into a purpose-driven career in climate and sustainability? Yes, obviously that is why you are reading this. Silly me.

As part of my mission to help you make the transition into meaningful work I recently had the honour of interviewing Oliver Mudge of Stark Talent Solutions a specialist ESG and sustainability recruitment company.

You can watch that interview HERE of course, but if you prefer to read, and want a faster route to the nuggets of actionable insight (or you are Google’s SEO reader) I have distilled the conversation into 10 specific points for mid and senior career professionals looking to make the change.

Oliver, is recruitment veteran with over 25 years of experience, shares actionable advice to help candidates stand out and make an impact in this growing field. For advice for dealing with oversubscribed roles and leveraging AI thoughtfully, here are 10 essential tips for landing your dream role.

Actionable Advice for Climate Career Seekers

1. Define Your Mission

“Start by defining exactly what your purpose and mission is and what impact you want to have,” Oliver advised.

Before diving into applications, take time to reflect on your motivations. Are you seeking to address specific climate challenges, or are you drawn to a particular sector like renewable energy or the circular economy? Knowing your mission will help you focus your efforts and stand out as a committed candidate.

2. Research Target Companies

“Do your detective work,” Oliver said.

• Use LinkedIn to explore team members and hiring trends at your target organisations.

• Check Glassdoor for insights into company culture and employee satisfaction (but take reviews with a pinch of salt).

• Dive into their websites and sustainability reports to understand their priorities and challenges.

3. Craft Tailored Applications

“Spray-and-pray doesn’t work,” Oliver warned.

• Spend time tailoring your CV and cover letter for each role.

• Highlight how your skills and experience align with the company’s mission and challenges.

• Go beyond the job description—show you’ve thought about how you can add value.

4. Leverage Your Network

“Be proactive and connect with people,” Oliver encouraged.

• Reach out to team members or hiring managers on LinkedIn.

• Attend industry events and conferences to build relationships in the sector.

• Follow thought leaders and engage with their content to demonstrate your interest.

5. Stand Out with Creativity

“Don’t just rely on traditional methods,” Oliver said.

• Include a video introduction with your application.

• Share examples of past work or projects that showcase your skills and passion.

• Consider pro bono or volunteer work to build credibility in the sector.

6. Focus on Skills Over Experience

“Most job descriptions are unicorn shopping lists,” Oliver joked.

• Identify transferable skills that match the role’s requirements.

• Be honest about any knowledge gaps and show how you’re addressing them (e.g., certifications, courses).

• Emphasise strengths like adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving.

7. Prepare for Oversubscribed Roles

“Ignore the numbers and focus on standing out,” Oliver advised.

• Don’t let high application counts deter you—apply anyway if the role excites you.

• Follow up on applications with a personal email or call if appropriate.

• Use LinkedIn to connect directly with decision-makers and express your enthusiasm.

8. Use AI Thoughtfully

“AI can be helpful, but don’t rely on it entirely,” Oliver cautioned.

• Leverage tools like ChatGPT for initial drafts of CVs or cover letters, but always personalise them.

• Use AI for market research to identify potential employers and industry trends.

• Avoid overusing AI-generated content to ensure your applications feel authentic and human.

9. Build Your Digital Presence

“Your LinkedIn profile needs to work for you,” Oliver said.

• Create a compelling profile summary that highlights your mission and key skills.

• Use relevant keywords to ensure your profile appears in recruiter searches.

• Share articles, comment on posts, and engage with the climate community online.

10. Stay Resilient

“The opportunities are growing, and the leadership pipeline is shrinking,” Oliver emphasised.

Rejections are part of the process. Stay focused on your mission and continue building your knowledge, skills, and network. Every step you take brings you closer to your goal.

Final Thoughts

The climate space is full of opportunities for those ready to align their skills and values with meaningful work. Oliver’s advice boils down to this: be purposeful, stay focused, and immerse yourself in the community. Transitioning into a climate career isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about making an impact.

TL:DR -

Ten tips culled from the interview with Oliver Mudge in which we cover:

06:31 - Changes In The Recruitment Process

11:15 - Enhancing Candidate Experience

17:10 - What mistakes are candidates making?

21:07 - The Role of Focus in Job Applications

25:41 - Dealing With Imposter Syndrome and Self Doubt

26:10 - Balancing Achievements and Failures

29:40 - What to do when facing over subscribed roles

34:06 - Doing Your Target Company Research

36:44 - The Role of AI in Recruitment

45:14 - Important Recruitment Trends for Mid and Senior Hires

54:12 - Beyond Keyword Stuffing On LinkedIn

55:52 - Advice for Candidates Transitioning to Impactful Roles