Navigating Climate Career Transitions: Expert Tips for Standing Out, Dealing with Silence, and Explaining That CV Gap
I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Bryan White of DropBar Talent last week as part of Master Your Climate Career Transition Programme we run here at The Positive Career Coach.
We covered A LOT of ground. His practical hands-on advice comes from twenty years working in this recruitment space. You can watch highlights of the conversation via this handy new YouTube PlayList I created for you, so you can listen and learn to avoid the boredom of your lonely commute.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS ON YOUTUBE:
How To (NOT) Stand Out From The Crowd
Who Cares About Resume Gaps (And What You Should Be Doing About Yours)
Is Training The Key To Your Next Job
How To Get The Interview (And Deal With The Ghosting)
Bryan was absolutely genuine with his offer to speak to you about working with a recruiter or indeed any aspect of getting a job in the climate and sustainability space. (He is based in Colorado so has a great insight into the US job market right now.)
Hit him up via LinkedIn where he serves and supports his 10k followers
Meanwhile, if you’re cosied up with a coffee, or sitting at your desk and don’t want to risk watching videos, then read on for the actionable advice and tips
Here’s what he had to say:
1. How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market (Without Doing Anything Crazy)
You don’t need to show up to interviews in a superhero costume or send your CV wrapped in gold foil to get noticed. Bryan’s message? Less is more:
Keep it simple: Leave the fancy fonts, colours, and gimmicks for your art project. Focus on customising your CV to the job description and—pro tip—quantify your impact! Numbers speak louder than rainbow graphics.
One page? Pfft.: You’re mid-career, not just out of university. Don’t sweat it if your CV spills onto two pages. If you’re forcing your career history into one page, you’re probably leaving out the juicy bits that could land you the job.
Ask smart questions, not fancy ones: During interviews, skip the over-the-top questions and instead show that you’ve done your homework. Mention something interesting you found on the company’s website or LinkedIn, and ask thoughtful follow-ups. That’s how you impress—without trying too hard.
Follow-up but don’t stalk: While sending flowers or elaborate thank-you gifts isn’t necessary (and might get you blacklisted), a short, personalised follow-up email shows you’re still in the game. Reference something from the interview and keep it short—your goal is to remind them you’re keen, not desperate.
Don’t overdo it: Trying too hard is a surefire way to, well, try too hard. Authenticity and preparation will make you stand out naturally, no need to hire a skywriter.
Ghosted after interviews? Its not just you.
2. Silence After Job Applications? Here’s How to Cope (Without Losing Your Mind)
You send out a job application, wait eagerly... and nothing. That deafening silence is brutal. Bryan’s advice? It’s not you, it’s them.
It’s not just you: Seriously, it’s not just you. Employers ghost applicants all the time these days. Don’t take it personally and, for the love of all things good, don’t let it eat away at your soul.
Use your network: Getting a warm intro will always trump a cold application. So, tap into your connections—whether it’s a former colleague or that climate activist group you joined. Your network is gold.
Warm up cold applications: No network? No problem. After submitting an application, find relevant people on LinkedIn and send a polite, concise message highlighting why you’re a great fit for the role. Be patient. No need to blow up their inbox.
Persistent, not pushy: Follow up once or twice, but don’t go full-on stalker mode. More than three follow-ups? You’re officially that person, and no one wants to be that person.
Know when to escalate: If you’re being ignored by the recruiter, it’s okay to reach out to a manager or executive—but pace yourself. No need to carpet-bomb the whole company on your first outreach. Tailor your messages, and remember: subtlety is your friend.
3. Is Training and Certification the Golden Ticket for a Climate Career Shift?
So, you’re thinking about signing up for a climate-related course to beef up your CV? Bryan says training can be a plus, but it’s not the golden ticket you might think.
Training is nice, but not essential: Sure, programs like Climatebase or Terra.do are great for industry exposure, but don’t feel like you have to take a course to get a job. You can break into climate work without a badge of honour from every fellowship on the planet.
Focus on community: The true value of these programs? The people. Building a solid network in the climate space will often get you further than any certification. Connections = opportunities.
Make it purposeful: If you’re going to invest in a program, make sure it aligns with your career goals. Don’t just jump into training out of panic or because you’re afraid your LinkedIn isn’t fancy enough. Be intentional.
4. Handling Gaps on Your CV Like a Pro
A gap on your CV doesn’t have to feel like a giant neon sign flashing “unemployable.” Whether you took time off for caregiving, a mental health break, or just to figure out what you want in life, Bryan’s got you covered:
Fill the gap with something useful: If you’re in a gap period now, find ways to stay engaged. Volunteer, join a climate-related community, or take an online course. Even if it’s not climate-specific, showing that you’ve been doing something productive is what matters.
Training and cohorts can help: If you’ve got the time and resources, joining a fellowship or cohort is a great way to fill your gap period and upskill at the same time. It’s a win-win.
Own the gap with confidence: Here’s the thing—employers today are way more understanding of CV gaps, thanks to the wild ride we’ve all been on since 2020. Don’t sweat it. Instead, focus on explaining how you’ve stayed sharp during your time off and why you’re ready for the role now.
Tell your story: Be ready to explain your gap confidently. Whether you were volunteering or just taking some much-needed time to regroup, craft a narrative that shows you used the time well. A good story always sells.
In conclusion, navigating career transitions doesn’t have to feel like a shot in the dark. Whether you’re dealing with application black holes, worrying about your CV gap, or wondering if you need another certification, Bryan’s advice is clear: stay proactive, lean on your network, and don’t be afraid to be authentic. Keep the panic in check, stay focused, and before long, you’ll be navigating your career shift like a pro.
