The job market for Sustainability Jobs and ESG Recruitment is rapidly transforming as companies globally put sustainability and ethical practices at the heart of their strategies. Even with recent regulatory shifts, such as the European Omnibus proposals and the SEC dropping the climate disclosure rule, ESG remains a high priority, reflecting its deep-rooted influence on businesses today.

This dynamic environment has intensified competition for ESG roles, drawing interest from both seasoned professionals and passionate new entrants who are enthusiastic about making a meaningful impact. Standing out in this competitive landscape requires candidates to thoroughly understand the expectations of both ESG recruitment firms and internal company recruiters.

In this article, we provide insightful and practical ESG Recruitment Tips straight from ESG Recruiters, designed to help you confidently approach interviews and showcase why you are the ideal candidate. Whether interacting with recruitment agencies or direct company representatives, these tips will enable you to effectively highlight your unique strengths and alignment with the organisation’s sustainability goals.

Expert ESG interview tips from one of EnableGreen’s Co-Founders

Hayatte Loukili, Co-Founder and ESG Recruiter at EnableGreen, shares her personal insights from a recruiter’s perspective. As a trusted ESG recruitment firm, EnableGreen is co-founded by experienced professionals who are passionate about connecting top talent with meaningful sustainability roles.

Drawing from her extensive experience, Hayatte offers 10 practical tips that can significantly boost your chances of success in the ESG job market:

1. Prepare for the interview

Preparation is key to making a memorable impression. Research about the company, think about how your profile responds to the company’s search and requirements.

To prepare effectively, start by reviewing the company’s website, annual sustainability reports, recent press releases, and social media to gain insights into their ESG objectives and ongoing projects. Reflect on how your experience and skills align with the company’s needs. Prepare clear examples that demonstrate why you’re the right fit for the role. Understanding the company’s broader impact within the ESG sector will help you contribute meaningful insights during the interview, showcasing your initiative and deep industry knowledge.

2. Demonstrate relevant ESG and sustainability experience

Have examples readily available and be able to speak about them in a concise and impactful way. Communicate your past ESG-related experiences and sustainability projects. Use compelling stories to highlight specific accomplishments and impacts. Effective storytelling captures the ESG recruiter’s attention, showcasing your ability to apply your skills practically and meaningfully. 

To show your ESG experience effectively, prepare clear examples of challenges you’ve faced, the actions you took, and the measurable results. Use a structured format to highlight your impact and keep your responses focused. ESG recruiters value confident, relevant storytelling that directly connects your experience to the role. Before diving into details, check if they’d like more context to keep the conversation on track.

3. Be aware of your strong points and skills, but also areas of improvement or development

Be genuine and self-aware during interviews. Clearly state your strongest skills, and when discussing areas of improvement, frame them positively by emphasizing your proactive approach toward personal and professional growth. ESG recruiters value candidates who are self-aware and proactive about their development.

4. Communicate passion and dynamism, speak slowly and with clarity and structure

When communicating passion and dynamism during your interview, make sure your enthusiasm is genuine and aligned with your true interests and values. Recruiters appreciate authenticity, so speak naturally and confidently about why ESG matters to you personally. To enhance clarity and structure, pause briefly to collect your thoughts before responding to questions, organise your responses into concise points, and avoid rushing. Speaking slowly allows recruiters to fully absorb your ideas and demonstrates thoughtful consideration and professionalism, helping them see clearly how you would fit within their organisation. By speaking slowly and clearly, you demonstrate professionalism that ESG recruiters look for.

5. Ask pertinent questions about the role and the company: Use the WHY questions

Prepare questions that demonstrate strategic thinking and genuine curiosity about the role’s impact. Start by asking why the position has become essential at this particular moment—this helps you understand the company’s immediate ESG challenges and opportunities. Inquire about the company’s ESG strategy and the implications of the role both in the short-term (6–12 months) and long-term, to show you are considering the broader picture and project yourself in your future role. Ask what specific skills and experiences the company prioritises for this position. These questions not only provide valuable insights but also clearly communicate your deep interest and thoughtful consideration of how you can best contribute to their sustainability goals.

6. Keep yourself informed about ESG and sustainability market evolution and regulations

Stay informed about current ESG trends, market shifts, and regulatory updates. Demonstrating this knowledge signals to ESG recruiters your commitment to continuous learning and adaptability, highly valued traits in sustainability roles.

To stay informed, regularly follow industry news outlets, join ESG-focused online groups or forums, and subscribe to relevant newsletters from respected sustainability organisations. Attending webinars, conferences, or workshops related to ESG trends can significantly boost your knowledge and understanding of the latest industry developments. This ongoing commitment to staying informed not only keeps your skills current but also provides you with timely insights that you can confidently discuss during interviews, impressing ESG recruiters with your proactive and informed approach.

You can also follow EnableGreen on LinkedIn or visit our website at www.enable.green for regular updates, curated ESG insights, and recruitment advice from sustainability hiring experts.

7. During the interview, do not flood the ESG recruiter with details

Offer concise yet impactful answers during your interview. Avoid overwhelming recruiters with excessive details; instead, provide clear summaries and check if they want more depth on specific experiences.

8. Courtesy and smile

Never underestimate the power of being courteous and positive. Maintain professionalism, smile genuinely, and exhibit confidence. These small gestures leave a lasting positive impression on recruiters.

9. Be yourself

At the end of the day, you are going to work with your inner self, so make sure the job the company’s culture and values align with who you are. ESG Recruiters appreciate candidates who are genuine and who communicate how their values align with the company’s ESG culture. This alignment significantly increases your attractiveness as a candidate.

10. Proactively address skill gaps through professional development

If you identify gaps in your experience or skills, be proactive. Seek relevant ESG courses, certifications, or soft skills training to demonstrate your commitment to growth. This proactive approach showcases your dedication to continuous improvement and readiness for future ESG challenges. We will dive deeper into the most respected ESG certifications available today in our next article.

Now that you have explored the top tips for acing your ESG and sustainability job interviews, it is equally important to understand how to tailor your approach based on who you are speaking with. Whether engaging with an ESG recruitment firm or a company’s internal recruiter, knowing what they prioritise can help you make a more impactful impression. Do not hesitate to ask the recruitment firm about the format and purpose of the upcoming interview—whether it will be an open discussion about your background and suitability for the role, a structured Q&A, or a skills-based interview with technical questions. Understanding the format in advance will help you prepare effectively and position yourself strongly during the selection process.

Impressing ESG recruitment agencies and company recruiters

Securing a role in ESG or sustainability requires an understanding of what ESG recruiters are looking for. ESG recruitment agencies and in-house company recruiters play crucial roles in the hiring process, but they often look for slightly different things. Understanding how to tailor your approach depending on who you are speaking to can increase your chances of making a lasting impression.

Recruitment firms are focused on finding candidates who meet their clients’ specific requirements. ESG recruiters focus on finding candidates with the skills and qualifications that match the specific requirements of their clients. They often work across several companies and industries, which means they are looking for professionals who are not only skilled and experienced but also marketable.

When speaking with a recruiter, be sure to clearly articulate your ESG skill set, certifications, project experience, and career goals. Highlight achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver measurable sustainability outcomes, and show flexibility and openness to explore roles that align with your expertise. Demonstrating professionalism, preparedness, and adaptability will leave a strong impression.

Company recruiters, on the other hand, are more focused on long-term fit and alignment with company culture. They want to know if you believe in the company’s mission and can contribute to their sustainability goals over time.

During interviews with internal recruiters, emphasize how your values align with the company’s purpose, and speak to how you see yourself growing within the organisation. Share your understanding of their ESG strategy and express your interest in contributing meaningfully to it. This personal alignment with the company’s vision often matters as much as technical skills. 

Following up after your interviews to thank the recruiters and reaffirm your interest in the role is always appreciated — it reinforces your enthusiasm and professionalism.

Securing a role in ESG or sustainability requires more than just experience—it calls for preparation, self-awareness, clear communication, and a strong understanding of what ESG recruiters are looking for. By following these ESG Recruitment Tips and tailoring your approach to both sustainability recruitment agencies and internal hiring teams, you will be well-equipped to stand out as a confident, capable, and purpose-driven candidate.

Ready to take the next step in your ESG career? Visit the EnableGreen website to access expert insights, recruiter-backed guidance, and sustainability job openings that align with your values and ambitions.

Looking for opportunities? Explore our current ESG job openings

Want to grow your career with us? Start your journey as an EnableGreen candidate and develop your ESG career today. Let’s shape a more sustainable future—together.

We value your input — feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with interview processes in the sustainability job market. What has helped you stand out as a candidate?