I graduated in 2019 and I've since had a variety of jobs, only one of them with any direct conservation/wildlife link (and it was only seasonal work). Obviously, this year has made it a bit harder to look for work, but jobs keep popping up that are relevant and suit my interests/skillset.
I think I have a good foundation of experience and skills, but hate to say that I sometimes get a bit discouraged when I've applied for a job that I meet all the criteria for and hear nothing back, even though I understand that's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.
So, the big question is to have a good shot at getting that perfect job: is it a case of relevant experience on your CV, or how well you sell yourself in your cover letter/personal statement?
I'd love to hear tips, tricks or advice from anyone to help myself and others in a similar position.
Thank you, looking forward to seeing your ideas!
Kaitlyn
PS. for some background, I'd like to get into environmental education or other similar jobs.
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Hi Kaitlyn,
I don't have a huge amount of recent experience, but here are a few things I do:
- Pull out keywords and phrases from the job description and make to include them in my CV and Cover Letter, some companies now use screening software.
-I tailor my CV and Cover Letter for every job I apply for to make sure I each of the competencies I have are clear to whoever is reviewing applications.
- I research the company I am applying to and will make sure I state why I want to work for them and what I can offer them. Sometimes when you read through the job description you can think of some other skills you have that aren't stated that could help. If they don't give a name for who to address the cover letter to, I try and find one. This is easier if the job description details the line of reporting.
- Sometimes cover letters can feel a bit stuffy so I try to inject a bit of my personality into it to try and make it feel like a real person rather than just a piece of paper.
- And lastly, "you can't win if you don't play the game". You don't have to have all the essential skills to apply, if you have most of them just apply anyway, you never know what might happen. I applied for a job completely out of my sector a few years ago because I just needed the work. One of the things that got me an interview was that I had worked in the Seychelles and the manager had just been there to celebrate a big wedding anniversary.
- Follow up. From what I have seen there's usually a two to four-week turnaround. If you don't hear anything after two weeks send them an email reiterating your interest and ask if they would like any extra information.
I hope some of this is useful. Good luck. I'm also applying for jobs at the moment, so can understand your hesitations. I'd be happy to have a read through any application documents if that would be helpful.
Thank you Samantha clear and great.
Thank you Samantha, that is fantastic advice!
Some of your tips I try to do anyway, especially the key word bit (only just picked up on that in my last few applications).
I really appreciate the offer of reading through some applications, and would love a second eye on them if you have the time. Is there a best way of sending them to you?
Good luck too and thanks again!
No problem, you can send it to sam.m.reynolds@hotmail.com my experience has all been marine-based so happy to answer any questions too if you're interested in tropical/coral reefs etc.
Hi Kaitlyn
Firstly thank you for asking the question. All the recent advice I have been given regarding CV and cover letters Samantha Reynolds put very well in her response. My only additional advice that I have been given is Network for example LinkedIn and have your LinkedIn profile match your CV (not exactly as tailoring happens for individual CV"s). Also Beth said in the first session yesterday that she would be happy to connect and there were some generous suggestions regarding volunteer conservation roles. Volunteering networks and shows others that you are motivated and keen. Good luck. Once again thank you for asking this question the responses of others have been great to read.
Hi Rosheen,
Thank you for your advice, it is extremely helpful, and also for reading/replying to all the others posts from Molly and Samantha. It's wonderful to see such a supportive group of conservationists! I think I will make another post about LinkedIn if you are personally interested in connecting, and hope others will start connecting to.
Hi all!
Really valuable conversation, and I'll also really benefit from all of the great tips from Samantha and Molly!
I've been applying like mad for jobs since August, so can offer a few titbits. Coming back to the STAR approach that Molly mentioned, in my cover letter I tend to try and use stories relating to the key points in the job description/role requirement. For example, "In my role as ....., I worked on a project where I was required to....., this made me realise that...., and as a result, I altered....., which resulted in....". Or something along those lines!
As Samantha and Molly have said, I've found that when adding some of my personality and write so that it's relatable to REAL people and not just an organisation, then responses are better. Absolutely agree with Molly. Use LinkedIn! It's such a great tool. Research who you're talking to if you're applying for a job, keep your profile in-line with your CV and information that you're sending out in job applications, and be proactive in reaching out to people that you'd like to work for or with.
Lastly, transferrable skills! Samantha puts it really well - you have to be in it to win it. Even if you might not fit the job profile exactly, emphasise the skills and experience that you have that you can transfer across to the role, and say that you're always looking to develop your skills and knowledge.
It's definitely a competitive game in the conservation field, but be confident in yourself and remember that everyone you speak is a human being! That mentality really helps me, especially during interviews! Be bold and go forth! :-)
Hi Beckie,
Really helpful info on the STAR approach there, thanks for that!
Something else I've just been advised on that might help everyone (which might seem like common sense) is to split your CV up into 'Relevant' and 'Other' sections, so that all of your 'relevant' experience can be seem front and centre on your CV and is easy to find and read.
Hope that helps and thanks Beckie and everyone for all your advice, I feel a lot more confident now!