What purpose-driven organizations look for in candidates with Lotti Hawkins, Farrell Associates
Nov 7, 2023
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Lotti Hawkins, purpose-driven organizations expert, discusses the challenges and opportunities in finding ESG talent. They explore career challenges in the finance sector and offer advice on navigating the job application process. The speaker also delves into the screening and headhunting process and discusses how to navigate the changing job market in the ESG and climate sustainability sectors.
Candidates should focus on developing their narrative and profile in the ESG space by gaining relevant skills and experiences and building relationships within the sustainability community.
Applicants need to tailor their application materials and demonstrate a genuine passion for sustainability while addressing potential gaps and understanding the risk versus reward perspective of hiring managers and recruiters.
Senior candidates should differentiate themselves by articulating their unique perspectives, expertise, and the value they can bring to ESG teams, aligning their skills and experience with the specific needs of the team.
Deep dives
ESG recruiting and careers in sustainability
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss ESG recruiting and careers in sustainability. They introduce their guest, Lottie Hawkins from Feral Associates, who is a recruiter in ESG. Lottie shares her unconventional journey into ESG recruitment and highlights the significant growth and demand in the ESG space. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit in terms of skills, experience, and personality when hiring for sustainability roles. Lottie also provides insights on how candidates can position themselves and stand out in the job market. She encourages individuals to be clear about their career goals, leverage transferable skills, and demonstrate a genuine passion for sustainability. Additionally, she discusses the psychological process involved in candidate selection and the role of networking in finding opportunities in the ESG field.
Navigating the transition into ESG roles
When it comes to transitioning into ESG roles, Lottie offers valuable advice. She suggests that individuals focus on developing their narrative and profile by gaining relevant skills and experiences. Rather than simply relying on recruiters, she advises networking and building relationships within the sustainability community. Lottie emphasizes the importance of clearly articulating one's value and fit for a specific role or company. She also encourages candidates to research and understand the risk versus reward perspective of hiring managers and recruiters. By addressing potential gaps and demonstrating genuine interest and understanding in the ESG space, candidates can increase their chances of securing their desired roles.
Crafting effective resumes and cover letters
Lottie shares insights into creating impactful resumes and cover letters. She cautions against exaggerating or misrepresenting one's experience, as it can be counterproductive. Instead, she advises highlighting transferable skills and genuine passion for sustainability. Lottie encourages candidates to do their homework and tailor their application materials to the specific role and company they are applying for. By focusing on the risk versus reward proposition and addressing any gaps, candidates can stand out while maintaining authenticity. She also emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships with industry professionals to explore opportunities and gain insights.
Transitioning into senior ESG roles
For individuals eyeing senior ESG roles, Lottie emphasizes the need to bring value and differentiate oneself. She notes that more senior candidates need to clearly articulate their unique perspectives, expertise, and the value they can bring to ESG teams. Understanding the specific needs of the team and aligning one's skills, experience, and industry knowledge accordingly is crucial. Lottie suggests seeking connections and advice from mid-career and senior professionals who have successfully made the transition into the ESG space. By actively engaging in relevant conversations, networking, and demonstrating a strong understanding of the industry context, senior candidates can position themselves effectively.
Insights into the recruitment process
Lottie provides insights into the recruitment process in the ESG space. She highlights the importance of recruiter-client relationships and the need for transparency throughout the process. Lottie explains that recruiters strive to find candidates who align with the client's criteria and can add value to the team. She emphasizes the significance of trust, realistic expectations, and open communication between candidates, recruiters, and hiring managers. Additionally, she discusses the role of psychological assessment in candidate evaluation, ensuring the right fit, and managing candidate expectations. Lottie emphasizes that successful recruitment relies on a combination of skills, experience, culture fit, and long-term potential for both the candidate and the employer.
