5 ways to differentiate your job search today

The opinions expressed here by Trellis expert contributors are their own, not those of Trellis.

While it can feel like sustainability jobs are dwindling faster than a polar ice cap, a recently convened panel at Harvard on sustainability told a different story: private sector jobs are relatively stable and large corporate jobs are only down somewhat. NGO jobs are struggling due to significant funding cuts, and federal government jobs have been diminishing for the same reasons. However, state and municipal jobs continue to be strong. 

The discussion, which Neil moderated and Ellen participated in, gave us a good pulse of the market. While there are available sustainability jobs, the focus of those jobs is shifting somewhat from “compliance” to value creation through managing sustainability trends.  

Knowing this, one of the takeaways we heard and recommend is to focus on what you can control to build experience and perspective.

Standing out and showing value

We left the discussion with five tips for applicants who’re seeking new roles to demonstrate professional value and stand out in positive ways.  

• Lean into curiosity: Let curiosity drive your choices, both within roles and across career moves. Follow what genuinely interests you, even if it’s not in your current remit and use that to build new skills and perspectives. Curiosity naturally leads to deep experiences, thematic networking, learning and uncovering where you can create the most value. Several panelists spoke about how asking questions spurred by their curiosity led to role expansions and how professional value to employers is largely driven by experience rather than education or training.

• Focus on the challenge, not on titles: Prioritize working on the “right problems” over chasing the right title. Go where you can contribute meaningfully to an organization’s strategy and goals, even if the role seems less defined or less senior. Titles tend to follow impact — not the other way around. The best experiences are often those gained through special projects within your existing job and job title.

• Gain both operational and strategic experience: Aim to build experience at both the strategic and execution levels. The ability to think big while also rolling up your sleeves to deliver is a rare and highly valued combination. Being a “utility player” who can move smoothly between vision and implementation will set you apart quickly. For example, a CSO who can pitch in directly to understand a company’s opportunities and risks, rather than needing consultants to help with every analysis, can add significant value by getting to the right answers quickly.  A CSO can also evaluate the quality of analyses at a deeper level before boards and senior management try to use information.

• Become a great storyteller: Strong communication is essential, especially in sustainability roles where influence matters. Top performers don’t just present data — they tell compelling stories that connect to business value and organizational priorities. This is especially important in a crowded, AI-driven applicant pool where clarity and differentiation are everything.

• Develop your listening skills: Authentic listening builds credibility, trust and better decision-making. By truly hearing others’ perspectives, you gain insights that strengthen both your ideas and your relationships. In a competitive environment, those who listen well stand out just as much as those who speak well.

The evening also gave us a chance to practice one of our most important recommendations: always take the time to “pay it forward” to help the next generation coming along with you on this journey.