Establish a new rhythm
Practice being seen.
Upon learning that I can pitch myself to strangers as a viable option for diverse positions, I have developed a rhythm around talking about myself and making myself visible.
This is a worthwhile exercise. I recommend it.
Look for a position adjacent to environmental education. Maybe it's a position doing outreach for fire prevention, a corporate sustainability program, or a position at a local water district. Apply for positions you might not otherwise consider. Each requires writing a cover letter specific to the role. These letters move you out of that safe space where you only think you know your skills. They put you in a position where you have to articulate them and how they serve the position and the hiring party. Do you have an example to share for each of your claims? How will you demonstrate that you can keep the promise you've made in your cover letter?
If you're looking for gaps in what the hiring party is asking for and how you're talking about yourself, ask Claude the simple question, "What's missing?" to find out if you're rambling or being clear about your skills. I tend to overexplain, so this question has nudged me toward writing shorter statements.
Use the job descriptions as prompts. Expanding your understanding of other fields and how you would transition to other sectors changes how you talk about yourself and how you view your accomplishments. The connections become clearer, and your transferable skills are easier to identify.
When you're done with the letter, send it.
Send the letter to someone you know in that field or to a friend who works in human resources or manages volunteers. Send it to someone who will respond. It doesn't count if you don't let it go.
What do you know now that you did not know before?
Inspired by Leanne Gordon's "Upon Learning"
