Open applications, also known as "unsolicited applications", consist in spontaneously applying to an organization which currently has not published any vacancy on their careers page (or any other channel such as Linkedin or Indeed). While certain organizations even have dedicated sections for open applications, in most cases, candidates will have to reach out personally to one of the hiring managers, pitching their unique skills and interest in working (or interning) at the company.

Let's be honest: in most cases, it will feel very awkward, or even arrogant, to send an unsolicited application to someone you don't know. Still, the worst you can get is simply a rejection. Just one rejection among the huge number each one of us will get in their lives.

What plays in your favour as a green job seeker is the fact that several institutions are ready to invest in youth, and many of them have already opened several internship, traineeship and secondment positions knowing how much of a mutual benefit they would lead to (the green job seekers would deeply learn, while the institution would benefit from their young mindset).

At Easysustainability we often endorse several open opportunities for youth. Great example are opportunities in EU institutions, and international standard-setting and regulatory bodies such as ISO or the UN.

EFRAG, which is the standard-setter for sustainability reporting in the EU tasked to develop the ESRS, is a great example of advisory body which gives continuous learning opportunities to youth. Needless to say that juniors who are making their first steps in their career as sustainability reporting specialists would significantly benefit from any internship or secondment experience with EFRAG.

As interims between the demand and supply of work in the green job markets, we happen to come across very specific requests given the broadness and newness of sustainability professions. One of our associates once asked us about finding an opportunity in methodology assessment for carbon offsetting. Definitely not a request which comes everyday, and an area which may sound exclusive to senior experts. Networking with industry experts and open applications in such cases are indeed the norm to enter that job market's niche. Thanks to its keyword search, Linkedin is a great tool to find both the key experts and the authoritative bodies in your target field. Don't be afraid to connect with them, learn about the key players in the field, and ask for further guidance to Easysustainability!