We spoke to Gordon Quek, senior consultant for sustainability and ESG (APAC) at Adecco Singapore, about current hiring trends and industry-specific interview questions. He shares his insights here.
Can you share on the current hiring trends for your particular industry of expertise? What are employers looking for, what’s the industry outlook, and what are the skills they are prizing?
Gordon: Sustainability hiring trends in 2025 are expected to closely follow those in 2024, with a growing demand for candidates specialising in execution-level roles. Companies increasingly emphasise regulatory compliance and sustainability expertise, driven by evolving global standards and frameworks.
One key focus area is professionals with expertise in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and carbon market frameworks. The CSRD is an EU regulation that mandates large companies to report on their environmental and social impact regularly.
Meanwhile, the ISSB is working towards establishing a global baseline for investor-focused sustainability-related disclosures. As sustainability becomes a core business imperative, companies prioritise candidates who understand these frameworks and can effectively implement them within their organisations.
What are some of the industry-specific questions that tend to be asked during interviews in your industry, and how are they best answered?
Interview questions in the sustainability industry often assess a candidate’s practical experience and knowledge of sustainability reporting standards. Employers frequently ask about candidates’ ability to apply various reporting frameworks, business case development skills, and experience managing key stakeholders.
Additionally, candidates may be required to demonstrate their familiarity with energy and carbon reduction methodologies and their ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution.
To excel in these interviews, it is crucial to research and prepare responses that thoroughly highlight relevant professional experience. Drawing from previous work, candidates should articulate how they have applied sustainability frameworks and managed related challenges.
Providing concrete examples of past projects can effectively demonstrate expertise and problem-solving abilities.
Are there any particular jobs in your industry that also have very specific questions, and how are they best answered?
Certain roles within the ESG and sustainability field require highly specialised knowledge, and interview questions for these positions often reflect that. For example, professionals working with Green Mark certification, ISSB compliance, CSRD reporting, ISO certification, or other regulatory frameworks will be expected to understand their respective areas deeply.
Employers may ask how a candidate has implemented or managed these certifications in a corporate setting. Responses should demonstrate an up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices and an ability to navigate compliance requirements effectively.
Candidates should also be prepared to discuss real-world applications of these frameworks and highlight how their expertise has positively impacted business operations.
Are there any situational questions that tend to be asked for your industry, and how are they best answered?
Situational interview questions in sustainability often revolve around business cases, requiring candidates to explain how they approach planning and execution. Employers want to see how candidates analyse complex sustainability challenges, develop strategic responses, and implement effective solutions.
To prepare, candidates should reflect on their past experiences leading sustainability initiatives successfully. Detailed explanations of the thought processes behind their decision-making and the impact of their strategies will help them demonstrate their ability to translate sustainability principles into practical action.
Well-structured responses that outline the challenge, approach, and results will create a compelling case for their expertise.
Are there any technical or skill tests (written, hands-on or project) that could be accompanied with an interview has part of the hiring process for any roles in your industry? What are they usually like, and what is the best way to approach them?
Currently, there are no standardised technical or written tests for ESG and sustainability roles. Instead, employers assess candidates’ competencies through situational interview questions to gauge problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
These questions often require candidates to discuss how they have addressed sustainability challenges in previous roles.
The best way to prepare is by conducting in-depth research and reviewing past projects demonstrating key competencies. Candidates should be ready to articulate their strategic approach to sustainability, how they have implemented best practices, and how they have navigated complex regulatory landscapes.
A strong critical thinking ability, backed by real-world experience, will significantly strengthen a candidate’s interview performance.
By understanding these hiring trends and preparing comprehensive, experience-driven responses, candidates can confidently navigate sustainability industry interviews and position themselves as valuable assets to prospective employers.
This article was done in collaboration with Adecco.
