How to decode green job listings like a pro

Kickstart your career in sustainability by uncovering what recruiters are looking for

April 22, 2025

Heyđź‘‹

Welcome to Green Jobs Rising!✨ If job advertisements sometimes feel like a puzzle 🧩 – packed with industry jargon, vague expectations, and unspoken requirements – this is the place for you. To help you confidently navigate postings 💼, we’re breaking down a real job ad. This guide will help you learn to read between the lines 🔍 of job descriptions and understand what employers are looking for.

Along with this, you’ll find jobs in Real estate.

All the best in your job hunting! đź‘€

⏳ Today’s reading time: 2 mins

Understanding this job ad: Finance Assistant

Smiling Through Light is on the hunt for a Finance Assistant to join its team in Sierra Leone! As a social enterprise, Smiling Through Light works with a network of women to provide clean, reliable, and sustainable energy in Sierra Leone. They’re making a real impact, and now they need a finance pro to help manage the financial and administrative tasks that keep things running smoothly.

Are you ready to apply? Let’s break down the job and help you make sure you don’t miss any key details.

First, get to know the company. Who are Smiling Through Light? What’s their mission? Who do they serve? Doing this research is crucial for your application. It’ll help you tailor your approach and align your experience with what they’re looking for. When you know the company inside out, it’ll be easier to show that you’re the right fit.

Next, let’s look at the experience and qualifications. They’re looking for someone with a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Do you have a degree? If so, in what field? Accounting, finance, or something related? If yes, awesome, move on to the next point. If not, don’t worry; let’s see what else you can bring to the table.

Experience is key here. They’re looking for someone with at least 2 years of experience in accounting or finance. If that’s you, great! Be sure to highlight this on your resume. Knowledge of accounting principles, proficiency with financial software, and an understanding of financial practices are all important for the role.

Also, Smiling Through Light is in the solar energy space and is focused on gender-related issues. With your research, I am sure you uncovered this! While familiarity with the solar energy industry and international development isn’t mandatory, it’s definitely a plus. If you’ve got experience or interest in these areas, make sure to mention it; trust me, it just boosted your application!

As you write your application, keep Smiling Through Light’s mission and goals at the heart of it. This shows that you’re not just applying for a job but are truly invested in their mission to provide sustainable energy solutions and empower women in Sierra Leone.

 A few key skills you’ll need:

Language skills: The role requires proficiency in both English and Krio; this suggests that many of their clients speak these languages. Make sure you’re comfortable communicating in both.

Financial software & compliance: The job requires experience with QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and knowledge of financial compliance (GST, tax laws, NASSIT, etc.). If you have experience with these tools, be sure to highlight it. If not, we’d suggest taking a short course and upskilling to boost your application.

Reporting & problem-solving: You’ll be tracking financial data, preparing reports (income statements, balance sheets), and improving financial systems. Show that you’ve handled similar tasks in the past by giving examples of your data management, reconciliations, or process improvements.

Collaboration & industry awareness: In this role, you’ll work with different teams, sales, vendors, and more. Teamwork and communication skills are key. Also, because STL focuses on solar energy and gender empowerment, it helps to understand how finance plays a role in supporting these goals.

Remember, when you apply, just make sure your experience and qualifications align with the key points in the job ad! Highlight how you meet the requirements and how passionate you are about working for a company that is making a real difference in the world. Good luck!

Guide to job posting in the Real estate 

Are you interested in sustainability and want to put the skills you’ve learned into practice? Below are some job listings for you to explore. All the best.

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