Where Do You Fit in the Green Ecoonomy?

How do you find smart people to hire when you are in a brand new industry?

The moderator of a recent VLAB panel asked this critical question to several clean energy CEOs. The CEOs' perspectives offer green career seekers important insights into how to leverage their past work experience to enter the green economy.

In traditional industries, of course, hiring managers look for the best and brightest in their industry.

In emerging green industries, hiring managers don't have that luxury. They must find the best candidates for jobs that are evolving within an industry that's just taking shape. Here are four tactics these CEOs discussed.

1) One CEO looks to industries that have similar manufacturing processes.

For Example: Solfocus' solar manufacturing process involves dropping mirrors into metal frames. This process is analogous to dropping windshields into cars frames. A person who has experience with windshields is likely to know the technical skills to do the job Solfocus requires.

How Can You Apply This Idea? Do you have an expertise in a process, procedure, or technology that's similar to what's now being utilized in emerging industries?

2) Another CEO hires people who have experience in a work culture that's similar to their company.

For Example: Serious Materials, a building supply company, might be tempted to look for expertise in the traditional building supply industry. Although prospective employees with this background have knowledge of the building industry, they aren't accustomed to the pace and intensity of this company, which is run more like a hi-tech start-up. The CEO has found that he's better off hiring top employees with a hi-tech background because they know how to thrive in the culture. He's found he can train them on the specifics of the building supply side of the company with great success.

How Can You Apply This Idea? Did you thrive in a company with a particular culture? What companies in the green economy have a similar culture?

3) A third strategy is to look for employees who have prior experience with their target distribution channels.

For Example: eMeter Corporation must "sell" their products and concept in a regulated industry. Key hires are those who know their way around the industry as it has traditionally functioned. Hiring employees who know the players and the lingo is a definite plus for this start up company.

How Can You Apply This Idea? Do you have experience with a particular distribution channel or supply chain? Are there any industries or companies in the green economy that are trying to break into that system with innovative ideas? Could you be an asset to them as they grow their business?

4) The fourth strategy is to recruit people who have the personality that's best suited for the stage of the company.

For Example: Solazyme, a clean energy company, has found that they must hire people who have the technical knowledge and the appropriate personality. They look for "company builders," those who are ready, willing, and able to contribute what's needed in each situation to build the company.

How Can You Apply This Idea? Do you enjoy doing what it takes to make a company grow? If so, find a way to demonstrate these personal traits in your interview process.

How Can You Apply This to Your Job Search?

As you prepare your own job search strategy, consider your own work history. What part of your work history can you highlight to get the attention of the hiring manager?

Just because you are entering a new green industry doesn't mean you are starting with a blank slate. Leverage your experience, network, and personality to break into the new industry you are targeting.

If you don't have answers to the questions above, take some time to think about your options. Create opportunities to talk with people in your target industries to understand how your unique background can be an asset as you enter the green economy.


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Green Career Expert Carol McClelland, PhD, is the author of the forthcoming book, Green Careers For Dummies and founder of Green Career Central, a membership website with useful programs, 400+ pages of effective, targeted information to help you identify your green niche, find a green job, start a business or further your education. Visit http://www.GreenCareerCentral.com to request our free report - "Six Strategies to Find Your Green Career"