How to Stand Out as a Candidate in Renewable Energy

I spend my weekdays connecting talented individuals with amazing opportunities in the renewable energy sector. I've met with countless candidates, and I’ve come to understand what really sets people apart in this increasingly competitive field.

If you’re looking to break into the green energy sector or advance your career, keep reading, as I share what I have learnt from working on the front lines of recruitment. It's about more than just ticking boxes; it's about showcasing your passion, your commitment, and your unique value proposition.

Making a Great Impression

Let's be honest, landing a job in any sector is a multi-faceted challenge. Making a great impression and standing out is paramount.

No matter what your qualifications are, or how well your CV is laid out, if you are not able to articulate relevant experience and your accomplishments, positioning yourself as an existing or future industry expert, you will not stand out.

Certifiable Skills and Chartered Credentials - Qualifications

These form the foundation of your expertise and are very important. They are the entry point into many roles within the sector.

It is possible for practical experience to outweigh a formal degree, but most of the time a formal bachelor’s degree is the first requirement for any role. And even then, given how competitive the marketplace is, to really stand out, a relevant chartership and/or a master’s degree is needed.

Real World Experience

If you are just entering the workforce or still studying, then I encourage you to seek as much practical experience as you can. This can be via internships or volunteering within the industry. Not only does this provide hands-on experience, but it also builds your network.

If you are already in the industry, then seeing projects and mandates through is important. Employers are looking for professionals who can see projects through from inception to completion. Don’t make the mistake of jumping from one job to another without having some notable accomplishments to take with you. You may be moving to a higher salary in the short term but longer term a lack of end-to-end experience may slow down future career possibilities.  Employment stability and gaining depth of experience also reflects your loyalty to your employer and commitment to the project or mandate.

Green Industry Knowledge is Power

The renewable energy sector changes rapidly, with new technologies, policies, and market trends emerging constantly. Having your finger on the pulse and understanding where the industry is headed keeps you relevant.

Many people undervalue the importance of showing their passion or awareness for green energy. Being active in discussions and activities related to renewable energy is not only highly rewarding, but it also keeps your sector knowledge up to date.

Read reports and white papers from ‘think tanks’ and professional groups, research what everyone is doing, follow podcasts and blogs. All of this will ensure you keep up with industry news and trends, it will also allow you to see what opportunities are out there for you.

Be Visible

Through your networking and by actively taking part in industry wide events you can position yourself as an industry expert, making you attractive to future employers.

Networking at tradeshows, events and conferences will give you opportunities to connect with influencers and industry leaders. Being part of connecting with ‘think tank’ groups is also a great way of engaging in discussion and staying at the forefront of people’s mind.

Attending industry conferences and events will demonstrate that you are engaged and actively involved in the industry.

Showcase Your Expertise – Presenting

Presenting at conferences and events and being part of discussion panels is an ideal way to showcase your expertise in the industry. By being a thought leader, you instantly become attractive to future employers, they will want to be part of your brand.

Showcase Your Passion - Personal Branding

Personal branding is your footprint. How you present yourself on social media and when you are out and about says a lot about who you are and your values.   If you do post on social media, make sure your message conveys how you want to be seen.

 Reveal Your Personality - Interests and Hobbies

While interests and hobbies should only ever be a few sentences on your CV, they are a great way to demonstrate your character strengths. Ie marathon running demonstrates determination and commitment, team sports can indicate you are a team player, and travel can reflect an interest in learning and experiencing new things. These wider interests can come up in interviews and are a great way to connect with the Interviewer and stand out.

Be Guided - Get A Mentor

Partnering up with someone who is an expert in your field can help you grow professionally. They can support you and help you to develop skills to thrive in your career. Working alongside someone who has been there, done it, and ‘got the t-shirt’ means that you have an advantage over the competition. You can learn directly from someone who knows the inner workings of the industry and can share valuable insights with you.

Focus - Set Goals 

Goals ensure you do not lose sight of where you want to get to in your career. It is so very easy to lose focus of what we want out of our career as we prioritise day-to-day delivery.

It is worth stepping back and thinking where you want to be in five to ten years and then working to get the necessary experience. Look at what your managers have done, investigate the wider industry and see what experience leaders have and work to develop these skills and experience.

By setting goals you can ensure your achievements line up with where you want to go and that you continue to progress in the direction you want to.

A mentor can also play a key role here; they can help you set career goals and then hold you accountable. Knowing that you must report back to someone can do wonders for your motivation!

At Hummingbird Recruitment…

It is so rewarding to talk with people and discuss what they stand for. It’s not just about qualifications; it’s about aligning values and understanding what truly drives someone. Passion is infectious, and that's what gets me truly excited. For us at Hummingbird, it's always about more than just filling a role. We look for that genuine enthusiasm, that deep-seated belief that this work matters, because that’s the kind of candidate who will not only succeed but also inspire others. It's about finding that person who makes you think, 'This isn't just a job for them; it's a calling, and it's worth our time to help them find the right role’.