Competition is growing exponentially for jobs in this hot industry. The key to success is investing time in targeted research, compiling a list of companies to focus on, identifying hiring decision-makers or leads within those companies, and penetrating their networks.

Practice “give to get” networking
Gently get to know them, what their needs are, and how you can solve their problems. Build evangelism for your brand and stay top of mind with them. When they hear of jobs that may be a good fit, they’ll think of you.

• Familiarize yourself with industry trends, culture, and the lingo, so you’ll converse intelligently.
• Identify companies through Google search and at www.hoovers.com, www.forbes.com, libraries, etc., then dig deeper at websites of each company on your list.
• Create career marketing communications that align your niche expertise and brand value proposition with the needs of your target companies.

Connect with leads through online social networks (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and professional associations. See job-hunt.org’s list of 175+ green industry groups: www.job-hunt.org/associations/green-industry-associations.shtml

The payoff for targeting and networking?
• You’ll have first-response to unadvertised positions. Or, your target companies may decide to chisel out an opportunity for you. You probably won’t have any competition!
• You’ll circumvent HR departments and tap into the hidden job market, because you’re not moving through the traditional HR-driven search process.
• Your research will also serve as due diligence work to pre-qualify whether companies are a sound choice.
• You’ll become a known commodity and valuable asset because you’ve taken the time to extend your brand value to the companies’ inner decision-making circle.

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by Meg Guiseppi
www.executiveresumebranding.com | 1.973.726.0757

As momentum for the green job market continues to grow, make sure your branding is as green as possible…and that often takes thinking out of the box.
 
You may not be able to build a wind turbine, but you may work in sales at a financial firm that encourages green investments or be an accountant at a bank that funds green construction. These experiences count and may be invaluable in landing a “green” job.
 
Here are some additional tips to color your personal brand green:
 
• Walk the talk. Practice the three R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle – in your home life as well as your professional activities.
• Emphasize your concern by adding “green” credentials to your resume.
• Volunteer locally in green initiatives.
• If you’re in sales, decide how you can “green” your business processes, such as recycling paper, using a hybrid automobile or going paperless.
• Describe yourself and your work ethic in “green” terms – and don’t hesitate to talk about “green” issues whenever you’re networking.
• Demonstrate your personal environmental sensitivity, i.e., having your own reusable coffee cup, using paper cups or reusable containers rather than bottled water, recycling printer ink cartridges and recycling your wardrobe by giving old clothing to charity and finding “nearly” new items at consignment and vintage stores.
• Keep up with the latest green trends, such as using reusable grocery bags when you shop. Also know what’s happening with conservation of clean water and clean air in your area.
• Invest in energy-efficient appliances, fixtures, rainwater collecting systems and solar panels for your home. 
• Be sincere. Care about the planet.

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by Valerie Sokolosky
www.valerieandcompany.com | 1.214.290.0100

Before you jump headfirst into the green fray, step back and ask yourself this: “How can I demonstrate my authentic motivation to make the world more sustainable?”
 
Skip the memories of recycling water bottles and bringing your own coffee mug to Starbucks. Now dig a little deeper. What moved you to change your way of life and when, where, and why did it happen?

Is there a story that clearly expresses your value or passion for sustainability? If the answer’s no, you’ve led yourself down the garden path. But if that story exists, communicating it from the heart will set you apart from those who aren’t truly committed. And the more emotion your personal story stirs up for you, the more you will engage, and the more powerful you will be at every stage of the job search. After all, you’re not just looking for a job; you’re seizing an opportunity to change the world.

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by Harp Arora
www.sedonacommunications.com | 1.519.747.5793

The environment could be one of your passions, even a core value. The challenge is that you don’t see your current company doing anything about it. In fact, the majority of respondents to a Monster survey said that given the choice, they would leave their current employer for a “greener” one. But the great news is that you do not have to leave!

In a similar survey, also for Monster, only 18% of respondents felt that their employer was being extremely green. The reason that most employers are not taking the first steps is due to a lack of information and the upfront cost of doing something. This is where YOU come in.

Identify who in your organization would have a say in making greener policies and decisions and understand what their current opinions are. Let them know that you are passionate about this cause and you would like to spearhead an initiative to establish the benefits of taking a greener approach.

After all, green programs have been shown not only to save costs, but also to engage and retain employees.

Be sure that your profile, internally, becomes one associated with the green initiative. Consider adding a byline to your e-mail signature, having something in your work area that reflects green, and even putting an internal announcement out there.

First, do an assessment of what is being done now and then look to recommend some quick changes that will have an impact both by being noticed and saving the organization money. After that, think about enrolling some like-minded colleagues to the cause and establish some longer-term goals and programs. Very soon you will have the unofficial job title of IGO – Internal Green Officer!

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by Paul Copcutt
www.squarepegsolution.com | 1.905.628.1100