According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, utilities jobs for November 2013 showed little movement, though the industry has gained a total of 8,000 jobs since September 2010. Slow upward movement for employment numbers makes the job search more competitive for professionals in the industry. Professional networking, a strong resume, and a willingness to take on tough jobs increase your chances of impressing hiring managers.
Get involved in professional organizations related to your niche. Some utilities-based organizations include the Water Environment Federation, American Water Works Association, the Woman's International Network of Utility Professionals, and the Association of Energy Services Professionals. Local, regional, and national organizations offer continuing education and networking opportunities, each of which can bolster your job search. Don't forget about online communities. LinkedIn offers a number of niche-based forums, and the Beyond community lets you connect with more than 800,000 utility professionals. Make connections and let people you connect with know about your job search, but be prepared to bring value to communities through your own knowledge, skills, and discussions.
Take time to perfect your resume. In most cases, you don't need more than two pages of information, and a rambling resume often will negatively impact your job search. Define your job search goals: write a general description of the job you want and review each item on your resume with that goal in mind. Only list jobs that are recent or relevant to your goal, and incorporate industry keywords throughout the document. Keywords will catch the attention of recruiters reviewing applications and also help companies find your profile and resume when searching for talent online. Be sure to list relevant skills and qualifications, incorporating words that other professionals in the industry are likely to look for.
Be willing to take on tough jobs in the course of employment, and make sure hiring managers understand you're up for a challenge. Many workers in utilities jobs must deal with long hours and uncomfortable conditions. Even if you aren't applying for a job that comes with such risks, employers want to hire professionals who can be counted on during crunch time. Before any interview, research the company and try to understand challenges workers and employers in that industry might face. When possible, answer questions in the interview in a way that conveys your understanding of—and willingness to face—those challenges.
Although the current market for utilities jobs is competitive, careful planning and a bit of extra work can make your job search fruitful. Don't discount the value of word-of-mouth marketing in the job search process. Let friends, families, and business associates know you're looking for open positions in the industry.
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