Fuel Cells 2000 : Article: Jim Pabis

A Headhunters Perspective

by Jim Pabis, Management Recruiters of Saratoga, LLC

The fuel cell industry is growing at a rapid pace and is attracting talented people along with it. Like any industry, there are general characteristics that are highly desirable by any employer.

What are employers looking for in the fuel cell arena? They are looking for the same general characteristics that all employers, regardless of industry, long for - proven track records. Specifically within the fuel cell arena, the most common areas are: electrochemistry, stack design, balance of plant, system integration, reformers, power electronics, catalysis, membrane materials, ceramics, etc. Fuel cell companies are looking for technical people from a variety of disciplines: chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, ceramic engineering, materials engineering, chemists, etc. Some companies are looking for sales and marketing. Many are looking for executive level management with experience in raising capital through venture capital companies, the government, or the public markets.

What are all employers looking for on their team? Employers are looking for proven performers, regardless of business function. Proof is in consistent quantifiable achievements that can be truthfully documented. Depending on business function, achievements will fit into only a few categories in the business equation. They are sales increases, market share increases, sales maintained, cost decreases, programs managed, productivity increases, people managed, projects managed, or anything that can be quantified and somehow related to profit. People who consistently put results on the board get interviews. A great resume is one that clearly outlines measured performance and is the key to an invitation for an interview.

How do you get hired in the fuel cell industry? This can be divided into three phases: the pre-interview, the interview, and the post interview.

The pre-interview starts with telling your story. Make sure the resume clearly outlines the quantifiable, measurable achievements of your history. It does not have to be a marketing piece filled with "fluff," but should clearly show that the individual can put numbers on the board in his/her business function. This will get the interview. Make sure you are thoroughly prepared for the interview through industry review, competitor review, examining the company's website, and mental preparation.

The interview is an opportunity for the individual to portray himself or herself as a well prepared, driven, confident individual with a positive "can do" attitude. The person must be prepared to sell, sell, SELL themselves. This is the opportunity to amplify strengths and address weakness with a positive slant. The person must be on time, dress appropriately and carry the correct attitude.

Last is the post interview. This is an opportunity to shine as a professional through follow up, writing a thank you note, turning in travel expenses (if any) in a timely manner, and carrying out any follow up task with a sense of urgency. This shows a prospective employer that you are courteous, responsible and interested in the position.

Being a person of character, knowing the various disciplines needed by fuel cell companies, and doing what employers in the fuel cell industry find beneficial will help individuals find opportunities in the fuel cell industry. It is this Be, Know, Do that will result in people having great opportunities in the fuel cell industry.

Jim Pabis
Management Recruiters of Saratoga,LLC
444 Broadway Suite 202
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone: 518.580.0044 X3003
Fax: 518.580.0055
jpabis@mrsaratoga.com
www.mrsaratoga.com


	A Headhunters Perspective by Jim Pabis, Management Recruiters of Saratoga, LLC The fuel cell industry is growing at a rapid pace and is attracting talented people along with it. Like any industry, there are general characteristics that are highly desirable by any employer. What are employers looking for in the fuel cell arena? They are looking for the same general characteristics that all employers, regardless of industry, long for - proven track records. Specifically within the fuel cell arena, the most common areas are: electrochemistry, stack design, balance of plant, system integration, reformers, power electronics, catalysis, membrane materials, ceramics, etc. Fuel cell companies are looking for technical people from a variety of disciplines: chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, ceramic engineering, materials engineering, chemists, etc. Some companies are looking for sales and marketing. Many are looking for executive level management with experience in raising capital through venture capital companies, the government, or the public markets. What are all employers looking for on their team? Employers are looking for proven performers, regardless of business function. Proof is in consistent quantifiable achievements that can be truthfully documented. Depending on business function, achievements will fit into only a few categories in the business equation. They are sales increases, market share increases, sales maintained, cost decreases, programs managed, productivity increases, people managed, projects managed, or anything that can be quantified and somehow related to profit. People who consistently put results on the board get interviews. A great resume is one that clearly outlines measured performance and is the key to an invitation for an interview. How do you get hired in the fuel cell industry? This can be divided into three phases: the pre-interview, the interview, and the post interview. The pre-interview starts with telling your story. Make sure the resume clearly outlines the quantifiable, measurable achievements of your history. It does not have to be a marketing piece filled with "fluff," but should clearly show that the individual can put numbers on the board in his/her business function. This will get the interview. Make sure you are thoroughly prepared for the interview through industry review, competitor review, examining the company's website, and mental preparation. The interview is an opportunity for the individual to portray himself or herself as a well prepared, driven, confident individual with a positive "can do" attitude. The person must be prepared to sell, sell, SELL themselves. This is the opportunity to amplify strengths and address weakness with a positive slant. The person must be on time, dress appropriately and carry the correct attitude. Last is the post interview. This is an opportunity to shine as a professional through follow up, writing a thank you note, turning in travel expenses (if any) in a timely manner, and carrying out any follow up task with a sense of urgency. This shows a prospective employer that you are courteous, responsible and interested in the position. Being a person of character, knowing the various disciplines needed by fuel cell companies, and doing what employers in the fuel cell industry find beneficial will help individuals find opportunities in the fuel cell industry. It is this Be, Know, Do that will result in people having great opportunities in the fuel cell industry. Jim Pabis Management Recruiters of Saratoga,LLC 444 Broadway Suite 202 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: 518.580.0044 X3003 Fax: 518.580.0055 jpabis@mrsaratoga.com www.mrsaratoga.com