When it comes to solar recruiting, finding top talent is rarely an easy task. There are plenty of companies competing for candidates in every possible industry, and the solar industry is no exception. The most significant issue that the solar industry faces is not the number of applicants they receive—it’s the knowledge that those candidates have of their industry.
This lack of knowledge can significantly harm the solar recruiting efforts of the solar industry. Therefore, companies need to find a way to power through until suitable candidates appear. But many wonder why is there such a deficit in the solar industry, and how can you overcome it to improve solar recruiting efforts?
This article will dive into the top three reasons companies struggle in solar recruiting and how they can combat them.
Licensing Plays a Role in Solar Recruiting
One thing that many people might not realize is that working in the solar industry usually requires certification. This misconception that one can enter the field right out of school can make it hard to assess valid applications, since many candidates lack certification. Becoming a certified solar technician or engineer is a requirement that some applicants overlook.
There are websites where candidates can take courses and have a chance at earning these certifications online. However, even if we look past the extra time this process would take, it doesn’t solve the immediate staffing issue. This delay is generally averted by listing the required licenses candidates are expected to have in the job listing and filtering resumes that lack them.
It helps to be clear and firm with your education requirements. Just make sure your requirements aren’t too strict, or you may inadvertently filter out qualified candidates.
The Hardest Position to Fill Involves Sales
Installation technicians are not the most in-demand employees. The most considerable vacancy in solar firms is actually in their sales team. In 2018, a census was taken of solar-related jobs and found that 31.7% of vacant positions were in the sales department.
The idea that installation technicians are the most prominent role available has led to a more significant shortage of potential sales candidates. This is especially true as the growth of solar power leads to new trends like an increase of new jobs, cost decline, and innovation spikes. This evolution in the industry makes finding new sales team members even more complicated, given that most candidates are applying for a different type of role entirely.
When looking for sales candidates, be open to past applicants for previous roles that showcased potential sales skill sets. While these applicants were looking for another type of job in the solar industry, they may be a good fit for a sales role that requires the knowledge and expertise of the industry. In addition, if you take the time to train them in your company’s sales tactics, they may be a great addition to the team.
Some Positions in Solar Require Engineering Degrees
While most solar providers only require a high school diploma or GED for most positions, more advanced roles require equally advanced education. For example, solar engineers are responsible for the more technical aspects of the solar panel installation and have more prominent roles at work sites. Unfortunately, this presents another dilemma entirely.
STEM education, which includes engineering studies, is on the decline. This decline leads to a more direct lack of knowledge, since some candidates do not have the necessary education to fill the role. Given how long an engineering degree takes to earn, even investing in education programs will have a delayed effect on candidate availability.
Anistar Technologies Helps Solar Firms Find Top Talent
Solar firms have a more demanding application process than most candidates realize. Unfortunately, this intensity means that your search for new talent to fill the ranks can be more complicated than hiring managers would like. In addition, finding the candidates with the knowledge and certifications required to fill your vacant roles can be a difficult feat for a firm to accomplish on its own.
Thankfully, it is not something you have to do alone anymore. Our team at Anistar Technologies has made it our mission to locate talented professionals in the tech industry and place them in the best possible roles. Solar professionals are no exception to this endeavor, and we are more than happy to help. So, if you need help with your solar recruiting efforts, contact Anistar Technologies today to see how we can help you find your next rising star.
