By: Donna Rapado

Here we are, in what is said to be the worst economic crisis in the United States since the Great Depression nearly 80 years ago. A very real part of this crisis, as it was then, is a declining job market. Americans are losing their jobs by the millions with many of them unable to find new jobs or comparable work. Many Americans find themselves forced to reconsider their current careers, having to switch gears in order to put food on the table and clothing on their backs.

Amid much uncertainty these days, one thing seems for sure: Green is the way to go. Green jobs are increasingly becoming available, a fast-growing part of the "norm". Companies and organizations in the private sector, like the Apollo Alliance, plan to generate, and invest, billions of dollars in the Green movement, to include creating millions of Green jobs.

The Federal Government is getting into the act, too. In fact, the President-elect Barack Obama, has promised the government will spend $150-billion dollars toward making this country more environmentally friendly and efficient, creating five-million "Green collar" jobs over the next decade.
The math is simple.  Someone has to build those greener homes, operate the new power grids, sell the plug-in hybrid cars, recruit the workers, teach the skills, and so forth.  So the jobs will come.  Plan now to put yourself in a position for employment in what is sure to be one of the fastest growing industries under America’s new president.

How do you get a Green job now?

Nick Ellis at Bright Green Talent says first figure out what field or area you want to work in. Learn what’s available and what is required. Understand "the landscape" and find out who the key players are in the sector you are interested in.

Attending a "Green" job fair is one way to do that. But be prepared. Ellis strongly advises looking crisp and professional, taking copies of your polished resume with you.  And because you’re applying for a Green job, make sure it’s on recycled paper.

Have a targeted approach, that is, learn ahead of time which companies will be at the event. Identify those you are interested in and learn as much as you can about them. This will allow you to maintain a tight focus and be as successful as possible. Mr. Ellis points out confidence and knowledge helps separate a job seeker from the crowd.

He also suggests adapting your resume and your cover letter to sharply convey your interest, and how best your prior experience (even if outside the Green sector) helps you with the job you are applying for. He says, "sell yourself and sell [the employer]". The single most common mistake people make, one he has to counsel about almost daily, is that people forget to really make the case about how their previous experience applies to this new position, stressing what it is "you can bring to the table".

When you get a call from an employer or an interview request, make sure you know your talking points and be prepared to answer questions.  Also be mindful to ask questions about the company as well and clear up any areas of concern during the interview.  This will help you to appear to be a thoughtful job seeker.

Another mistake many people make is to assume that because a company does not have any jobs advertised they are not seeking any new employees. If you are seriously interested in working for a company, Mr. Ellis recommends sending your cover letter and resume, regardless of job postings. Hand delivered resumes are even better because they demonstrate commitment. He stresses companies "will make space for great people". So, make the case for yourself.

Most importantly, whether you’re looking for a Green collar job because you just need a job or because you want to be part of the Green initiative, approach the search with the same perseverance, ambition and passion you would any job you really wanted.  Educate yourself, be professional, and go for it.