Utility industry recruiters specialize in finding, screening and providing human resources for corporations in assorted utilities markets, such as electric power plants or water treatment facilities. Recruiters and their counterparts, executive search firms, seek qualified candidates in mid to upper management for interim and permanent placement with utilities corporations worldwide.

Corporations negotiate recruiting services on contingency or retainer depending on the energy recruiting policies and employer’s preferences. Contingency searches are typically the most useful for locating mid-level general staff. Retained searches are the best option for executive and technical recruiting.

Before contacting a utility recruiting firm about an open position, gather the following information:

1. A written job description outlining exact duties and expectations;

2. A comprehensive salary and benefits package that specifies negotiable and non-negotiable terms;

3. A list of educational, technical and operational experience required; and

4. The preferred temperament and managerial style you're looking for in a candidate.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore utility industry recruiting services

Utility recruiters are a cost-saving resource for HR departments. They sift through less desirable candidates and bring pre-screened, highly motivated personnel to your firm for consideration. Why waste time with costly, unproductive interviews? Recruiters simplify the process so HR managers have a high-quality pool of applicants.

I recommend: Searchco is a multi-industry firm that employs gas, water and electric utility recruiters for foreign and domestic markets. As an added convenience, the firm offers services by contingency, partial or full retainer. Evaluate your HR bottom line using Aerotek's cost-per-hire and turnover calculators.

Utilize utility industry executive search firms

Utility recruiters who specialize in senior management are the most effective solution for locating, courting and negotiating the services of top-tier personnel.

I recommend: Request a quote from Energy Placement, a specialized recruiting firm that provides top and mid level staffing solutions. The Swann Group is a global provider of technical and executive recruiting in the utility industry. Subscribe to their newsletter for cutting edge energy insider news.

Consider interim recruiting services for the utilities industry

Short-term projects and seasonal spikes can create a need for staff member services of a temporary nature. Interim staff is a readily available, economically sound HR solution.

I recommend: Contact International Staffing Consultants, Inc., for access to global resources for interim or permanent HR solutions. Not prepared to retain a firm? Post a job opening on their website instead. If you require interim senior management, Boyden is a worldwide leader in executive search solutions. Their global outreach and exhaustive research techniques are outstanding resources in utility recruiting.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Notify utility industry recruiters up front of any delicate situations or 'off limits' personnel. For example: If you know recruitment among a competitor's former staff is likely to cause a professional rift, forewarn your recruiting agent to disregard those resources entirely.