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With the skills of the micro-electronics engineer becoming increasingly more in demand in the renewables field, thanks to rapid developments in such areas as solar technology, it might seem as if career development issues may be taking a back seat. But no matter how buoyant the area is technical recruitment consultancy companies know that competition for the best roles will always be intense.

Engineers who want to get away from the ‘coal face’ and move into more managerial or directorial roles will need to demonstrate a whole range of extra, non-technical skills to succeed. These will include the ability to communicate effectively, to network both within a corporate environment and the wider professional community and a clear appreciation of how their work integrates with and contributes to the commercial operations of their employers.

In modern businesses the best managers are successful because they are good at building relationships downwards, upwards and sideways across organisations and technical communities. A pity then, that personal networking is something which Europeans are still generally poor at, particularly in contrast to Americans who seem to have been taught it from birth.

Yet, as technical recruitment consultancy specialists, we always stress the ability to put together a group of individuals who can help you to perform more effectively on both a tactical and strategic level is becoming increasingly important and relatively simple to learn given the right motivation.

The key is to realise that effective networking is based on two simple pillars – the fact that most people actually like being asked for their opinions and assistance and an appreciation that the process works best when it is based on mutual benefit or good, old-fashioned ‘give and take’. Successful networkers are consequently not afraid to ask for help and they also take every opportunity to offer assistance to those who might be able to return the favour in the future.

However, such traditional management skills may be insufficient to move you upwards as fast as you might like these days in the field of technical recruitment.  Consultancy specialists  are advising now, particularly, if you have your sights set on the board room or the partnership table, it’s important to be more than just a simple manager, good at organising, directing and achieving objectives. Now you also need to lead.

The best way to develop leadership skills is to recognise your own inherent abilities and then hone them in the ‘front line’ of the workplace. And the most efficient and effective way of doing this is to watch out for the successes and failures of those around you. As part of a technical recruitment consultancy I have done just that for more years than I care to remember - here is my basic checklist of what makes a good leader:

1) Communication – Getting your message across in a clear, effective and emotive way is essential.
2) Clarity – People like to know what is expected of them and what objectives they and the wider organisation are aiming for.
3) Decision – Good leaders don’t dither. Be clear about what you think and where you are going.
4) Adaptability – At the same time you need to be flexible enough to react to new challenges and opportunities. As John Lennon once said, 'Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans.'
5) Approachability - Stay approachable and be seen to be part of the team. An open door policy will encourage your team to communicate openly and honestly with you at all times, which will make management and direction a lot easier.
6) Sensitivity - Make sure that you know if your people are not happy. Try to be sensitive to their needs and expectations. Anticipate their moves and act accordingly.
7) Vision - A certain amount of vision and the ability to see the bigger picture, is vital for any successful leader. Too much will make you sound like Ricky Gervais in ‘The Office’.
8) Example – Expect from others what you expect from yourself. Leaders belong at the front, not at the back

MRL Technology is a specialist technical recruitment consultancy focused on roles in the semiconductor/solar technology field in key markets around the globe – www.mrl-technology.com

If you’d like to talk about using our technical recruitment consultancy services contact your regional MRL office or email enquiries@mrl-group.com

To find renewable energy jobs in your area, use our executive job search or register your CV and we’ll contact you to discuss your career aspirations.
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