Job Seasons in Energy
Here’s how the job calendar works for our energy clients.
It’s important to know about when certain types of energy jobs are more prevalent during the calendar year. It allows you to pace your job search, understand why jobs are available, and what to ask recruiters about your chances for a new job.
Rockwood’s search activities are confined to the “downstream” part of the energy business . Think of energy firms that interact with corporate or residential customers. –as opposed to the upstream an d mid-stream businesses that deal with just other energy companies.
There is a strong seasonal effect to job activity, and this seasonality is typical of not just manufacturing firms, but most other types of firms as well—with one exception,—consulting firms. These are a bit different, since their bonus and promotion year tends to go from June to May, as opposed to the calendar year approach.
For most energy corporations (like utilities) financial budget and personnel budgets are formed in September through December, with the final numbers being stamped out in early December. So, management looks at staff expansions or changes, and begins the process of internal promotions and transfers in January.
Typically, these firms have an annual bonus program that pays out in March or April after the financial books are closed for the prior year. Wall Street energy trading jobs get bonuses in late December or early January.
After bonuses are paid, people leave for other jobs, heightening the urgency of filling key positions by company management. By late March, most departures are visible and the true size of the recruiting problem is known. By June, the bulk of the jobs is filled.
Exceptions
The large consulting firms (Accenture, Deloitte) have energy groups. Their recruiting year is normally June to June as with the rest of the consulting industry.
Propane firms that sell to residences and farms try to avoid recruiting during the heating season (October through May), so they move a little faster, starting in August and trying to finish hiring by November.
The Summer Slowdown
After June, the general job market slows down, so depending on which segment of the energy business you’re in, you may see fewer openings.
What remains are jobs that are new to the organization or expansion jobs. Think of firms that are launching a new product.
Energy efficiency firms can have jobs later in the year, since if they get a new contract, they may not have enough professional staff to implement projects on time.
How To Plan Your Job Search
If you need to seek a new position outside your current employer, you’re now a bit late, but you can catch up. Find out what the cycle is for your industry by asking an industry veteran or a recruiter who specializes in the energy business.
You can reach us at resumes@rockwoodenergysearch.com.
What If You Need A New Job In The Wrong Season?
Consider a contract job until the cycle is more favorable if you must.
Expand the scope of the kinds of firms you’re looking at to other industry segments that are growing more quickly.
In fact, we recommend networking all year, since it’s difficult to reach the right exec, the best recruiters, and get a true feel for the market precisely when you need a job. Start early, keep it up.
