The GreenJobs team is launching a new interview series on GreenJobs.com. Our goal is to showcase the interesting people and market makers behind the forefront of the green energy revolution.

Today we have Carina Whitham who is a veteran recruiter in the green energy space. She started her career in executive search and then went to start the WhithamGroup, her own firm, that focuses on recruiting executives across the renewable energy and green energy industry.

Carina is one of the best recruiters I’ve met. I don’t hand out this compliment lightly, she is one of the few recruiters I recommend and will refer clients to. I’ve met a lot of recruiters in many industries running job boards, talent marketplaces, and helping do recruiting.

We touch on many points in this discussion and interview. From AI in recruiting, to where the green energy market will be in the future and how job seekers can best position themselves to stand out.

Green Jobs – Hello Carina, thanks for doing this interview. Tell us a little bit about your background and experience in Recruiting?

Carina Whitham – I began my career in recruitment in 2008 as a Junior Recruiter with an executive search firm, where I managed the General Electric account and focused primarily on high-level manufacturing executive searches.

In 2010, I took the leap and founded my own firm, Whitham Group Executive Search.

For the past 15 years, I’ve specialized exclusively in renewable energy recruitment, and what drew me to this sector and has kept me here is the people. The renewable energy community is incredibly close-knit; it feels like a tribe.

At industry conferences, it’s almost like a high school reunion because everyone is connected by just one degree of separation. That sense of community, combined with the opportunity to help companies grow and advance clean energy, is what makes my work so rewarding.

GJ – What do you think of the current market for green jobs and renewable energy jobs? Good, Bad, Ok?

CW – The market for renewable energy jobs is extremely strong. My firm has never been busier, and industry data backs that up. Renewable Energy employment has grown by roughly 18% year over year.

The International Renewable Energy Agency projects that the number of jobs in this sector will more than double by 2030. So, the outlook isn’t just good, it’s exceptionally strong, and the demand for talent continues to outpace supply.

GJ –  AI is being used a lot in recruiting these days. Not only on the HR and Recruiting side but by Job Seekers as well. Do you see AI as a Positive or Negative for recruiting?

I see AI as a very positive tool in recruitment when it’s used the right way. I use platforms like SeekOut myself, which can scan billions of profiles and help uncover hard-to-find talent. My Administrative Director also uses AI-driven tools for workflow automation, which saves her at least 10 hours a week—freeing her to focus on higher-value work. From that perspective, AI has been a real game changer for efficiency.

That said, I don’t view AI as a threat to executive search. At the senior leadership level, recruitment is about relationships, judgment, and cultural fit—things no algorithm can replace. On the candidate side, AI can certainly help with drafting or refining a resume outline, but it can’t substitute for real experience.

In fact, many companies are already able to spot AI-generated resumes, and applicant tracking systems will soon have detection features to filter them out. Ultimately, AI is a useful assistant in our work, but it will never replace the human element that is at the heart of successful executive placements

GJ – What are tips you give candidates when they are deep in a job search. Especially right now with a tough job market.

CW – I actually wrote a book on this very subject Hire Me Now! which comes out on Amazon soon.

A job search, especially in today’s market, really does need to be treated like a full-time job. There are many moving parts, but one of the most important steps I always stress is optimizing your LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn is the number one platform for recruiters and employers, and it gives you the ability to showcase your accomplishments, awards, and projects in a dynamic, visually engaging way. When your profile is polished and tells your story effectively, you dramatically increase your chances of being noticed and landing interviews.

GJ – What do you recommend job seekers do with LinkedIn? Different info, match the resume, post updates?

CW – I always recommend keeping your LinkedIn profile fully up to date and making sure it matches your resume exactly. I’ve seen situations where the dates or even company names didn’t align between a resume and LinkedIn profile and that inconsistency can immediately raise red flags and cost a candidate an interview.

Employers almost always review a LinkedIn profile before deciding to move forward, so accuracy and consistency are critical.

Your profile photo is another important detail.

While family photos are wonderful for personal use, LinkedIn should have a professional headshot of just you, dressed appropriately, smiling, and approachable.

Today, AI tools make it easier than ever to create a polished, professional-looking photo from an everyday picture, so there’s no reason not to present yourself well. LinkedIn is the most powerful platform for job seekers, and when used strategically, it can open doors faster than any other tool.

GJ – What are the most common resume mistakes you see job seekers make?

CW – As a resume expert, I can spot the most common mistakes instantly.

Too many resumes are filled with generic statements and basic job duties, but they lack the numbers, percentages, or measurable outcomes that show real impact.

When I scan a resume, I can usually tell within five seconds whether that candidate will move forward to my client or not.

GJ – What should people do with resumes to make them stand out?

CW – Your resume is not just a list of responsibilities; it’s a sales tool.

Employers want to see how you can add value to their organization, and the best way to do that is by quantifying your achievements. Whether it’s growing revenue by 30%, improving operational efficiency by streamlining a process, or leading a project that saved the company millions, specific metrics turn your experience into proof of performance.

That’s what makes a resume stand out.

GJ – What do you tell job seekers you work with before they go into an important interview?

CW – My candidates have a unique advantage because I typically work directly with CEOs and executive teams, which allows me to extract exactly what they’re looking for in a hire and then I prepare my candidates accordingly.

I’ve also developed an interview prep deck that I share with them, which covers everything from the top 10 most common interview questions and how to answer them, to what to wear, and even which thoughtful questions to ask the hiring manager.

My main piece of advice is always to walk in with confidence and authenticity. Preparation is key. If you’re more introverted, practice answering questions in front of a mirror or with a friend until it feels natural.

Interviews come in many formats; one-on-ones, marathon sessions, or even tough panel-style ‘firing squad’ interviews and they can be intimidating. But the more you study, practice, and prepare, the easier they become. With the right preparation, you can not only ace the interview but put yourself in a position to land multiple offers.

GJ – Where do you see the green energy market in the next 5 and 10 years?

CW – Much of the conversation around renewables has centered on the ITC phase-out and changes in tax credits. But the reality is that renewable energy has reached a point of true economic competitiveness.

Over the last decade, the cost of solar, wind, and storage has dropped so significantly that these technologies are now competitive even without subsidies.

Looking ahead 5 to 10 years, I see the market continuing to expand at a rapid pace. On the residential side, many of my clients have already diversified their business models. Instead of being just solar installers, they’ve evolved into full home energy solution providers adding services like roofing and HVAC. Many of them made these moves well in advance of ITC changes to stay ahead of the curve.

At the same time, Fortune 500 companies are driving demand through their net-zero commitments, and I’m seeing strong private equity and venture capital investment flowing into the sector.

Taken together, these trends point to a renewable energy market that will not only grow, but also become more diversified, integrated, and resilient over the next decade.

GJ –  Tell us about the Whitham Group. What is the firm about and why did you start it?

CW – Whitham Group is an executive search firm specializing in management through C-level recruitment exclusively within the renewable energy sector. We partner with companies ranging from innovative startups to multibillion-dollar organizations, helping them secure the leadership talent needed to drive growth and transformation.

I started Whitham Group in 2010 because I saw a clear gap in the market. Too often, recruitment was treated as a purely fee-driven business, where people became numbers and relationships were secondary. I wanted to build something different. A firm that takes on fewer assignments, invests more time with both candidates and clients, and builds long-term partnerships based on trust and transparency.

I often say that I’m not a salesperson, I’m a matchmaker. My role is to align the right leaders with the right companies, ensuring both sides succeed. Candidates know exactly where they stand throughout the process, and clients have complete visibility into how their search is being managed. By putting people and relationships ahead of fees, I’ve built a practice where integrity, honesty, and support are at the core of every placement; and that’s been the key to our success.

GJ – You have Hire Me Now! coming out soon. Can you tell us more about it? What inspired you to write the book?

CW – Yes, I wrote Hire Me Now! because over the years as a recruiter, I’ve seen far too many qualified candidates miss out on great opportunities simply because they didn’t know how to navigate the job search process effectively.

From poorly written resumes that list generic duties instead of measurable accomplishments, to candidates walking into interviews unprepared or with unoptimized LinkedIn profiles, the same mistakes kept showing up.

The job market is more competitive than ever, and how you manage your search can be the difference between sending out 200 resumes with no response or landing interviews and offers.

I wanted to create a practical, step-by-step guide that empowers job seekers with the tools and insight they need—from resume writing and interview prep to professional presentation and online presence—because looking for a job truly is a full-time job, and I believe everyone deserves a fair shot at success.

GJ – You also have 2 other books you are going to write as well?

CW – Yes, I have two more books in progress as part of the Hire Me Now! series, each focused on the unique challenges different groups face in today’s job market.

Hire Me Now! 50+ is written for job seekers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who are navigating a job search later in life. Ageism is a real and unfortunate barrier, but older candidates bring tremendous value, experience, and reliability to the workforce. This book is designed to help them modernize their approach and show employers why they’re still highly competitive in today’s market.

The second book, Hire Me Now! Generation Z is for younger candidates just entering the workforce.

Many are unaware of the expectations and professionalism required in a competitive hiring environment. For example, a recent stat showed that 77% of Gen Z job seekers have brought a parent to an interview—some even involve them in salary negotiations and assessments.

That’s a clear signal that they need guidance. My goal is to support Gen Z with honest, empowering advice that helps them approach their job search independently, confidently, and professionally. Both books should be available by Christmas this year!

GJ – Where can people contact you Carina if they are interested in learning more?

CW – The best place to learn more about Whitham Group is on our website at WhithamGroup.com.

For companies interested in partnering with us to find top executive talent, I can be reached directly at Carina@WhithamGroup.com. I personally manage all client relationships to ensure the highest level of service.

For candidates who would like to be considered for future opportunities, my Administrative Director, Kay, can be contacted at Kay@WhithamGroup.com to keep your resume on file. We’re always interested in connecting with exceptional talent in the renewable energy space.