Feeling lost in the climate job hunt?
You’re not alone. The sustainability sector is growing fast, but with so many areas—solar power, carbon capture, sustainable finance, and more—it can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start?

The good news is that by focusing your search, you can find companies that match your skills and passions. All you need is the right tool to cut through the noise, and that’s where the Hype Cycle comes in.

Introduction to the Hype Cycle

A Quick Intro to the Hype Cycle
Enter the Hype Cycle, originally developed by Gartner to map the lifecycle of new technologies. It follows a predictable pattern: from initial excitement through a peak of inflated expectations, a tough reality check, and finally, on to productivity. In short, the Hype Cycle helps companies (and now, you) see what’s promising and what might need more time in development.

How This Applies to You (or, “Are They Wearing Lab Coats?”)

Aligning Your Skills with the Cycle
The Hype Cycle isn’t just a tool for tech firms; it’s a valuable guide for job seekers too. Here’s how it plays out across different stages:

• Early-Stage Companies: Often in the “Innovation Trigger” phase, these companies might still feel more “lab coat” than “brand launch.” Their budgets are tight and largely directed towards development, so if you’re in marketing, you may need to prepare for a hybrid role or look for opportunities elsewhere. But if you’re a developer or go-to-market (GTM) specialist, this stage could offer exciting chances to shape products early on.

• Mid-Stage Companies: As companies reach the “Peak of Inflated Expectations” or start moving into the “Trough of Disillusionment,” they’ve usually secured a few rounds of funding and are growing from small, scrappy teams into more structured setups. They may have core products established but are still defining their identity and positioning. Roles in marketing, operations, and business development are starting to appear, and if you’re interested in helping build out a company’s direction, a mid-stage company could be a great fit. There may not be full departments yet, but there’s more structure than in the earliest stages.

• Later-Stage Companies: Once they’re on the “Slope of Enlightenment” and progressing toward maturity, later-stage companies are usually scaling up with established products and predictable funding. This means they’re hiring for marketing, programme management, finance, and other specialised roles. If you prefer stability and a clear job structure within a larger team, later-stage companies tend to be a good match.

How to Tell Where a Company is on the Hype Cycle

How do you find out where a company falls on the Hype Cycle? Here are three reliable ways:

1. Funding Status: Early-stage companies often close seed or Series A rounds, while more established companies reach Series B or beyond. Following funding announcements can give a quick sense of where they’re at.

2. Marketing and Public Presence: Established companies are more likely to have regular online activity, including blogs, press mentions, and a visible social media presence. In contrast, early-stage companies may be less visible.

3. Job Listings: Check their job postings. Early-stage companies tend to look for engineering or tech-focused roles, while more mature companies often advertise for operations, programme management, and other support roles.

Or, y’know just let Gartner do all of that and use their research findings. Ahem, I should probably have led with that. But know how to do this yourself is critical for sectors not on their list. And, as with all these kind of things, it is quite subjective.

Here is their 2024 take on the sustainability sector

Summary and Conclusion

• Why the Hype Cycle Matters: It provides insight into a company’s maturity, helping you find a role that aligns with your skills and goals.

• Role Demand by Stage: Early-stage companies prioritise hands-on technical skills, mid-stage companies look for builders and contributors across operations and branding, while later-stage companies need full, multi-functional teams.

• What This Means for You: By using the Hype Cycle, you’re not just narrowing your focus to find the right companies; you’re also improving the efficiency of your job search. With the Hype Cycle as your guide, you’ll be able to target roles in companies that match your career goals and where your skills are truly needed. Rather than spreading your energy across the entire climate sector, you can concentrate on those “fertile soil” opportunities—companies at the right stage that offer the roles and environments you’re best suited for. This way, every application has a stronger chance of landing, and each interview is likely to feel like a better fit. You’re not just working harder; you’re working smarter, using the Hype Cycle to position yourself for roles that align both with your expertise and the impact you want to make.

So, time for my favourite question:

• Is this going to help you with narrowing your search?

• Are you able to use this lens to understand the challenges you have been facing and perhaps pivot to a different phase of the cycle.

• How can you incorporate a ‘hype cycle check’ into your job research, or better yet, how can you include questions about the phase a company is in during your conversations with people who work there or in that sector?