I have passed my units a, b and c international NEBOSH diploma and looking for a company to start my career in health and safety. My education background is in agriculture (bachelor's degree) and sustainable environmental management (Master's). I have minimal relevant work experience in health and safety. But I have a good experience of health and safety in the health and social care sector as I have worked part time in the sector for about 4years now. I currently work alongside a colleague as health and safety representative. I have been applying for various roles with no interviews so far. I apply for various roles: h&s administration, h&s coordinator, h&s trainee, h&s assistant etc. Any thoughts why I have found it difficult to get at least an interview?

Does your cv and letter of application reflect that you have some kind of experience in health and safety no matter how big or small? I amended my cv and within 2 months I had received more interviews and call backs than I had in the 2 years previously. Have you self funded any qualifications? If you have- put that on your cv. Also, make sure you read through the job description, and even though you may not have experience specifically in that field, comment on skills you have that could be transferred into that role- for example taking minutes in meetings- you need to be a good listener and be able to pick out key details, plus the write-up afterwards.

It took me 5 years to get the role in Construction H&S! A design manager who works for the same group (different division) as me, asked my HSEQ Manger if his friend who recently passed his NEBOSH could visit a site or 2 with me when I carry out my site inspections, he has visited approx 12 sites over 3 months with me. He has now been employed by the Ops Director of the division as an onsite H&S Advisor for the larger projects. So basically he's landed a job in no time, just because he contacted his friends in the industry to ask around to gain work experience, he is definitely capable and competent and I look forward for him starting on Monday! So try asking around and offering your services for free just to gain the H&S experience. Regardless of qualifications, a lot of H&S Managers want previous experience working with H&S procedures. Hope that helps and Good luck!!

I would add a note of caution with volunteering: make sure it is clear what you are offering and what you hope to get in exchange. Look to work with either charitable organisations, or school governance roles, or maybe by (as per#5) shadowing a mentor, rather than providing a free service. I am sure there are those companies happy to indulge the willing volunteer with some free work they would normally have to pay for.