Posted By Frank Hallett Hi Joe You have my sympathy - trying to get responses can be extremely disheartening. Please be slightly consolled by the knowledge that this is not a personal phenomenon but one that we all experience on occassion. As you have asked for responses, I trust that you won't be offended by my observations. Incidentally, I'm probably no more successful than you in getting positive responses and my comments are based very much on personal experience rather than any expertise in this area. Input from a good HR guru would be invaluable I think; even if it disagrees with my own highly personal views. First, may I suggest that, from the information presented on your posting, you could benefit from some discussion with one of the many agencies that specialise in presenting a CV in the best possible light. I'm sure that there are several other positive qualities that you could incorporate to make you far more attractive [from an HR point of view] than you have mentioned here. Second, are you really focussing on the range of possible job descriptions for which you can demonstrate a close competence match? Only you can judge the answer to that - and only then if you're brutally honest with yourself. Also, your age is probably not helping [sorry - but it it is a relevant issue, especially in relation to management positions in construction] although it's the one "Catch 22" that you can literally grow out off; and I'm interested in the 5years construction experience as that means you started at 16 if you're 21 now. The IOSH Managing Safely Cert won't cut any ice with a good, competent employer unless presented in a way that demonstrates that you have the capability and drive to go out and improve yourself independantly of an employers expressed need. The same applies to the NEBOSH Cons Cert incidentally, although such qualifications continue to be given a far greater status that either NEBOSH or IOSH actually consider applicable. The remainder of your listed skills would need to show relevance for a potential employer to give them serious consideration. Please don't feel bad about my, or anyone elses observations, as they will be offered with the best intent. Incidentally, I consider that you have taken an extremely brave calculated risk in putting this post up. Frank Hallett

Posted By Nick Higginson Joe Don't mention your age, youth can work against you in this job (I speak from experience). It is also useful to say what you intend to achieve in future - do you intend to further your qualifications? Regards Nick

Posted By joedukeries thanks all for the advice, i am very grateful. best regards joe

Posted By Neville I fully agree with you Dan, there seems to be more than a black spot in the North West, bye and large, for H&S positions. (Must be a dangerous place to work !!!) Not the case in Leeds and due South from there. I am in contact with a couple of agencies who also back that comment up. My redundancy notice runs out next Friday too.

Posted By Richard Stewart The situation in the North West re no of people seeking work is purely one of supply and demand. I cannot ever recall (as a H&S specialist) making a single placement in the NW. Roles seems to normally be filled by word of mouth - the necessity to run expensive ad campaigns or to use agencies does not appear to be there. Richard Stewart Anders Elite

Posted By DM2005 Hi Nikki, You should count yourself lucky, I get no texts/e-mails at all - I obviously don't match the 'criteria'.

Posted By David P. Johnson Joe, I'm in pretty much the same boat - and the big thing I've noticed is a lot of prejudice around age. At least by this time next year the age discrimination legislation will be in place. Best of luck. David