Posted By Paul Foulkes
Good day colleagues.
I notice that there are quite a lot of postings from individuals looking for their first jobs that have zero response.
(Please don't use this thread as a means to start up old frustrations and negative remarks, as we should share in the professional image that membership affords, rather than seek to denegrate it).
Chastisement over.
If I were a prospective employer, I doubt I would use this forum to recruit a H&S professional unless it supplemented other media such as agencies, periodicals and newspapers.
I know it is tremendously disappointing for all of you who are trying so hard to secure a role, especially when you have sacrificed time, money and sheer energy to get qualifications.
I know because it was me 4 years ago.
My first H&S role was secured via a friend with whom I studied, and my current role was advertised in my local press.
Whilst I think there is some merit in seeking work through this forum, I would suggest that the audience will be largely H&S professionals or at least employers with H&S knowledge, and they will likely be seeking someone with experience.
Many employers looking for their first H&S scapegoat will not even know about IOSH.
Don't dismiss these, because they are often the roles where you can build up your CV with a long list of achievements.
Had my job been advertised through an agency I doubt I would have even reached first interview; but because I was able to sell myself in my first letter I eventually got the job.
The IOSH careers forum has a valuable role to play in sharing ideas for applications and intervew techniques and it could be used more to discuss ways for career progression.
To those who have had zero response - please don't be disheartened, you are unfortunately fishing at a crowded pool and we don't even know the number of fish in it.
Just keep plugging through the H&S periodicals, national and local press, jobs papers, JOB CENTRE(I got 3 interviews) and of course agencies.
And if that doesn't work you can earn around £35k driving a truck.
Best wishes.
Paul

Posted By Andy Walker
Just because there's no response on the thread doesn't mean people haven't been contacted personnally via their own e mail. 1st timers don't be discouraged by the above comments you never know what may come of a posting on here.

Just persist and try any route to get a foot on the ladder.

Andy W

Posted By Arran Linton - Smith
I would normally expect professional agencies to respond privately with their candidates, as this should strictly be a confidential matter between them and their clients.

Posted By Daniel Stonehouse
As with every other person who views this forum i can only state what my experience has been. I was offered a job through this forum, unfortunately i was not able to take up the post. This opportunity would not have been advertised in the IOSH magazine, possibly only in the local press. The employer in question would not have trawled through the postings looking for a suitable candidate. I will probably not post my availability on this website when i gain my degree in June, but will instead go to other web sites. Such a shame.

Posted By GJB
Fortunately we are all very different people. A method that works for one, may not work for another.

I would suggest all the methods, i.e. a letter and CV sent, a recommendation, a posting on here, professional magazine advert, agency, etc. will all have the desired effect. They are certainly worth doing in my opinion... and do work!

Posted By bec_batty
From a different perspective (you'll have to guess which!), this board is extremely useful for sourcing Professionals looking for a new position.

Rebecca