Posted By rsellars After 2 years of trying to get a position in H&S and I have to admit defeat. Over 150 applications not one interview. I've paid for my own courses because where i work has no interest in H&S (only on paper). I'm halfway through the fire risk management and assessment course at the moment which is being put on hold as i can no longer see the point of completing the course. It seems only the diploma counts in H&S and no matter how much experience you have in a particular field no diploma no interview. What annoys me is that even though I have never held a H&S post the people who work under me and from other departments expect me to give H&S advice which I do gladly but when those above me have found out its me what gets grief not the inefficient H&S manager who hides under his desk all day. You can only bang your head against a brick wall for so long before you give up and I'm afraid I have given up.

Posted By MikeP I understand how you feel as I have had the same problem getting into the H&S field, with no luck so far. One of the frustrating things I have found is the job vacancies as few if any are interested in taking anyone on at entry level and training them up. Most want qualified and trained people, but where are these people coming from if not at entry level. I will keep trying though as I believe there is a suitable job out there near me. Good luck with what ever you do in the future. Mike

Posted By Simon Levy Hello, I'm recruiting now for a H&S assistant post, send your CV through to me at slevy@airfayre.com. I'll have a look. I am based near London Heathrow. Reason for the vacancy is growth of the department and business. We also have international opportunities. Rgds, Simon

Posted By Simon Levy I'd also give you some advice and offer assitance where i could. Simon

Posted By johnwaterson2773 You have mail.

Posted By Anna B Hi there, Whatever you do - DO NOT GIVE UP!!! I've been there myself. I've tried and tried and tried and got nowhere for a long time. Like yourself I had only NEBOSH cert and very few companies wanted to even look at my CV. My involvement with h&s was very limited, but I had a huge will to succeed. One day somebody will notice you and will give you a chance. I have only worked in h&s for the last 2 years and got my job, because somebody wanted to see me for an informal chat. It's up to you to demonstrate how you can use your up to date experience, whatever you've done in the past, and demonstrate how you can put your skills into h&s practise. You have to sell yourself the best way you can and you will get what you want. Attend some networking meetings. Try to build a good report with the agency, they are the once who will sell you first. And the rest is left for you to do! It will work. Good luck. Anna

Posted By CFT Can I just add please, that when making application for any H&S related position you include skills (either by experience or qualification, or both) outside of the H&S box, if you have them and most do, even attendance to the university of life is worthwhile (yes I actually had that on an application form) It may be quality based, environmental, engineering, facilities management, employment adviser/HR experience etc. Once the letter/email of rejection arrives (if you are actually lucky enough [or unlucky] to actually be contacted) it is too late to include additional information at that stage, so get it in with the application. Make that initial application AS PERFECT AS YOU CAN, I have viewed many applications over the years for all sorts of senior positions in industry, and you would be amazed how the simplest issues have meant the applicant ended up in the rejection list; whilst it is difficult selecting a shortlist of applicants you have to have a 'rule of thumb to start somewhere and bad sppeling and grammere along with: pour pucuation and bacic layout simply will not help your application!!"£$. OK, perhaps I exaggerate slightly, but I sure have seen some awful ones over the years; perhaps you think it doesn't matter that your writing or word processing is poor, well, that is up to you the individual to decide, write it, check it , read it through at least half a dozen times and don't have a stock CV, ensure each CV is tailored to suit the position being advertised. What I will say is, if your heart is truly set on this as a profession, then you will find a way in, of that I can be certain. Good luck CFT

Posted By MS What size boots have you got?

Posted By IOSH Moderator John, As much as it pains us, we have hidden your message. AUG 3 clearly states you should contact the poster directly with this information. Jonathan PS - If you wish to discuss this issue further contact us by e-mail to avoid derailing this thread.

Posted By Thomas2008 "Over 150 applications not one interview". For me this says it all. Why plod on with something that is not clearly not working. As previously indicated. You need to get your CV reviewed. Can I recommend to everybody the Times Book of CV's. It has good guidance on analyzing your skill set and preparing your CV. A few model CV's help you along too. I've passed this book about to countless rejected (and dejected!) souls who have found it a great help. To Rseelars - you clearly have enthusiasm to do the role - don't give up. You don't say your background but if anything move jobs and try identify a role that requires greater opportunity for you to reveal your H&S skills and knowledge. Perhaps a role as a H&S rep is a good start. Thomas

Posted By willhiem 150!! thats about the same as me, though in fairness these days you can apply for 100's over the internet! I'm not having a go, its not that hard to send that many. people are probably right though your CV probably needs a look at if you're not even getting interviews. as i said i applied for about the same amount of jobs probably more now i think of it and got maybe about 15 interviews with no luck until i convinced a company to take me on, i wasnt looking for much i just told them that i was young and inexperienced and the only way to get on in this business is to start at the bottom to learn, it seemed to work, i got the job, things didnt work out with that and i applied for maybe 50 jobs again about a year later, having changed my CV slightly and of course the added experience i got numerous invitations to interviews and a few phone interviews, of the 4 interviews i did i was offered all 4 before settling on where i am now, it wasnt the best money but it gives me a good opportunity to move on and develop. dont give up, i know what its like and especially when you've put so much time and money into it, it is worth it in the end and once you get the hang of it and get yor CV sorted i'm sure you'll get on just fine. A mate of mine swears by those people that do interview techniques, i dont know though when you're startin out, especially in this industry there is no point saying you're the best when you have no experience to back it up so just go with stressing how you're willing to learn and work our way up etc. Best of luck with it

Posted By KATE BYRNE Hi I understand your frustation! I am in the same position - trying to get a step on the ladder and gain experience. I want to complete the diploma but i have been told i need experience to do it. All you can do, it keep knocking on the door, keep pestering away. DOnt give up! K p,s anyone got trainee roles for the two of us?

Posted By John A Wright Hi, I can understand this statement >>many employers will not interview unless the applicant has a diploma applying when the ad or job description requires it, and that may be the case for most jobs posted in SHP. But the city newspaper vacations sections often include job vacancies for 'safety advisers' e.g. councils, medium-sized factories, care homes etc and these often only require NGC (usually because the salary is under 25k). I still think there are jobs for anyone with any H&S qualification, even for those with limited experience whose salary may have to start low. John W

Posted By Margia Have you tried asking the companies you applied to why you didn't get through to the interview stage? I work for a local authority and our managers are always willing to give feedback to unsuccessful applicants. As some of the earlier posters have said, it looks as if your CV is letting you down in some way.

Posted By rsellars thanks for all your comments. I'm back on track now and M.S. my boots are very big. I've had a lot of help since posting this, still need to sort my c.v. out though which is the next job to do after I've done the fire risk exams. Thank you all who responded it has been much appreciated. Thank you

Posted By Christopher Black rsellars Now you have had some help maybe you will be lucky enough to sample life in the shoes of your "inefficient" safety manager. You may then find you change your opinion of them somewhat.