Posted By kwill
you have mail =)

Posted By clarkey
Dennis

I myself left the forces last year and was fortunate to get a job before I officially left. However the situation a year later is very different. Paul has spoken sense and I would agree with everything he has said.

There are so few jobs, but stay positive and keep plugging away. You only need one lucky break. I think that it is difficult to find any job not just health and safety ones. This will definitely test you as to whether this is a career you want to pursue.

Make sure that you network as much as possible via your IOSH branch meetings etc as with so few jobs and a number of them being 'false' this is probably the best way that you are going to find out about real job opportunities.

Also tailor your CV as to what the job specification etc says. I personally have several CV's. Do not be tempted to have a blanket CV. Stay away from military jargon where possible and try to refer to your 'transferable' skills. Do not be afraid about only putting on your CV the most appropriate qualifications for the job and removing those that aren't. I do not profess to be an expert in CV writing this is just my personal opinion.

Good luck in your search and keep your chin up.

Posted By clarkey
Hiya Dennis

I do agree that it may seem a shame that after putting all of the hard work and effort in to them to then remove qualifications from your CV but trust me when I say that there is such a thing as being over qualified and this can scare potential employers off. Just make sure that you put the most appropriate qualifications on your CV for the job your applying for (whether health and safety or not).

Just be aware that your CV may have to go through rigorous HR sifts prior to actually getting to the Health and Safety Director who for example would make the decision on who to interview. Bear in mind that there are so many applications for one role they have to be very rigorous and may have certain criteria specific to the role even if you are more academically qualified in other areas.

Having said that though if you do get to interview the fact that you have done a batchelor of science will look very good and it won't necessarily go against you that you haven't got the NEBOSH diploma. I personally have done a pgc in occupational health and safety management and may decide to do the nebosh diploma in the future. I think that potential employers would also take into account the amount of health and safety experience you have already gained and how keen and enthusiastic you are about health and safety.

I do understand that it is a part of the forces culture to adapt and overcome and to crack on with whatever is asked of you, but civilian employers won't necessarily be aware of what skills are involved in your job unless ex-military themselves. You will have to point out what your skills are and where you can fit into the organisation and job role you are applying for. Do not take for granted any of the skills you have or assume that a potential employer will be able to read between the lines on your CV as to the skills you have.

Treat the first half of the first page of your CV like you are advertising a product and put in the buzz words they are wanting to hear. If you read the first page of your CV would you 'want to buy the product'? bad analogy I know but I think it is the best way to describe it. If you do not grab the potential employers attention within the first half of the first page you will potentially end up on the 'scrap' pile as there are plenty more for them to look at especially at the moment.

I know that this may sound harsh but I think that you need to be focusing your efforts and attention in the right way.

Posted By clarkey
Fingers crossed that it works then otherwise I will be for it! :-)

Posted By denpock
Thanks for the 'heads-up' jaynie. Found two vacancies that I think are suitable, one I've already applied for! Will have to complete the application for the other one tomorrow - need a bath after football coaching in the rain - at my age! (I know, too much information and not suitable comments for this forum)!
So once again, thanks, your help is really appreciated.
Dennis P

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