Posted By Stuart Nagle
Ther are many different ideas of what 'being qualified' means, not least in the minds of the employers, many of whom never even bother checking qualifications or references of applicants they employ.
This months SHP is a prime example - so rush off now and check if you want some prime examples. With salaries of up to 40K spotted for persons with NEBOSH certificates...
Now, before the mud starts getting slung, I have no axe to grind on qualification levels, although as most regulars who visit the site will know, I do have views on the subject generally, as I am sure do most people.
What you may find incredible however, is that many of those posts advertised, as mentioned above, are via what claim to be Health and Safety Recruitment Agencies, specialising in the recruitment of health and safety professionals!!
Now am I being thick, or do YOU think that as such they should be in a position to advise their Clients on what levels of qualifications and experience equate with responsibility levels in respect of posts?
There is certainly an element of truth in the views above that employers (and employment agencies) have little if any real insight into health and safety qualifications or the value of experience.
In fact, this may be one of very few 'professions' where age, experience and wisdom are actually beneficial in the job market.... ever thought of that?
As a footnote, CV preperation is another 'skill' that many lack and some of the CV's I have read over the years, even just lately, do not cut the mustard and have been produced purely in a generic manner for mass applications to employers.
I am sure that if people took time an trouble to research what makes a good CV, and presented the right amount and type of information employers want (in respect of particular psitions), in the correct order, and with just the right amount of personal 'executive summary' they would find that a lot more doors get opened for interviews.
Lastly, the interview. Interview technique is another area that lets many very good professionals down badly, getting nervous, not knowing how to use 'body language' not researching the company before interview, although many have very informative web sites, and not dressing up to impress - first impressions still count for a great deal. I always look at shoes and hands first, followed by creases in trousers and the knot in a tie. you will be suprised how much can be gleaned from this about a candidate... truley...
So, heres your list for self improvement:
1) Get to work on researching your CV style
2) ALWAYS create a CV that fits the post for which your applying (the language in the advert may also give you clues - use a similar language as it's obviously the language the employer speaks)
3) Get the items on your CV in the correct manner and the important items on page one, namely:
a) personal details, age or DOB, name, address, contact points etc, status (e.g. Married - 2 children (boy 7, girl 5 years etc)
c) Qualifications: (don't include GCSE's and 'A' levels unless your still young enough to have nothing else) Include all technical courses, even if not H&S related (i.e. BTECH HNC Mechanical Engineering) and give the pass level (Pass Merit Distinction etc).
d) Membership of Profesional Bodies: include all relevant profesional memberships - state that your a 'member' for example 'Member Institution of Occupational Safety and Health' then your date of joining, rather than simply stating MIOSH etc unless you want to! because this may mean little in real terms to the employer!!
e) Executive Summary: Present this in the 'third person' (i.e. as if someone else was taking about you, your experience and attributes. Use simple but descriptive and effective language. Don't be affraid to crib off the person specification for the job and use the same language as they have used if at all possible. You can also finish it with a smidgeon of humour even, such as '..and enjoys the occassional candlelit dinner and bottle of red wine'. This shows your 'human side'
f) Next, your employment history: START WITH YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER FIRST AND WORK BACKWARDS.... most employers prefer this. No more than say 20/25 lines.
(Up to this point you should still be on the first page of your CV - no joking...
For your previous employments, if a 'mature' candidate you should aim not to back more than 10 to 15 years, if younger and not had a lot of posts you could perhaps include them all, but aim to keep the number of previous posts down to say a maximum of 5 (to 7 at most) for most persons, even if they changed jobs every two years or so, this should be more than enough to cover the 10 to 15 year period.
If there are long gaps in employemnt you will habve to state why!! (i.e. travelling and working way around south east asia).
If the gaps are short, say a few weeks, you could cover them by stating the month start date and month finish date rather than actual dates of the months etc...
For the remaining post descriptions, keep it very brief... say a maximum of 4 to 5 lines (if that). you can always embelish if asked about a particular post.
Two nice columns now, one giving the the post title, employer and their address with start and finish date. Do not state reasons for leaving here OK... take my word for it it just is not necessary.
In the second column, state the role, duties and responsibilities. keep it very brief
g) The final thing that needs adding is at least two references. One should be your current or most recent employer. the other should be an employer too if possible, but if not a personal reference mat suffice.
(Always be sure to let those who you are seeking references from know that they may get a letter asking for a reference, unless of course you don't want your current employer to know your considering leaving!!
In this case, state clearly at the interview that you would prefer them do not apply for a reference unless they intend offering you the position. Most won't apply for references until after they offer a post anyway, but it your employer may get indifferent about you because of this, it's always worth letting the propspective new employer know... Don't worry they will understand...
So now you have sorted your CV, please get those shoes polished, learn to tie a knot in a tie, press those trousers, and have a good firm handshake and upright, alert demeanour.
Well done. now your ready for the job market.
Lets hope you all appreicate the benefit of years of experience!!
PS. One last piece of advice. Interviews take practice. make a habbit of going to them regularly, even if you don't want the job. Practice makes perfect.
Stuart