I have recently been looking to return to work after a period of post surgical rehab. I was working in the SHEQ sector beforehand.
I have been offered an interview within the public sector as part of a small management team responsible for several hundred employees. Unfortunately the role has no specific H&S or Env responsibilities (apart from the normal management stuff). HSE is all covered by a different department.
My first question is, do I attend the interview and accept the position if it is offered, knowing that I will carry on looking for a H&S/Env job and leave as soon as one comes up.
Secondly, and to me most importantly, will taking on a non H&S related role - and probably staying for a very short period of time - have a negative effect on my CV, and jeopardise future jobs in HSE.

Totally agree with Colin. I would argue its much better to be spending someone elses money while you are looking for you next job !!

I see very little risk to your cv - as Colin says this can be explained.

No brainer for me as well

Thanks guys

I also saw it as a no brainer until a conversation I had a couple of days ago. A friend of mine threw a few spanners in the works such as;

How do you justify starting a new job on Monday then taking Weds and Friday off for interviews, if you can get the time off at all ?

Most employers will ask for a reference from your present employer..... if you've shown no loyalty or integrity, how do you expect to get a good reference ?

Some computer CV searches may focus on the last/present post held....

Perhaps he was just playing devils advocate.....I tend to agree with the comments made here.

I wouldn't worry about computer based CV searches. If you list your CV on a job board, you can tailor the search string results yourself, dependent upon the role you are seeking. Also, any CV worth its salt would have a good summary right near the top identifying your areas of expertise, significant achievements, etc.

As for the rest - I have to agree with everyone else that has posted so far.

Good luck.

William - whilst your friend makes some good points, I think the key issue here is that (as others have said) we currently live in a world where opportunities are scarce, and you have to take what you can get. I think it would be a different issue if you accepted another job exactly the same as the one you are hoping to land in the public sector - however, you clearly see it as a 'stop gap' while you look for something you really want to do. I would think that any potential employer would understand that you have a passion for any H & S job you are applying for, and if you were to get it, you would stick around.

William as said by others in the present climate it is a no brainier going for the interview and hopefully get the job, then look for the an H&S role because it is easy looking for job and securing an interview when you are in employment than out of it, because agencies/employers then sow the other the seed, if your that good why are you presently unemployed.

Good Luck