I'm feeling a little down, as I've just heard that I've not been selected for a 2nd interview. Anyway, onwards and upwards.

As a result of this last position, I was wondering what other people's hit rates are for interviews. So far, I've been asked to attend 3 since the end of August last year.
Personally, I don't apply for all jobs going as I don't believe it's helpful, either to me, or the potential employers involved, as I'm sure they get inundated with C.Vs that for the most part, are unsuitable, so this just wastes everybody's time and effort.

Am I justified in feeling let down, or is my interview rate about right, bearing in mind the current economic climate, and my limited experience?

What have others experienced in terms of interviews? I'm trying to get a feel for what's normal or average.

Thanks for your reply SW.

I'm not currently working.

I haven't kept track of all the jobs I've applied for, but it must be about 20-25 ish.

I agree with you about the interview experience.

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling a bit low about your lack of success in the job stakes I am sure that if you keep plugging away then eventually you will be succesfull.

My own experience has been really good, I have applied for two jobs in the last 12 months, the first job I wasn't shortlisted which was expcted as the job was a bit 'out of my league' but was successfull with my second application and start my new job next week.

My advice would be firstly make sure you are applying for the right type of job, only apply for the jobs you genuinely think you are capable/competent of doing and thus stand a chance of getting.

Secondly prepare as much as you can for the interview. I hadn't been for an interview in 8 years so felt quite intimidated by the prospect. I found a number of articles on the SHP Online site related to interviews in the H&S field so read these and also looked at previous postings on this forum about interviews all of which contained valuable advice.

At the interview be your self and genuine about what you can and can't do, if you haven't done something that is in the JD but done something simliar reference that as a positive.

One of the articles I read was by a recruitment consultant and he made a number of interesting comments including be nice to everyone at the company you interact with, the panel may ask the receptionist whether the candidates were rude or nice to them! and they also made the point that if asked to do say a powerpoint presentation be prepared for the equipment to fail, those candidates who can still do the presentation without the technology are the stand out candidates, needless to say I had a printed copy of my presentation for my interview, and the powerpoint had failed on the candidate before me!

I don't know if my experience is the norm or if I have just been lucky, I am often told that I come across as confident in interviews (in a good way) (even if I don't feel it) so try and be confident, but not too cocky!

Good luck and hope you feel more motivated with your next application.

Nikki-Napo have you tried to pick up some h&s temporary work through a job agency?

I was out of work for a short while and took a temporary h&s advisor job through an agency. The employer liked me so took me on permanently after a few months.

You might just need a foot in the door to get the job you want.

If you need any names of agents I know of then please PM me.

Nikki,

If you were to take a pragmatic view of what you have achieved so far, your hit rate in terms of interviews has been very good so you must be doing something right!

Having been on both sides of the fence matching candidates for our field of work is very challenging and in the past when I have been given the task of appointing candidates I have found it very challenging in terms of time. Out of 50 – 60 CVs we would probably only see 3 – 5 candidates and then it would only be the best candidate who was given a second interview.

When I interview candidates it is the ones who are able to give me the how answers who come to the fore i.e. it is one thing candidates telling me what they can do, but it is another thing actually telling me how!

As you state you have limited experience, at an interview I would be looking answers which showed aptitude, planning and strategic thinking and the type of question that I may ask would be:

- If you are not working at the moment, how have you gone about trying to gain experience?

- Have you put together a career plan and what steps have you taken in developing this?

- When you did your study, which aspect did you find most challenging?

I hope this answer is of more help.

The trouble is HS is being put on the back burner and there are far fewer jobs about try here hsejobs.proboards.com and SHP online.

Thanks BJC and TC.

Hi
I have had 4 interviews in the last four months. I got down to the last two applicants at the last one.
I am finding that preparation for the interview is paramount along with customising your CV for each job application.
I'm getting a bit concerned about myself because I'm starting to enjoy the whole application process. (I think I need help)
Its very challenging and I do believe there is an art to it. A lot of preparation and research is needed along with good competency test answers (good tips on the Internet on how to prepare for these)
My advise is to keep at it, and improve your interview technique.
Got to log off now, I've got another interview to prepare for, you never know.
Best of luck
Steve W

Hi Nikki-Napo I am in similar situation except I am out of work, but having little luck getting interviewed I am told a lot of firms just advertise however not all are genuine jobs, just looking to see what is available etc.

I get plenty of calls from agencies but nothing seems to happen regarding interviews and work.

been out of work since mid Jan, only had 1 interview.

I understand your frustration Chrissie, as I'm also experiencing what you are. People offering to help, and then nothing comes of it/emails don't get answered/calls aren't made/messages are ignored. It says more about them than you, so try not to get too downhearted. I know it's not easy, and we'll just have to keep on plugging away.

In the meantime, try and do others things that you enjoy and don't get too strung out by people whose intentions aren't very clear.

I think you've got a pretty good hit rate there Derek. I wouldn't knock what you're doing, as clearly you're doing something right. Just be positive, do your homework, and don't forget an interview is a two way process, so interview your potential employer too.
Let us know how you get on. Be confident, wear your best smile, be polite to EVERYONE you meet at your potential employer's premises. I think it won't be long before you'll be gainfully employed.

Good luck with your interviews next week.

I was told (back in the good old days of non recession) by a careers advisor from the Royal Society of Chemistry (used as IOSH didn't / don't help much with career advice)

that I should apply for 10 jobs to get 1 interview
and attend 10 interviews to get one job

So that's 100 applications for one job according to her - oddly that gave me the motivation to just crack on with applications.

I also used to get annoyed when I had to do a bespoke application for each job - that's when you start to feel the burden and job hunting becomes a full time job.

Note: My first job (in safety) came from these forums, but only after I narrowed my search field and became very specific.

I will PM you contact details if you want to chat about interview technique etc.

I am the same as oneupu2, left military after 22 years also in Logistics, applied and got the job. Mind you that was four years ago, so no doubt things are slightly different and employers can afford to be a bit more selective.

Make sure you have a really good CV as that's normally what gets the foot in the door. Even if it means paying for someone to help you, it should increase the interview rate if you are applying for a job you are qualified for.

Next, do research into the company if you do get an interview letter or call. Any issues, mergers, how the company has been performing on the stock market (if applicable). Shows you haven't just walked off the street but are genuinely interested in the company and what they do (new products, any new research etc).

Have at least 5 prepared questions to ask them. There are websites out there that can help with those - just tailor them to the job being applied for. If possible have a couple of follow up questions ready i.e. if they say this then ask them a follow up question about that..

Dont be afraid to ask why the position is vacant (person retired or moved onto something else) or if there are any immediate issues that you would be expected to tackle if you were successful (or long term issues that never seem to be resolved).

If you have other attributes (team player, undergraduate in another topic) try and use that also, do you have any other qualifications that perhaps others might not have...fire safety for example that you could mention that could make you stand out from the rest of the applications?

Use all interviews as practice and if you do get rejected ask for feedback.

Finally, try and be yourself as you might be able to fool an interview panel for a couple of hours by pretending to be someone you are not but you won't be able to do it full time in the position (if you get it) and remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you!

Thanks. I wish this website had a multiquote option.