I found when I was looking for work there wasn't a great deal available to those new to the arena like myself. Not having X amount of years experiences played against me a hell of alot and often I wouldn't even get a call back because of this. I changed my CV to reflect what experience I did have to back up my quals and got more interviews, went for an interview for one position and didn't get it because I didn't have up to date experience in the sector, had an interview with the same company (different department but still health and safety) and will have been here a year in April. My job title includes trainee- I'm happy with this as I'm learning as I am going- but it would be nice to see more of starting rung positions with a fair wage for those starting out.

Curiously, I gained the Diploma in 2015 and am verging CMIOSH (god willing!) but it hasn't changed my earnings at all! However, it probably will change my 'employability' somewhat but definitely has changed my depth of understanding of H&S! Salary aside it was worth it! Better still - come Sept when I will've paid the darn thing off!

Nikki, difficult to know what to say but I do sympathise. I'm sure you would have already done so but, I'd advise seeking professional support with both the job hunting and the mental health challenges you are currently facing. I wish you all the luck and hope the outlook seems much more positive in the coming weeks (in line with the sun coming out!). Simon

I applied for a position in the South West (Swindon) for a well known supermarket chain and was astonished when they said they had over 800 applicants !!! Looks like there are more than enough H&S professionals in my neck of the woods.

Doesn't actually mean H&S professional applicants though. It sounds like the graduate programmes posted every year by big company names. I wonder how many thousands people with whatever degrees apply for engineering positions. As such, I am 100% sure that most of them are not H&S related, but have had somewhere, somehow expertise in the sector. Like Hally said though, sometimes you see something like: No previous experience required as you will be trained for the role, aka, please flood us with CV's.

Interesting thread, I'm not a regular poster but drop into the forum from time to time and like to comment when I can. I'm currently recruiting and can summarise that although there are candidates in the marketplace - relevant experienced (Construction, London, field based for my needs) candidates are less so. Its never that easy to identify levels of candidates/jobs in the marketplace as there are so many fields of expertise and locations to cover. One thing I have noticed is that recruiters can be a bit lazy and forward on unsuitable candidates which can lead to a bit of frustration. Salary is always a factor as mentioned by others and needs to satisfy the basic needs of life and lifestyle however, work/life balance is also very important. As a London based worker my journey (door to door) is a minimum 1 hour and sometimes longer if visiting a project location. This all needs to factored in. Finally the C word - competency! Qualification is one element and most candidates seem to hold a general or construction certificate however relevant specific knowledge and experience to actually do 'day job' is what I am looking for in a candidate (or at least similar / transferable knowledge). Construction alone is a diverse sector - you can spend 40 years digging holes or installing windows, principal contracting or sub-contracting so just having experience in construction is only part of the story.

Absolutely we have advertised on numerous sites, with in excess of 130 applicants interviewed 6, found one and still have vacancies but the level of applicants is very poor. Why do people believe 2 months here, 20 weeks there mainly in policing roles on engineering construction projects is what employers are looking for. Competency! Qualifications most candidates hold a general or construction certificate however relevant specific knowledge and experience (in construction as supervisor or manager) to actually do the job' is what we are looking for. And as other posters have said we get FLT drivers, warehouse operatives, legally qualified persons, teachers etc etc.

I used to love the job adverts that stated you must have experience in this industry. However because the recruitment company sanitise the ad to prevent them being circumvented it would not state anywhere what that industry was.

If there are so many posts why am i having difficulty finding a job. I am a AITT registered truck trainer on many typse of equipment. I have self funded my Nebosh NGC and FC certificates and now studying for my Diploma. At the moment i am not used for health and safety role only training. Have applied for so many roles and out of the hundreds applied for only three replied. I am getting to the stage that i want to throw it all away and count my losses. Cannot even get a volenteer role as no one replies. Some one tell me where im going wrong before i give up. will save money by not being a Tech member.

If you PM me your CV I would be happy to offer suggestions.

I am not convinced employers want the best, CMIOSH is a gold standard and is frustrating when I see positions- especially in the public sector - under £35K looking for Tech IOSH. I went for 2 positions in 2014 in Dorsetb and was told - informal trusted feedback was that I didn't get positions because they reported to HR and they wanted someone to say 'yes'. Their preconceptions of H&S were a clipboard and risk assessments....

Maybe the package you are offering is not up to scratch Or your company has a certain reputation I'm not suggesting either are true by the way. If I feel like a laugh (my job hunt days are gone thank god) I often read the job adverts, some of which are just taking the...........

Generally the salary for H&S personnel is very poor in comparison to other professional grades. When you do get into the better salaries they want, as identified previously, all the qualifications under the Sun. Chartered status is worth very little in terms of salary, only the kudos and that does not pay the bills. Fortunately I am not so far away from retirement, financially comfortable and so don't have to chase big money. It is my view that prospective employers do not value a good h&s person, as a rule they could not care less what experience, knowledge, qualifications you have - only whether you are prepared to settle for a frugal salary and take all the cr@p which goes with it.

Bob I think you hit the nail right on the head. I have had calls from agencies from people who clearly do not understand your qualifications and experience. I have also had a couple of interviews lately and found the person conducting the interview (prospective boss) has a lot less qualifications and experience than myself. They immediately go on the defensive when you start talking shop and you see they don't want to employ anyone who is going to show them up.

I live in West Wales in Pembrokeshire, and I commute to Maidenhead every week where I rent a room then travel to the outskirts of London every day, there are jobs if you want to travel and live away from home