By Danielle Stallard, HSE Recruitment
As an experienced health and safety practitioner, there will be times in your career that you get that feeling of ‘itchy feet’ or you may ask yourself if you are ready for a new challenge. When the time comes, how do you ensure you make the right choice for you?
Firstly, it’s important to look at your current situation and think about what has led you to log onto the job boards and to pick up the phone to a recruiter. Things to consider…
Motivation
Why do you want to make a move now? For many, this can be progression, change of scenery or quite simply for better money. The important thing to acknowledge is that you’re making a move for the right reasons and consider what is truly important to you, your career and your lifestyle.
Achievements
What have you achieved in your career so far? Be proud of your successes and recognise that this is what you can offer to a future employer – it’s not all about what they can offer you! Acknowledging your strengths will allow you to match yourself more effectively to potential opportunities and ensure that it is going to be an enjoyable and challenging move for you.
Culture
The importance of working environment and culture is becoming more and more prevalent in the recruitment industry. Our clients and candidates alike are frequently asking questions around this, to ensure that they are making the right decision beyond looking at ‘skills and qualifications required’.
As recruiters, we frequently speak with HSE professionals who genuinely believed they had found a dream role that ticked all of the boxes – until they realise this couldn’t be further from the truth! It can take weeks or months before you realise that you’re not doing the role that was described to you, nor are you in the environment you first experienced at interview.
There are no guarantees that any job will be exactly as you envisioned it back when you first submitted an application. So what can you do to make sure it’s the best opportunity for you?
Think!
About all of the above. Ask yourself what’s important to you, why you want to move, what you need out of your next role and employer – both personally and professionally.
Recognise your strengths
Don’t sell yourself short. As a health and safety professional, you will have spent precious time working towards qualifications, accreditations, acknowledgements and awards. Look at opportunities that will allow you to utilise your strengths and an organisation that will embrace them.
But remember – this does not just apply to qualifications. There are so many other attributes that employers look at in addition to those listed on your CV. Many of our clients are now using psychometric testing to establish where candidates key strengths lie, looking at culture fit and personal motives.
Ask questions and do your research
Don’t jump at the first good opportunity that comes your way – generate an image in your mind of what the ideal role would be and consider if both the job and organisation will match up to this. It doesn’t have to be perfect but to ensure your future happiness and success, it needs to come close!
The best way to understand an organisation and if it’s the right place for you, is to just ask. Only you will know what the key factors are that you look for in an employer, so who better to speak to than them?
We always recommend doing plenty of research into a business prior to meeting with them, as it gives you an insight not only into their success, history and plans for the future but what they stand for and how they are viewed in the marketplace. It is of equal importance that they are right for you, as it is that you are right for them.
Speak to us
As HSE recruitment specialists, we at The HSE Network are well equipped to advise you on career progression. We can offer an honest and confidential conversation, with genuine industry knowledge and an overview of the current market.
Looking for ‘the right job’ is never a quick or easy process but it is key to remember the reason you are looking in the first place, and what it is you’re looking for!
Danielle Stallard is a specialist HSE recruiter within the logistics, transport and retail markets and has three years’ experience in the recruitment industry. She has built a comprehensive network since joining The HSE Recruitment Network in early 2015, working with industry leading businesses and successfully delivering on a range of assignments, from SHEQ Manager to Safety Director. Danielle regularly contributes to online publications and attends industry leading events.
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Another aspect to consider when considering a career move is researching the company to whom you are applying. Using their own websites, checking “where possible” employee reviews along with the HSE website for any recent or previous enforcement action.
hi
I am working as a project safety Manager in Dubai. I am looking for change.