IOSH and Hays Recruitment Agency organised the first ‘Job Hunting Seminar’, at the Grange in September, to help members who have recently been made redundant because of the economic climate.
Carolyn Issitt, IOSH membership manager, hosted the event, where she introduced Áine Flood, Gaelle Blake and Ciarán Wrynne from Hays Recruitment Agency, who gave members practical advice on job hunting.
She said: “The recession has led to redundancies in the health and safety sector. Our members phoned and asked us for advice on job hunting, which then spurred us to organise this seminar with Hays Recruitment Agency to provide our members with practical advice and guidance when looking for a job.”
The one-day event included a CV and cover letter-writing workshop, and advice on interviewing techniques. Gaelle and Ciarán gave some top tips for anyone who has been made redundant:
Delegates who attended the event found it very helpful. IOSH member Christine Blackerby said: “I’ve recently been made redundant and I’ve been looking for ideas on how to face the job market in a very competitive time. This event made me realise how the job market has moved. I learned how to write my CV, and interviewing techniques.”
Ken Dickson, group safety advisor, Severn Trent Services, added: “In my organisation there have been three rounds of redundancies so there is no guarantee of whether my job is secure. The reason I’m here is to be prepared for the job market, if I’m put in this position. This workshop made me realise that my understanding of writing a CV is very 1970s and needs drastically updating. It has been an eye-opening experience.”
