4 tips for creating a CV for the perfect job in HSE
When looking for a new job in any profession, getting the CV right is crucial. Typos will stand out by a mile and any general mistakes included could reflect badly on you as a potential applicant. Whilst it is important not to judge people purely based on their CV, employers will make some snap judgments about errors.
This is why having a polished and error-free CV is crucial, particularly if you are applying for a job in health and safety. In today’s article, we have a look at proofing, and some other tips to create the perfect CV that will help you land your dream HSE job.
- Include examples of specialised knowledge in particular fields
The specialized nature of many health and safety jobs means you will often pick up knowledge in fields like construction and engineering that could prove very valuable to a new employer. Include these on your CV; show that you are interested in different areas beyond health and safety and that you are always willing to learn. When applying for a health and safety job in a different sector to your previous employer, be sure to emphasize that the skills you have picked up are transferable.
- Avoid overuse of jargon and industry-specific language
When applying for an HSE job, it is often tempting to include a lot of different phrases and words that may be familiar within your particular industry, but not common outside of it. We recommend avoiding this kind of language as it could alienate the person reading the CV and damage your chances of getting the job. Try to use accessible language and if it is health and safety specific, make sure it is at least well-known across different HSE jobs.
- Include examples of some of the core skills required in a health and safety job
WIn the field of health and safety there are various fundamental skills and experiences that many will need to possess to be successful. This could be in terms of ‘soft skills’ like communication and management, or more concrete experiences like risk assessment writing, report filing, and compliance management. You could even take additional first aid courses, like one of the cpr courses located in mississauga, for example, as this will demonstrate your commitment to ensuring workplaces are safe environments.
If you have any skills relevant to a job in health and safety, make sure you include them on your CV. This will help you a great deal when it comes to the interview state, giving you the chance to expand on the examples you have of demonstrating some of the most important skills to have in a health and safety-related job. Perhaps you have worked with an OSHA consulting firm like Lancaster Safety in the past, so will be able to talk about this – your new employer may even be interested in working with a firm like them, so your previous experience could come in handy here!
- If your CV gets rejected, ask for feedback
The last one like the others is a principle that can be applied to both health and safety and general jobs, there is no better opportunity for learning than when your CV gets rejected. Make sure you follow up (politely) with an email requesting feedback on your CV. This will help you improve it and increase the chances of you getting the right health and safety job in the future. You can also ask for feedback at the interview stage of the process.
Make sure you are well-read on the current developments in health and safety
One of the best ways to stand out from other applicants is by showing an engaged interest in the field of health and safety. Keep up to date with any new tech developments, legal requirements, and academic principles. This will give you something to talk about in the interview and help you come across as the best applicant for any health and safety job.