Once upon a time; everybody has to start somewhere

Sometimes breaking into the workplace health & safety industry can feel like a fairytale far from reality.

It can be frustrating and seem hopeless at times, but you must remember that these things take planning, determination and most of all it takes time.

Everybody has to start somewhere so we have prepared our top start up tips to help turn your dreams into reality:

• Differentiation– One of the most important parts of breaking into a market is differentiating yourself from the crowd. While every candidate brings their own strength to the table you need to find yours and highlight this to your potential new employer. This could be anything from your practical workplace experience, to your awareness of the market. Past graduates have been offered jobs on the back of volunteer work. So is there an opportunity to gain WHS experience by doing volunteer work?
• Demonstrate your ability – Look at the industries that you have worked in previously and focus your transferable skills. Everyone has to start somewhere but show the Hiring Manager that you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Highlight your strengths in an easy to read and well-structured resume and cover letter.
• Confidence– Put your best foot forward. Your confidence and drive to succeed will be one of your greatest attributes in a market full of entry-level and graduate candidates. Don’t forget to follow up on any applications you put forward as making a phone call could differentiate yourself from being just another applicant. If you call prior to submitting your application you may also get more information that will allow you to customise your application.
• Knowledge– Ensure you have the right qualification for the industry you want to break into. In looking at becoming a safety professional in today’s market it is an expectation that you are tertiary qualified in the area of safety. Tertiary qualifications in safety typically start with the Cert IV in Work Health and Safety followed by the; Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor, Post Graduate Certificate through to a Masters in Safety.
• Tenacity– Be prepared to put in the hard yards and treat job hunting as a full time role. It will be the dedicated and hardworking candidates that find themselves landing those entry level or graduate roles, so make this an opportunity to rise above the rest.

Most importantly a potential employer will hire someone who has loads of energy and enthusiasm. The right attitude is just as important as a qualification.