5 tips for your next safety job interview

For the last 3 years I’ve had the pleasure of working with the University of Birmingham to help prepare Health & Safety students for greatness beyond their MSc studies. Part of my support is sharing job hunting skills to improve confidence and connect to the industry.

I’m often asked by the students; ‘what are the quick and easy tips you can provide to help me in my interview?’ And it’s a fair question as many students choose to either embark on a graduate scheme in the private sector which is highly competitive, or choose local authority work (EHO) where interviewing technique will become a paramount skills for them

So here’s 5 simple tips to help elevate your interview game

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Research ???

"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation".

The interviewer wants you to be interested in the job and the company. Focusing on salary alone will not make you stand out, plus if this is your only outcome, you will have to spend the whole interview justifying why you are worth this.

Instead, focus on what makes the company tick to really sell yourself. For example, what are the company's values and goals listed on their website? Provide responses based upon what you have seen and how you align to their ambitions. Better still, memorise a quote or stat from the website that impressed you to show them you have done your research.

Answer with a follow-up ??

Show don’t simply tell. When answering interview questions, always build an example into it to logically take them through a story. Remember, your biggest lesson really is your last mistake. The story doesn’t always have to be positive, interviewers are also keen to explore how you handle difficult situations and that you possess attributes of resilience.

To make the most from telling your story, structure your examples based upon IOSH’s recommended STAR format:

• Scenario - What was going on?
• Task - How were you involved?
• Action - What action did you take?
• Result - What was the outcome and what lessons did you learn?

It’s me not you ??

Interviewers like to hear about teamwork skills of course, but remember they are only interviewing you. You can still provide examples discussing the team efforts, but look to show what value you contributed as part of that process or project. Answer questions with what ‘I have done…’ rather than using ‘we’.?

Focus on showing the interviewer what active role and personal deliverables you were responsible for. It’s here you can show your understanding of accountabilities within the job description that you have applied for. This is then an ideal opportunity to help clarify any points from the job spec and drive further questions that you may have reservations about.?

Relax ??

Of course easier said than done however, being tense is just going to make it an unpleasant experience for you and the interviewer. A decent interviewer will make sure you are at ease and will offer pleasantries such as offering a hot drink or asking to remove your tie or jacket if it makes you feel more comfortable. If one of these actions would make you more comfortable, just ask.

When relaxing, think about your body language. You want to focus on being confident yet approachable, dynamic yet professional and above all else,who you are. Businesses are really focussing on emotional intelligence so show them who you are. And if they don’t like what they see, that’s fine. It just means this opportunity isn’t the right fit.

It’s not one sided?

There is a reason the interview says ‘Is there anything else you wish to add or have you got any questions for me’? They are inviting you to explore the parts of the job you are more interested in or have objections about resolving any issues sooner rather than later.

As a good strategy, go into the interview with 2 questions you need answered. This helps you focus on what parts are important to you, you feel more prepared as you have given it thought rather than on the spot, and you are showing active interest without asking too much which can annoy interviewers.? Some simple starter for 10’s could include: What are the future plans of the organisation; what are the benefits of working for the organisation; or what is the company culture like, to make sure it is the right fit for you.?

Final thought? ??

You will often find other tips online such as maintaining eye contact, giving a firm handshake and dress for the occasion. Although valid, they do appear obvious points and ones that aren’t going to add value to you but instead, feel more condescending.??

Instead, we are lucky in the H&S profession that we follow a code of conduct if you are an IOSH member. It means that we have been taught about 4 factors we must continue to utilise in our working life that others may not use or forget about.

These factors all carry a positive sentiment and are values businesses are looking for. So just as a reminder, have these in the back of your mind when answering questions to show your values that the business will benefit from:

• Respect - How do you remain respectful when dealing with others? What is your management approach?
• Integrity - Where do you display this quality? And when have you needed to use it?
• Competence - What are your strengths and weaknesses and how do you act on these?
• Service - What does a good service look like to you? And what do you use to give that service to your stakeholders?

Good luck on the next interview and all the best on your searches. If you wanted to run anything past me or have a further questions about H&S interviews I would be delighted to help - [email protected]?