Boost your safety career

As the furlough scheme starts to wind down, more than 730,000 jobs have been lost to COVID in the UK so far.

One of the most viewed articles on LinkedIn this week was who’s hiring in the UK right now. So what will help secure a new role? Start with these tips to explore your next opportunity within safety

What do you really want?

Knowing what you want next is key. More money is an obvious one, but there are other factors to think about. Do you want to start managing a team of EHS advisors, refine your technical skills in a specific role, or even escape the rat race to start out on your own? Figuring out what you exactly want will save wasted time and energy in the long run.

Identify your gaps - and act on them

Being honest with yourself is also key to your next step. And that means identifying your weaknesses with a goal to improve through continuous professional development (CPD). If you are a member of IOSH already, their blueprint is a great benchmarking tool to plan and track your progress

Enrol management support

Your manager is a valuable source, whether you like them or not. Now is the time to take appraisals seriously. Ask for that extra responsibility, project or training to leave your comfort zone. Take time out to focus on stretching your skill set and show hiring managers you are ready. Better still, showcase that project within LinkedIn for all to see.

Company support

Don’t rely on your line manager. Many businesses offer perks that you may not be aware of. Free e-learning, career advice through an employee assistance programme (EAP) and after work socials have all helped my career. Your company has a pool of people and talent; find a mentor elsewhere in the organisation who can help. Failing that, IOSH has good advice here. 

Existing network

You will be surprised how many people out there are willing to help. And the hardest step is asking for help. I was too stubborn early in my career but if I hadn’t kept in contact with my work connections, I would not be where I am today. Reach out to that ex-colleague to see what doors are open or join your local safety group.

Go back to school

Learning should be a lifelong passion. And that does not mean forking out on thousands of pounds to return to college or university. Instead, look to alternative vocational and e-courses or reconnect with your university to see what resources are available from alma mater.

Leading from the front

Standing out is getting harder to do. But showing strong leadership is a critical quality others will notice. Employers are focusing on emotional intelligence, active listening and effective feedback as vital leadership skills you must refine. Free resources are available here to assist with this. 

Barter and barter some more.

We all sell on a daily basis. Life involves using persuasion, influence and compromise with those we interact with. Although we use it everyday, these aren’t easy skills, and emotions often get in the way. Start with the basics contained in this audiobook and see how you can win others over.

Start a side hustle

So you have gathered a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills and want to put them to better use. Have you considered taking a risk by sharing your expertise for free? Joining the Occupational Safety & Health consultants register (OSHCR) is a good start to get your name out there whilst testing whether you want to go solo. Just make sure you are not breaching any current employment contracts.  

Take the leap

A serious decision, first weigh up merits and pitfalls for staying or leaving. Holding off for the right opportunity outweighs any recent minor frustrations. But if your current role is affecting your health, it is time to move on and seek help. I stayed in a role for too long thinking it was the right thing to do, but it was at the detriment to my personal circumstances, social life and general health.  

Final thought - Use a trusted soundboard

Before safety, I started a career in recruitment but failed. However, I learnt valuable skills around CV writing, getting the best out of candidates and interviewing techniques. These transferable skills helped me become an IOSH chair last year for peer review interviews. If you would like advice on job hunting or a CV review, please drop me a message.    

Who are HandsHQ?

As safety software leaders, HandsHQ provides the solution to your risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) frustrations. Working with 1,500 clients whilst maintaining a library of 8,000 RAMS, the system is quick and easy, keeping your employees, contractors and clients safe. Get in touch to see the benefits.