Feeling Discouraged

[KristaR]

Last September I was laid off from my job......Health and Safety was not my primary job title, more or less I did a great deal of it because I enjoyed the discipline and it made my job more interesting. I had no real authority, but, administrated the H&S programs....everything from JHSC management, Inspections, Policy writing and Investigations. I have also just recently completed a certificate program in Occupational Health and Safety.

I apply for everything....but am discouraged as I have only had one interview in the last six months....

I have at least 13 years experience in health and safety, (voluntary experience). Not Full time but, at some points it was at least 50% of my work duties (and when nessesary 100%).

My job title never reflected this...How on a resume does one express this...Using my job title at the time (digital printer operator) does not reflect the health and safety aspect....I have been titling myself as "Digital Printer Operator/Health and Safety Administrator" but am afraid that is hampering my efforts. Any suggestions?

I was wondering what anyone else thought of further education versus work experience? Seeing as I am not finding a position, would my chances increase if I am more educated....I am a second career person, finding health and safety later in life and am heasitant of devoting more time for more education and in the end be too old to be hireable.

Any thoughts on the above would be appreciated.

Thanks
Krista

[Owen]

Don't let it get to you. I have only been in H&S for a few years officially. I am now receiving more calls for testing and interviews for positions including management of OHS programs. If you are worried about placing duties in your work, make sure you list them under skills on your resume. I have always listed the OHS functions in every position I have done, even if they were voluntary..you still did the work...that is the part that counts.

I have over 20 years working with trades and unions and know the slow progress of a second career move. I got into safety because someone retired and I was asked if I would be interested. I only completed a certificate program like you after working in a position for a year, but it is my experience, mostly in facilities management, that has really helped and opened some doors. Another key I have seen recently is how you get along and whether or not you are respected for your opinion that really matters.

Best of luck

[KristaR]

Thanks Owen

I and yes you are right....I am reworking my resume, concentrating more on my skills then what I was "paid" to do.

Your message did give me a wee bit of encouragement.

KAR

[EGordon]

Krista,

This is the never-ending battle that we all struggle with on a day-in and day-out basis.

I know several H&S professionals who are going through this and offer the same encouragement to you as I did to them ... stick with it.

Experience seems to have more weight to it unless you are specializing and need the educational component (Ergo, Hygienist, Engineer). I am in the process of my CRSP and was only able to get through the qualification because I had a good balance of work and education (experience, training, seminars, post-secondary, etc).

Give yourself a goal or action plan, and tackle it one day at a time.

From the wellness side of my position, turn it into a positive ... re-jigging a resume is a good start. Look at your positives, what you have to offer, how you can use your time and delve into the ME factor and see what it is that you would truly want.

To quote a fantastic speaker "Change does not cause stress" ... "You are where your thoughts have taken you" ...

Take it one step at a time and keep at it. Perseverance is key. I struggled through many jobs and periods of transition between jobs.

Good Luck and Fight the good fight!

Ed

[KristaR]

Thanks Ed

Yes I agree perseverence is the key, but sometimes it is so discouraging. Knowing that others are also going through this helps in some sort of weird way.

KAR

[Sunmadmurf]

Hello Krista- Please dont get discouraged. Often the proplem is your location, or the market being overwhelmed with so called consulting company's. I posted a cover letter on the CCOHS workscape site, specifically looking for work in the FortMcMurray area. Since then I was recruited out of Ontario, and am a safety coordinator at the second largest windfarm project in Canada.Be specific and the offers will come.
All the best - Richard