One of my regular columns in Health and Safety At Work Magazine, responding to questions and giving careers advice and guidance to health and safety professionals.

1. Know-how
ASK THE RECRUITMENT EXPERT
I have a final interview tomorrow. I know I’ll have a chance to ask
questions at the end and am not sure what to ask.
Interviews should always be
a two-way process. It is very
important for both sides to make
sure they have learnt all they can.
Your questions can also be used
to create a good impression,
and make sure you understand
exactly what’s required and that
the interviewer knows that you’re
genuinely interested in the job.
I don’t know what you’ve already asked in earlier interviews,
and you should avoid repeating
yourself, but some of the things
I would want to know before
making a decision about a job
are: Why is the company looking to recruit? If you’re replacing
someone, why did they leave the
company? If it’s a new role, why
is the company recruiting now?
How is the company performing,
financially and in terms of health,
safety and the environment? What
are the company’s plans for the
next year/five years? What would
you expect of me in my first year
and how will we know whether
I’ve been successful? Is there
anything you don’t know about
me that you need to know before
making a decision?
I’d avoid asking about salary and benefits unless the interviewer raises the question. You
should certainly answer honestly
if you’re asked about your salary
or expectations. But you should
use the interview to show what
you can offer to the employer (and
you should already know the salary range before this stage in the
recruitment process).
I believe the final question you
should ask is what will happen
next and when you should expect
a decision. Leave the interview
with a positive handshake and a
smile. You should certainly take
the opportunity to tell the interviewer that you are interested in
the role and are keen to join the
company. Leave a good impression and make sure that you know
enough to make a decision about
joining the company, if you are
offered the job.
Mark Burton, Attwood Burton
At t wood B u r ton is a h ea lt h,
safety and environment
r e c r u i t m e n t c o n s u l t a n c y,
www.attwoodburton.co.uk
Safety Trainer (Construction Bias) – Southern England – AB1605 – To £40,000 + Car/ Car Allowance
This leading consultancy is getting busier and busier. Hence they have a need for an experienced trainer well versed in running SMSTS and SSSTS courses.
They are looking for lively, engaging trainers that have a flair for their subject. You will work across the South, from a regional office in Bucks.
HSE Manager (Construction/ Housing) – West London – AB 1606 – To £45,000 + Car + Excellent Benefits
One of the nation’s most successful urban regeneration developers now has the opportunity for an HSE Manager to join them. Ideally you will have a background in
urban regeneration. At the very least, you will be a Construction or Housing specialist that enjoys a challenge on some demanding sites. As all the sites are in West
London (or just to the West of London) living in this locality would be a DISTINCT advantage. This client has an order book that is the envy of nearly every firm!
Please apply in strictest confidence to Alistair Attwood on 01932 213202. Or email your CV to alistair@attwoodburton.co.uk
Health and Safety Advisor – West London/ Middlesex – AB1603 – To c£42,000 + Benefits
This is a superb opportunity to join a successful FM company and to work with their client, a world leading technology company. Working out of an office
in Middlesex/ West London, the role involves occasional travel and taking the lead on all health and safety matters. We’re seeking candidates with strong
health and safety qualifications and some knowledge of accredited health and safety and environmental management systems. This is a standalone role and
applicants should be self motivated, self managing and able to work proactively to identify and deal with issues as they arise. Applicants should be GradIOSH
or similar. My client is looking to interview quickly and an immediate start is available for the right candidate.
Senior Consultant – London/ Home Counties – AB1598 – c£42,000 + Car + Benefits
Due to continued growth, this leading consultancy is expanding its team further. Working from home in the South East and travelling to client sites around London
and the Home Counties, you’ll be supplying high level consultancy and training support to a wide range of prestigious clients. The successful candidate will be
CMIOSH, or close to attaining CMIOSH. They will ideally have a strong track record in consultancy and will have delivered IOSH accredited courses. Our client is
looking to interview quickly, with the successful candidate starting work in January 2013.
Please apply in strictest confidence to Mark Burton on 01932 213203. Or email your CV to mark@attwoodburton.co.uk
For many more great roles visit www.attwoodburton.co.uk or call us for a confidential discussion
health and safety at work January 2013
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