When searching for your next health and safety job, it is important that when you apply, your CV stands out against the potentially hundreds of other H&S professionals that are applying for the same role.
There can be a lot of conflicting advice on the internet with regards to what to include on your CV and how to present it effectively when applying for health and safety jobs, or any type of job for that matter. What are the key things you should think about when crafting your CV for a new job?
How long should my health and safety CV be?
If you are applying for a health and safety job role within the UK then typical guidelines suggest that your CV should be no longer than 2 sides of A4. However, there is not a one size fits all rule. If you are a recent health and safety graduate with minimal experience then you may not have enough to fill 2 sides of A4, if this is the case you shouldn’t try to stretch out your CV by including irrelevant information. Likewise, if you have been in the industry for decades then you may not feel that you can fit all of your relevant experience and achievements on 2 sides. In that case, consider attaching a cover letter with all the additional information you want to provide in order to up your chances of getting selected. A few good templates for a cover letter can be found on sites similar to Cultivated Culture, in case you are interested. Remember that your CV needs to be concise so recruiters can easily pick out key points that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
What to include on my health and safety CV?
Key sections to include on your health and safety CV include:
- Contact information
It’s essential to ensure that all of the contact details on your CV are up-to-date and accurate. This includes your mobile number, email address, and home address, as these are the primary methods recruiters will use to get in touch with you. Having the correct contact information ensures that there are no delays or missed opportunities when a recruiter or employer reaches out to discuss your application. It’s important to check that your phone number is valid, and that voicemail is set up in case you are unavailable.
Additionally, make sure your email address is professional. While it’s tempting to use a fun or quirky email address, a professional email address creates a positive first impression. Ideally, it should consist of your first and last name, or a variation of it, without any numbers or overly casual elements. Using a professional email address helps to avoid conveying an unprofessional image to potential employers, which could hurt your chances of getting the job.
Your home address may not be necessary for every application, but it’s still wise to include it, especially for local positions where proximity to the workplace might be a factor. However, be mindful of privacy concerns and avoid including unnecessary personal details. Lastly, double-check your contact information before submitting your CV to ensure you’re not missing any opportunities due to incorrect or outdated information. Having current and professional contact details can go a long way in making a great first impression with recruiters.
- Work experience
When it comes to creating a strong CV in the health and safety industry, the most relevant information will likely be your professional experience. Recruiters want to understand your background and assess whether you have the practical experience required for the role they are hiring for. It’s important to highlight the types of companies you’ve worked for, whether they are small businesses, large corporations, or specialized industries such as construction or manufacturing. This gives recruiters a clear sense of the environments you’ve been exposed to and the scope of your work.
For each position you list, it’s helpful to provide a brief outline of the company, its industry, and its size. Following this, include a description of your role within the organization, outlining your key responsibilities and day-to-day tasks. This will help recruiters gauge how closely your experience aligns with the job they’re hiring for.
After the company outline and role description, focus on the skills you developed in each role. Highlight relevant competencies such as risk assessment, incident investigation, compliance management, or training and development. Present these skills in a clear, easy-to-read format, such as bullet points. This allows recruiters to quickly identify your strengths and assess whether you possess the qualifications needed for the position. By providing a structured, detailed summary of your work experience and skills, you make it easier for recruiters to see the value you can bring to the role.
- Qualifications
Health and safety is a highly regulated and critical industry, where qualifications play a vital role in ensuring compliance and maintaining a safe working environment. Depending on the role, certain certifications are required to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of health and safety regulations, risk management, and hazard prevention. One of the most recognized and respected qualifications in this field is the NEBOSH National General Certificate.
It is particularly valuable for those looking to build a career in health and safety, as it equips individuals with the skills needed to manage safety in a wide range of industries. It’s designed for people at various levels, whether you’re starting your career or advancing in the field. Completing this certification shows employers that you are qualified to identify and address potential safety hazards, and it proves that you have a deep understanding of current safety regulations and best practices.
In addition to NEBOSH, IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) is another key certification that employers highly value. The IOSH Managing Safely course, for example, is designed for managers and supervisors, providing essential tools to manage health and safety in the workplace. This qualification is recognized globally and demonstrates that you are capable of creating and maintaining a safe working environment. The IOSH qualification is ideal for those looking to advance in health and safety roles, as it is often required for senior positions within the field.
How to format a health and safety CV?
When applying for health and safety jobs it is important to remember these tips to keep your application easy to read.
- Use your name as the title instead of ‘CV’ or ‘Curriculum vitae’
- Break up your CV with titles appropriate for each section e.g. Education, Qualifications, work experience
- Use easy to read fonts
- List everything in reverse chronological order (most recent at the top)
- Use bullet points and clear spacing to keep it concise
By following these steps you should have an effective CV that is ready for health and safety job applications. Remember to tailor your CV for each job that you are applying for and read the job description thoroughly to identify any additional requirements such as cover letters.
