I hate applying for jobs, I have wanted a new one for 3 years and applied for loads, had a couple of interviews (walked out of one, oooops) but nothing. I am such a perfectionist when it comes to the app it takes me hours. I've been at this one two hours and done half of it.
And I KNOW being on STW doesn't help.... Dire Straits are a bit though 😀
Any pearls of wisdom?
Switch the PC off.
SELL YOURSELF.
It IS the only thing that gets you into the door and sat in front of them, generally. You have their attention for 3 minutes, grab it.
Although it might be hard (and sick to a point) to sound dead big headed but if you don't believe in yourself, why should they.
Also, at interview, bring a pack of chocolate hob knobs and offer them around.
We all love them and it might just make them remember you.
Love the tags!
what's the job?
Environmental health officer. It's a job I've wanted for years and they are only just recruiting again. Problem is, although I have a Geograophy degree, and I want a job in that sort of field, I've been a retail manager for 10 years. Why do people think you are stupid all because you work in a shop?
Switch the PC off.
That won't help with the on-line application unfortunately. 😉
[i]Why do people think you are stupid all because you work in a shop? [/i]
I had the same thing when I stopped running a bike shop. It was, I have to say, most frustrating!
If you're doing an online app, my opinion would be to copy and paste the questions in to a word doc, print it and then write/scribble/scrawl with a pen/pencil. This will help open your mind a lot more than a keyboard.
I know a guy who is an environmental health officer. Spends far more time fishing and on his motorbike than at work tho as far as I can tell.
This will help open your mind a lot more than a keyboard.
Good idea but I work a lot better with the PC than writing, I find writing much more frustrating.
copy and paste the questions in to a word doc
Its actually a word.doc application form I am filling in to email back. 🙂
Look at the qualities they're after for the job you want, then work out what you've been doing in your current job and your passtimes/hobbies that makes you a good fit. I managed to turn an unhealthy obsessions with LED bike lights into a positive talking point in an interview.
I managed to turn an unhealthy obsessions with LED bike lights into a positive talking point in an interview.
Oh you would not believe what stuff I have "expanded" on in interviews, I know what you mean.
As someone who gets tor read more applications than he writes, start with the basics. This might sound daft, but the number of applicants who can't spell or have no appreciation of grammar would astound you. And trust me, in a job where you have to be able to write reports. papers, etc, you are on a looser if you can't be bothered putting in the effort on that. Finally don't use text speak; "it would be gr8 2 work for you guys" went straight in the bin (really).
Next up, I want to see a person not just a list of qualifications. That is to say people have interests, they do courses that have no benefit to their career. It adds colour and depth. Don't go overboard or it's counter productive, but if you compete in local cyclocross races then say so. If you go to the Alps each summer, say so; you might be amazed to find the interviewer goes to the same resort every winter but has only seen it with snow. For me though don't ever say you enjoy socialising; it sounds like you don't do anything but go to the pub.
As for the life changing experience / proud moment type question they don't care at all about the proud moment, only what you skills you displayed during it and what you learnt from it. So if your proudest moment was becoming a dad only say so if you can show how that benefits you at work. Arguably you could say becoming a father lead to me becoming more measured in my approach to things (more mature you might say), but make sure you have something to say.
The other advice also looks good.
Best of luck - hope this helped.
It actually did help. I already know all those things, I was just wondering if there was some secret elixir to applying for jobs. It really is simple and straightforward, as I thought. I do take great care in spelling, grammer etc and try to sound professional but honest and like a real person.
I don't seem to see many areas where you can put interests on application forms nowadays, and very little questions on them in interviews.
I have a fear that this will be a wasted application as my sister had an MSC in environmental stuff, mine is just Geography (which is USELESS for getting a job, curse those school career advisors). I do have a massive amount of customer service experience, conflict resolution and all that which might help though (they are looking for that).
Sorry, forgot to add that my sister is an EHO too.
We like people with family connections - they frequently have ties to the area and they know what they're getting themselves into.
And trust me, in a job where you have to be able to write reports. papers, etc, you are on a looser if you can't be bothered putting in the effort
loser? 😯
I was on the other side of the application form for the first time recently, its quite shocking how little time i spent on the first cut. The standard of english was as important as everyone says it is, beyond that it was just a matter of getting the relevant information over in a clear and concise way. Mind you, the applicant who filled several paragraphs explaining how the biggest achievement in his life was completing a 1000 piece jigsaw brought a tear to my eye. I would have liked to have met this half wit/comedy genius!
Mind you, the applicant who filled several paragraphs explaining how the biggest achievement in his life was completing a 1000 piece jigsaw brought a tear to my eye. I would have liked to have met this half wit/comedy genius!
I would have interviewed him on that fact alone. Would have been worth it! 😉
I know a guy who is an environmental health officer. Spends far more time fishing and on his motorbike than at work tho as far as I can tell.
Can you post a link to the website where you apply?
As someone who gets [u]tor[/u] read more applications than he writes, start with the basics. This might sound daft, but the number of applicants who can't spell or have no appreciation of grammar would astound you. And trust me, in a job where you have to be able to write reports. papers, etc, you are on a [u]looser[/u]...
Binned! 😆
Can you post a link to the website where you apply?
Errr, no! I am sure you can find it but there's no point in making MORE competition for myself!!! 😉
You know, on the random chance that someone who's involved in the selection process reads this thread, you've just shot yourself in the foot with that comment.
Mind you, considering that it's a government job stabbing other people in the back might be part of the requirements. Welcome aboard!
Use 'achievement' words when highlighting what you have done e.g. successfully managed ..., increased ..., project managed ..., completed ...
reduced... and where possibly quantify the outcomes.
Also if there is a list of essential and desirable criteria in the person specification answer them directly so it is obvious to the person who is reading the application where your skills, knowledge and experience match the requirements. Many applications I have seen mix everything in together and it is really difficult to extract the information you want.
Good luck!
You know, on the random chance that someone who's involved in the selection process reads this thread, you've just shot yourself in the foot with that comment.
I won't worry, if someone can't find it within 60 seconds of Googling then they probably aren't suited to the job!
Mind you, considering that it's a government job stabbing other people in the back might be part of the requirements. Welcome aboard!
Why would it be stabbing people in the back? It's all about enforcing pollution controls and making sure people don't mess up this lovely world we've got to make a fast buck. I know my sister could earn twice as much as an environmental consultant, a job she can easily get now with the experience she's had, but instead chooses to make sure the planet is not polluted to smeg by illegal activities.
If this is the job I think it is (Environmental Protection, not Environmental Health ;)), then the deadline's tomorrow, so best get a wiggle on.
Also, at interview, bring a pack of chocolate hob knobs and offer them around.
Don't offer them round, unwrap them them, stack them on the table and toy with them the same way a high rolling poker player plays with his chips. You've got the biscuits, what have they got to bring to the table? Eh?
If this is the job I think it is (Environmental Protection, not Environmental Health ;)), then the deadline's tomorrow, so best get a wiggle on.
Yeah I know, my mistake, its an EO job, not EHO (my sis just told me off for saying that).
Nearly finished, will be emailed soon!
Don't offer them round, unwrap them them, stack them on the table and toy with them the same way a high rolling poker player plays with his chips. You've got the biscuits, what have they got to bring to the table? Eh?
That would demonstrate a certain level of confidence!! 😀
So what is the difference between an environmental officer, environmental health officer and an environmental protection officer if you dont mind my asking?
Is that an easy profession to gain entry to without a specific degree or is it more a case of relevant epxerience?
EHO deals with rats and bugs, rubbish, sanitation in restaurants and that sort of thing (works for local council).
EO works for government, looks at larger scale issues such as compliance in recycling, large factories, tips, etc. Also deals with environmental pollution emergencies such as chemical spills, leaks etc and advices police and emergency services. Can be called in to give expert witness in court etc.
EPO might be same as EO, don't know.
I am not an expert but that's what I know at the moment.
You need a relevant degree and lots of experience of dealing with angry people, that sort of thing.
Thanks for the info.
I was asking as I'm currently working as a project officer for a LA ensuring, amongst other things, that we're complying with our Green Dragon EMS. I also a env science degree (so pretty broad) from a few years ago too and I'm thinking of a bit of a career change down the line but wasn't sure how easy these sort of jobs would be to get into.
I deal with lots of angry people every day! Although they aren't the public, more so colleagues in the buildings we're responsible for 🙂
DONE!!!!
Up in 4 hours for current job.
🙁
Oh I forgot to do an update to this.
I got the job... 😀
Stay in your job and become a Serial Killer on the side. This will make life more exciting again.
Grats, although I did laugh when reading this...
I do take great care in spelling, grammer etc
Within 20mins of your house you could have the bodies burried up on the moors discreetly as well.
FuzzyWuzzy - yes I chuckled at that too after I read my posts again!!