It is the right of all employees to have safety in the workplace. If you are going to crack ‘‘interview for safety jobs’’, strictly keep in mind, Safety professionals’ responsibilities are different, significant and strategic than those of any other professionals. They are responsible for planning, implementing and overseeing company’s employee safety at work. Their main duty is to ensure that the company is in conformity and adheres to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

 You have to prepare accordingly for interview.

Your interview should impress the hiring manager greatly.

PRE-INTERVIEW PREPERATION:

 First Impression

When meet someone for the first time, we make our minds at once about various aspects of their personality. Prepare and plan that first impression long before you walk in the door.

Do Your Homework. 

Research the company

There is extremely valuable information about an organization including history, product/services, employee reviews, salary, etc.  Company web sites, social Medias help you to assess information about its culture, vision, mission, and other pertinent information. 

Prepare your portfolio

Keep copies of your resume, references, awards, list of questions, and notepad in a good quality binder. It will show them you are an organized personage. Ensure that each document is filed in an organized manner so you can quickly reference it during your conversation. Otherwise you become a bit nervous if you need to fumble through your portfolio to extract the necessary documents.

   Practice

There are plenty of sources on the internet that you can find in regard to what kind of questions to expect and examples of answers to give. Practice through role-plays the question and answer portion, the introduction and ending as well with someone you are comfortable (family members, friend, etc.) to practice with.

• Preparing the list of likely questions in advance will help you easily    transition from question to question. 
• Dress for Success that fits the organization and its culture, straining for the most professional appearance.
• Bring along with you extra copies of your resume or CV and reference list, portfolio or samples of your work- multiple Copies of Reports, Designs, Plans, Proposals etc.
• Also pack pens and a pad of paper to take down notes if require. 

• Never arrive late. There is no excuse for ever arriving late for an interview; other than some sort of disaster.

• Switch off your mobile before you step into the room.

Overcome “job interview nervous“  

• Job interview nervous is one of the first reasons why you fail in job interviews. 
• Start the interview with a handshake; give a nice firm press and then mild up and down movement.
•  Use positive body language and let your charm work right from the start. 
•  Determine to set up an affinity with the interviewer right from the start.
• Before giving your response, let the interviewer finish speaking before giving your response.
•  Manifest yourself fluently with accuracy and explicitly. 

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Dos

-Keep yourself calm during the actual interview; take deep breaths of air to feel more relaxed. 

-Focus only on the current position you are applying for. If you ask too many questions about promotional opportunities an employer will be instantly brushed off.

-Focus on the interviewer. Most of the interview will be about the company, position, and how you fit in.  Everyone loves to talk about themselves so learn more about the person interviewer. It may help with a job offer in the end.

-Ask to repeat or clarify when you don’t understand the question. There is nothing wrong with asking for clarification. You don’t want to be in a situation where your answer completely misses.

-Share examples when answering a question. This will show the interviewer that you have dealt with situations in the past. You will be more fit candidate than the rest.

-Keep ready a list of questions for the interviewer.  Consider profound questions about the position to ask and avoid ones that have already been answered through your interview.

         Don’ts

-Don’t stroll off topic when asked a question. Keep your answers direct and to the point. The more you stroll off, more difficult to find your way back.

-Don’t bring in your personal life problems. The hiring person is not interested in your gustoes or hardships. Keep the conversation as professional as possible.

-Never ask about job security. Questioning for the security of the position during the interview creates the most devastating effect. The employer will press reject button within a heartbeat. 

ONLINE INTERVIEW

In this era of globalisation, as technology develops, it is becoming more convenient and cost-effective for employers to conduct virtual job interviews online. Online interviews reduce transportation costs; speed up the interviewing process and allow hiring managers/ HRs to interview non-local candidates from any nook and corner of the globe.

From the beginning of 2020, in context to the COVID-19 outbreak, it becomes mandatory for 90% job seekers should be prepared to be interviewed via Skype or Zoom instead of in person.

Online interviews require different ethical ideas and consideration than practices found in regular face-to-face interviews.

ONLINE VIRTUAL INTERVIEW FOR SAFETY JOBS

• Practice 

  -To get familiar with your own facial expressions when you talk, sit in front of a mirror and practice how your facial expressions come across.  That also helps you to get rid of the camera shyness. . 

 – Conduct a mock interview with a person you trust. Everybody is bound to make mistakes, so it’s best to practice with someone who can provide honest feedback.

•  The Background

-Your surroundings can say a lot about how you’ve prepared. Endeavour for the ideal visual and auditory background. 

-Keep your desk clear and have only awards and certificates in the background which may be asked by the interviewer.

• Dressing up

-Although you are not meeting with the interviewers face to face, it will only be the top half of your body on view for the recruiter, it is important to wear what you would if you attended the interview in person.

– Only half the effort with your dress code may seem to The interviewer like you are not taking the interview that seriously when you get up to virtually shake hands with him.

• Interruptions

Ensure you have no interruptions during interview. You should have strong internet connection. Turn off a phone, warn family members to give you some privacy. The slightest disturbance could see you lose your trail of thought.

• Eye Contact 

– Look at the camera, not the screen. In face-to-face interviews eye contact is vital; the candidate is often found looking at the screen video as opposed to the camera. It will make the interviewer feel as if you’re looking away.

-Look directly at the video camera, this is the only way the interviewer perceives that you’re looking at him/ her.

QUESTION & EXPECTED ANSWERS 

Every organisation count on their safety professionals for providing healthy and disaster free environment at their workplace.  Also assuring safety of their people and their assets. To deal with such a vital responsibility the candidate must be apt and able.

 Unlike other jobs, in an Interview for Safety Jobs, the stress is given on behavioural questions. It helps the interview manager to assess your ability to handle various situations.

MOST LIKELY ASKED BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS  IN INTERVIEW FOR SAFETY JOBS

All of your answers should be tailored to the organization and to the job position you’ve applied for

• Tell me about yourself?

-It seems like an easy interview question the recruiter really wants is a quick, two- to three- minute description of who you are and why you’re the best fit for the job.

• Where do you want to see yourself in near future? / What about your career goals?

-The interviewer really wants to see is that you’ve thought about your future, and guess about your ambition. 

• Explain, how you can help in achieving the company’s objectives and to move the company forward. 
• What is your greatest weakness? 

-This is one of the most popular and most lily-livered question of all interviewers ask. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Avoid stressing on personal qualities and concentrating on professional features.

• What is your greatest strength?

-Remember the interviewer is asking for work related strengths.

-This is your time to shine now. Mention a number of them such as being a good motivator, problem solver, performing well under pressure, having a positive attitude, eager to learn, taking initiative and attention to detail. Try to elaborate your strength giving examples.

• Why did you leave your last job?

-Strictly remember to NEVER talk negatively about any previous or current employer. No one wants to imagine that in a few years’ time you would be saying the same about them.

-Your response could be,   “looking for better opportunities, to grow professionally, or looking for the chance to work abroad.”

• Why should we hire you? 

-You need to only share how you meet almost all the criteria they are seeking for. Also explain two to three additional abilities. You have to offer them a very strong plus for a job candidate

• What is your greatest accomplishment?

-Pick one from your several accomplishments that will have the most impact. Don’t think your accomplishment is “too small”. The fact is, relating a small accomplishment that is aligned with “the company’s values” can be more powerful than an unrelated accomplishment. 

• What are your salary expectations? 

To get a basic idea about salary, have a look at the average salary for someone in the same industry who possesses similar skills that of yourself.  At this first stage of interview, there’s no need to be try and begin negotiations. Giving a broad salary range will usually be enough to move on. 

• Do you have any questions?

-Most of job seekers will refuse. This is an uncustomary response. 

This question gives you an opportunity to stand out from the crowd and show your knowledge. Ask about something you’ve discovered in your company research. This will show your passion and knowledge of the company.

• What challenges are you looking for in this job? / What experience do you have in this field?

-Clearly mention that you are motivated by challenges and have necessary flexibility, ability and skills to handle challenges effectively by describing specific examples you have experienced in the past. 

• Why do you want to work with us? / What do you know about us?

-The interviewer wishes to see your knowledge about the company culture. Every organization has its strong points, and these are that you should highlight in your answer. 

• Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or co-worker? How was it resolved? 

– Most interviewers will keep digging deeper to find a conflict if you say no. The key is how you reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.

 For example: I’ve found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other person’s perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, and find out a collaborative solution.

• What did you like or dislike about your previous job? 

-Your likes and dislikes about your last job is an indicator of how you might feel about this position. Be careful to be positive and enthusiastic about the job for which you’re being interviewing.

• How do you handle working under pressure? 

-Answer to this question should all be positive. You may thrive under pressure, and you may actually prefer working under pressure. 

• What have you learned from mistakes on the job?

-Answer should be small and well intentioned. Mistakes help with a learning of positive lessons. Explain with an example such as: working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus skipping coordination off.

• Describe your dream job? 

-You should use the adjectives like: Relevant, pertinent, and significant to answer this question. You can learn something from every job. You can develop skills in every job.  

The job you’re interviewing for will help you someday to land your dream job. Don’t be afraid to admit that you might someday move on.

 Employers no longer expect “forever” employees!

• What are the most difficult decisions to make? 

– With this question, the interviewer is trying to examine your behaviours under a problem and your ability to handle it. 

Tell the interviewer how you did resolve the difficult situation you were in and describe it (or similar situation). Remember to be specific about details of your solution. Finally, tell the interviewer of what you have learnt from those situations.

• What motivates you to do your best on the job? 

-Challenge, Achievement, Recognition, , some rewards for doing good job, some encouragements etc. are some of the factors for motivation which should make you work in an efficient manner. Acknowledged by the employer, would definitely boost to work harder to get more acknowledgements.

• Explain how you would be “an asset” to this organization?

-This question gives you a chance to highlight your best points.

The best way is to restate your strengths.  Explain in detail that after joining them you could get chances to explore your skills and experiences for the growth of the organization with your professional knowledge.

• Do you prefer to work independently or on a team? 

– You have to pay special attention to this question. It reveals your management skills. 

Convince the interviewer that you can work well both individually and in a team, there are some duties that require teamwork while others require individual skills to complete.

• How long can you commit to work with us?

– Never set a time limit. The great response is, “I don’t think I’ll need to switch over. As long I am keeping getting new challenges and a chance to grow. I believe that this relationship lasts for a prolonged period.”

• Do you have any “blind spots”?

-This is somewhat tricky question.

We don’t know our blind spots

. Do not hand them your actual weakness.

 But instead try to approach a general explanation as “everyone has blind spots and I have too, since they are blind spots my colleagues can point out for me.”

• What do you do to improve your knowledge?

-Health and Safety is very revolutionary field. 

 You can tell the recruiter that it is extremely important to furnish yourself with the new technological inventions and developments.  For the purpose how you make use of social Medias, seminars, training, etc.

BEFORE STEPPING OUT THE DOOR

Do not leave the interview without ensuring that you know all that you want to know about the position or organisation.

Once the interview is over, now it is your chance to have important questions answered. Asking questions also can show that you are interested in the job. 

Be specific with your questions. Avoid asking personal questions of the interviewer. 

FOLLOW UP OF YOUR INTERVIEW

 Following up after an interview can help you make a lasting impression and set you apart from the crowd. 

Send a thank-you note, both an email and a hard-copy.

Your thank-you note would express excitement, qualifications and further interest in the position.

 Invite the hiring personage to contact you for additional information. 

FOR THE TOP-LEVEL SAFETY TRAINING, MORE ADVICE OR ANY PERSONALIZED INFORMATION GET IN TOUCH WITH US AT info@keneducation.in

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