I have been employed by a public sector organisation for 4 years proviing T & D advice and delivery, both internally and externally, I feel that my next career move should be to a private sector company. I am looking for any advice, tactics or action that I should be taking.
Many thanks
Rob Allen
3 Responses
public to private move?
Perhaps my advice would be to find out as much as you can about the likely differences in culture you’ll meet in the private sector – e.g. profit-driven?bottom line benfit?commercial issues? and take a personal view on what you might have learnt so far in the public sector which you feel is an attactive benefit to a prospective private sector employer. Also, what are your real motives for moving?
Rick
demonstrate commercial focus and take a temporary contract
I did just that four years ago – the main difference between the public and private sector is the commercial focus. I found that employers were sceptical about whether the public sector provided the same sort of opportunties for individuals to make an impact on the bottom line and so it’s important to demonstrate that you can do this. I found that the best route for me was to take a temorary contract as a training consultant – there are plenty of these around. Recruitment consultants are a bit wary of putting forward potential recruits direct from the public sector in case they can’t hack it – there are differences in expectations – much longer working hours, no overtime, less security etc. Once you’ve demonstrated that you can work in the private sector through a temporary contract, you should find it much easier to find a permanent position. I spent four months as a training consultant contractor, moved into a permanent consultancy role and now am just about to head up the european training and recruitment function for a US company. It will be worth taking your IPD as well if you don’t already have this as this tends to be a general requiremnt.
There are plenty of opportunities out there and there is a lot of untapped talent in the public sector – so good luck!
Persevere
Josie Barton’s great advice hits the nail on the head. Unfortunately, there are too many stereotypes about the public sector.
Also, do not be discouraged by recruitment agents with archaic views about the public sector. If you have great skills you will find work.