Public sector workers need to change to compete in the glutted jobs market

Following the CSR, the headlines are full of the 490,000 public sector job losses – an estimate revised up by the CIPD to 725,000, given that the spending cuts are unlikely to be reversed after 2015 – and the resulting predictions and protests over what this will mean for the economy and communities.

Many believe that some of this gap will be plugged by new roles available as the private sector starts to claw its way out of recession. Helen Clarke, Chief Executive of HR consultancy Jaluch believes that although those opportunities are there, public sector workers need to start thinking more commercially to succeed in a challenging employment market. Speaking about the issue, Helen said: “There is much debate over whether the private sector can accommodate the influx of public sector workers. I believe there are opportunities to be had; we’re starting to see a thawing of recruitment freezes and companies moving towards growth. However, I think a lot of employers have concerns that public sector workers don’t have the right attitude or understanding of how to succeed in a commercial environment.” The job cuts certainly mean there is an expanded pool of talent looking for work, and this means that the days of headhunting and employees not having to sell themselves are over. It will now be at the discretion of employers to select only the best candidates. Clarke believes that individuals who have had a career within the public sector will need to re-package themselves and think commercially in order to succeed, stating: “Public sector workers need to reposition themselves, and think again about the value they can add to employers. Those that just assume their skills are transferable will run into difficulties, but those who take a proactive approach to demonstrating commercial awareness not only in the private sector but in how they present themselves will be able to make themselves an attractive candidate.” Employers have also expressed concerns about the expectations of public sector workers, not only in terms of salary and benefits but also in general working conditions such as hours of work. There is a belief in the Private sector that employment policies and practices in the Public sector have a tendency to be generous, sometimes going above and beyond what the law actually requires, irrespective of the needs and priorities of the business. As a result, transferring into the more commercial private sector will require significant adjustment by individuals. Clarke therefore believes that individuals need to demonstrate – even prior to interview - that they can adapt and adjust to the commercial environment, and that they should make a start by focussing on how they present themselves – both verbally and on paper. Five tips for public sector workers seeking employment in the private sector: • Be realistic about your expectations and show employers you’re prepared to compromise • Be flexible and creative in how you find work – don’t assume that employers will come to you • Don’t just list skills and experience – demonstrate how these can translate into a commercial environment • Don’t use public sector jargon in your CV – you’ll appear either out-of-touch or irrelevant • Don’t dwell on the past - view the changes as an opportunity to change your life for the better Ends Words: 508

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