Finding a career in the public sector can be challenging in these straitened times, even with a graduate degree. So what can you do to stand out?
Cutbacks in the public sector are something we all have come to accept as a bitter truth. The field has seen a lot of redundancies of late, but the motivation to contribute to society still manages to attract thousands to the public sector every year.
However, these recent times of turmoil have changed the way recruiters hunt for talent in this industry. Be it health, education, social work or defence—all the areas of public sector services are looking for candidates who are high on performance and can deliver results immediately.
“With cutbacks across the sector, managers need new staff to hit the ground running. They want candidates with previous experience and the ability to make a positive impact straightaway,” says Andy Robling, who works as Public Services Director at Hays, a UK-based recruiting expert in public sector.
Return on investment
Kris Harris, public sector specialist and Senior Manager at Robert Half Management Resources, adds that candidates need to prove their return on investment to any future employer. “Employers are looking for individuals who can improve efficiencies, deliver value and increase profitability,” he says.
An ability to understand the organization’s aims and objectives hence becomes crucial for any aspirant who wishes to enter the public sector. “This commercial awareness of the organization’s objectives,” Paul Hemsworth, a specialist in public sector recruitment with UK-based recruitment agency Resourcing Group, feels, “will increase the value of a candidate in the organization”.
Before any interviews, candidates should know what their role demands and how they can meet the employer’s expectations. Robling says, “There will be demand for those who can demonstrate their commitment to the organization and believe in the aims and the vision of the company.”
Work experience
If this commercial mindset is backed with some relevant work experience in the private sector, then the candidate will definitely be a favorite with the public sector recruiters. “Experience in the private sector is very desirable. For instance, many public sector bodies would welcome an accounting professional from a private or public-listed organization if that individual was able to help their previous employer manage expenditures and increase bottom-line profitability,” says Harris.
Although great communication skills, prioritizing customers and relevant work experience are qualities still very significant when it comes to hand-picking the right candidates, it is a fact that the recruiters are looking for something extra when scanning the candidates.
Hemsworth is of the opinion that with the increased use of competency-based interviews, recruiters now expect candidates to showcase their achievements in previous roles rather than the responsibilities assigned to them. “Candidates now need to display results and achievements as well as have the skills to articulate them,” he says.
Change is another factor which has influenced the recruitment patterns in the public sector. Today, an ideal candidate is someone who can easily adjust to change. “The public sector is undergoing immense amounts of change in the current economic environment. Individuals who can adapt to changing conditions while maintaining their team spirit and focus will be sought-after additions to any team,” says Harris.
Keys skills and qualifications
Multitasking is also a great asset to have. Recruiters look for contenders who have a broad skill set which can be used across various departments. “Individuals who can wear multiple hats and expand their skill set to more varied roles will be increasingly in demand,” says Harris.
A higher degree definitely matters when you wish to climb up the hierarchy in public sector. Those with a master’s or PhD degree will find it easier to stand out in the crowd and apply for senior roles compared to those with just an undergraduate degree. According to Hemsworth, a second degree will open up routes to “more senior management trainee schemes”. He advises, “Whether sponsored or not, the key is to ensure that your master’s or PhD course is relevant to the roles you want to apply to.”
Harris adds by saying that is even better if the aspiring candidates gain professional qualifications. “It would be more valuable for candidates to pursue a professional qualification or certification in fields such as finance, accounting, human resources or information technology,” he says.
The public sector now expects the highest standards from all aspirants. If you are adaptable, have a developed commercial awareness and know how to deliver the results, then this is just the right sector for you.