Starting work in the public sector means becoming involved in the economic and administrative life that deals with the delivery of goods and services by and for the government. Recent years have meant many changes in the public services, and after a decade of growth the UK public sector now employs more than 5.8 million people and is increasingly a major employer of graduates. In order for the highest standards to be achieved in the public interest, the sector needs to attract high caliber workers - and that’s where you come in!
The Benefits of a Job in the Public Sector
1 The choice is yours
One of the immediate advantages of choosing to work in the public sector is the huge variety of career choices. These include local and central government, the national health trusts, the prison service, education, housing, the charity sector and police authorities. The list is long and varied and there are new areas opening up all the time.
2 Doing your part
When working in the public services there is the added cachet of feeling that you are working in the public interest and helping to improve the economic, social, health and cultural aspects of society in general and communities in particular. Many future employers also have an international aspect to their work, particularly in the charity field and so the work you do can have an impact all around the world.
3 The attractions
Contrary to what is often popular opinion, serving the public interest does not have to mean sacrificing your career progression, salary or training. If you invest in the public sector, it will invest in you. This sector promotes flexible working practices, work-life balance and generous benefit packages. Once you have found your niche in the public sector there are plenty of opportunities to work your way up through promotion and personal development, but the many of the skills you will acquire are transferable across the sector and would also be highly prized in the private sector as well.
4 Working as part of a team
The public sector is made up of a wide range of departments and agencies and although at any time you might only be working for one particular agency, you actually belong to a much larger workforce. As a public sector employee you are given the opportunity to contribute to the efficient and effective administration of the country and although day to day duties may differ from your colleagues, you all have one duty in common - serving the community.
Applying for Public Sector Jobs
There is a wealth of opportunity for people wanting to start a job the public sector and a career in this area can be extremely worthwhile. There is currently a high demand for the most bright, talented and caring people to make their mark. Here are some points worth considering when applying for positions:
- Based on your interests and skills, try to work out exactly what you want to do. Although it is sometimes tempting, don’t just take the first job that comes your way if you’re not sure that it’s the right position for you.
- Check out career profiles and get some in-depth information of what each job involves. The HR department of most companies would be happy to talk through what a job entails and may put you in contact with someone doing that job who could answer from a more personal perspective.
- It is unrealistic to expect to walk straight into a management role – everyone has to start somewhere! Be prepared to work your way up the ladder, and if you’re not having much luck then work experience and placements can be great ways to get your foot in the door.
- Make sure you are able to create a very clear case as to why the organization you apply for should employ you. The public sector typically uses person specifications, so make sure that you have a clear understanding of yourself and try to meet all the requirements. The best way is to copy out the point and then write your response giving an example of a scenario that you have been personally involved with.
- If you are moving over from the private sector, remember that the experience you have gained can be transferable to the public sector. Remember that your existing skills and accomplishments could be relevant for many different jobs so make the most of what you have, rather than making assumptions about an employer's requirement for experience in their own particular sector.
- Always remember the importance of teamwork. Mentioning examples of instances in which you worked successfully in partnership with another group or organisation is always impressive and important.
- Dress formally for your job interview, even if you expect to dress down for the job itself. For men, this means a suit or traditional dress, and for women this means a skirt or trouser suit, or traditional dress.
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