Public Sector Contractors Can Go Private
The public sector has been a significant user of contract labour for many years, with the sector benefitting from the skills, flexibility and responsiveness of these workers. It is for this reason that there is such a sense of unease amongst the contractor population, as public sector cuts bite ever deeper and job prospects appear ever diminished. Indeed, ONS statistics show that there were 240,000 fewer public sector jobs in the first half of 2011 compared to the end of the same period in 2010.
However, there is no need for panic. Contractors who have always worked in the public sector should not be pessimistic about their chances of securing roles in the private sector – both those who have worked in office based environments (who you might presume could switch more easily) and those with more specific roles, such as nurses (who you would think might struggle to find work).
Contractors thinking of switching to the private sector need to understand that despite popular perception, public servants often have skills that the private sector is crying out for in spades. Meanwhile, those struggling to find work and not thinking about switching to the private sector should consider the opportunities the sector offers and how their skills might transfer.
Here are some of the main transferable skills that, in our experience, enable public servants to go private:
Experience of working in large organisations
Many private sector employees have never worked for a large company, whereas most public servants will have, at some time or other, worked for or under a large organisation or public body. Public servants bring to the table skills such as an appreciation of systems and processes, and experience dealing with multiple stakeholders and levels of bureaucracy that others cannot.
Ability to plan, prioritise and appreciate process
Big organisations mean big projects and a whole range of complex strategies and plans. Public sector workers are more likely to have experience at implementing or working as part of a large project and will therefore appreciate the mindset and determination that is needed to see them through. As well as this, the public sector provides excellent training, so those applying for jobs in the private sector should make the most of this.
Managing teams
If public sector workers have managed teams then this should be emphasised. Employers in all sectors are looking for candidates who can manage teams of people well, whatever their background.
Compromise and negotiation
Public sector bodies can be bureaucratic and contain many layers of management. Because of this, contractors with public sector experience are likely to understand conflict management and negotiation skills better than many in the private sector. Public servants are often trained in co-operation and collaboration, skills that can be useful throughout the economy.
While public sector employment is in decline, the effect on public sector contactors should not be overplayed. With efficiency the name of the game, the public sector is still likely to turn to contractors for jobs that require specific skills for a short (or at least defined) period of time. However, it still pays for contractors to keep their minds and eyes open to possibilities in the private sector. Despite common misconceptions, public sector skills are valuable and highly transferable.
Freelance Professional Service Limited is regulated by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission.
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