The number of people working in the public sector is the lowest it’s been for the last 15 years, or at least the lowest within a comparable series.

Labour market latest estimates show overall employment continuing to rise with unemployment falling. The switch between sectors has never been greater in recent times.

If you have spent most of your career within either the private or public sector, the prospect of moving between sectors and adapting to a different culture and environment may be a daunting one.

Generally speaking since private sector organisations are driven by profit, they tend to be more fast moving, while the public sector is more cost and results driven with a higher emphasis on budget control, targets and productivity, albeit the current government’s pledge to simplify some of the targets.

There are however a lot of similarities between the two sectors, with some areas of the public sector wanting and needing to be more commercial. Providing you do your research there are many transferable skills you can draw on if you are looking to make the switch.

It is important to spend time outlining exactly what you are looking for in your next position. Identify not only the type of role and responsibilities that you want to focus on going forward but also the type of organisation with which you want to engage. If you know what you want from your next job and the type of organization you want to work for, that hurdle seems manageable and even appealing.

So, what’s next?
 

Tailor your CV

It’s always advisable to tailor your CV to each individual job application you make, and this is particularly the case when looking to make the transition between the public and private sectors.

Avoid using any language or terminology which is indicative of the opposite sector you want to move into as this will suggest to the employer that you are less able to adapt to your new environment. Analyse the job descriptions and person specifications to gain an idea of the sort of language used, comparing like-for-like jobs in both sectors to understand the differences.
 

Do the research

If you have a particular position or company in mind you should do as much research into these as possible. However if you are moving from public to private sector or vice-versa it is important that you also look into the change of environment and culture more generally. There are strong cultures that influence both sectors in different ways, bridging this is more tricky than you might imagine. Get a job plan together here.

 As well as helping to tailor your CV effectively this will also give you a better understanding of the direction in which you want your career to progress.
 

Manage your social profile

Neglect social media at your peril. Make sure you are managing your social profile and actively use it as a tool to build your online brand. There’s no denying social media is here to stay and it is important that you familiarise yourself with these types of channels. Check out our tips on creating the perfect online ‘brand’.
 

Don't forget the basics

As well as taking steps to ensure you are prepared specifically for making the switch between sectors it is important that you don't neglect to do the same things you would for any other job search. This includes making sure your CV and covering letters effectively demonstrate your passion and suitability for the role you're applying for, as well as approaching companies speculatively to get on their radar for current and future opportunities.

So if you're looking to move between the public and private sectors, contact us to find out more about how Morgan Hunt can help you make a smooth transition. We work across both sectors and can advise you on the nuances of each.

10 things that will get you noticed and keep you in control

Have you heard, “we just don’t have anything suitable for you right now” too many times?  Well you need to turn the tables and get back in control.

At Morgan Hunt we’ve got over 20 years of experience in the recruitment industry, receiving 1000’s of applications every day. After a straw poll of our 200 consultants we’ve narrowed down the top 10 things that will get you noticed with your agency, providing you with the ability to shift the power back into your corner.
 

1. It’s all about timing
   Recruitment is a fast-paced industry, so timing is of the essence. On average consultants have around 1 hour to provide CVs to a client after receiving a job description so the key is to act fast – respond quickly to an agency’s telephone call or email and if they ask for additional information, to fill in a form or for a re-written cover letter, make it your top priority. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role, something that is priceless when it comes to convincing consultants to put you at the top of the list.
    
2. A truly tailored suit – suits better
   The perfect candidate is one that’s looking for roles consistent with their work history, simply because they’re easier to market to the employer. Ensure your CV is tailored toward the job you’re applying for; take keywords from the job description and work them into your CV and cover letter - this way you’re the obvious choice for the role.
    
3. Nothing beats the personal touch
   Talk to your consultant by phone whenever possible, they receive on average around 80 emails a day so it’s easy to get lost in a mailbox. Also, most consultants KPI’s are based on time spent on the phone so they’ll appreciate you helping them out there. The best time to catch your consultant is either before 10 or after 4.
    
4. Listen
   Recruitment consultants have an in depth knowledge of the hiring market, usually working across multiple roles providing them with industry insight that is invaluable to your job search. After reviewing your CV they might see some potential for you in a sector you hadn’t previously considered, heed their advice but keep a level head, if you’ve been taking part in a job search for over 3 months with no luck, going down a different track might be the right course of action.
    
5. Know your value and stick to it
   While negotiation is essential, avoid setting your salary expectations too low. Know your worth within the industry you work in by checking salary survey results and similar roles in your sector. Don’t be afraid to stick to your guns but be open to consultants advice – they know the clients budget & capabilities so can put you in the right direction.
    
6. Make it personal
   We’re not saying you need to be best friends with your recruitment consultant but back up your relationship and stay at the forefront of their mind by connecting with them via social media, especially LinkedIn. Most the time you’ll find their LinkedIn profile in their email signature. This not only demonstrates your commitment but also shows them youronline branding – a key tool for getting ahead.
    
7. Show no fear
   Your job search is your own, although recruiters will have an opinion on your salary expectations and what job roles will suit your experience; if you know what you want let them know. The clearer you are about where you want to be the better they’ll be able to tailor their advice towards your needs.
    
8. Be visible in your industry
   Position yourself as an industry expert by either writing articles & blogs, commenting on discussions or becoming involved in professional online communities.  Have a strong on-line presence and join social networking sites like LinkedIn to promote your business profile which can place you in the sightline of recruiters looking to source good candidates.
    
9. Feedback
   After an interview, recruiters will want to know as much about how it went as you will want to know what the company said about you. Don’t be afraid to share this information, the more you share the more they’ll be able to advise you, it also demonstrates your pro-activity and desire to succeed by taking the initiative and getting in touch to find out more yourself.
    
10. Keep in touch
    After you get the job maintain your relationship with your consultant, thank them for their help and keep them updated on how it’s going throughout your time there, this will be remembered when it comes to your next job hunt and having had a successful relationship with them you’re sure to be favoured above other candidates.
     

Closing thoughts

Recruiters are easy to handle when you know how, especially when you consider you’re both after the same thing – getting you a job. Take some key steps to getting on top of their candidate list by firstly, acting quickly – they haven’t got time to mess around. Secondly, be clear and focused in what you want from your next career move so they can sell you effortlessly.

Ready to turn our advice into practise? Talk to one of our consultants today about your next career move by getting in touch or calling us on 020 7419 8900.

The fourth annual DKH Legacy Trust Charity Golf Day was held on Wednesday 8th May at Bearwood Lakes Golf Club.

Participating in the event alongside corporate sponsors and attendees were a host of former sporting legends, including Sir Matthew Pinsent, Mark Foster, Alan Wells, Kriss Akabusi, Ross Davenport and of course, Dame Kelly Holmes.

The winning team - from leading recruitment agency Morgan Hunt, captained by former Olympic champion Kriss Akabussi - beat over 20 teams to clinch the title. Helping lead the team to victory were Ben Pountney - Fundraising Manager at Morgan Hunt, David Wells - Resourcing Manager at EC Harris and John Raynham - Head of Fundraising at Centrepoint.

The DKH Legacy Trust raised in excess of £25,000 at the event, which will help fund vital projects to help young people from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds get their lives on track.
 

Paul Thomas, Director, Morgan Hunt said
“I was thrilled one of our Morgan Hunt teams won the overall event. There were some exceptional golfers on the course so it’s a superb achievement. We really enjoyed the day and I have to say it was the best corporate golf day I’ve been to. What made it even more worthwhile was knowing our participation would also contribute to funding some truly life-changing programmes for young people.”

Dame Kelly Holmes said
“The Golf Day was a huge success with over £25,000 raised for the charity and a great turnout from our corporate partners, sponsors, supporters and world-class athletes. A huge well done to Morgan Hunt and Kriss Akabusi for winning the event with an impressive score. Morgan Hunt has been a committed partner to my charity for some years now, supporting our life-changing Get on Track programme and providing invaluable work experience opportunities and mentoring for our young people. It was good to see they also have some impressive golf skills on the course!”

About Morgan Hunt

Morgan Hunt is proud to be one of the top recruitment agencies in the UK, offering specialist recruitment services to a diverse range of clients in the public, not for profit and commercial sectors. Morgan Hunt has recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the Charity Partnership category for the Third Sector Business Charity Awards 2013 for their long-standing partnership with the DKH Legacy Trust.

About DKH Legacy Trust

The Dame Kelly Holmes legacy Trust is committed to getting young lives on track. Across the charity’s programmes, world class  athletes use their unique experience to engage, enable and empower young people to go on to make positive changes in their own lives.