Jumping careers across public & private sectors
Sue Parker
Profile Marketing ~Job Search Strategy: Mid Career Professionals & Executives ~ Career Branding ~ Communications ~ Media Contributor
The grass can seem greener on the other side of workplace sectors.??You may be a ?public sector professional seeking a move to the private sector.?
Or you may have had a long private sector career and eyeing off public sector opportunities?? ?
In both cases you need to apply a lens of 3rd party perspective to understand how perceptions may impact your job applications.
Truth is that each sector can and does hold some negative perceptions towards towards each other which need to be dispelled and navigated. These objections whether they are covert or overt must be jumped over and addressed.
And trust across different?sectors, professions and governments fluctuate widely and perceptions can be reality.? You want to ensure there isn't any misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions.
To land interviews you must give comfort to the hiring manager & teams that you will be a successful hire with little risk.
I have helped many public sector clients who sought a career change into the private sector.?And vice versa, private sector executives who transitioned into public sector successfully.
After all there are many benefits on both sides of the fence.? And in my own employment days I also did a few stints in the public sector and government media.
There are different cultures, benefits and opportunities in both public and private sectors that need an informed and personal reflection.?
?? How beliefs & perceptions originate
Beliefs and perceptions originate from several sources. Formed from direct experiences, relayed second-hand opinions and experiences, populist hearsay and media narratives, often they are a mishmash tethered ?by conscious and/or unconscious biases.
It’s also an understatement that in recent years, the level of mis-information and dangerous social media rhetoric has not done any industry, sector or profession many favours.?? ?
?But are those opinions fair and logical? Often they are not, but perceptions are taken as reality and suppositions and biases must be challenged and reframed.
So what are the market perceptions across the sectors?
?? Research on perceptions, ethics & trust
Understanding what is at play is critical as knowledge is power to reframe.
It's worth referencing Roy Morgan’s ?Image of Professions Survey?in 2021 which found only 27% of Australians rate public servants as having high levels of trust and ethics. As this chart from Roy Morgan reveals, other sectors also face considerable image challenges.? I have seen similar discussions since which affirm these statistics are still on the mark.
No matter which sector you sit, you need to appreciate that the ‘blanket judgements may be at play.? ?Akin to calling out the elephant in the room if you will.
The next piece of research worth reviewing is from the The Governance Institute of Australia’s?Ethics Index 2023 Report?is fascinating and important reading.?
The chart below ranks ethical behaviours and perception of broad sectors.? It demonstrates clearly t there may be a range of factors to address when moving across from the public and private sectors
And for those in one of the 3 levels of the public sector (local, state, commonwealth) there can also be bias and mis-information when applying for roles across the tiers.
It’s worth noting also that The Governance Institute reported that the 3 top elements people assigned to trust across all sectors were Accountability, Transparency, Whistle-blower Protection.
Given the above you cannot risk the recipient of a job application sitting in the trust pot. You should structure applications to address distrust in a conversational and relevant way.
For more information read my blog: Holding personal brand power in public sector careers is vital
?? Creating a positive personal career reputation
Embracing your unique value and purpose by taking control of your?profile narrative is essential.? What you avoid sharing and addressing can be left to hot imaginations to run wild
The following tips impact all communication touchpoints.? Consider how they can be embedded in resumes, LinkedIn profiles and cover letters and of course interviews.?
In applying for professional and executives roles you need to be aware of potential pushback and application rejections. ?As I coach my clients
‘Answer potential hiring bias & objections before they arise’
While calling out the elephant in the room is key, recognise that change is gradual but comes from courage and purpose.
And each bit of that big elephant of distrust and push back builds a stronger reputation that will impact personally and broadly.
A transformation mindset move
If you are planning or considering a a move in 2025 across the public and private sectors a transformation mindset is critical.
My media piece in PS News (leading publication for the public sector) discusses the importance of a transformation vs a validation mindset.
Get in touch if you would like discuss how I can help your career brand and job search activities.
Until next time
About
Sue Parker is the owner of DARE Group Australia.??She is a communications, profile marketing and career coach and job search specialist
Sue works with executives and mid-career professionals in both private and public sectors. She also works with knowledge based small businesses and consultants.
A well regarded media contributor she writes for many publications and has been on TV and radio segments with bold and witty opinions Portfolio here
Contact Sue sparker@daregroupaustralia / www.daregroupaustralia.com.au
Profile Marketing ~Job Search Strategy: Mid Career Professionals & Executives ~ Career Branding ~ Communications ~ Media Contributor
2 天前And for those in one of the 3 levels of the public sector (local, state, commonwealth) there can also be bias and mis-information when applying for roles across the tiers. So clever targetted job application strategies to address perceptions to land interviews.