How can I make the move from the public to private sector?

[bunjies]

I realise this is not the greatest time to be trying to find work of any description but I would like some advice please.

I used to be a public sector project manager but left England 4 years ago to live in France with the family. We are now in the position where we want to return within 2 years but this is dependant on my getting work. I did a 3 month contract last year at a London borough but since then nothing. I feel I am limited in my options due to my public sector background and therefore would like to be able to try the private sector. I am willing to work at a lower level if this is what it takes to get a foot in the door. What sort of position could I feasibly go for? Am I deluding myself? Am I forever doomed to working in the public sector (if they ever start hiring again)?

Would really appreciate some views, especially from those who have made the move.

Please?

How about the voluntary sector? You may find that transition a bit easier as some charities do have a bit of a public sector feel to them, especially those who rely on government grants and contracts, or at least might be a bit more open minded about the value of your experience.

Thanks for the reply flowerybeanbag. The only problem with your suggestion (which is a good one) is that most of the jobs I see advertised seem to be for the finance/insurance sectors. Even their junior project mgr positions require a background within their own sectors so I'm looking for something I can apply for that will help me get a PM job in a couple of years.

I am still applying for public sector roles and am also registered with a number of agencies for them but it is pointless applying for PM roles within the private sector as they just don't want people with my background. Apparently having worked in the public sector makes me a workshy fop .

Is it possible to make the move? If I got an administrator position would I be able to move up from this?

Come on, there must be some of you out there who have made the move.

What sort of things were you project managing? What kind of positions are you going for?

How do you know that the private sector don't want people with your background?

You could move into consulting - check out the accountancy and assurance firms. Or firms like Capita who have contracts with the public sector so people like yourself could provide inside knowledge.

Thanks Igglybuff. I used to project manage regeneration and housing programmes but that's not where I particularly want to be now. My most recent assignment was delivering a discrete change mgmt project as part of a borough's transformation agenda and I really enjoyed this kind of work. Not that I found making people redundant enjoyable but rather the challenge of the role.

I haven't applied for any PM positions within the private sector as they all want previous experience within their field. Hence why I am trying to find out if there might be another way in, maybe as an administrator, but am not sure whether this would be the right thing to do. I could end up being stuck on that side of things and not be able to move into what I want to do.

I've spoken to my agencies about a possible crossover and that's where the notion of the private sector being suspicious of people with a public sector background has come from.

Have you made the move?

No I haven't but have plenty of peers who have. It's funny - so many in the public sector have the attitude that they're not good enough to go private but I think it's about selling yourself and being able to identify the cross over skills. I get plenty of calls from headhunters offering me jobs in the private sector.

If I were you, I'd apply for those private sector jobs, try and get feedback if you don't get them and ask what can you do. Highlight what you've done well, put aside the fact that it was public sector but stress things like meeting targets, deadlines and other challenges.

People that I know who have moved have used agencies, some haven't and have applied direct. This is in the area of accountancy and consultancy. They didn't use big agencies, but smaller more specialised ones.

Also can you take temp/consultancy short term jobs, even if public sector, just for now? That way you're seen as having recent experience.

It might also be a good idea to remove public sector speak, such as "a discrete change mgmt project as part of a borough's transformation agenda" from your CV!

LOL ilovemountains! I didn't even realise this was public sector speak. Not sure how else I'd phrase it .

I certainly don't have that attitude, I am more than convinced I would do a good job . I wish others did though.

That's a good idea about contacting the organisations directly. I just haven't bothered applying because of the lack of direct experience.

I am definitely up for contract work, in fact, it's what I'm looking for as it would suit me best while the family are still in France.

Thanks.