A career transition is always an intimidating prospect, especially if you’ve been working in the same industry or company for a long time.
Moving from a corporate career into public service and vice versa will be quite a big change in work environments for most people.
It’s becoming normal for people to move jobs in both directions, and sometimes back again when they feel their jobs are unable to suit their circumstances.
In some cases, it could be lifestyle related, where people move into public sector work for the regular hours and structure, while some move into the private sector for the opposite reasons.
Before transitioning careers, keep in mind the employment sector you’re moving into. Make sure to research the available options to narrow down a field that you can feel invested in.
Being committed to the work is most important, regardless of the sector. Employers expect interest and motivation from potential employees to be considered for the job.
There are always stereotypes of the public sector and the private sector, so whether it’s true or not, learn about any assumption that may reflect negatively and be prepared to understand or disprove them.
Transitioning employment sectors doesn’t mean you have to start from the bottom, as many skills are applicable cross-sectors.
The public sector covers many different kinds of work, which means coming over from the private sector, for instance, ensures you’ll find a job that suits your already developed skill set.
Keep in mind the difference in industry-specific jargons and acronyms used, as they could differ in various settings.
Use language that is familiar in the sector you’re looking to move into when crafting your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) so hiring managers can clearly understand your skill set.
Potential employers may worry about your ability to perform successfully in a different environment, as working cultures between sectors could vary drastically, so be prepared to show how your skills and experience will be effective in the new environment.
Once you’ve made the shift, the first few weeks of any new job is always tough, even for seasoned professionals.
Try and anticipate the changes and challenges ahead to make your transition into the new environment smoother, and rearrange your expectations because no job will ever be exactly as expected.
Build relationships with your new colleagues to better understand the work culture and find out what is expected of you.
Work culture often comes in the form of unwritten rules, so having helpful co-workers in the workplace to clear things up will help a lot and make you feel more comfortable.
Read more: Considerations When Transitioning Careers
Read more: Adaptability at the Workplace
Read more: The Future of Jobs in a Post COVID-19 World
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