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Moving from third sector to private sector

Afua

Hi there,

I have been working in HR for 22 months in various entry level roles, i.e HR Coordinator, HR Administrator, Recruitment Officer within the third and public sector.

Recently, I have nursed the ambition to make the move from my current sector into the private sector. Job advert after job advert, talking to one recruitment agent after the other,  I must say it has not been easy and I have not been successful in that quest, unfortunately. The requirements are pretty much strict which makes me feel a bit disheartened to pursue it. 

I would be grateful for any tips or advice can anyone who has found themselves in a similar situation give to me in order to help me make the move to practice HR in the private sector.

And also how different is NFP or Public sector HR practice from Private sector?

Afua

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  • Hi there

    I am interested in why you want to move sectors when you don't seem to know much about what to expect. Private sector usually pays the best which may be your motive but it is very different. Some might describe it as chaotic and it is certainly an environment that only suits certain personality types.

    I've worked in predominantly private, then the public sector and now run my own business working with a variety of organisations. If I was recruiting for the private sector I'd be concerned about anyone with only a NFP background as I'd see them as potentially uncommercial and with a need to operate in an environment with clear rules and procedures on everything.

    Of course there are businesses that are private and provide support to the housing sector where your knowledge of the sector would be an asset. So in addition to Elizabeth's advice I would be asking how you can show that you can work in an agile fast paced environment. Can you do something commercial as well as what you are doing? Maybe something voluntary if you want to make the direct leap.

    Recruitment agencies are extremely risk adverse and rarely consider anyone with a different background. Your best bet to get into a new sector is by targeting possible employers (including though networking - online and face to face) and only responding to adverts where companies are recruiting directly.

    I feel sure if you are determined enough and have a plan you will be successful.

    Good luck.
    Ruth
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  • Hi there

    I am interested in why you want to move sectors when you don't seem to know much about what to expect. Private sector usually pays the best which may be your motive but it is very different. Some might describe it as chaotic and it is certainly an environment that only suits certain personality types.

    I've worked in predominantly private, then the public sector and now run my own business working with a variety of organisations. If I was recruiting for the private sector I'd be concerned about anyone with only a NFP background as I'd see them as potentially uncommercial and with a need to operate in an environment with clear rules and procedures on everything.

    Of course there are businesses that are private and provide support to the housing sector where your knowledge of the sector would be an asset. So in addition to Elizabeth's advice I would be asking how you can show that you can work in an agile fast paced environment. Can you do something commercial as well as what you are doing? Maybe something voluntary if you want to make the direct leap.

    Recruitment agencies are extremely risk adverse and rarely consider anyone with a different background. Your best bet to get into a new sector is by targeting possible employers (including though networking - online and face to face) and only responding to adverts where companies are recruiting directly.

    I feel sure if you are determined enough and have a plan you will be successful.

    Good luck.
    Ruth
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