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Any tips for private sector HR professional interviewing for first public sector?

Chris

Hello all, 

I have worked in HR for 17 years, always in the private sector, mostly hospitality and retail, although I have spent the last 3 years heading the HR function in a medium-sized tech company, a business unit of a larger group. I now want to move into the Public Sector and have an interview on Tuesday for an HR department head role. I am very excited about this. My reasons for wanting to move after all these years are two-fold: 

1. I have had enough of the sometimes greedy mindset of our company's C-suite. I fully understand it is all about profit but there is often very little consideration for the people. Put it this way, they are constantly praising the staff, sending thank-you emails etc. but our benefits are minimal (i.e. statutory maternity / paternity pay, no 'death in service' - last time we asked we were told it was a 'no', as they did not offer this across the Group, and had no plans to). When I spoke about our current initiative to measure - and respond to - employee sentiment - the CEO called it 'bollocks'! Now seeing him rock up in his Porche SUV and doing the royal walk round (when I know he does not care for the people) is really rankling. In other words, I am looking for a greater sense of purpose. Something that is not all about money. Again, I get it, that is the nature of business but I have experienced many unethical businesses now and would like a change. 

2. I will be honest, the sense of job security also appeals to me. I am in my late 40's now with a family, and just want to settle somewhere long-term. 

So anyway, I have been sent a large interview pack. It is unlike anything I have ever seen in the Private Sector. Still, I feel having so much detail will help me to prepare properly and fully represent myself. I am preparing answers according to the 'STAR model' and their stated values, and experience as outlined in the Success Factors methodology. 

My question is about the general style of interview and expectations. Are they looking for lengthy, conversational answers? What type of person fits the culture? Indeed, how much is culture a deciding factor? How are these things scored? I appreciate these are broad, vague questions - I guess I am just after some generic advice as I am not entirely sure what to expect. It all looks quite different from what I am used to. I would be grateful for any feedback - thank you!

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  • My honest advice (and know many will disagree) is that I would think very very carefully before jumping. Its a far bigger move than many imagine and the culture shock is huge. Your career is built in two of the faster/more dynamic sectors with often a JFDI attitude in retail / leisure and then a tech start up meaning that for you teh jump will be bigger.

    Clearly the public sector is a huge place and there are many different approaches and cultures there but I have seen many colleagues over the years try this move and last 6-12 months - I will declare an interest and a prejudice I trie dit earlier in my career and lasted 9 months. I also help out as a Board Member in 2 quasi public sector organisations so I have some current knowledge as well

    Also as I am sure you are aware many parts of teh public sector are in severe economic distress and this could well be worse after the general election. So do your diligence. 

    You will find the interview pack typical of the process. Expect a panel style interview with set questions that are individually scored. There is often less interaction or follow up than you would expect as they stick to a process ( which will become a feature). Your answers need to ensure you give them enough solid evidence to score against.

    Copying in  who may well give the other side of a successful public sector career for balance

  • in reply to Keith
    Not sure my career in the public sector counts as "successful".

    The main difference in HR is one of pace. Things happen slowly and compliance with policy and good practice are prioritised over the immediate needs of the institution or, indeed, its people in some respects. Relations with unions are very important so there is a lot of capitulation in their favour where a commercial enterprise - even a unionised one - would push back hard.

    For the purposes of your interview, first, bear in mind that your history in the private sector is likely a strength in their view. A lot of public sector institutions want a more commercial attitude, especially towards people management. Of course, once you're in the job this often conflicts with the cultural reality and getting traction is hard. But consider it a positive for the purposes of selection.

    What they will need to see at interview, though, is that you understand what the process should look like and how to resolve complex casework, including change management and staff engagement. The selection process will be competency based, as you've established, so if you score well you're likely to be a very credible candidate. Your preparation is a very good idea. You'd be amazed how many candidates don't bother.
  • in reply to Robey
    Thanks, Robey - that is incredibly useful. I appreciate your advice!
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