So You Want A Job In The Public Sector

By Author: Brice Whiles
Total Articles: 2
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There are plenty of benefits to working in the public sector, including a diverse range of job options, excellent training schemes and great perks. But is it a route that would be right for you?

What roles are available? The public sector is incredibly diverse. Whether you want to work in politics, management, administration, IT, media or social support, there''s a role out there that''s right for you.

What about graduate opportunities? There are several major drives to recruit graduates into the public sector. The opportunities available to you will depend on your degree, training and level of experience, but if you haven''t got a specific qualification ? for example, in health or teaching ? then you could consider joining the national graduate development programme or the Civil Service Fast Stream.

Do I need a specific qualification? In general, public sector graduate training programmes will demand a 2.2 degree or above. Any discipline is accepted, but you may have an advantage if you have a qualification in politics, maths, economics or science. Due to the competitiveness of graduate schemes, be aware ...
... that you might well need a 2.1 or higher to secure a place. In addition to a good academic qualification, the public sector also values creativity, enthusiasm, integrity and the ability to work as part of a team.

What are salaries in the public sector like? It''s a myth that public sector salaries compare poorly to private industry. On the contrary, they are generally very competitive; but the rigid pay structure in operation means that your initial salary will be non-negotiable.

Are there any other benefits? In addition to a competitive salary, the perks available to public sector workers include a generous pension scheme, sociable working hours and good holiday leave. Depending on your role, you may also enjoy free gym membership, private health insurance and annual bonuses.

Is the public sector more competitive than the private sector? Depending on the role you''re applying for, the public sector can be just as competitive as private industry. Graduate schemes in particular tend to have a high number of applicants per place, so it may be a good idea to get some unpaid experience before applying.

How do I apply? You can find public sector job openings on national and local government websites, as well as in the national media. Be aware that you may have to fill in a special application pack rather than simply sending your CV and covering letter. It''s crucial to tailor your answers to the organisation and position you''re looking to apply for, using examples to illustrate why you''d be great for the role. If you put time and thought into applying then you''re more likely to get the position you want. Brice Whiles is a keen writer about jobs and he specialises in public sector jobs. This article was inspired by the Guardian Jobs website.