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Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector

Summary of postings

Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Lesley Wyard	19 Dec 05
Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Gina Momtahan	19 Dec 05
Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Lesley Wyard	19 Dec 05
Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Amanda Whyte	11 Jan 06
Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Joanne Siggins	16 Mar 08
Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Katherine Hornby	16 Mar 06
Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Joanne Siggins	16 Mar 08

Details of postings

Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Lesley Wyard	19/12/2005 12:28
I am Generalist HRM, working in a Manufacturing, Engineering backgound. I have worked for the same company for 20 years. I have got my Post Grad Diploma(2004) as well as being a MCIPD(2005). I had an interview last year for a position at the local council and I got positive feedback saying that I interviewed well, my experience was good but someone with Council experience had been offered the position, similarly I applied for a position in the NHS with similar results and feedback. I have since applied to numerous companies all of which adverts have said they would like either someone who is working towards of having attained the CIPD qualification, and all have either not replied or I have been unsuccesful even getting an Interview. Due to being with the same company for so long I decided it might me better to go in for an Advisor/Officer role to enable me gain more experience in that sector but also with the possibly of advancement. Again with no success. What am I doing wrong? I honestly believe that my CV and experience is holding me back as I could possibly be seen as a threat to the HRM. The company who I work is currently under 90 days potential threat of closure and I am unsure as to where to go with my career. Any help or advice would be appreciated

+ Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Gina Momtahan	19/12/2005 14:05
Hi there Have you tried going for interim positions? I recently went the other way (from public sector to manufacturing) and went for an HR Officer role on a maternity cover interim basis. I went for two other manufacturing roles before this one, both said I didn't get it due to lack of relevant experience (in one, I narrowly missed out due to another candidate who had more relevant experience. ) But I would say when going for interim roles, it's easier as there's generally less competition and usually the recruiting organisation is under time pressure to recruit. Once you have some experience, you will be in a better position to get permanent work in the public sector. In some ways, it is very different though - particularly in the public sector's approach to dealing with disciplinary/capability issues - so make sure you can demonstrate an awareness of this at interview. Good luck!
++ Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Lesley Wyard	19/12/2005 14:12
Thanks Gina Im glad Im not the only one that has experienced problems! How are you meant to get the experience when they dont give you a chance? I will look into Interim as it could be an option, and a way in.
++ Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Amanda Whyte	11/01/2006 13:27
I have just made the move from Manufacturing (VHS Production) to not for profit / public sector and managed to move up the career ladder at the same time. My success was partly due to signing up with an excellent agency and researching the position that I applied for. By developing a clearer understanding of the industry sectors needs and differences between my company and the new one I then looked at how I could apply my skills into making a positive difference to their Business. I practiced my answers to possible questions and I will admit it drove my partner and kids mad. In addition I managed to track down friends that worked for not for profit / public sector in HR and got a complete overview on what it was look to work in this sector (Good the bad and the ugly!). Hope this helps Amanda
+++ Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Joanne Siggins	16/03/2008 14:36	joannesiggins@ yahoo co uk
Hi, I am interested in moving into the public sector for ethics reasons. Can you recommend any research sources e.g. books, discussion boards etc about the differences between the various public sector organizations as employers which I may find of interest? Also where do these organizations advertise all their HR Advisor/Business Partner level vacancies? I have seen adverts in people management but didn’t know if there are also other sources of adverts that I should keep an eye on too? Can you recommend any recruitment consultancies for HR public sector jobs or is it better to apply direct to public sector organizations? Many thanks Jo
+++ Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Katherine Hornby	16/03/2006 17:55
I work in public sector HR and strongly recommend that you don't demote or undersell yourself by applying for more junior posts; instead continue your research into our HR practices and look at relevant web sites such as Idea.gov.uk and also find out more about public sector issues hot topics like outsourcing HR, workforce planning, absence management, the Gerson Report etc and find out about the role of Elected Members as an employer and things like developing Elected members. Best wishes, Katie Hornby
++++ Re: Moving from Manufacturing to Public Sector	Joanne Siggins	16/03/2008 14:36	joannesiggins@ yahoo co uk
Hi, I am interested in moving into the public sector for ethics reasons. Can you recommend any research sources e.g. books, discussion boards etc about the differences between the various public sector organizations as employers which I may find of interest? Also where do these organizations advertise all their HR Advisor/Business Partner level vacancies? I have seen adverts in people management but didn’t know if there are also other sources of adverts that I should keep an eye on too? Can you recommend any recruitment consultancies for HR public sector jobs or is it better to apply direct to public sector organizations? Many thanks Jo