What Public Sector Businesses Can Learn from the Private Sector

In today's job market, it's challenging for the public sector to attract and retain top talent. Private companies usually have more resources and flexibility, giving them a competitive edge. But there's plenty the public sector can learn from them. By studying how private companies recruit and use technology, public sector businesses can improve their hiring process, leading to better outcomes and a stronger workforce.

In this guide, we will explore the key differences between the public vs private sectors and uncover the key recruitment strategies public sector businesses can learn from the private sector to streamline the hiring process and boost overall talent acquisition.

Understanding the Differences Between the Public vs Private Sector

First, let’s explore the key differences between the public vs private sectors. By understanding these distinctions, we can find ways to improve how areas of improvement for talent acquisition and recruitment strategy.

Here are the main differences between the public and private sectors:

Workforce size

The private sector employs a much larger workforce than the public sector. In general, the private sector often has a larger workforce than the public sector due to the broader range of industries it includes and its focus on profitability. Private companies may range from small businesses with only a handful of employees to multinational corporations with thousands or even millions of workers worldwide.

Job stability and progression

In terms of job stability, public sector jobs are generally more secure as they are less affected by market pressures compared to private sector jobs. This can provide a greater sense of job security, especially during economic downturns. However, due to a larger workforce, private sector employers tend to offer clearer pathways for advancement and career development, which could potentially attract more talent.

Employee incentives

Public sector pay is generally higher than private sector organisations on average and offers a range of benefits such as healthcare and pension packages. However, due to a more profit-oriented goal, private sector employers are more inclined to offer more varied pay structures and performance-based incentives. According to research, the private sector pay increased by 6.9% between August and October 2022, while public sector pay grew by 2.7%, highlighting the difference in competitive salary incentives. 

Talent acquisition 

The recruitment process and talent acquisition strategy also differ. Private sector recruitment is more focused on candidate commitment, handling reluctant applicants, and promoting the employer brand, whereas public sector recruitment aims to ensure candidates are qualified and align with the organisation's values. Government organisations collaborate with schools and colleges to provide training programs to address skills gaps rather than focusing on employer branding. Recruitment processes in the private sector also seem to be more streamlined, leveraging technology to source talent, filter resumes, and speed up the process.

Now that we have understood the difference between recruitment practices in the private vs public sector let’s explore what public sector businesses can learn from the private sector to improve recruitment strategy:

Embrace Technology to Streamline Recruitment

As the private sector increasingly uses technologies to streamline the recruitment process and talent acquisition, public sector businesses can adopt similar technology to benefit from the advantages.

Here are the key technologies that are streamlining public sector recruitment:

• Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) - Private companies frequently rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to simplify the application process, filter through resumes, and organise interviews efficiently. Adopting similar systems can benefit public sector businesses by saving time and ensuring that only qualified candidates are considered for positions. Additionally, ATS can help maintain compliance with hiring regulations and enhance overall transparency in the recruitment process.
• Social Media Recruitment - Private sector businesses regularly use platforms like LinkedIn and specialised online job boards to access diverse talent pools and attract top candidates. Public sector agencies have the opportunity to mirror this strategy, using social media to showcase their unique organisational culture, collaborative environment, and the meaningful impact of their positions on society. This expands their networks and connects with candidates who align with their organisational values and goals.
• Video Interviews and Assessments - Private companies often use video conferencing for initial interviews, granting access to wider candidate pools and faster screening processes. Public sector organisations can adopt this practice, particularly for geographically dispersed candidates or when under strict time constraints. Video interviews and assessments are great tools for candidate evaluation in terms of communication and also offer greater flexibility in scheduling.

Modernise Your Talent Acquisition Strategy

As we mentioned earlier, the private sector primarily focuses on candidate experience and commitment, aiming to improve employee satisfaction, acquisition and retention. Public sector employers must shift their approach away from merely focusing on skills and qualifications and consider elements of candidate satisfaction to boost their talent acquisition and retention strategy.

Below are the crucial talent acquisition strategies that public sector employers can learn from the private sector:

• Targeted Job Descriptions - Go beyond just listing duties. Private sector job descriptions often paint a compelling picture of the role's impact and company culture. Public sector agencies can replicate this approach, showcasing the value proposition of their positions and how they contribute to society. By highlighting the broader significance of their roles, public sector organisations can attract candidates who are not only skilled for the role but passionate about making a difference.
• Candidate Experience Focus - Private sector companies prioritise creating a positive candidate journey, emphasising transparency, clear communication, and prompt feedback. Public sector businesses can adopt a similar approach, keeping applicants informed with updates, setting clear expectations, and offering constructive feedback, to create a positive recruitment experience for all candidates, to increase talent acquisition and retention.
• Embrace diversity and inclusion -  Private sector companies work to include people from different backgrounds in their hiring, understanding the benefits of having a diverse team. Public sector businesses can do the same by starting programs that focus on diversity, making sure they attract and keep employees from various backgrounds, and creating a workplace consisting of various perspectives, experiences, and skills where everyone feels valued and included.

Building Your Employer Brand to Stand Out

Attracting top talent is a priority for both the private and public sectors. By taking inspiration from successful recruitment strategies in the private sector, public sector organisations can enhance their approach to talent acquisition. 

Here are three key employer branding strategies that public sector agencies can adopt to improve their recruitment efforts and attract qualified candidates:

• Showcase Unique Perks and Benefits - Public sector jobs often offer a strong benefits package and work-life balance. By highlighting these advantages in your recruitment materials and social media outreach, using platforms such as LinkedIn, candidates are able to understand your strong business culture, values and benefits, increasing talent acquisition and retention within your organisation.
• Employee Testimonials - Let your current workforce be your biggest advocates. Display employee testimonials that emphasise career advancement, attractive salaries, and the impactful work they contribute to the public sector to significantly enhance the appeal of your recruitment efforts and attract candidates who possess an authentic passion for making a difference.
• Partner with Universities and Training Programs - Public sector businesses should prioritise establishing partnerships with universities and training programs specialising in public sector jobs. By consistently adhering to this employer branding strategy, employers can establish connections with a pool of capable and enthusiastic candidates, ensuring a steady stream of qualified talent for future recruitment needs.

Investing in Career Growth, Incentives and Competitive Salaries

The public and private sectors differ in incentives and salaries, with the private sector often offering higher rewards. Public sector organisations can benefit by adopting private sector incentive practices to attract and retain talent, to enhance performance, productivity and morale within their workforce.

So, what are the key incentives public sector organisations can employ?

• Career Development Programs - The private sector often emphasises career development opportunities, which attracts ambitious candidates looking for potential career progression within private sector jobs. Public sector businesses must showcase their commitment to professional growth by highlighting internal training programs and mentorship opportunities, clearly outlining the potential opportunities for career growth for their public sector workers, to boost both talent acquisition and retention.
• Salary Transparency - While public sector salaries may be set by regulation, providing ranges and highlighting potential salary increases with experience can be attractive to candidates. Public sector businesses can also showcase additional benefits like pension plans, health insurance to create a compelling total compensation package, to increase talent acquisition, retention and employee productivity.

If you need further advice on streamlining public sector recruitment and addressing any challenges along the way, discover our insightful guide, Navigating the Challenges of Public Sector Recruitment in Ireland.

Final Word on What Businesses Can Learn From the Private Sector

Public sector organisations can benefit from the private sector's recruitment strategies to attract and retain talented workers. Employers can use technology tools like online job boards, social media and applicant tracking systems to reach more potential hires and streamline processes. They can also focus on improving candidates' job experiences, offering training and clear career paths and embracing diversity and inclusion. 

Public sector businesses can also shift their approach to focus on personal branding. By leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and empowering employees to showcase their experiences and company benefits, public sector agencies can create a more engaging workplace culture, driving recruitment success and attracting top talent.

Streamlining Recruitment for Global Public Sector Businesses

Our specialised recruitment agency has the expertise and resources to link your business with extraordinary professionals to fill public sector jobs and drive success within your organisation. Whether you're a public sector business seeking your next recruit or a candidate searching for fitting public sector roles, our extensive networks and niche industry knowledge can assist you in reaching your specific goals. 

Our dedicated teams in Northern Ireland, Ireland, Great Britain, and the US embody this passion by delivering an enriched customer experience through our solutions and are devoted to positively impacting people's lives.

Contact us today to discuss your needs.