We recruit solely for the public and the not-for-profit sectors. Last month we saw a 70 per cent increase in enquiries from people in the private sector.

For one job with a £40,000 salary we had 200 applications, including from senior managers willing to take a substantial pay cut. People now see the public sector as a viable option.

Yet although we placed almost 1,000 people in the public sector last year, only 6 per cent came from the private sector. If you’re moving sectors you need to stand out.

Focus on a specific area of the voluntary or public sector. Pick a field you have empathy with and do your research — learn the jargon, read the trade magazines and blogs and speak to others working in the sector.

We had one candidate who worked for Kingfisher, the retail company, who was also a school governor. When applying for an education role he stood out.

You also need to factor in a long, drawn-out application process. At a senior level, you’ll be interviewed by a panel from across the whole organisation. For example, you might be applying for a finance job at a local authority but you could be interviewed by the head of social services. You will need to demonstrate leadership and a commitment to equal opportunities.

Our research found that 80 per cent of public sector organisations had employed from the private sector in the previous year, but only 3 per cent said that they preferred private sector candidates.

The complexity of the culture in the public sector means there is a natural inclination to hire someone who has worked in the sector and understands it.

Very few people work in the public sector simply because it is a job. If you demonstrate your passion, it will go a long way.

• David Morgan is a partner in Morgan Law, the recruitment consultancy

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