Hi, I'm after some advice. I would like to make a move from being a business consultant within government to a private sector firm. I'm sure I have a range of skills, experience and qualifications that would make me attractive to potential employers, however I would be grateful for any advice from anyone who has made a similar move. Thanks."

I can't think of any consultancy that would hire a former government employee, unless you're really exceptional. There's no unions, flexitime, or throwing sickies in the private sector you know.

Thanks for your helpful reply Johnnr. You obviously have a pre-conceived idea of government employees. Times have changed within the civil service - you may have noticed thousands losing their jobs in UK. For your information I'm not in a union, I don't work flexitime and I don't 'throw sickies' - some of us are professional! I guess you must be speaking from personal experience.

Yup, am speaking of very personal painful experience of working as an external consultant with the wasters in DWP and the MOD. As for the job cuts: not before time !!!!

Seems sensible to consider the firms with a strong public sector focus as your starting point. Most of the big firms have PS Sector. Also look at Capita, who are very strong on the PS side. Once you have the external consultant skills/exp, you could transition into private sector clients...

Join IBM. They're hiring anyone who turns up for interview, regardless of ability. Don't you know that IBM stands for "I'm Being Mediocre"