The public sector plays a crucial role in society – from children’s education and elderly care to the country’s economy and security. That is why it is essential to have the right leaders and specialists in the right positions to ensure the system functions optimally.
Maria Lahne, a recruitment Consultant at Compass’ public sector team, explains why Executive Search is so vital for recruiting in the public sector and how experience, networks, and discretion are indispensable tools in the process.
Discretion Is Essential
One of the unique challenges in recruiting for the public sector is that many of the most qualified candidates are not actively seeking new roles. Maria explains:
“Many of those interested in these positions do not actively apply themselves. They don’t want it to become public that they are considering leaving their current role.”
This is where Executive Search becomes critical, as professional recruitment consultants can identify and approach suitable profiles discreetly. This ensures that candidates can evaluate opportunities without risking their current position being compromised.
Networks and Relationships Drive Success
Maria highlights the importance of experience and networks in public sector recruitment:
“The more you have worked within the public sector, the more contacts you have. You know who holds which positions and how they have performed in their previous roles.”
Recruitment is not just about finding the right person for a current job – it is also about building long-term relationships. Maria emphasises that dialogues with candidates can continue over years, and often, it is through mutual conversations that the timing becomes clear for a candidate to take the next step in their career.
The Public Sector: High Stakes and Big Demands
Maria describes working in the public sector as both incredibly important and challenging:
“The public sector is high stakes. It’s about children going to school, the elderly being cared for, and Sweden’s economy and security. It’s truly, truly exciting.”
Recruitment tasks in this sector therefore demand a strong understanding of organisational needs and the ability to identify leaders who can navigate complex and politically influenced environments.
A Strategic Approach to Leadership Recruitment
Executive Search is not just a service – it is a strategic process that ensures the right people are placed in the right positions. This makes a difference not only for the organisations but for society as a whole.
As Maria Lahne explains:
“When you work in the public sector, it’s important to understand how critical it is to find the right leaders. The decisions we make don’t just affect a single organisation but the entire society.”
With a combination of discretion, a strong network, and many years of experience, Compass contributes to strengthening the public sector – and thereby the very foundation of our society.
