Food Job Blog: The inside track on Food Recruitment and Careers

As the government continues to make savings across public sector employment, thousands of ex-public sector people become job seekers.

The government is hoping that a boom in the private sector that will employ many of the staff previously working in the public sector, but is that the only issue? Are people who have previously worked in the public sector ready for a jump to private sector?

Deborah Meaden, entrepreneur and Dragon's Den star, is one of the business people helping ex-public sector employees find employment in the private sector.

Tip #1: DON'T DELAY

Following redundancy, many people will tend to delay job hunting, wallowing on the past. This should be avoided - it is bad for you and is bad for your CV.

Be proactive, plan ahead, and get moving.

Tip #2: TAILOR YOUR EFFORTS

Invest time and effort into your CV. It might be a while since you last used it - you may not even have a CV, but it needs every ounce of your effort. If your CV isn't perfect, you're giving yourself a disadvantage from the off.

Realise that you are applying for jobs in the private sector now, and tailor your CV for that sector.

Don't dwell on the past, don't dwell on the public sector. Revamp your CV, apply your skills and illustrate how you can apply them to the private sector too, and you'll stand a much better chance of getting an interview.

Tip #3: BE FLEXIBLE

Your first job in the private sector might not be your dream job. It takes time to find the right job, and to move into a position, which is ideal for you. Your first role might not be perfect, but get used to this as if you manage to secure a private sector job, you'll be a lot better off than many who still won't have any employment or income.

Getting straight into a new job, even if it's not ideal, prevents you from getting stuck into a routine of not working - which can have disastrous affects for any future employment.

Any form of work looks better than no work - and employers will recognise this and will see your desire to work and your ability to be flexible.

Tip #4: GET TALKING

Talking, networking - call it what you will but you'll be surprised at how many people secure new roles and opportunities through networking with peers, friends, and colleagues.

Don't be afraid to recognise your strengths - if you're good at something, tell people that you are - be careful not to be arrogant about it though. Just be aware of your strengths and if you see an opportunity where you can add value through your skills, don't hesitate to put your name forward.

Tip #5: ATTITUDE MATTERS MORE THAN AGE

Ensure your attitude gives off the correct image - you're a passionate individual, who wants to continue their career into the future. You want an opportunity with career prospects that will allow you to progress. You don't want a job that will see you through the next year until you can retire - employers will not be attracted to job seekers who exhibit this attitude.

Tip #6: RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

So you've been made redundant. If ever there was cause to take a deep breath and throw everything you've got at getting a new job, it was that. You never know, it might be the lucky break you were looking for, and being made redundant could be the best thing that ever happened to you.

You've got nothing to loose, so give it your all.