Joining the public sector is much more than just a change of job: it's a real change of professional culture. You'll have to put aside your private sector habits and immerse yourself in a world marked by its own practices and values. Relationships with users, hierarchies, decision-making processes, the logic of competitive examinations... All this may seem confusing at first. So what are the best ways of getting to grips with this unique environment and developing successfully?
Are you thinking of working in the public sector? Or are you about to take up a post in the public sector? Integrating well is essential to laying the foundations for a rewarding and meaningful public sector career. The public sector is founded on the values of community service and collaboration. But successful integration isn't just about personal adaptation: it also contributes to the effectiveness of the whole organisation. By adopting a proactive approach and mobilising the resources at your disposal, you'll find your place quickly and effectively. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Understand the operation and organisation specific to the entity within the public sector
Discovering the public sector starts by immersing yourself in its organisation. Each public entity, whether a local authority, a ministry or a public institution, has its own rules, processes and objectives. To integrate quickly :
- Find out all you can about the internal organisation: this will help you understand the hierarchy, the different departments and how they interact with each other.
- Explore other services: in other words, meet them. Not only does this give you a better understanding of the overall ecosystem, it also creates useful links.
[Note]
Some public bodies organise an induction period or programme that includes meetings with the various departments. Make the most of it!
For example:
In the Yvelines departmentThis integration programme takes place over several weeks and includes :
- virtual promotion of new arrivals via Teams
- a remote integration session to explore the organisation's specific features
- meeting the various departments at monthly sessions to find out more about their businesses
Develop the skills you need to adapt quickly to the specificities of the public sector
Training courses can help.
[Training]
Key points:
- Learn to synchronise yourself with the language of the person you are talking to
- Discover the essential communication tools for successful contact with others
- Work on your verbal and non-verbal behaviour
Example of practical work:
- Self-diagnosis to get to know yourself better
- Prepare a presentation of yourself and your career path in front of the group...
[Training]
Ask the right questions to achieve your objectives
Key points:
- Learn how to ask questions in order to establish an interactive and constructive exchange, on the one hand, and to make progress, convince and take decisions, on the other.
- Adopt an attitude of active listening for better questioning
- Managing sensitive issues that impact on the quality of the relationship
Participants speak out:
"I really got into it and found the exercises very instructive.
"Very interactive, small group work much appreciated."
Adopting a listening and open-minded attitude
Successful integration also depends on effective communication and constructive exchanges.
By developing aactive listening and openness, you :
- access the key information circulating on a daily basis
- understand your colleagues' needs and issues, which will make it easier to work together
What is active listening?
Active listening is a communication technique that involves listening with attention and empathy to understand the person you are talking to. It is based on key principles: undivided attention, rephrasing to clarify the message, validation of emotions, open questions and the use of sympathetic body language. By encouraging listening without distraction or judgement, it strengthens relationships, improves problem-solving and defuses conflict. This approach, which is used in management, mediation and coaching, helps to establish authentic exchanges, create a climate of trust and encourage greater collaboration.
Active listening is not innate for most people, as it requires overcoming natural reflexes such as interrupting or judging. Although it is based on simple principles, putting it into practice requires practice, often facilitated by dedicated training courses, to master concentration, empathy and reformulation.
Discover the training programme Develop your interpersonal effectiveness through active listening.
Other tools may also be useful. For example: the Non-Violent Communication (CNV) or neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).
The importance of non-verbal communication
Generally speaking, you need to strengthen your skills at all three levels of communication:
Verbal :
→ clear, precise messages
Paraverbal :
→ the intonation and rhythm of your speech
Non-verbal :
→ posture, gestures and eye contact
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
[Training]
During training Optimize your communicationDiscover the impact of your non-verbal communication.
Key points:
First of all, become aware of the meaning of gestures that you believe to be unconscious (self-contact, heterocontact).
Then practise for optimal hand positioning.
Also work on your general posture (stable position).
These communication skills are an invaluable asset for building quality relationships and gaining the trust of your contacts.
"I'm leaving with a number of tools that will help me improve my communication.
Damien, January 2025.
[Testimonial]
Antoine, ex-journalist turned editorial communications manager for a commune in the Hauts-de-Seine department
"When I joined the communications department, I was surprised by the approval process. Every piece of content had to go through several levels, often several times, making deadlines unpredictable. To adapt, I first mapped out the key contacts to better understand their expectations and needs. I also proposed a specific forward schedule to anticipate critical approvals. At the same time, I increased the number of informal meetings to establish a climate of trust with my communications colleagues, elected representatives and local authority staff. This has helped to improve coordination between departments and reduce the tensions associated with the back and forth of copies. Today, the validation circuits are still demanding, but they are better planned and more transparent. All in all, this proactive approach has enabled me to find my place while making a tangible contribution to the performance of the communications department.
Training to acquire a foundation of fundamental knowledge about the public sector
To fully understand the specificities of the public sector, get trained!
Four fundamental areas must be mastered if you are to navigate serenely in this environment:
1/ The statutory framework: understanding the rules governing the status of civil servants
For example:
Teachers in state schools must comply with the rules associated with their status. This includes the obligation of neutrality, prohibiting the expression of political or religious beliefs in the context of their duties.
2/ The legal framework: understanding the specific features of the laws and regulations in force
For example:
A labour inspector checks that companies comply with the Labour Code. In particular, he ensures that they comply with legal obligations in terms of working hours and safety equipment.
3/ The administrative framework: mastering internal procedures
For example:
A Town Hall employee follows a strict procedure for registering a marriage: receiving the required documents, checking that they comply with the Civil Code and organising the official ceremony.
4/ The financial framework: incorporating the principles of public finance, particularly with regard to public contracts
For example:
A public contract manager must comply with the rules governing competitive tendering for the award of a construction contract: publication of the invitation to tender, analysis of the proposals according to the criteria defined and signature within the allocated budget.
Request targeted training!
A request for targeted training on these topics can therefore be a real springboard for adapting quickly and effectively. These foundations will help you to better understand the issues and make relevant contributions.
[Training]
Understanding the organisation of the State and public institutions
Key points:
- The fundamental principles of constitutional law
- The organisation and operation of the State
- Focus on the public sector and the civil service
- Modernising the State
- Focus on local authorities
Examples of practical work :
- Case study: setting up a dematerialisation process within a public authority
- Quiz
- Mapping the key players
[Training]
Local authorities: role and operation
They're talking about :
"It's a difficult subject to get to grips with, but I feel I have a better grasp of it now.
"Very interesting, it was exactly what I was looking for. Interactive and comprehensive training.
Examples of practical work :
- Quiz on the respective powers of the region, the department and the local authority...
- Group exercise on setting up participatory democracy and local consultation initiatives
- Drawing up and implementing a master plan for the pooling of services
Clarify the tasks and objectives of the position
Successful integration also requires a clear understanding of the expectations of your position.
Rather than waiting for instructions, take the initiative and clarify your tasks with your superiors. Ask specific questions about priority objectives and success indicators.
To make the most of this approach, strengthen your assertiveness. It's an essential skill for expressing your needs and ideas clearly and respectfully.
[Training]
Training Assertiveness and assertiveness can, for example, provide you with practical tools for adopting an assertive professional stance while maintaining harmonious relations with your team and hierarchy.
Example of practical work:
Self-diagnosis of your own inhibitors to assertiveness
Role-playing about no
Training in the use of the DESC method
Participants speak out:
"This course has enabled me to learn more about myself and to see how to respond assertively in different situations. And it was all done in a very good-humoured and caring atmosphere.
"I loved the fact that the theory was illustrated by concrete cases that everyone had already encountered. The various tests were very useful.
"A lot of humour to capture attention and retain the theoretical input.
Joining the public sector is a process that takes time, energy and a structured approach. By following these steps - understanding the organisation, communicating effectively, training in the basics, and clarifying your missions - you'll be ready to take on the challenges of the public sector and contribute fully to its missions.
