Interesting.
I went to a seminar featuring some HR people the other day. They spoke of the difficulty of luring people away from the private sector to come work for the government.
It probably does not help that it takes so long both to place a job announcement and to hire people after the job is announced. The process can take months... potential workers can easily find private sector employment before the HR system fully processes their job application.
There was a thread last night about the absolutely HORRIBLE turnover at TSA and how it’s causing poor services at airports. The data showed about 11% annual turnover, WAY below the private sector. People stay at cushy government jobs a long time — almost an average of TEN years for TSA screeners. Those who like government jobs sure stay there.
At the highest levels, the government sure attracts the drek.
Also since they not only have to find someone who can do the job, they also have to find someone who is the right color, sex, and political orientation.