How to answer a difficult interview question?

Question

This is the question:

1. Why are you interested in working in the public service? What's the main difference between working for the public versus working for a private firm?

I'm not sure what exactly they're looking for. Any thoughts? I appreciate any help.

Answer 1

What appeals to me about public service is the opportunity to help people.  In the private sector, it's all about the bottom line, and sometimes doing what's right takes a back seat to doing what's profitable.  I think I'd be happier in a job where the focus is on serving the public.

Answer 2

Drusilla, the public service is mainly for helping the individual people you are assigned. The private service is more commercially interested in the company's affairs. One services people for their needs and the other works for the company interests.

Spartawo...