Hey Prudencia

Hello Mohammad,

It was great meeting you, and I’m really glad to hear you’re considering applying for a role with HMRC.

As we discussed, the first step is to register on the Civil Service Jobs website, Civil Service job search - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
Once you’ve created your account, please make sure to set up job alerts so you’re notified as soon as suitable roles are advertised.

I believe the Customer Service Advisor roles in Cardiff are expected to be advertised around April, but setting up alerts now will ensure you don’t miss it.

Wishing you all the very best with your future career.

Hi Prudencia this is Kamil we met at the job fare there is a compliance role that just came up i’m interested in the role. i remember you saying that you don’t need much to get the customer advisor role is it the same for the compliance role can you help me attain it.

Also the customer service advisor role is available now

Hi Kamil,

Great to hear from you. Yes, the job is out now and it closes tomorrow (10th March), so please make sure you apply today if possible.

Before you take the skills assessment test, please use the practice link below and go through the exercises first. It really helps you get used to the format and improves your chances:

Practice tests:
Customer Service Skills Practice Test

The compliance role does require a bit more assessment than the customer adviser role, but with preparation you’ll be absolutely fine.

Wishing you all the very best. Pru

what preparation do i need to do for the compliance role

Hi Kamil,

For the Compliance role, the preparation you’ll need depends slightly on the specific advert, but for our recent Band O Compliance roles, the process has followed the structure below.

To give you a better sense of what these roles involve, here are the core responsibilities typically expected in Band O Compliance:

• Reviewing documents and checking for errors or discrepancies
• Investigating issues using evidence
• Communicating clearly with customers
• Keeping accurate case notes
• Making decisions following HMRC guidance
• Working carefully and professionally
  

So anything that helps you demonstrate attention to detail, good judgement, and clear communication will put you in a strong position.

After you’ve submitted your application form, you may be invited to complete a series of online tests. For our recent Band EO Compliance roles, these typically include:

• Casework Skills Test (Casework Test)
• Civil Service Verbal Test (Verbal Test)
• Civil Service Numerical Test (Numerical Test)
• Civil Service Judgement Test (Judgement Test)

Civil Service online tests - GOV.UK

Caseworker Skills Test (very common)

This has three sections:

• Section A: Read information from sources and answer questions (not timed).
• Section B: Rate how effective actions are in workplace scenarios.
• Section C: Timed accuracy test — spotting and correcting errors. Tip: It’s better to answer fewer questions accurately than rush everything.

Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

You read or watch workplace scenarios and decide how effective different actions are.

Look for behaviours like:

• Working together
• Communicating clearly
• Making effective decisions
• Integrity
• Delivering at pace

Think calm, fair, helpful, and professional, that’s what they’re looking for.

Numerical Reasoning Test

This isn’t advanced maths.
You interpret tables, charts and graphs, then answer questions like:

• percentages
• increases/decreases
• averages
• comparing numbers

Good news: It’s usually not timed, so take your time and focus on accuracy.

Verbal Reasoning Test (sometimes included) This checks how well you understand written information.

You read a short paragraph and decide if a statement is:

• True
• False
• Cannot Say

Very important tip: If the information is NOT written in the paragraph, the answer is ALWAYS “Cannot Say.”
No assumptions. No adding your own knowledge. This rule helps you avoid overthinking, just stick strictly to what’s written.

For example:
If the paragraph says, “The team processed 200 forms last week,”
and the question asks, “The team also processed forms the week before,”
the correct answer is: Cannot Say, even if you think it's likely.

Interviews

If you pass the tests, you may be invited to a video interview

Prepare using STAR examples:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

Choose simple examples that show problem‑solving, communication, teamwork, integrity, and attention to detail.

In-Tray Exercise (Final Stage for Some Compliance Roles)

Some Compliance roles include an in-tray exercise as the final part of the assessment.

Here’s what to expect:

• You’re given a workplace scenario (e.g., a customer query or a simple compliance issue).
• You’re provided with guidance to help you decide what to do.
• You may need to complete a very simple tax calculation — nothing complicated.
• Your task is to respond professionally, using the information given.
• Usually you write a short email back to the customer, explaining the correct outcome or next steps.

You do not need any tax knowledge for this, you just follow the guidance, think logically, and communicate clearly.
This stage mainly tests: How you read and apply guidance, accuracy, professionalism, writing skills and good judgement.

So to answer your question, it really depends on which Compliance role you may apply for and what grade it is. The details I’ve shared above are based on our recent Band O Compliance roles, so if you’re considering applying at the O level, that’s the structure you can expect and you can start practising the online tests now.

Also. you’re already doing great, because asking these questions is part of good preparation.

Warm wishes,

Pru

Hi, also be aware that the recent Compliance roles we are advertising at the moment are for Senior positions, so check the advert and the essential criteria first to see if you have the skills/experience they are asking for, and to enable you to prep well for your application. Good luck!