Insider profil

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Sally .

Recruitment Marketing Partner

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Nottingham

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Everyday LifeWork & Life with Us

Top Insider Advice

We often get bogged down with life and maybe a little stuck in rut, and can start to doubt ourselves. Think about what you've achieved, not just within your career, but through life in general and remember how fabulous you are! So many life experiences and personality traits will get you far in your career, stop and take time to think about this, then showcase your wonderful self.

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Career path

Recruitment Marketing Partner

HMRC

Started 12/2020 to Present

School Advisor

DWP

From 11/2016 to 12/2020

Universal Credit Delivered Locally Outreach

DWP

From 09/2014 to 11/2016

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

There is a good mix of work. Sometimes I'm concentrating on editing a document, or formatting a candidate pack. But other times I can be lost down a rabbit hole of websites and articles while I research labour market insights or info on the best job boards!

Greatest achievements

Back in 2004 my friend and I decided it would be a laugh to walk 60k for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Charity. We didn't know however, that to enter we had to raise £1.5k each first! Challenge accepted we organised a Charity Ball, complete with live music, auction, and wonderful food and copious amounts of donated booze. Target smashed we raised £7000 that night. One huge hangover later, we then had to start the training! Great memories, and a huge sense of achievement, maybe it's time I did something similar again?....

Other insiders

Mary .

Top Insider Advice

Based on my experience spanning multiple departments and roles - from DWP to HMRC, and from operational to leadership positions -here's my top advice for those joining the Civil Service: 1. Look sideways, not just upwards for growth opportunities Embrace additional responsibilities alongside your core role like continuous improvement advocacy, outreach work, and advisory positions. These develop versatile skills and increase your visibility across departments. 2. Step outside your comfort zone to build confidence My transition from behind-the-scenes roles to face-to-face work demonstrates how stretching yourself builds transferable skills and personal resilience that benefit your entire career. 3. Cultural change starts with everyday leadership Challenge negative workplace culture, you don't need formal authority to create positive environments. Building trust and psychological safety pays dividends in team performance. 4. Bring your authentic self to work Diversity of thought and experience strengthens the Civil Service. Authenticity helps create an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute fully. 5. Connect across boundaries Establish or join existing networks that spans different business areas and/or departments. Breaking down silos creates more effective public service delivery and enriches your professional experience. 6. Focus on continuous learning and improvement Commit to evaluation and learning, this demonstrates how reflective practice drives both personal development and better service outcomes. 7. Remember the purpose behind the work Throughout your roles maintain focus on how your work impacts UK citizens and communities - the ultimate measure of success in public service.

Hayley

Operations and Comm's Lead

Top Insider Advice

You will bring a unique perspective to a role as your experience will have been different from that of others. Don't be afraid to bring that to the fore, it is what makes you, you and brings a valuable contribution to a team. I wish I'd thought this more when I first joined the Civil Service!

Sarah

Communications business partner

Top Insider Advice

I've had a huge variety of roles in HMRC, and I've enjoyed all of them. I've found it's not always necessary to chase promotion. A sideways move to another area can expand your horizons and build your skills and this is recognised when you're ready to take the next step. I've always tried to maintain job satisfaction above all else. I've done a couple of jobs I've really hated, so I moved on and found something else. I've found if I'm happy in my job, I perform better and this is noticed. Also, don't be afraid to ask for opportunities or for what you want. I've always believed 'if you don't ask, you don't get' – the worst that could happen is someone says no and you're no worse off.

Discussions with Sally
What's your top tip for doing well at interview?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, September 6, 2022
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8 responses
2717 views
How can I contact the HMRC recruitment team
in General·Tuesday, August 19, 2025
5 responses
144 views
Do you offer work experience to year 12 students?
in Career Tips·Thursday, September 15, 2022
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2 responses
186 views