Insider profil
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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.
Career path
Recruitment Marketing Partner
HMRC
Started 12/2020 to PresentSchool Advisor
DWP
From 11/2016 to 12/2020Universal Credit Delivered Locally Outreach
DWP
From 09/2014 to 11/2016Company
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?....
Lesley
Business Management Unit Higher Officer
Top Insider Advice
Try different areas. Don't stick to one
Kris
Estates Strategic Planning & Data Modelling lead
Top Insider Advice
If there is one thing in my 20+ years in the civil service I have figured out it is you will never know if you don't try. Early on in my career I would never volunteer for opportunities, I wouldn't offer up answers or contribute to group meetings or working groups and missed the opportunity to apply for roles I would have loved to try my hand at. This was all through the fear of looking stupid or failing and how other people would view me. Not to say I have never failed as I have, be that in job applications or the approach I have taken to work tasks. The biggest thing I will share here is I have learned so much more from failing than I ever have from getting something right first time. The support from my colleagues during these times was surprising, there are so many great people who work across our government departments which fosters a great environment to be part of. Don't forget if you learn or take something way from an experience how can that be seen as a failure. Don't stop trying.
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.