Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
Look for opportunities to build your skills, develop your talents and reach your potential. Sounds very wordy but learning is a lifelong journey and we never know everything I have found that trying something different has kept me happier at work and given me a sense of self satisfaction. It doesn't have to be work related it can include learning any new skill from sewing to pottery. At the moment I am currently spending 30 minutes a week completing learning around marketing and social media which is providing me with skills to better understand my role and that roles around me.
Career path
Social Media Support Officer
HMRC
Started 07/2021 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
I get job satisfaction from being able to help and support new starters by providing them insight and information about HMRC the week before they start. I like to build rapport and alleviate any worries and concerns they may have and put them in touch with others starting on the same day. I enjoy working to tight deadlines and having the opportunity to work on different tasks through out the week. I like to problem solve and look for solutions as to how a task can be completed which often involves researching and engaging with stakeholders in getting answers which could range from incorrect dates on offer letters or welcome emails to updating contact information for new starters. No one week is the same.
Greatest achievements
I achieved a Level 4 Knowledge Based Qualification Award in Operational Delivery (Management). At the time I was a Front-Line manager within Customer Services in Benefits and Credits managing a team of 12 people. I studied for the qualification alongside my day job and set aside 3 hrs each week to complete assessments and study for exams. I found the qualification challenging as it had been 20 years since I had done any sort of formal learning. The course allowed me to step back into formal learning and also support others who decided to take up learning after me with coaching on how they should approach the assessments.
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.
Robina
CSG Advisor
Top Insider Advice
Never by shy or afraid to try something new and don't expect opportunities to come to you, they might do, if you're in the right place at the right time but mostly, it's about keeping your eyes open. Taking action on your goals and believing in yourself is important, lets face it, you are your own best friend. Be open and flexible and avoid linear thinking as you can miss opportunities right in front of you. Doing something different to your business as usual is a great way to meet new people, network and learn more about yourself.
Pete
Situational Awareness Officer
Top Insider Advice
Once established the keep your options open. The department and Civil Service are vast, work is varied and options are unlimited. Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge, experience and contacts.
