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.
Edward
Complaints Manager-Officer
Top Insider Advice
Always remain positive. Take the plunge once in a while and believe in yourself. Learn what you can from others. If there are any opportunities outside of your comfort zone, rise to the challenge and volunteer. You will surprise yourself, who will release the abilities that you didn’t think you had. Remain positive and focused on your goal. Consider the bigger picture, how does my role fit in within the wider goals of the business and how can you make it a great place to work. In a customer led role like mine, you can really make a difference to people’s lives. You see the negative impacts our mistakes can make and how you can work to ensure that they are not repeated, whilst improving the customer journey and the reputation of the business. You will gain positive feedback and people will look up to you.
Sue
Operational Lead
Top Insider Advice
I have been very lucky in that I have almost always been given a role (or applied for one) that I have enjoyed in HMRC (or earlier departments). If you show that you are keen to learn and willing to listen, then you will find that opportunities will present themselves to you and you will progress in your career. When I was told that I would have to undertake taxes training in 2005, I was horrified. Having been trained in National Insurance and done various management roles, I thought that tax would be just too hard for me and that I wouldn't pass the exams. However, I committed wholeheartedly to the training programme. I studied hard and passed all the exams first time - even though my daughter was still a baby so I was constantly exhausted as well as having to travel to London once a week for 18 months for my tutorials!
Abbey
Debt Management Complaints manager
Top Insider Advice
My one piece of advice is “Be-Honest” If you require any reasonable adjustments or assistance, “be honest” in your job application. “Be honest” in your training. If you don’t understand something, then speak up. If you need something to be explained again, “be honest” and say you didn’t understand. “Be Honest” with your aspirations, aims, goals for your career, there are many opportunities which may be applicable for you. “Be Honest” with yourself and keep your work/life balance right for you. My experience - I have been honest about my dyslexia. I have received additional help and support throughout my entire HMRC experience. I learnt an enormous amount about myself during "Coping strategy sessions" which allowed me to be more honest with myself and my manager. Finally, don’t be scared to question things.
