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.
Daniel S
Top Insider Advice
I never thought I would get onto the TSP. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone to attend the assessment centres, take part in all of the activities. I continue to do so with my day job - I don't like presenting, but I do lots of it. It builds confidence and resilience. Rationalise what's the worse that could happen by trying something new, or taking on a new challenge. For me, with the assessment centre, if I didn't get accepted - so be it. I got good experience of interviewing. Met new and interesting people, and got free food from attending the assessment centre (back when they were in person). Once I told myself these things, I pushed myself out my comfort zone to attend the day. I had worked hard to get the invite, so although I wasn't confident in going and being myself, that's what I had to do and it worked out well. Take the set backs as opportunities to reflect, develop and learn from. Keep pushing through set backs and pushing yourself out of your normal comfort zone to be able to achieve the goals you set for yourself.
Lesley
Business Management Unit Higher Officer
Top Insider Advice
Try different areas. Don't stick to one
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.
