Insider profil
Top Insider Advice
Don't underestimate the amount of time needed to apply for CS jobs. You will spend hours getting your behaviours and statement evidence right and that's how it has to be. Get a mentor/s to check your applications before submitting. Have the CS behaviour descriptions open when you are writing your statement, this is what you will be marked against. Tell us the how, I sift regularly and it is frustrating when candidates state @i am an excellent communication' for example, that is good but tell us how you communicate, what makes you so good! I like the STAR model but also the WHO, What, How, Outcome. Tell us your personal story, avoid jargon and write to a complete stranger who knows nothing about you or the department you are applying for.
Career path
ISBC People Team Leader
HMRC
Started 10/2021 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
I am a great advocate of the Civil Service and all it has to offer. My current role is varied, can be reactive at times without much chance to plan but extremely interesting and rewarding. My days include lots of engagement with our wider stakeholders on calls, more virtual connections in this day and age as opposed to face to face meetings. I spend a lot of time talking to my team, ensuring they are supported. I do not work manage my team so also have calls with the work managers to check the tasks they have allocated then cross refer with my team, this enables all to be clear on expectations and I can quickly react to any blockers or confusion.
Greatest achievements
I spent just over 2 years moving from placement to placement, some challenges along the way with colleagues not fully appreciating my role as it was centrally funded so I was essential free resource. I didn't realise how much I had learnt from each placement and the experience until I left them sometimes. I built resilience in droves by having to reinvent myself and establish those big working relationships every few months, Change does not bother me nowadays, if I had to move roles tomorrow, so be it. I am proud of moving from band O to SO in a little over 2 years, not an easy achievement but it can be done!
Sue
Business Engagement Co-ordinator
Top Insider Advice
You need to believe in yourself and take any development opportunity offered to you. Training and learning is important and is encouraged so you can do your job effectively and develop skills that can help you throughout your career. Constant development is important for you, your team and the wider business. If you are interested in pursuing something - consult with your manager to see if they can help identify opportunities or courses you can attend. Not all courses are internal and in some instances the department will pay to attend external courses or attain professional qualifications. There are also great training and development schemes that exist in HMRC
Jim
Portfolio Lead
Top Insider Advice
Find a mentor you are comfortable with. Be prepared to take honest constructive feedback. Create a support network...it's easier than you think.