Insider profil

Picture of Jo

Jo .

ISBC People Team Leader

Ask me a question

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.

Read more advice

Career path

ISBC People Team Leader

HMRC

Started 10/2021 to Present

Company

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!

Other insiders

Darrell

Business Support Officer , Solicitors Office and Legal Services Dept

Top Insider Advice

As HMRC applications are Behaviour and Strength based it is good to ensure you articulate your successes relevant to the job being applied for. Ensure you follow the STAR (Situation , Task, Action and Result) format. with your achievements think What was the Situation, What Task needed to be done to resolve / improve that situation , What actions did YOU do to achieve a result and exactly what was the result in you taking those actions. Always think in terms of what YOU did. Highlight yourself with actual examples.

Hayley

Operations and Comm's Lead

Top Insider Advice

You will bring a unique perspective to a role as your experience will have been different from that of others. Don't be afraid to bring that to the fore, it is what makes you, you and brings a valuable contribution to a team. I wish I'd thought this more when I first joined the Civil Service!

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.

Discussions with Jo
Please describe the most enjoyable aspects of your day-to-day role?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, December 20, 2022
1 response
22 views