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.

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.

We often get bogged down with life and maybe a little stuck in rut, and can start to doubt ourselves. Think about what you've achieved, not just within your career, but through life in general and remember how fabulous you are! So many life experiences and personality traits will get you far in your career, stop and take time to think about this, then showcase your wonderful self.