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Top Insider Advice
There are a huge number of roles within HMRC and the wider Civil Service. There will be some that really suit your skills. Where there is a gap, the training and development opportunities available will give you every chance to fill that gap and find that role where you can excel. You will find management want you to improve and will encourage your development, whether within your current role or to achieve the abilities to change to somewhere else you can be better. Self-belief used properly can be your strongest skill.
Career path
Risk Analyst
HMRC
Started 09/2021 to PresentNational Minimum Wage Officer
HMRC
From 04/2019 to 09/2021Data Gatherer
HMRC
From 12/2018 to 04/2019Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
In my area we have built very strong relationships between the roles involved in working projects. This can be from Project Co-Ordinator's, data gatherers, analysts and the end customer. Where we see issues it is easy to raise this and have a part in solutions. Everyone gives a feeling of being approachable and always manage to find time to explain processes or offer assistance, at all grades. The management structure reflects what I see everyday on the floorplate, we all strive for the same thing and work together for the best results. Management treat their staff fantastically and the support available for everyday problems up to domestic emergencies is exceptional. I never worked in an area with so much respect for people.
Greatest achievements
Having a part-time role as a learning facilitator I was selected, along with 2 colleagues, to induct new entrants to HMRC over a 2 month period. This was a new process for the area and also involved utilising space in an office never used by the department previously. Whilst preparing presentations and learning packages, the office was still being kitted out and didn’t even have enough computers for the staff coming in. Plus managers were still being recruited. It was certainly not just an induction session. We and to be learning facilitators, managers, Heath and Safety risk assessors, career advisors and even negotiators with other departments, outwith HMRC. I pretty much led the process, thanks to some well-timed holidays by initial colleagues meaning less experienced assistance was required. This help cement my reputation as someone to get the job done in the best way possible and gained me a lot of respect in different areas. It was also very satisfying to see some of the more capable entrants climbing the career ladder in a short time, acting on some of my advice.
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.
Pete
Situational Awareness Officer
Top Insider Advice
Once established the keep your options open. The department and Civil Service are vast, work is varied and options are unlimited. Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge, experience and contacts.
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.