Insider profil

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Jim .

Portfolio Lead

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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.

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Career path

Portfolio Lead

HMRC

Started 01/2022 to Present

Department Manager

Asda

From 09/1988 to 06/2015

Retail and Training Manager

Various Retail Organisations

From 01/1985 to 08/1998

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

I love having scope to tackle issues as I see fit and not being micro managed. I love building a network of contacts to support my work as I don't know everything and am relatively new to my position. I love making a difference and providing support and facilitating in a small way to get the funding for essential national services. I love finding ways to do things more efficiently and smarter. I really love my latest job and happy to share how I got here by accident.

Greatest achievements

There is life after redundancy even though at the time it is devastating. It took me 6 years to build a new career and even though I thought I did not want more responsibility again I grew into it with the help and support of some good people along the way. My wife said I wouldn't like my new job however I did. I've learned so much in the digital space however I still have loads to learn and would encourage others to do so too.

Other insiders

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.

Mads B

Compliance Caseworker

Top Insider Advice

The Tax Professional Programme is difficult, but that's ok because it prepares you for a leadership position within a world leading tax authority, embrace it. Although, you might often find it hard to juggle learning, casework and Quality Assurance Framework tasks, don't forget to get involved in activities that might switch your focus to other rewarding things, like volunteering, or getting involved in HMRC's Regional Pillars work, or being an ambassador / lead for one of the many networks we have. This will allow you to pause from your day-to-day activities and make you feel like you belong to a community of like minded people, rather than a student or a compliance caseworker.

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.

Discussions with Jim
Is there one thing you wish you'd known before you applied?
in Career Tips·mardi, août 16, 2022
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8 responses
2246 views
What's your top tip for doing well at interview?
in Career Tips·mardi, septembre 6, 2022
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8 responses
2707 views
What does a day look life in Debt Management as AO??
in Career Tips·mardi, février 25, 2025
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2 responses
35 views
How soon after the interview did you know you were successful?
in Application process·dimanche, juin 8, 2025
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5 responses
198 views