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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

Retail and Training Manager

Various Retail Organisations

From 01/1985 to 08/1998

Department Manager

Asda

From 09/1988 to 06/2015

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

Lubna

Tax specialist/Manager/Techical leader

Top Insider Advice

When I moved from Pakistan, I was told by many that the only jobs I can get is working in a shop as graduate careers aren't for us. The fact that I didn't take their word made such a difference. Self-belief is the first part of the equation and once you have that, top it up with doing your research and acting on it as actions make the most difference. There is a lot of material available for applications and what it takes to be a civil servant at HMRC. Have some time to read and understand it before applying. Lastly, overthinking is not your friend, so my advice is to do your thinking but DO NOT over think and take actions to make a plunge!

Sandra

Tax Investigator

Top Insider Advice

I've been a Civil Servant for 34 years, starting as an AO in what was DHSS, processing benefit claims. This was a real baptism of fire, dealing with desperate people and desperate situations and exposed me to parts of the population that were a long way from my life. I learned good people skills from this and a real focus on how important good customer service is-doing what you say you will and still having to deliver even when things are difficult or unpopular. This gave me a good grounding for moving onto National Insurance in a compliance role for business and individuals. HMRC merged in 1999 with NI and that was the start of my accidental career. I'm proud to have worked my way up from the bottom as I believe it made me who I am. Whilst no against direct entrance programmes, gaining experience within different grades and roles creates a rounded person.

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!

Discussions with Jim
Is there one thing you wish you'd known before you applied?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, August 16, 2022
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8 responses
2212 views
What's your top tip for doing well at interview?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, September 6, 2022
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8 responses
2677 views
How soon after the interview did you know you were successful?
in Application process·Sunday, June 8, 2025
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5 responses
163 views
What does a day look life in Debt Management as AO??
in Career Tips·Tuesday, February 25, 2025
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2 responses
33 views