Insider profil
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Top Insider Advice
It can be a very daunting experience starting work for a new employer, no matter what your age or experience. On my first day in the office (having never worked in an office before) I dressed in full suit and tie, only to find my colleagues were in smart casual dress. This was 33 years ago and now a simple question could be asked on a platform such as this. Then there are the ways things can sometimes be explained incorrectly, it's not anyone's fault. Generally no one is specifically trained in dealing with the diverse nature that working/office life can bring. Rest assured HMRC is a great place to work and One of HMRC's Values is that we are innovative, We are committed to continuous improvement and to developing ourselves. Another is that we are professional, We partner with others and collaborate within and across teams to achieve great results.
Career path
Business Support Team Manager
HMRC
Started 04/1990 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
Throughout my career I have proactively participated in the vast array of development opportunities on offer. I have been a National Vocational Qualification Assessor. I have completed qualifications in Operational Delivery Profession. I have been a Prince's Trust Team Development Coach. These have all developed my confidence and allowed me to demonstrate strong evidence of Civil Service Behaviours in applications and at interview. I am passionate about showcasing HMRC as a great place to work. The mention of working for HMRC is usually a conversation killer but asking people to stop and think about what tax is used to pay for such as health, welfare, education and defence turns it into an interesting topic. The opportunities available to keep stretching and reaching for the next goal and the support given in an extremely diverse and inclusive environment are fantastic.
Greatest achievements
HMRC offers many development opportunities, it's not just about the day job (although this is vitally important). I have been proactive throughout my career in developing myself. Each time building on my previous achievement. For instance, I took the National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Customer Service and then Administration. I then became an NVQ Assessor myself. Having demonstrated my ability and desire to help others, I recognised that I wanted to build my leadership skills. Becoming a Prince's Trust Team Development Coach enabled me to work with young, unemployed adults to build their confidence. They worked towards their own NVQ in employability skills, and I was in a good position to help them achieve this as well as helping them budget for their food whilst on a residential week, raise money to enhance a sensory garden for young disabled adults and visit them at work experience placements. Raising money for the sensory garden was done through activities such as supermarket bag packing at the tills, car washes. Also a sponsored abseil off a viaduct. The transferrable skills I have acquired by constantly thinking about what I do next to prepare me for the next step in my career, have been put to good use.
Ranjeet .
Top Insider Advice
For me personally life is all about helping others where you can and also about making memories with the people closest to you. Work life balance is key for me and having the ability to work on a variety of activities, being able to collaborate with various stakeholder. Work out what matters most to you in regards to a job role or career. It is important to find a job role which you enjoy doing and is fulfilling as this will keep you motivated. Do not underestimate yourself, if there is a course you wish to do, if you want to change careers completely, just go for it, reach out for support and guidance.
Sam C
Top Insider Advice
A job can sound great from the headline, but read the description properly and think carefully if this is a good first job on a ladder of progression or could it be the next one on your way onwards and upwards? Ask yourself what are your strengths? What am I good at? What needs working on? Where do I want to go and how am I going to get there? If you aren't actually too sure where the path may lead, don't overly worry yourself, picking up skills and knowledge in any job is always a good thing. The trick is to know what you have and what you need next. You may have good experience in one area of work, but you need some experience in another to move forward, so sometime a sideways move can work too! I did a sideways temporary move in to VAT import policy as I wanted to understand how it fitted with my litigation work and how policy was developed. I did this for 7 months and it gave me insight in to how things like ministerial submissions were drafted and how communication with stakeholders was so important in this. I used this experience to further my knowledge and it helped me do a better job application for my current role as it demonstrated I was willing to stretch and develop myself. Keep trying and learn from any feedback you are given- it can be very useful ! Good luck!
Zoe
Secretariat
Top Insider Advice
One thing I've found since being in HMRC is that there is a real motivation for the workforce to reflect the diverse society that we serve. The success profiles often used in recruitment can seem daunting, but actually they allow everyone no matter what kind of previous experience we have, to demonstrate those transferable skills, or behaviours, which can be drawn upon, with the right training, to be successful in a brand new role. So don't let anything make you think you don't have what HMRC need or want, whether that be challenging personal circumstances, health difficulties, or lack of prior experience, the Civil Service is here to support everyone in our society, and so it should be made up of a diverse workforce that can accurately represent everyone.