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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
HM Revenue and Customs
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.
Pat .
Recruitment Marketing Advisor
Top Insider Advice
Your job is a way of making money to do things that you want to do with your life. But there are plenty of jobs out there that can also make you happy.
Philip
Civil Investigator
Top Insider Advice
I wouldn't describe the first half of my Civil Service job history as a career, more a means to an end. Until I joined HMRC I had no idea what I wanted from a job and what motivated me, and I expected that to continue for years to come. It was only when I started my first tax compliance role that I quickly learned that I found the job very interesting and that I was good at it; the perfect combination. Without realising it I had developed a lot of the skills and attributes which you need in this type of role from some of my previous jobs; a keen eye for detail, instinctively examining the little things which don't seem quite right, and most importantly, being very, very nosy! What I did learn from my earlier Civil Service career was that if I wanted to reach the more senior grades that nobody was going to carry me on their shoulders to get me there and I needed to seek out my own opportunities to develop my skills and experience. I knew the limitations of my earlier roles in terms of developing my skills and realised I needed to work a variety of roles to gain that wide ranging experience. I moved initially from a wholly admin role to a decision making role and the skills I learned there still stand me in good stead today. I then moved to a junior manager role to gain some valuable leadership experience and improve my confidence. Therefore, my biggest advice would be if you've got a role or career in mind don't be afraid to move around into different roles and different departments. You will be exposed to different types of work and gain wider experience and along the way you may find that perfect combination of interesting work and being good at it too. Once you've found something like that, you know where your career likely lies. Also, ask for career help from those who've been around the block. Seek out a mentor or resources such as this to guide you on your career path and advise you if you feel you need that help.
Lesley
Business Management Unit Higher Officer
Top Insider Advice
Try different areas. Don't stick to one