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
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.
Bal .
Social Media Support Officer
Top Insider Advice
Look for opportunities to build your skills, develop your talents and reach your potential. Sounds very wordy but learning is a lifelong journey and we never know everything I have found that trying something different has kept me happier at work and given me a sense of self satisfaction. It doesn't have to be work related it can include learning any new skill from sewing to pottery. At the moment I am currently spending 30 minutes a week completing learning around marketing and social media which is providing me with skills to better understand my role and that roles around me.
Paul
Lead Business Manager
Top Insider Advice
Make a difference in whatever you do. The roles in your career may change frequently or be quite stable. You may stick to one profession, end up working in a few or work in one you would never have expected to work in. Your best profession may not yet even exist! But whatever you do - make a positive difference. That difference can be to your customers, the public, the service you provide or the people you work with. It will be different in the roles you do - but make sure you change things for the better.
Alan
Customer Compliance Manager
Top Insider Advice
It is important to keep trying. Not everybody will make it first time, I did not when applying for Tax Professional Training, but I was put on a reserve list and called up later. Many do not make it first time but they do make it second time round. The process for recruitment can be long, but do not get disheartened, this is to give everybody the best chance of being accepted. If you can, get feedback and consider it for future applications. Feedback will often point our your weak area that can easily be improved with a bit of practice. If you do get on a training programme, be aware that though tough, they want you to succeed and will do everything they can to support you in achieving the end goal. Do say if you need extra support, they cannot provide it unless you tell them you need it. I am dyslexic and they took this into account for exams providing computer rather than writing and also extra time for reading.