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Zoe .

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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.

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Career path

Secretariat

HMRC

Started 08/2022 to Present

Telephony Advisor PAYE

HMRC

From 11/2021 to 08/2022

School Health Support Worker

HMRC

From 04/2020 to 11/2021

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

I have always been motivated by working towards something, I like change and progression, the opportunity to try something new. My current position consists of a good variety of tasks with ample development opportunities both integral to the role and the chance to become involved in supporting corporate activities. I really enjoy learning and take an interest in what is going on around the organisation, trying to understand the bigger picture.

Greatest achievements

As a mum I chose to take a drop in pace in terms of my career, dropped to part time hours and tried various different jobs to fit around family, de-prioritising my own ambitions. I found that I quickly became unsatisfied in some of these less challenging roles and needed to get myself back on track. I applied for HMRC and secured a customer services role at AO level which I always intended to be my "foot in the door". As soon as I completed my probation I began taking on every development opportunity and looking at jobs on promotion. I was successful in gaining my first promotion within 8 months, and have gone from AO to SO in just over 2 years, which has felt like such an achievement after spending years making sideways moves and worrying that I couldn't juggle career and family. During this time, and with the support of the HMRC staff networks, I have also been through a substantial personal journey, battling to gain an autism diagnosis for my oldest child before he goes up to high school. My manager, team and everyone I have encountered in the various staff networks have been absolutely amazing, and I don't know if I'd have had the strength to get through that process had I been in a different situation!

Other insiders

Marta .

Top Insider Advice

Keep your mind and eyes open as there are are so many opportunities

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.

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.

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Can you tell me what your first year was like?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, January 31, 2023
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