Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
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.
Career path
Secretariat
HMRC
Started 07/2022 to PresentTelephony Advisor PAYE
HMRC
From 10/2021 to 08/2022School Health Support Worker
Northwest Boroughs NHS
From 03/2020 to 11/2021Company
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!
Gordon
Risk Analyst
Top Insider Advice
There are a huge number of roles within HMRC and the wider Civil Service. There will be some that really suit your skills. Where there is a gap, the training and development opportunities available will give you every chance to fill that gap and find that role where you can excel. You will find management want you to improve and will encourage your development, whether within your current role or to achieve the abilities to change to somewhere else you can be better. Self-belief used properly can be your strongest skill.
Daniel S
Top Insider Advice
I never thought I would get onto the TSP. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone to attend the assessment centres, take part in all of the activities. I continue to do so with my day job - I don't like presenting, but I do lots of it. It builds confidence and resilience. Rationalise what's the worse that could happen by trying something new, or taking on a new challenge. For me, with the assessment centre, if I didn't get accepted - so be it. I got good experience of interviewing. Met new and interesting people, and got free food from attending the assessment centre (back when they were in person). Once I told myself these things, I pushed myself out my comfort zone to attend the day. I had worked hard to get the invite, so although I wasn't confident in going and being myself, that's what I had to do and it worked out well. Take the set backs as opportunities to reflect, develop and learn from. Keep pushing through set backs and pushing yourself out of your normal comfort zone to be able to achieve the goals you set for yourself.
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.