HMRC AO job Washington Waterview Park

tsimehC

antonic wrote: »

Well done on getting the job !

Just make sure you leave before you get institutionalized !

When I joined back in 1988 (as an AO) I thought I would stay about 5 years and then leave ....

24 years later I am still here ! (as AO !).

Are there ways to work your way up in the HMRC or did you choose to stay as an AO over two decades?

Lancslass1982

That's excellent Leafcutter! Well done! Out of interest, what were your interview scores?:)

Leafcutter_2

thankyou very much Lancslass! Scores were all 3s. It is certainly a nail biting exercise!

antonic

When I first started I WAS interested in promotion but due to personal circumstances it never happened.

I had another shot at it after about 10 to 15 years and realised that due to some personal failings of my own (and the fact that my face didnt fit) that it wouldnt happen, also when I looked at the quality of some of the managers I decided I didnt want to get promoted and have to work with them.

The one thing though that I have enjoyed is that I have changed my job twice in the 24 years and gone from starting in London back in 1988, to working in Bootle from 1992 to 2007 and now working in Liverpool.

So now after 24 years, I am top of the AO payscale (£19,724 p.a) and quite happy !.

My only word of advice would be join the PCS Union on day 1, you will never know when you need them !.

Good luck and enjoy your time in HMRC.

tsimehC wrote: »

Are there ways to work your way up in the HMRC or did you choose to stay as an AO over two decades?

antonic

When I first started I WAS interested in promotion but due to personal circumstances it never happened.

I had another shot at it after about 10 to 15 years and realised that due to some personal failings of my own (and the fact that my face didnt fit) that it wouldnt happen, also when I looked at the quality of some of the managers I decided I didnt want to get promoted and have to work with them.

The one thing though that I have enjoyed is that I have changed my job twice in the 24 years and gone from starting in London back in 1988, to working in Bootle from 1992 to 2007 and now working in Liverpool.

So now after 24 years, I am top of the AO payscale (£19,724 p.a) and quite happy !.

My only word of advice would be join the PCS Union on day 1, you will never know when you need them !.

Good luck and enjoy your time in HMRC.

tsimehC wrote: »

Are there ways to work your way up in the HMRC or did you choose to stay as an AO over two decades?

tsimehC wrote: »

Are there ways to work your way up in the HMRC or did you choose to stay as an AO over two decades?

antonic

Despite being an AO for 24 years I have enjoyed 99% of my time in the Inland Revenue and now HMRC.

When I started as a fresh faced 22 year old back in 1988 I wanted promotion but due to family circumstances (the death of my mother in 1992, father working abroad on a fixed term contract and having a younger brother to look after) it never happened.

I then gave up till about 2000 and started again looking for promotion but realised I didnt stand a chance as I was too much of a free spirit and wouldnt toe the party line and so I had no chance (also some of the managers I would have to work with diabolical).

One thing I would recommend is that if you get told "do this extra work and you *may* get promoted , ignore it all they want you to do is to either their work OR do extra work so their stats look better !.

What I have liked about this job is that I have changed jobs (and locations) twice in 24 years and at present I enjoy being part of my current team.

One final point, as someone who has NEEDED Union support three times in the last 24 years, join the PCS on day one, you will never know when you might need them !.

tsimehC wrote: »

Are there ways to work your way up in the HMRC or did you choose to stay as an AO over two decades?

Lancslass1982

Graeme1978 wrote: »

Have any of those who went to Preston heard yet?

HMRC called for me today but I wasn't in, my other half told them I would be home at 5pm and they said they would call then but they didn't unfortunately.

Did you hear back from HMRC, Graeme? I haven't heard anything today unfortunately.:(

nikki1520

tsimehC wrote: »

Are there ways to work your way up in the HMRC or did you choose to stay as an AO over two decades?

I started as a casual admin assisitant in the old Customs and Excise in 1995. I've been a Higher Officer for 7-8 years now - it is possible, but you have to choose your opportunities carefully, select a path and go with it. I went down the tax technical path and it has served me well.

Good luck

Foster**Katie84

Hi, I have also got a start date for 26th march :T nervous but looking 4ward to it ;-)

Graeme1978

Lancslass1982 wrote: »

Did you hear back from HMRC, Graeme? I haven't heard anything today unfortunately.:(

Yeah I did the following morning offering me a start date, but I was offered a permanent job a few minutes before doing what I want to do (IT Technician) far closer to home so explained to HMRC that I wanted to withdraw.