Hi Jose,

People who stand out in my team are the ones who show up as themselves. I used to try so hard to “sound British” in meetings so no one would notice my accent… but honestly, the moment I stopped doing that and just allowed myself to be me is when people really connected with me. . You can always tell when someone is being genuine, and that goes a long way in a place like HMRC.

For me, the qualities that shine most are linked to HMRC’s values:

• Integrity – being honest about your experience.
• Respect – treating everyone kindly, regardless of grade.
• Professionalism – taking responsibility and being willing to learn.
• Collaboration – thinking about the team, not just yourself.

And honestly, preparation really matters. in both the application and the interview.

During the application stage:

• If it’s a role with a vacancy holder, reach out and have a conversation to understand the expectations.
• If it’s bulk recruitment and there’s no vacancy holder, take time to read the advert and careers site properly and watch any videos they’ve shared.
• The more you understand the role, the better you can tailor your examples or personal statement to show why you’re a good fit.
• I always encourage people to let someone else read their examples, sometimes we think we’ve explained something clearly, but there can be ambiguity. A second pair of eyes helps ensure your points land.

During the interview:

• Know your examples well so you’re not scrambling.
• Stick to real situations, they don’t need to be dramatic; they need to be true.
• Answer the question being asked, not the one you wished they had asked.
• Take a breath, slow down, and speak in your natural voice.
• Show genuine motivation and reflect on what you learned from the experiences you share.

In the end, the people who stand out are those who prepare properly and bring their authentic selves. Just be you, that’s what people remember.

12 February, 2026 09:55