Hints and tips for applying
All our job advertisements have details of how to apply. All applications
are made online If you have any special needs then a paper version can be
supplied for you to complete your application.
All our job vacancies are advertised:
- on the current vacancies page
- with jobcentreplus
- in national and local newspapers
- in specialist publications
- on the Civil Service Gateway.
To apply you will need to use a computer with internet capabilities as applications are invited over the internet. If you are already an HMRC employee then please note that you cannot apply via the intranet or through your desktop access to the internet.
The internet capable machine you use will have to meet the requirements below:
Platform |
Browser |
Version |
|---|---|---|
Microsoft 95 and above |
Internet Explorer |
5.0 or greater |
Microsoft 95 and above |
Netscape |
6.2x or greater |
Microsoft 95 and above |
Firefox |
1.0 or greater |
Microsoft 95 and above |
Opera |
5.0 or greater |
Macintosh |
Internet Explorer |
5.0 or greater |
Macintosh |
Safari |
1.0 or greater |
Please ensure that if you have ‘pop up’ blocking software on your machine, this will need to be diabled for the duration of the test to allow the test to run correctly. If you have a ‘Google Bar’ installed on your machine, you will also need to disable the pop-up blockers by clicking on ‘options’ and disabling the pop up blockers by unchecking the box.
If you have your security settings set to a high level, this can also affect the operation of the test, you can check your settings by going to ‘Tools>Internet Options>Security>Default settings and set to a medium to low setting.
If you are not sure about which version your browser runs, check the ‘about’ option from the ‘Help’ menu on your browser.
If you do not have internet access at home, it is available at libraries, community centres and Internet Cafés. Please ensure that any system you use meets the requirements detailed above.
Educational qualifications
If you want to apply for one of our Administration or Customer Service jobs and you haven’t got the qualifications we ask for, we will ask you to sit a test based on the type of work you would be doing if you join us. There are online test examples you can try.
If successful in the tests you will be invited to an interview.
If you have the required qualifications, and pass the initial sift you
will be invited for an interview.
When applying for our graduate and specialist vacancies you must have the
qualifications that are asked for in the advertisement.
If you have not had a lot of experience with interviews you might find the tips listed below helpful.
Be on time. Allow sufficient time to get to the interview. If you find that you are delayed on the way to the interview please telephone and ask for a message to be passed to the interviewers.
Be prepared Please read through your application form and any material you have about the job before the interview, you may be asked a question about something you put in your application form. Have a look at the employer’s website for some background information. If they’ve recently been in the news, find out about it, so you can comment if the subject comes up.
Asking questions. Most employers will ask you at the end of the interview if you want to ask any questions. Use this time to cover anything you feel you did not address very well in the interview. Do not feel compelled to ask lots of questions, it is better to say a polite ‘no thank you ’ rather than trying to impress with a string of trivial questions. Avoid asking questions about anything which is covered in the application pack or advertisement. This could show that you have not read the information fully.
Make a note. Some organisations allow you to take notes into an interview. These might contain examples you want to talk about or reminders of things you would like to cover. It is a good idea to write these down as this can jog your memory. Do not rely on these notes in case you forget them, and do not hold them in front of you when speaking.
Think about the impression you make. Dress professionally in simple business attire. Smile and try to maintain eye contact with the interviewers.
Be honest. If you are not totally honest about your skills and/or background you may be caught out and this could affect your interview and/or job.
Talk about specific achievements. Interviewers need evidence to support what you are saying. To get this they will ask you for specific examples of things you have done. Try to list things you have done before the interview so you have some examples already prepared.
Don't talk too much. Many interviews are timed in order to make sure everyone has the same opportunity, so you need to try to give full answers without waffling. Please remember, that the interviewers may want to stop you to ask questions so it is important that you do not speak too quickly.
Be enthusiastic and positive. Please do not criticise previous employers or their staff at an interview but focus on positive achievements and views.
Do not give up. You cannot be sucessful at every interview. Asking for feedback from interviews where you have been unsuccessful can be invaluable for improving future results.
