HMRC Tax Specialist Programme (TSP) 2018

Reply 20

9

Hello guys.

This is my third year too! I haven't managed to get out of stage 1 yet though! Ha ha. I'm hoping they also do a mop up recruitment for the lower grades this year, but not banking on it.

Good luck everyone!

Reply 21

skibur

12

Hey everyone,

This is my first year applying - currently a statistician in the CS but looking for a change away from analysis.

Thought this thread would have more replies by now!

Reply 22

Csminion

5

Original post

by Mistdruid

Thanks for the reply. I suspect you're right. Will post my results here after my attempt over the weekend.

I'm interested to know if HMRC offer any opportunities to study further qualifications after completion of their programme. I imagine the Chartered Institute of Taxation's CTA qualification would be useful for a tax specialist. Also general accountancy qualifications such as ACA or ACCA may be helpful as well. Probably getting too ahead of myself atm. I'll probably trip at the first hurdle.

There is not normally further formal study, though they were offering a masters for a select few a couple of years ago. You do more training and CPD but the accountancy qualifications are not terribly relevant to most job roles and there are specialist accountants you can go to for advice. Some people on my course already had CTA and I think one had ACCA.

Reply 23

username1072682

9

Original post

by skibur

Hey everyone,

This is my first year applying - currently a statistician in the CS but looking for a change away from analysis.

Thought this thread would have more replies by now!

Hey sorry this is off the topic, but I am interested in becoming a statistician for CS and was wondering what sort of tasks it entails or is it just basically handling loads of data? and are you looking for a change because you do not like certain aspects of the job?

Reply 24

skibur

12

Original post

by lovecupcakes

Hey sorry this is off the topic, but I am interested in becoming a statistician for CS and was wondering what sort of tasks it entails or is it just basically handling loads of data? and are you looking for a change because you do not like certain aspects of the job?

I'll pm you!

Reply 25

NeilCox

7

Has anybody come across the video format before? The idea of it is freaking me out!

Reply 26

Sk80gse

9

Original post

by NeilCox

Has anybody come across the video format before? The idea of it is freaking me out!

Never seen this before, I find it quite unsettling too! I question what the objective is, what will they gain from a video interview that they can't establish at the assessment centre? It does say information given at the time so I guess we shall have to wait and see, supylf I get that far of course.

Reply 27

Kneale

OP

10

Original post

by NeilCox

Has anybody come across the video format before? The idea of it is freaking me out!

The Fast Stream has had a video interview this year and last which replaced the interview at the assessment centre. I know a few other grad schemes have video interviews too.

Reply 28

Csminion

5

They used to have a telephone interview - so I imagine it is the modern equivalent. It was competency based so I guess the idea is similar - it would freak me out completely talking to a screen though.

I have heard stories of relatives or friends doing the online stuff for people so perhaps it is a way of weeding that out before the AC.

Reply 29

zoedmc

10

Original post

by Kneale

Completed the verbal reasoning test, it asked more questions than last year for me! Last year was 6, this year about 12 - I scored better than 68% of people who have previously taken this test. Status now says 'On hold after Verbal Test' - anyone else completed it?

I have taken the verbal test and app is also now on hold I scored better 96% this is my first time applying

Reply 30

Csminion

5

A relative took it this morning and scored better than 98%. Not sure how much the scores are skewed by the fact it is fairly early in the process though?

Reply 31

zoedmc

10

The scores are not a comparison of those taking the test currently is based on a previous test batch

Reply 32

Csminion

5

Do they use the same questions each year then? I was on the course a few years ago and imagine they have changed since then.

I did take part in an exercise to benchmark psychometric type questions last year, but those were mostly SJT type from what I remember.

Reply 33

zoedmc

10

I’m not entirely sure. They may compare the scores to those who applied for a different role but at the same grade.

Maybe someone who has applied before will be able to clarify?

Reply 34

Kneale

OP

10

The verbal test was on the same platform as last year, the score is a comparison against a control group. Last year, the control group was the "UK Public Sector Norm". This group is comprised of 3736 applicants for graduate-level positions in the Public Sector.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 35

Elizspen

2

How long did it take you to get your score? I've done mine this morning and haven't got one yet ....Well done on the 96%!!

Reply 36

zoedmc

10

Thank you. Straight away did you check the feedback section?

Reply 37

zoedmc

10

Well done! Don’t count yourself out just yet :smile:

Reply 38

Csminion

5

Echo that, when I did it some years ago, I did so badly in the maths bit, I only answered half the questions and suspect those were mostly wrong. I did get through - you really can’t tell.

Reply 39

Kneale

OP

10

Yeah, I wouldnt worry about your score. I’m sure two years ago the score to get through the first round was something stupidly low as 35%!

HMRC Tax Specialist Programme (TSP) 2018

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