do you think having been self employed could hinder your chances

[morecambe]

Hey, ok I was wondering whether me being self employed for the last 10 years could count against me as I have no references other than charter ones and also the fact that I have worked to my own set of rules for so long instead of fistedly sticking to someone else's
What was it you did before joining the railways thanks ppls

 

[Dave1987]

Hey, ok I was wondering whether me being self employed for the last 10 years could count against me as I have no references other than charter ones and also the fact that I have worked to my own set of rules for so long instead of fistedly sticking to someone else's
What was it you did before joining the railways thanks ppls

Hi what role is your question in reference to??

 

[morecambe]

Hi buddy sorry it's for trainee driver role thanks

 

[455driver]

as long as you have worked safely then I wouldnt have thought so, I believe your accountant (or your solicitor) can give a reference (possibly for a small fee).

 

[LCC106]

No hinderance being self employed whatsoever. What about using your biggest client for a reference? No cost involved. Of course, ask their permission before putting them down. They MAY be better placed to report on quality of work, timekeeping etc. than a solicitor or accountant, but hey, that's a decision for you to make.

 

[Neil73]

Also it may provide you with examples concerning providing excellent customer service, working on your own for long periods and problem solving/fault finding. Always look for the positives

 

[TDK]

Hey, ok I was wondering whether me being self employed for the last 10 years could count against me as I have no references other than charter ones and also the fact that I have worked to my own set of rules for so long instead of fistedly sticking to someone else's
What was it you did before joining the railways thanks ppls

I used to be a self employed builder running my own business and I got the job, so it won't hinder your chances as long as you can get references from either previous employers or customers.

 

[youngboy]

Hey, ok I was wondering whether me being self employed for the last 10 years could count against me as I have no references other than charter ones and also the fact that I have worked to my own set of rules for so long instead of fistedly sticking to someone else's
What was it you did before joining the railways thanks ppls

I'm self employed mate, don't know what you do but most trades I would think are covered by HSE legislation, if you work on building sites then you need the CSCS card which is health and safety etc.
If your a builder you have to work within building reg's most builder's I know in this area are acquainted with the lads down at the council's building control office.

 

[Greenback]

I would have thought that being self employed would have no effect at all on your chances. If you can provide examples of working to rules (laws about tax returns spring immediately to mind!), working on your own and problem solving, you will be in with a chance.

It is usually the type of person you are, and the experince and skillset that you possess that counts for a lot.

 

[Beveridges]

References are normally something of a formality anyway and people rarely fail on them, I would doubt the TOC would have problems with references from Customers if self-employed.

 

[Scuba]

Hi
I am self employed & just about to start with SWT as a trainee driver, the only reference they wanted was from my accountant. Hope it helps.

Scuba

 

[morecambe]

Thanks for your reply's, I was in the retail sector for 10 yrs then the transport industry for 6 yrs, I like to think I have a well rounded application having run my own business's for 16 yrs I was just worried that on northerns website it says offer of employment will be subject to references or words to that affect, anyway getting way ahead of the game here I have still not heard back yet from the online visual, I sure I got 45+ took it on Sunday so I got to say even though I consider myself to be cool headed dude lol (using the words cool and dude probably mean i'm not) I am pretty anxious and just want to know if I got through

 

[NHG66]

Hi Mate,

I was self employed in IT for 12 years, majority of it on MOD contracts so lots of background working to rules and regs. I have been in driver training now for 2 months. As long as you can show evidence of working to rules, working on your own and having been involved in emergency situations then there is no reason why you should not be in with a chance.