On hold candidates for driver @ sheffield update

[karl998yr]

Just rang HR up for a status update as I have been an on hold candidate since 30th June for a driver position at Sheffield

I'm aware a few others on here are in a similar position

It wasn't good news I was given unfortunately. I was told that it is unlikely there will be any more positions becoming available this year & it will be down to forecast planning to determine as and when new drivers are to be recruited & they had their current quota for 2016

It's a disappointment because what I was told contradicts what I had been told previously about a massive recruitment drive and lots of positions being available.

Has anyone else heard anything different because it's looking like an even longer wait than I anticipated and the likelihood of having to be reinterviewed after 9 months have passed. ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️

 

[tommo1097]

Hi karl.

I completed my assessment day 24th august and medical 6th september, i start the the training course monday 19th september.
This is for Hull.

 

[karl998yr]

Hi karl.

I completed my assessment day 24th august and medical 6th september, i start the the training course monday 19th september.
This is for Hull.

Congrats Tommo1097. Don't know what's going on with the Sheffield applications but it's all a bit disheartening to learn it could be next year at the earliest before anything happens. I'm a little envious your application has moved so quickly. Being kept in the dark isn't a nice feeling

 

[posh]

Hi Karl998yr,

Just rung HR and they confirmed the same as well. There will be no courses for Sheffield this year and they are waiting for the projections to see what next year will look like, and be in touch early next year. She did ask if I was internal or external for Sheffield though...which makes me wonder whether a majority of original vacancies for Sheffield have been filled by internals or qualified...or whether it is a case of no money/course capacity for the rest of the year?? Let's keep our fingers crossed.

 

[karl998yr]

Don't know about you Posh but I feel really deflated now. Wishing I hadn't rang them & still been no wiser!

 

[posh]

A little bit mate, but from reading many posts on here - some people wait 1-2 years on hold. I was really optimistic - especially with Hull progressing so fast and a course for Hull starting on Monday. I was hoping we would be the next course to be training at Leeds after Hull starting. By the looks and sounds of it - things change very fast in the rail industry...so we might be a pleasant surprise soon :roll:

 

[karl998yr]

A little bit mate, but from reading many posts on here - some people wait 1-2 years on hold. I was really optimistic - especially with Hull progressing so fast and a course for Hull starting on Monday. I was hoping we would be the next course to be training at Leeds after Hull starting. By the looks and sounds of it - things change very fast in the rail industry...so we might be a pleasant surprise soon :roll:

If that's the case seems strange that the interview is only valid for 9 months! Surely it costs them money to re-interview candidates when it isn't necessary

 

[LETHLFH]

I wouldn't expect to wait on hold with Northern for 1-2 years, your interview expires after 9 months, after that you would need to reapply. Best way to prepare is to expect the worst and hope for the best.

 

[Fred Dinenage]

A little bit mate, but from reading many posts on here - some people wait 1-2 years on hold.

Definitely, lots of people have been in this position, lots more will be. Getting used to disappointment and waiting for ages for anything to happen regarding railway HR and recruitment aren't nice but are pretty much commonplace.

As Zed says, " You'll get used to it... or you'll have a psychotic episode "

 

[red2005]

I know it's hard Karl but don't be deflated......June till now really is a drop in the ocean in terms of railway recruitment in general let alone talent pools.

One thing you should be aware of is yes she has told you next year is the most likely but things change on what seems an almost daily basis on the railway.

People have got to the stage where they've almost forgotten about their application only to receive a call on the Friday asking to start Monday! ......like I did!

Expecting the unexpected is a far better approach than expecting things to go smoothly........very few people have the smooth sailing the other guys on this thread have had.

Good luck mate

 

[karl998yr]

I know it's hard Karl but don't be deflated......June till now really is a drop in the ocean in terms of railway recruitment in general let alone talent pools.

One thing you should be aware of is yes she has told you next year is the most likely but things change on what seems an almost daily basis on the railway.

People have got to the stage where they've almost forgotten about their application only to receive a call on the Friday asking to start Monday! ......like I did!

Expecting the unexpected is a far better approach than expecting things to go smoothly........very few people have the smooth sailing the other guys on this thread have had.

Good luck mate

Cheers Red. I know what you mean. I was rang at tea time one day and asked to attend an interview the next so had less than 24 hours to prepare.
Guess I'll just have to try and stay optimistic & hope things progress before my application expires

 

[tommo1097]

Congrats Tommo1097. Don't know what's going on with the Sheffield applications but it's all a bit disheartening to learn it could be next year at the earliest before anything happens. I'm a little envious your application has moved so quickly. Being kept in the dark isn't a nice feeling

Thankyou mate!
I had no idea about the progression of any of this process for any toc at all.
But i wish you all the best and hope you hear what you want sooner rather than later.

 

[red2005]

Cheers Red. I know what you mean. I was rang at tea time one day and asked to attend an interview the next so had less than 24 hours to prepare.
Guess I'll just have to try and stay optimistic & hope things progress before my application expires

You're welcome mate!

See.....It can change just like that. I'm sure they will mate and hey even if it doesn't you've passed it once already you can certainly do it again!

You must have something about you they like as they don't just let anyone into a talent pool pal