New , Trainee Train/Depot Driver

[KyleJMilne]

Hi,

I have recently been informed of this forum after being unsuccessful at application stage,

It's been brought to my attention just how hard it is to be successful and pass the assessments if like myself you're new to the industry,

Any advise, help, tips and any material, information you feel could help me be more prepared as I 100% plan to not let this get me down and try again, would be greatly appreciated.

How2become has been recommended so any insights would also be welcomed

Thanks

 

[Liam00086]

Hi,

I have recently been informed of this forum after being unsuccessful at application stage,

It's been brought to my attention just how hard it is to be successful and pass the assessments if like myself you're new to the industry,

Any advise, help, tips and any material, information you feel could help me be more prepared as I 100% plan to not let this get me down and try again, would be greatly appreciated.

How2become has been recommended so any insights would also be welcomed

Thanks

To be honest all the information you need is all here, if you type in the search bar the different tests you did you will find lots of information to help you. Lots of people don’t make the paper sift don’t let it get you down, just keep applying you will get through eventually

 

[KyleJMilne]

To be honest all the information you need is all here, if you type in the search bar the different tests you did you will find lots of information to help you. Lots of people don’t make the paper sift don’t let it get you down, just keep applying you will get through eventually

Thanks I'm new to this forum, so still navigating around and such, a few people have mentioned to keep applying and show determination, I'll keep tabs for the next recruitment drive

 

[Liam00086]

Thanks I'm new to this forum, so still navigating around and such, a few people have mentioned to keep applying and show determination, I'll keep tabs for the next recruitment drive

Definitely keep checking everyday, most of the adverts are taken down early so if you see one you want to apply for I would do it straight away.

 

[Comfy]

Make sure you tailor your application form to the job advertised. You need to match your skills to the qualities they are looking for. Some of the big skills are around safety, communicating, staying calm under pressure/in emergencies, ability to learn lots of information, customer service skills, maintaining concentration alone for long periods, following rules.
So rather than simply say, ''I have excellent communication skills'' you need to give an example of how you have excellent communication skills

 

[KyleJMilne]

Make sure you tailor your application form to the job advertised. You need to match your skills to the qualities they are looking for. Some of the big skills are around safety, communicating, staying calm under pressure/in emergencies, ability to learn lots of information, customer service skills, maintaining concentration alone for long periods, following rules.
So rather than simply say, ''I have excellent communication skills'' you need to give an example of how you have excellent communication skills

Thanks , much appreciated advise

 

[L401CJF]

Somebody once told me, I dont know how true it is, that a number of companies will computer scan online applications before theyre even seen by human eyes for certain relevent words.

I applied for a few vacanices at a couple of TOCs and didn't get through the paper sift. I then applied for a job at DRS and as it was freight based, focused my application around safety related activites, communication etc rather than customer service. Clearly some words I used ticked some boxes as I got quite far in this application - I passed all of the stages but didn't get offered the job in the end. I have since applied at Transpennine with a very similar application and have again come quite far (so far, touch wood!). I would suggest to include the things mentioned by 'Comfy' such as safety, communication, trainability, memory, concentration, reaction skills etc, and back up what you say with an example. Having sat and passed all of the industry standard stage1/2 assessments I have since retailored my application to include what I have already experienced from my last application - the last time taught me a lot about what they expect in the role.

Hope this helps!

 

[KyleJMilne]

Thanks to all for the feedback, it's open my eyes alot, and helped me prepare alot more, I'll 100% be applying again with a more in depth approach

 

[UpRoad]

Somebody once told me, I dont know how true it is, that a number of companies will computer scan online applications before theyre even seen by human eyes for certain relevent words.

I applied for a few vacanices at a couple of TOCs and didn't get through the paper sift. I then applied for a job at DRS and as it was freight based, focused my application around safety related activites, communication etc rather than customer service. Clearly some words I used ticked some boxes as I got quite far in this application - I passed all of the stages but didn't get offered the job in the end. I have since applied at Transpennine with a very similar application and have again come quite far (so far, touch wood!). I would suggest to include the things mentioned by 'Comfy' such as safety, communication, trainability, memory, concentration, reaction skills etc, and back up what you say with an example. Having sat and passed all of the industry standard stage1/2 assessments I have since retailored my application to include what I have already experienced from my last application - the last time taught me a lot about what they expect in the role.

Hope this helps!

I believe this is somewhat true depending on the application.
Some have questions as part of the application. Along the lines of

your colleague tells you they have done something very serious compromising safety. What do you do? (Put in order)
1. Tell their manager
2. Tell them they must tell their manager and give them the chance to do so before reporting yourself.
3. Ignore it and stay quiet
4. Tell them to report it but leave it to them and forget about it.

I hear all the questions given generate a score depending on how you’ve ordered the answers. If you do not meet a minimum score your application isn’t even looked at by anyone further.
This is what I hear anyway.