WMT DMI Worcester

[Sparkles]

Hi everyone, hope you New Year is going well.

I finally had my DMI at Worcester in November last year. My process started way back in June 202 with my initial application. Passed everything up to and including the OPC assessments which were split over two sessions months apart; the last of which took place in December 2021.
So the interview was arranged for Birmingham. I bought a ticket, and then, 2 days before the interview I was told the venue had changed to Worcester. Excellent, more convenient for me, although frustrating that I had made arrangements to travel.
I went into the interview feeling very relaxed. The two gentlemen interviewing me were very friendly and personable, and made a point of saying they don't usually carry out interviews. I was told the first two questions were just a couple of sample questions that were not scored so I didn't have to worry about those. The main interviewer even said something along the lines of 'I don't know why we ask them if they're not scored'. They were the 'What do you know about the role of a train driver' and 'What do you know about the company' questions. Of course back in the beginning, I studied and boned up on details, but a few years later, and with not a lot of notice I had forgotten a lot of it. I was up front, and mentioned bits and pieces that I recalled but again, was to told it was fine as they weren't scored. Had I thought they were scored, I would have probably taken a bit more time to try to recollect some information, but I felt at ease and wanted to move on to the actual interview.

The main interview questions were fine. I provided examples using the STAR method where possible. Coming from the Fire Service and being able to relate everything back to safety seemed to fit quite well. I asked if they wanted a better example for one question and was told, it was fine. On a few occasions the main interview said 'there are some follow up questions, but I don't need to ask them as you've covered everything'.

Anyway, I came out of there feeling OK. Not overflowing with confidence, but I felt I answered everything with pretty solid examples. Then, I received notification that I was not successful. Which, in itself, is fine. But the feedback I received has bothered me significantly. The feedback was:

- candidate did not demonstrate a researched knowledge into the role of a trainee train driver/routes out of Worcester.

- candidate did not show research into West Midlands Trains.

- candidate could use the STAR method in future to be able to fully answer questions with the depth and detail needed.

Specifically the first two points appeared to be directly related to the first two questions that I was asked, that apparently were NOT scored. And the third point; when you've been told you've answered fully, or that they do not need to ask follow up questions as your answer was thorough, seems disingenuous. Maybe there is a certain amount of bitterness as it has taken so long (over four years), and being messed around with the change of venue just before the interview, but to have come so far and failed at the last hurdle, but it not feeling as though the reasons given match my performance on the day, it smarts a little.
I emailed New Year's Eve to express my frustrations and concerns regarding the process, but I have heard nothing.

Anyone experience anything similar, or have any advice?

 

[Neatro]

Just because they say "it's not scored" isn't a reason not to fully answer the question as it still goes towards you as the whole interview is about you as a person and if you're a good fit, not how well you scored.

I had 3 days to practice for my DMI and I spent hours a day gathering as much information as possible even on the journey to the interview.

Id never go into an interview not having knowledge of the company as it's one of the main questions every operator asks. I get you did research it but then long delays and moves etc but once the location was set was there a reason you didn't top up your knowledge?

As for the STAR format I can't answer that as there could be a multitude of reasons why that was missed either on yours or theirs part (as you said they don't normally interview).

I know it's rubbish but I would take this as a learning opportunity and think about what you did and how you could have improved rather than dwell on a negative you should spin it into a positive.

I'm in the same boat, currently at 5 years since chasing the position and only managed to get to a talent pool I've been in since the start of last year.

 

[Hrav1656]

Hi everyone, hope you New Year is going well.

I finally had my DMI at Worcester in November last year. My process started way back in June 202 with my initial application. Passed everything up to and including the OPC assessments which were split over two sessions months apart; the last of which took place in December 2021.
So the interview was arranged for Birmingham. I bought a ticket, and then, 2 days before the interview I was told the venue had changed to Worcester. Excellent, more convenient for me, although frustrating that I had made arrangements to travel.
I went into the interview feeling very relaxed. The two gentlemen interviewing me were very friendly and personable, and made a point of saying they don't usually carry out interviews. I was told the first two questions were just a couple of sample questions that were not scored so I didn't have to worry about those. The main interviewer even said something along the lines of 'I don't know why we ask them if they're not scored'. They were the 'What do you know about the role of a train driver' and 'What do you know about the company' questions. Of course back in the beginning, I studied and boned up on details, but a few years later, and with not a lot of notice I had forgotten a lot of it. I was up front, and mentioned bits and pieces that I recalled but again, was to told it was fine as they weren't scored. Had I thought they were scored, I would have probably taken a bit more time to try to recollect some information, but I felt at ease and wanted to move on to the actual interview.

The main interview questions were fine. I provided examples using the STAR method where possible. Coming from the Fire Service and being able to relate everything back to safety seemed to fit quite well. I asked if they wanted a better example for one question and was told, it was fine. On a few occasions the main interview said 'there are some follow up questions, but I don't need to ask them as you've covered everything'.

Anyway, I came out of there feeling OK. Not overflowing with confidence, but I felt I answered everything with pretty solid examples. Then, I received notification that I was not successful. Which, in itself, is fine. But the feedback I received has bothered me significantly. The feedback was:

- candidate did not demonstrate a researched knowledge into the role of a trainee train driver/routes out of Worcester.

- candidate did not show research into West Midlands Trains.

- candidate could use the STAR method in future to be able to fully answer questions with the depth and detail needed.

Specifically the first two points appeared to be directly related to the first two questions that I was asked, that apparently were NOT scored. And the third point; when you've been told you've answered fully, or that they do not need to ask follow up questions as your answer was thorough, seems disingenuous. Maybe there is a certain amount of bitterness as it has taken so long (over four years), and being messed around with the change of venue just before the interview, but to have come so far and failed at the last hurdle, but it not feeling as though the reasons given match my performance on the day, it smarts a little.
I emailed New Year's Eve to express my frustrations and concerns regarding the process, but I have heard nothing.

Anyone experience anything similar, or have any advice?

I’d have thought identifying routes would have been something you learn on the training not before you get the role.

 

[12guard4]

It's not unreasonable to know where the train company you are apply to drive trains for actually operate trains to.

 

[Neatro]

I’d have thought identifying routes would have been something you learn on the training not before you get the role.

You don't have to know the route inside and out, it's more destinations, like Man Pic to London Euston etc, I've only had one DMI and they've asked about general route knowledge.

 

[Sparkles]

It's not unreasonable to know where the train company you are apply to drive trains for actually operate trains to.

True, but it genuinely wasn't asked specifically. Only the nebulous 'What do you know about WMT?' question.

 

[mimoma]

True, but it genuinely wasn't asked specifically. Only the nebulous 'What do you know about WMT?' question.

I think they ask a general question to see how much research each person has done. If they end up with 2 or more people scoring the same on the technical questions they can then see who’s looked into the company and job more. I was upfront in a recent DMI and said I didn’t know a lot for other branches other than a few main stations but I knew all the trains used by the company, all the routes for the job I applied for, and a bit of history of the company in general.

 

[Sparkles]

Just because they say "it's not scored" isn't a reason not to fully answer the question as it still goes towards you as the whole interview is about you as a person and if you're a good fit, not how well you scored.

I had 3 days to practice for my DMI and I spent hours a day gathering as much information as possible even on the journey to the interview.

Id never go into an interview not having knowledge of the company as it's one of the main questions every operator asks. I get you did research it but then long delays and moves etc but once the location was set was there a reason you didn't top up your knowledge?

As for the STAR format I can't answer that as there could be a multitude of reasons why that was missed either on yours or theirs part (as you said they don't normally interview).

I know it's rubbish but I would take this as a learning opportunity and think about what you did and how you could have improved rather than dwell on a negative you should spin it into a positive.

I'm in the same boat, currently at 5 years since chasing the position and only managed to get to a talent pool I've been in since the start of last year.

Thanks for the response. I did answer to some degree, obviously not expansively enough. The reason I didn't top up my knowledge was because I am detached on project and also studying for 2 separate exams/qualifications at work, so trying to cram some more info felt a little overwhelming. As I said, I may taken a little longer to recall some more details at the time had I not been told it wasn't scored. I think that's the bit that's bothered me...why not just score it? Rather than add the redundant 'don't worry about these two questions' statement.

Anyway, I appreciate your feedback and will take the 'learning opportunity' and 'spin it into a positive' advice onboard...once I've swallowed this bitter, bitter pill.

 

[Neatro]

Thanks for the response. I did answer to some degree, obviously not expansively enough. The reason I didn't top up my knowledge was because I am detached on project and also studying for 2 separate exams/qualifications at work, so trying to cram some more info felt a little overwhelming. As I said, I may taken a little longer to recall some more details at the time had I not been told it wasn't scored. I think that's the bit that's bothered me...why not just score it? Rather than add the redundant 'don't worry about these two questions' statement.

Anyway, I appreciate your feedback and will take the 'learning opportunity' and 'spin it into a positive' advice onboard...once I've swallowed this bitter, bitter pill.

Don't eat yourself up too much about it, I did the same thing in my first interview after I failed, but I took what I'd missed thought had gone wrong and emphasized those areas.

At least you have points on what bits you were shy off the mark on.

Good luck with your next opportunity.