Advice on screening for assessment day.

[PhoenixBC]

Hello everyone, this is my first ever post, please be gentle. I look forward to talking with you on here more.

So, I applied for the trainee train driver position with Southern on the 13/01 and they confirmed receipt of my application on the 18/01. Then on the 30/01 another email saying that my application is under consideration for the next stage (assessment day in East Croydon), 4-6 weeks timescale.

I am extremely eager to see if I have progressed but would like to get any positive feedback (or not) about my chances. This is because I have read some threads about ex Police being high on the list of potential candidates making it to the next stages. I have 7 years experience in the Met, 2 as a PC and 5 as a DC. The last 9.5 years I have spent in Brazil teaching English.

Does anybody have any idea as to my chances of being selected considering my work experience?

It's just that it's something that I've always wanted to be as I've always thought it's the kind of job that would suit me and my personality. I think I've put forward a good CV and covering letter with supporting information, but would like to get some feedback from anyone here if possible. Thanks everyone.

 

[Cavan]

your experience may help in any interview, just like anyone's experience, but is totally irrelevant for passing the battery of tests.

 

[PhoenixBC]

Good point Cavan, thanks.
It's just a waiting game now and fingers crossed.

 

[Cavan]

But yes a good application may help get through to the tests, but from some recent experience of applying for a few different rail jobs then the assessment days are what are used to slash the huge numbers of applicants down.

 

[PhoenixBC]

That's good to know and much appreciated. Would it be worth buying the training dvd if I make it to the assessment day?

 

[NickR]

Wouldn't bother with the training DVD mate. They'll send you an information pack before the assessment day that's packed full of examples for you to look at. I found that perfectly adequate along with all the information on here.

I found my time in the Met was handy in terms of life experience and giving me good examples during the interviews but I wouldn't say it gave me any particular advantage in the assessments. Maybe the report writing part!

Good luck though.

 

[PhoenixBC]

Thanks NickR, did you have to wait long for a reply regarding your assessment day? Do you work for Southern?

 

[NickR]

No mate I did my assessment with Thameslink last summer but it's at the same place and same structure as you would be doing. I passed but failed the medical on my hearing so just waiting for them to do a further assessment with hearing aids then I should be starting.

In the meantime I'm currently still stuck in the Met hating every moment! Quite a few of my colleagues at my station have gone for the same job as you so I'd imagine when you go there you'll be in good company.

 

[PhoenixBC]

Good luck with all that. Where are you based? I was at Stoke Newington from 2001-2007, then moved to Brazil and recently returned. I hear what you're saying about the Met, it certainly gets to you after a while. I really am praying to get to the assessment day, I'll be very disappointed if not, so keeping my fingers crossed.

Can I ask you what kind of questions they are likely to ask in interview if I ever get that far?

 

[NickR]

Cheers. Based in Bromley for my entire ten years. I feel fortunate to get this far and have a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. There's dozens of people I work with who want out but simply don't know what to do or have the skills to go elsewhere. It's a shame really.

You'll get the questions in advance when you do the assessment day. You give them the example you want to use and then they use that at the MMI on a later date. I can't recall them off the top of my head but they're along the lines of "Describe a situation where you took control of an emergency situation" or "Describe a situation where you followed rules and regulations".

I wrote down twelve examples and memorised them and then applied them as best I could to the questions. Think there was only one or two where I had to think one up on the fly.

But focus on the assessments first, that's where most people fall and it is very hard. I think a lot of people underestimate them (I know that's certainly the case with some of the people I work with and I've put them straight).

 

[PhoenixBC]

Ten years is good going, I only left because I had that great opportunity to live and work in Brazil. I did the Cambridge CELTA teaching course whilst working for the CSU in my last year at the MET and never looked back, best thing I've ever done in my life, and learnt a lot of the Portuguese language which is also good for the CV. Certainly not easy changing jobs though to another similar wage from the Police. Besides the money, the job of train driver really does appeal to me for a lot of reasons. Well done for getting this far, sure you'll be fine and thanks for the advice.
My concern was not having recent experience from the MET but I guess it's all still relevant plus my 3 commendations will certainly show for something, and should be great for those questions that you mentioned.

Is the Group Bourdon Test all computerised now? and what colour scheme do they use for the test as the free tool has three options, two black and white options and a funny brown looking colour? cheers

Also, I don't suppose there are free tests for the other tests are there?