Another Rejection!!!

[Bluejuice]

Just had that dreaded e-mail from FGW HR saying that I had been unsuccessful on this occasion for the position applied for.

This is the 2nd interview I have had with FGW in a month for a conductor but this time for a different depot.

Is this a common outcome pushing me towards aiming at another way in to the industry first?

Just seems a bit bizarre to get rejected, then called back asking you to attend another interview, to then get the same rejection e-mail.

Any help or knowledge would be greatly appreciated

 

[302PS]

If at first you don't succeed try, try, try.again

 

[Vicpaul]

Keep at it. Take all the positives you can from this to give you a better chance next time

 

[Jones]

Take comfort in the fact you were called for interview.

Keep applying.

 

[Mike11]

Alright mate. I'm sorry to hear about that as I tried to get in railway industry for over 10 years and kept getting rejected but I never gave up. I can now say I'm now a cleaner for SWT and I've now got my " foot in the door". My best advice is that you apply for a job within a TOC as a cleaner and work your way up the ladder as TOCs like recruiting within. My aim is to become a guard in the future and been told it's a great job. Keep your head high and it's a great industry to be part of.

 

[NX]

Which depot did you apply for ?

NX

 

[HSTfan!!!]

Been on various operational railway jobs for a good few years now, applied no fewer than seven times to get a conductors job, kept passing the tests and not getting the job. Turns out it wasn't to be and I'm now a trainee driver!

 

[Bluejuice]

Originally Penzance, then was put into the pot for Par

 

[455driver]

You are getting through all the assessments so no problems there, you just need to brush up on your interview technique.

Are you selling yourself enough, focusing on your good points etc.
Try other jobs and see how you get on, there are hundreds of applicants in that area for conductor and driver jobs and if you are getting to interview then you are doing something right.

 

[samoyed76]

Just keep trying, I'm in the same boat at the moment. Getting interviews is further than most get so your on the right track, add some finishing touches and you'll probably get there eventually.

Use logic at interviews coupled along with a lot of things that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

 

[DunfordBridge]

Just had that dreaded e-mail from FGW HR saying that I had been unsuccessful on this occasion for the position applied for.

This is the 2nd interview I have had with FGW in a month for a conductor but this time for a different depot.

Is this a common outcome pushing me towards aiming at another way in to the industry first?

Just seems a bit bizarre to get rejected, then called back asking you to attend another interview, to then get the same rejection e-mail.

Any help or knowledge would be greatly appreciated

Have you perhaps obtained any feedback from the First Group central human resources department? I personally feel that the interview is a wasted exercise if you elect not to obtain any feedback, as a reminder of the obvious, and the not so obvious.

 

[Bluejuice]

I e-mailed for feedback yesterday when I received the news. Think I generally have a problem vamping myself up at interviews which is really frustrating as I have a vast background in Health & safety and customer service. Won't give up though, determined to make it!

 

[LowLevel]

Just keep plodding along - I had probably about 10 railway interviews before I got my first job as a dispatcher, then after that it was comparatively easy to get a guards job. If it's meant to be you'll get there eventually!

 

[DunfordBridge]

I e-mailed for feedback yesterday when I received the news. Think I generally have a problem vamping myself up at interviews which is really frustrating as I have a vast background in Health & safety and customer service. Won't give up though, determined to make it!

That is the spirit! I am not too hot on interviews myself.

 

[Clip]

Just seems a bit bizarre to get rejected, then called back asking you to attend another interview, to then get the same rejection e-mail.

This isnt bizzare, this is usual as your application probably looks really good so they want to see you.

As 455 says, this is your interview technique which is failing you.

Practice with someone to find out what you are missing or doing wrong, and once you have cracked that I dare say you will get the role you want.

 

[LBSCR Times]

I have a vast background in Health & safety.....!

That can count against you unfortunately, but obviously no HR are going to say that.

 

[Bluejuice]

I find that bizarre LBSCR Times on its own. I did'nt go into the interview banging on about how I have Health and safety experience but, I used examples from what I do now in answering the questions. My understanding is that a Conductor is a safety critical role so surely showing examples of following procedures with health and safety in mind is a good thing

 

[arty762]

Like they say , you gotta keep trying , i applied for a guard position with SWT , passed the assesments , passed the interview , got the job then failed the medical on a weak left eye , funny as it never stopped me joining the Army , then reapplied for a cleaning position , and got an email back recomending i apply for a Stores position that had come up , ended up getting that , and have never been happier , you just gotta keep trying.

 

[LBSCR Times]

Yes, I admit it can sound bizarre but some H&S reps can be extreme in their application of rules.
We had one recent, where a Rep, coming in to work, came in to the depot complaining that a road vehicle was blocking the walking route, and wanted it moved straight away.
The supervisor told them to tell the staff already there that they wouldn't be able to go home until the vehicle had moved.......!
Sometimes you have to be careful how much you sell yourself!
No manager will want to take a person on who (in their eyes) could cause problems, even if you do mean well.

 

[TDK]

I e-mailed for feedback yesterday when I received the news. Think I generally have a problem vamping myself up at interviews which is really frustrating as I have a vast background in Health & safety and customer service. Won't give up though, determined to make it!

As you have had feedback on why you did not pass the interview concentrate on "vamping yourself up" what ever this means. Some people naturally do not interview well but are very good candidates for the job unfortunately this is a widespread problem and it takes a very good interviewer to see through to the real person.

 

[LBSCR Times]

?.... Some people naturally do not interview well but are very good candidates for the job unfortunately this is a widespread problem and it takes a very good interviewer to see through to the real person.

Unfortunately, HR will often insist the person who 'scored' the highest has to get the job.
I've seen it happen on several occasions.
Saves HR having to justify their actions, even if the manager wants someone else, especially as they are the one who has to manage them.

 

[Beveridges]

Unfortunately, HR will often insist the person who 'scored' the highest has to get the job.

Yes but the Managers in the Interview are the ones who "score" the answers, so they are still in full control of who gets the job! HR simply check who scored the highest and allocate people to spaces available on courses.

 

[LBSCR Times]

Yes but the Managers in the Interview are the ones who "score" the answers, so they are still in full control of who gets the job! HR simply check who scored the highest and allocate people to spaces available on courses.

Often there can be an HR person sitting in on the interview, to check everything is being done correctly.
Secondly, the manager is often not in full control, as he has to score according to criteria set by HR.

 

[Clip]

Yes, I admit it can sound bizarre but some H&S reps can be extreme in their application of rules.
.

He didnt say he was a rep. He said he had a vast background in H&S aswell as CS.

Going by your logic I am screwed going for another job outside my TOC then. :roll:

 

[LBSCR Times]

He didnt say he was a rep. He said he had a vast background in H&S aswell as CS.

Going by your logic I am screwed going for another job outside my TOC then. :roll:

I can read what he said......
And yes, I've seen a person sacked from NR who was H&S minded along with being strong in one of the unions, and he had a difficult time getting back on to the railway.

 

[DarloRich]

This isnt bizzare, this is usual as your application probably looks really good so they want to see you.

As 455 says, this is your interview technique which is failing you.

Practice with someone to find out what you are missing or doing wrong, and once you have cracked that I dare say you will get the role you want.

This!

And get some decent feedback and try and work on that to improve your chances. That and keep going!

 

[Clip]

I can read what he said......
And yes, I've seen a person sacked from NR who was H&S minded along with being strong in one of the unions, and he had a difficult time getting back on to the railway.

Maybe it was the fact that he was sacked that had prevented him from getting another job on the railway. Just a thought

 

[LBSCR Times]

Maybe it was the fact that he was sacked that had prevented him from getting another job on the railway. Just a thought

I should probably have expanded.
There was the usual reorganisation when a new manager takes over, and the number of posts was reduced from 5 to 3, so two people had to go.
And he was one, the other had a sickness record.

 

[Clip]

So they were made redundant then. Totally different situation.

But as someone who recruits I can honestly say that having a vast knowledge of H&S policies would be no barrier to employing them - unless the usual interview stuff occurs of course - same with enthusiasts.

 

[LBSCR Times]

So they were made redundant then. Totally different situation.

But as someone who recruits I can honestly say that having a vast knowledge of H&S policies would be no barrier to employing them - unless the usual interview stuff occurs of course - same with enthusiasts.

As a manager for over 20 years, it would depend on the post they are applying for.
Knowledge of H&S in a safety related job can be a two edged sword.
Some people use it as a tool to constantly complain why they shouldn't do anything.