Applying for different roles

[Bluebri]

Hi guys.

I am waiting (with baited breath), to hear from Northern whether my application has been successful for the Wigan Trainee Driver Position. However, there is also a vacancy for Customer Service roles on their site, which closes tomorrow. I have completed the form for this, but have not submitted it yet.

I am concerned that by applying for the Customer Service Role would jeopardise my application for the Trainee Driver Role. I want to pursue the role of Driver, but am willing just to get my 'foot in the door' in the industry.

Advice or experiences please?

 

[anthony263]

I wouldnt worry to much especially since I and I will guess others on this forum have applied for many roles in the rail industry.
Some roles I have applied for include:

Trainiee train driver
Gateline Assiatnt
Ticket examiner
Customer services assistant

 

[Pepperami]

Same for me, I have applied for three roles within southern, I did mention this when I rang about how long it would be before I heard about a position, and said that I didnt want to appear as to "Not know what I wanted" but I applied anyway as I too thought that if I got for instance conductor or revenue protection, that would get me through the door, and I also considered that conductor, because you train on the Personal Track Safety and I *THINK* you get a card or certification saying you have passed that, that if I went in on Conductor level, and learnt the routes, as well as the relevant rules and regulations, that it might be a better way to start off

Different schools of thought on this possibly I dont know whether it makes a difference or not

 

[455driver]

Hit the submit button, if you manage to get an interview and they ask you about the other application just explain that you would like ultimately to become a driver but are willing to start in another role and get some railway experience first and then look at driving in the future but ultimately you want to be a driver.

 

[Simon11]

Hit the submit button, if you manage to get an interview and they ask you about the other application just explain that you would like ultimately to become a driver but are willing to start in another role and get some railway experience first and then look at driving in the future but ultimately you want to be a driver.

If you tell them you ultimately want to become a driver, what is the hiring manager going to think? They don't wish to train someone, who then shortly leaves requiring them to hire again.

 

[455driver]

I said in the future (which would be several years down the line) not next week!

Do you honestly think that they employ (young) people on the proviso that they dont want to further their career?

Some older people will be happy to stay on the trollies though.

 

[Bluebri]

Thanks for the swift replies. I am 40 so not sure whether that classes me as young or old??? lol.

I'm going to submit it, my angle is really that I want to work for a good company and any responsible role would be a good role for me. I personally feel that I have Driver written all over me, but that is ultimately not for me to decide, so I think a 'foot in the door' is a good option. At least that way I can network with people in the industry directly and if I am to be a Driver one day, it doesn't really matter how I get there, just that I keep trying.

 

[455driver]

Good luck, oh and 40 isnt old, on my drivers course I was 43 and in the lower half of the age range, the oldest was 54.

 

[Bluebri]

Thanks 455Driver, that makes me feel better lol

 

[Andrew32]

Thanks for posting this as it's answered my question, currently in talent pool for conductor at Skipton for five months now.

Might apply for another position when they come up.