Breaking into the industry!

[Bluejuice]

Hi all. I'm just looking for some advice really.

I've just been through an 8 month process with FGW for a conductors role. I passed all the online tests, attended and passed the assessment centre stage but, sadly missed out after interview last week.

Received an e-mail stating that on this occasion I had been unsuccessful and have to wait 6 months to apply for a similar role. I'm very keen to get into this industry and may'be feel I should apply for another position first as a stepping stone to become a conductor.

Would this be a more usual approach into the rail network.

Many Thanks

 

[cf111]

It's true for most industries. If you have been in another role for some time and proved yourself as competent then you are more likely to succeed when you apply for another role internally than someone off the street. I suppose it could help if you were employed as a CSA with, say EMT, then applied for a Guard's position with FGW, for example.

I can't speak for the railways specifically because I'm not employed in that field though.

 

[Beveridges]

Yes applying for another role and then moving within the company is usually the best way to do it. I can't speak for other TOCs but the advantages an internal applicant has with Northern are immeasurable.

 

[scotsman]

The first question on Virgin Trains' recruitment site is "Have you worked on the railway before?"

Need I say more.

 

[richie26188]

Just keep plugging away, if you want it bad enough persistence pays off

Im in the same boat and that's what I keep telling myself. I've been applying over the past 6 months to varying degrees of success - currently in a talent pool for a conductor role

Good luck

 

[Bluejuice]

I intend to Richie. I'm quite happy to work up through the ranks, if that is what's required.

Good luck yourself mate!

 

[TomBoyd]

Have you considered... signalling?

 

[Bluejuice]

Hi Tom

Would happily put my mind to anything although, Train Conductor - Manager is my long term goal! The past 8 months feeds that hunger. Getting close but, no cigar

 

[TomBoyd]

Good luck!

 

[paulravuslante]

Some TOCs might value any customer service experience over whether you have worked in the industry before. Heathrow Express for example recruits loads of people who haven't worked in the rail industry before (subject to them passing the usual railway industry tests though). However once you pass the tests the focus is then on your customer service skills.

 

[Bodiddly]

The first question on Virgin Trains' recruitment site is "Have you worked on the railway before?"

Need I say more.

Are you saying they only take on ex railway or the opposite?

 

[Andrew32]

I have worked in public services with the same employer for 16 years and applied for the first time in April last year for a conductor role and passed my interview and assessment and was on hold for a job until it was pulled, currently in the talent pool after passing second interview, so not previously working in the rail industry shouldn't be a barrier.

My past life experiences and work experience helped me to fulfill the job description.

Working shifts
Handling Money
Dealing with difficult situations
Good customer service
Working under your own initiative
Problem solving
Working disabled people

One thing you also need is Patience as I have now found out.

What Virgin are saying is that experience helps, but it can't be essential because if it were the case no-one would ever work on the railways if every toc adopted that attitude.

Good look and keep at it, post on here if you have anymore questions or PM me