C.v

[Tom d]

Hi all,

I’m writing to you guys to ask how my c.v should sound and look while applying to become a train driver.
I’ve been studying and practicing the tests from how to become by Richard Mcmann as I’m preparing for the next recruitment process
I’ve applied for a trainee position at MTR Cross Rail and was asked to complete a online test.
I answered all the questions with a “safety is paramount “ approach and I was knocked back for not being the right candidate. This knocked my confidence and now thinking (after reading how to become ) that my c.v wasn’t up to scratch

 

[Tom d]

Sorry guys post to early

What do u guys think I should do

 

[Trainguy90]

Chances are you just didn’t make the initial sift as hundreds of people would have applied and they can’t take all of them on to the next stage unfortunately, not sure on the tests but it could have been them if they didn’t give you the results

As for the CV you just have to keep it brief and to the point
My CV just has:
- Name/contact details at the top
- brief summery of myself (literally 3 or 4 lines)
- list of qualifications
- employment history of each position ive held with a brief summery/list of the key skills and responsibilities and then why i left
- (optional) any interests outside of the job that shows a bit of your character that could prove beneficial to the role

Also if they give the option to upload another document then a cover letter could be a good thing to include

 

[Tom d]

Thank you for your replying trainguy90

Are you a train driver mate ??
I never sent a cover letter but will do next time

 

[Trainguy90]

Yeah been driving about 4 years now took about 4 attempts before I got an interview and it wa the 5th attempt that I got the job

Only upload/send a cover letter if it’s suggested on the site otherwise just stick with the CV and just hope the best with the online tests.

Most important thing is not to get to disheartened or desperate, looking through this site you’ll see plenty of advice and you’ll also see just how many other people are just as eager as you

 

[t_star2001uk]

Hi all,

I’m writing to you guys to ask how my c.v should sound and look while applying to become a train driver.
I’ve been studying and practicing the tests from how to become by Richard Mcmann as I’m preparing for the next recruitment process
I’ve applied for a trainee position at MTR Cross Rail and was asked to complete a online test.
I answered all the questions with a “safety is paramount “ approach and I was knocked back for not being the right candidate. This knocked my confidence and now thinking (after reading how to become ) that my c.v wasn’t up to scratch

Try not to get too disheartened by a first time knock back, all positions that come up are very oversubscribed. Keep trying is the name of the game. Ask for feedback as it will give you a valuable insight into where you were possibly lacking, so next time you can improve. If you want it bad enough, keep trying. There are people out there who have been knocked back multiple times before being accepted.

 

[Stigy]

To mirror what Trainguy has said, it’s important to be brief in your CV (as a rule, about 2 pages of A4 at the most....if you need to, only list work for the past 10 or 12 years if you have a lot of experience), and structure it in the way he has suggested. I’ve seen some pretty poorly written CVs in my time as I’ve had the task of recruiting people myself (not drivers). I would advise the following in addition to what Trainguy has said,

• Have a ‘Personal Statement’ at the top of the front page
• In addition to work history, be sure to put any voluntary work too!
• Tailor your CV - Nothibg wring with having your CV tailored ever so slightly. For example, your personal statement for a Train Driver CV could emphasise on how safety is at the heart of all you do, where as for a customer service role, the customer is at the heart of all you do.
• Tart it up - Have the same font throughout, and have a classy border. You can get templates on Microsoft Word.
• Save a PDF version to send to people, but always keep a working copy in word format so you can edit it easily (sometimes word documents don’t open properly on some systems where as PDFs do)

I would also echo the point about Cover Letters. If they’re not specific, and there’s options to attach more than one file, attach a cover letter too.

 

[baz962]

Where are you from Tom D , just asking as the toc's in general are quite strict on the distance you live from the depot and will knock you back if you live too far . I believe Crossrail are very strict on this.

 

[Tom d]

Guys this is great feedback from everyone. Much appreciated. I’m going to get started on my c.v.
I’m booking my “ how to become” train driver assessment day this week and I’m looking forward to it

I’m from canvey baz it takes me 1hr door to door to get Liverpool Street. I’m currently working on the crossrail project at Liverpool Street as a electricians mate
And have my sentinel card already. I’ve also worked on track installing points heating
Which I did enjoy but watch the trains go past has made me hungry for the position as a train driver

 

[t_star2001uk]

Guys this is great feedback from everyone. Much appreciated. I’m going to get started on my c.v.
I’m booking my “ how to become” train driver assessment day this week and I’m looking forward to it

Before you book any assessments that are not related to the railway such as the "How to become" things, please read opinions on here first. Most of the information that you need can be found within the various threads that have been posted. Please think very carefully before committing £147 to and assessment that gives you all of the information that you find on here.

 

[iphone76]

Hi Tom,

I hope you are doing well. Before you spend time on a CV is it worth checking if you require one with MTR.

I only say this as I didn't need one when I joined. It was a few years ago now, so things may have changed, but I'd hate you to spend time on something which wasn't needed.

I agree with T star regarding the assessment. I got there without paying a penny ( and before all the good advice on these forums).

Good luck and keep at it!

 

[Joliver]

Hi Tom,
I start in the new year as a trainee with Crossrail. 99% sure I uploaded a CV with
my application. Worth noting too that Crossrail have a 45min travel time to your chosen depot. Don't be to disheartened about not getting in this time, I've failed in other applications before being accepted this time round. Good luck.

 

[Tom d]

Thanks guys for the feedback

 

[WirralWanderer]

Hi Tom, have you thought about FOC?

https://www.freightliner.co.uk/group/careers/careers-in-the-uk/trainee-train-driver-scheme/
I’ve recently been successful applying for FL. I did the assessments and both MMI & DMI before they even wanted a CV.