Conductor Assessments

[507 001]

Hi Guys,
I'm sorry for ploughing you all with questions every 5 minutes!

I've just been informed that I've been successful at the interview stage for fTPE and that I'll recieve an invite to assessment shortly.
Can anybody just give a rough idea of what to expect?
I assume it will be group bourdon, selling/checking tickets and some sort of role play? What would the role play involve, would it be dealing with an awkward passenger? or something more involved?

Thanks in advance
Cheers
Rob

 

[222007]

If its anything like CrossCountry's we had a group discussion, ticket checking/selling. Rules and then the interview if you got through them. May i ask which depot your assesment is for?

 

[156441]

It's group Borden (Dots)
The reading comprehension test
Ticket selling/checking
Role play. (A difficult customer scenario)
Structured interview.
That was correct as of 6 months ago from a fTPE guard I know.

I got through as well but have took up a role with Northern! Throws up all sorts of questions now but from what I've seen on here from existing staff seems I'd be better off sticking with northern!

 

[ANorthernGuard]

It's group Borden (Dots)
The reading comprehension test
Ticket selling/checking
Role play. (A difficult customer scenario)
Structured interview.
That was correct as of 6 months ago from a fTPE guard I know.

I got through as well but have took up a role with Northern! Throws up all sorts of questions now but from what I've seen on here from existing staff seems I'd be better off sticking with northern!

We aint a bad bunch lol

 

[Bellwater]

We aint a bad bunch lol

Yes, at Northern you're not supplied with your own shadow.

 

[156441]

Yeah to be fair I prefer 'heritage units' as well!!

 

[mindvision]

Hello Guys,

I have been invited to Northern Conductor Assessment day. I assume it will be group bourdon, checking tickets and reading test but I've read in earlier posts that northern got rid of this recruitment process and now they are just taking an Interview. I've send them an email confirming that i will be attending my interview along with completed uniform order form but to date i didn't receive any reply and practice materials and even the interview venue from them. Does it mean i am going to have an interview only ? and if it is an interview what should i expect in interview? I will call them tomorrow to confirm the venue. and its Sheffield depot if anyone could help me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[LCC106]

Hi Mindvision. I suggest that when you contact them to confirm the venue you also ask them to clarify what the interview process consists of and whether or not there are any practice materials available. In my experience they are very helpful.

 

[156441]

Hi mind vision,

Having just gone right through Northerns recruitment process mine was as follows

Interview at local depot (Man Picc)

Assessments

Medical

Start date.

Usually each appointment was made by them updating the Internet recruitment pages which in turn sends a automated email.

Have you tried logging on to your recruitment account and checking if there are any details in there?

 

[mindvision]

Thank you guys for your help. I did check my recruitment account but nothing there as well. Can you let me know what questions did they ask ? Were they related to customer services ?

 

[HYPODERMIC]

Yeah to be fair I prefer 'heritage units' as well!!

This made me giggle!

 

[156441]

The interview was with the Conductor manager and depot manager and asked all the usual questions.
What do you know about Northern (They prompted me for my knowledge on there routes so I assume this is an important part of that answer)
Why do you want to work for Nothern (and reasons for leaving current job)
Scenario questions (How to deal with a crisis, How to deal with an irate pass, What would I do in an emergency)
What do I think the conductor role involves.
Any questions (and there was a box on his score sheet which was a fail if you didn't ask any questions)

They also asked how i'd cope with shifts but I already sort of answered this as I currently work shifts and enjoy them.

 

[507 001]

If its anything like CrossCountry's we had a group discussion, ticket checking/selling. Rules and then the interview if you got through them. May i ask which depot your assesment is for?

Its for Manchester Picc/Airport

It's group Borden (Dots)
The reading comprehension test
Ticket selling/checking
Role play. (A difficult customer scenario)
Structured interview.
That was correct as of 6 months ago from a fTPE guard I know.

I got through as well but have took up a role with Northern! Throws up all sorts of questions now but from what I've seen on here from existing staff seems I'd be better off sticking with northern!

Thanks for that, I've already done an interview, wonder if I'll have to do another one?

Yeah to be fair I prefer 'heritage units' as well!!

God that made me laugh!

Does anybody have any idea what a good score is on group bourdon? Just so I know what to aim for!

Thanks again,
Rob

 

[222007]

Its for Manchester Picc/Airport

How long did it take you to hear? I'm still waiting to hear about the job in york i applied for. I keep checking the online progress checker but still says awaiting shortlisting

 

[mindvision]

The interview was with the Conductor manager and depot manager and asked all the usual questions.
What do you know about Northern (They prompted me for my knowledge on there routes so I assume this is an important part of that answer)
Why do you want to work for Nothern (and reasons for leaving current job)
Scenario questions (How to deal with a crisis, How to deal with an irate pass, What would I do in an emergency)
What do I think the conductor role involves.
Any questions (and there was a box on his score sheet which was a fail if you didn't ask any questions)

They also asked how i'd cope with shifts but I already sort of answered this as I currently work shifts and enjoy them.

Thank you so much for your help

 

[507 001]

How long did it take you to hear? I'm still waiting to hear about the job in york i applied for. I keep checking the online progress checker but still says awaiting shortlisting

The closing date was the 19th december and I was invited to interview on the 11th january. so about 2-3 weeks. good luck mate!

 

[laurenl]

what do you have to do for the tocket checking/selling test? i have my assessment centre for tpe early march

thanks

 

[Mattmatt]

Hi;

I have an interview at Man Pic this Thursday to become a conductor for Northern; (it's that start of the process anyway)
Now I'm quite comfortable with the interview process itself. & have brushed up on my 'Northern knowledge'

But wondering what questions to ask; when and if the interviewer says do you have any questions: Just wondering what others have asked in the past; This would be my first 'interview' for a railway based job, as i previously worked for Local Authorities.

cheers in advance........

 

[9K43]

Be prepared for questions on drugs and alchol, and the use of by you.
Also with the railway running 365 days per year you may be asked about shift patterns and signing on and off times, have you got a problem with signing on at 02:45hrs on a freezing cold winters morning, when you have 20 miles to travel to work on a Honda 50.
You must turn up very clean and tidy.
Also they might ask you about adding sums of money up and giving change to a passenger for a £3.50p fare from a £20 note.
The most important things is that if you get a job on the railway, safety must be the first priority as if you do not work safely big problems can ensue.
Also remember that you will have a lot to learn in rules and regualtions and retention of such knowledge while working.
When you go for your interview, act normally and answer any questions they give.
Also a train is a collection of vehicles. complete with a tail lamp.
Good luck amigo.

 

[507 001]

Can anybody give any examples of what types of maths questions will be asked?
Ta.
Rob

Oh and Is SCAAT ever used for conductors?