Conductor/Guard Position - Help Needed

[Zanoh]

Hello all,

I have passed my probation as train cleaning operative, and after passing my assessment, I have been invited for an interview for a guard position in the city I love, York.

My weakness, admittedly, is providing an adequate summary of what the role entails and what sort of competency questions will likely be involved.

I am open to DMs and suggestions here to better prepare for the interview.

Stay Strong Railway Fam!

 

[Tevion539]

So first and foremost, as a guard your main responsibility is the safety of all passengers. You may be expected to check tickets and ensure all fares are valid for travel. You will also have to operate the doors and dispatch the train in a safe manor. This should all be laid out in the job description, but again, the main emphasis will always be the safety of passengers, yourself and everyone you come in contact with. Never take any undue risk, and never compromise your own safety for the sake of a fare. There is protocols you can follow to report fare evaders.

Competency questions will be based around team work, safety and customer service. Try and think of times you've demonstrated good customer service, have remained resilient in tough situations and times you've looked after yours/customers safety. I suppose as a cleaning operative, maybe you've come across varying levels of mess/biological waste. Ensuring trains are clean to stop the spread of any viruses? I don't know, but I think you get the point? Hope this sets you on the right track so to speak.

 

[Zanoh]

Hope this sets you on the right track so to speak.

The points you made have been very helpful mate! Thank you so much!

 

[Tevion539]

No worries, but I do encourage you to read the job description. Really emphasise safety, I tried to include examples that covered customer service, taking initiative, and aiding in health and safety. E.g. when I was a coach driver, I had a blind passenger onboard. When we reached our first stop (2 hrs into the journey,) I asked the passenger if he needed the toilet and/or any assistance using it. He obliged, I walked him to the toilet, waited for him and walked him back to his seat. He thanked me as he needed it. This meant my service was delayed by five minutes, however it ensured the safety and comfort of said passenger and it left a lasting, good impression of the company.

Which I suppose brings me to a point I missed, you may also be responsible for the timely running of your service. But again, safety is #1 and everything else comes after.

 

[bill55bill]

Can only echo what Tevion539 says, use your previous experiences in any other jobs you may have had (or even non work experiences, for example, my son always uses his football refereeing experience to show examples of managing people and making decisions under pressure, it's never let him down so far!) cleaning of trains leaves you open to dangers personally so there are protocols you would use for dealing with stuff that's nasty. The fact that you ensure you do a proper job every day demonstrates that you are aware of the consequences for passenger safety should you not spot that used needle or broken bottle and take appropriate steps. It's safety, safety and then safety.

Have some examples of dealing with aggressive/abusive people, whether in or out of work, explain how you would attempt to deescalate such situations.

They aren't looking for people who know the ins and outs of a guards job, I worked in local Government for 39 years prior to being appointed and knew absolutely nothing apart from that they open the doors... They don't btw, they release the doors...

 

[Tevion539]

Can only echo what Tevion539 says, use your previous experiences in any other jobs you may have had (or even non work experiences, for example, my son always uses his football refereeing experience to show examples of managing people and making decisions under pressure, it's never let him down so far!) cleaning of trains leaves you open to dangers personally so there are protocols you would use for dealing with stuff that's nasty. The fact that you ensure you do a proper job every day demonstrates that you are aware of the consequences for passenger safety should you not spot that used needle or broken bottle and take appropriate steps. It's safety, safety and then safety.

Have some examples of dealing with aggressive/abusive people, whether in or out of work, explain how you would attempt to deescalate such situations.

They aren't looking for people who know the ins and outs of a guards job, I worked in local Government for 39 years prior to being appointed and knew absolutely nothing apart from that they open the doors... They don't btw, they release the doors...

I was working for the DVLA when I applied, granted not for very long. They even asked me specific questions to "save them calling" later in the day! not sure if it had any impact as it was right at the end, mind you. But, even with that I answered there questions concisely. I had even spilled coffee they offered me, on myself mere minutes before going in. I noted it and ensured I was aware that even then, it was my fault and I could've handled the mug better. They're definitely looking for your character as much as they're looking for your experience.