AJSWEY
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Hi all, i have a assesment for conductor with FGW Thursday. Any thoughts on what to expect? I have read some practice guidence that was sent to me, but would like to know your thoughts...
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Conductor interview/assesment - FGW
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BestWestern
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Hi,
These assessments generally tend to follow a pretty standard pattern. You will initially be asked to complete some written tests, based on the practise materials which you received, usually consisting of some ticket-related tests, a test involving striking off specified characters within a large grid, and a test based on reading passages of text and absorbing the information concerned. This is usually followed by an interview about your personal experiences in life and work so far, and possibly some form of roleplay. This is what mine involved, around 4 years ago, but it may have changed in some ways since then.
The best advice I can give is to have some good examples of relevant experience ready, so anything involving dealing with difficult customers, going the 'extra mile' to help somebody, working within or leading a team, dealing with difficult or emergency situations, and so on. This will help you with the interview stages, as the mind tends to go blank when you try and recall these things on the spot! With the written tests, be very careful to ensure that you read everything thoroughly before beginning, and expect them to be more complex than your practise sheets.
A bit of advice with the written tests -
On the 'grid' test, they are looking for accuracy rather than speed. The test isn't designed for you to get it all done, so expect to leave some of it and just concentrate on getting it right. Don't panic and start rushing when you realise that you aren't going to complete it all, you aren't supposed to.
When you do the 'ticket checking and selling test' part of it will involve calculating fares based on materials given to you. This will likely involve several different cards quoting discount rates for Railcards and so on, and your questions will require you to work out discounted fares using these cards and the quoted basic fares. Be careful to make sure that you read each question thoroughly, and ensure that you get the correct discounts. It can be very easy to rush it a bit and then realise that you have worked something out incorrectly, affecting every question it occured in.
Other than that, just relax and try your best, and remember you can always reapply if it doesn't go your way first time round! Hope that helps, best of luck and keep us posted
These assessments generally tend to follow a pretty standard pattern. You will initially be asked to complete some written tests, based on the practise materials which you received, usually consisting of some ticket-related tests, a test involving striking off specified characters within a large grid, and a test based on reading passages of text and absorbing the information concerned. This is usually followed by an interview about your personal experiences in life and work so far, and possibly some form of roleplay. This is what mine involved, around 4 years ago, but it may have changed in some ways since then.
The best advice I can give is to have some good examples of relevant experience ready, so anything involving dealing with difficult customers, going the 'extra mile' to help somebody, working within or leading a team, dealing with difficult or emergency situations, and so on. This will help you with the interview stages, as the mind tends to go blank when you try and recall these things on the spot! With the written tests, be very careful to ensure that you read everything thoroughly before beginning, and expect them to be more complex than your practise sheets.
A bit of advice with the written tests -
On the 'grid' test, they are looking for accuracy rather than speed. The test isn't designed for you to get it all done, so expect to leave some of it and just concentrate on getting it right. Don't panic and start rushing when you realise that you aren't going to complete it all, you aren't supposed to.
When you do the 'ticket checking and selling test' part of it will involve calculating fares based on materials given to you. This will likely involve several different cards quoting discount rates for Railcards and so on, and your questions will require you to work out discounted fares using these cards and the quoted basic fares. Be careful to make sure that you read each question thoroughly, and ensure that you get the correct discounts. It can be very easy to rush it a bit and then realise that you have worked something out incorrectly, affecting every question it occured in.
Other than that, just relax and try your best, and remember you can always reapply if it doesn't go your way first time round! Hope that helps, best of luck and keep us posted
AJSWEY
Member
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- 9 Oct 2011
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Thanks for that. Any thoughts on the less obvious aspects of the job?
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
BestWestern
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Hmm, depends what you mean! The main elements you need to demonstrate an awareness of would be the shift patterns and required lifestyle changes, the safety critical aspect of the role and the major emphasis on providing the very best levels of customer service (that is often more of an ideal than a reality once you get started!). Some background knowledge of the operations of the company is always a nice touch, whereabouts are you applying for? Also do some basic research on First in general, so you can tell them that you know they're one of the market leaders and all that sort of stuff. If you're a rail enthusiast try to be a bit discreet about it; whilst background knowledge is a good thing, being perceived as a bit of a 'spotter' isn't necessarily regarded as quite so desirable. You don't have to be ashamed of an interest, but some people can make the mistake of thinking that trying to sound like a railway expert will get them the job. As you may have guessed I work for FGW as a Guard, so if there's anything I can help you with feel free to ask, either here or via a P.M. Again, best of luck 
Mattmatt
Member
Good Info there. I've applied for a similar role for FTP, So I would assume they are similar in their tests?
BestWestern
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Hope you passed it!Lol, sorry couldn't resist
Hopefully you'll hear something soon then?
AJSWEY
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Thankyou for your help best western. Passed all the tests, and was asked to stay for interview. (which hopefuly went well!) now I have to wait for HR to make a decision. Position is at Weymouth.
BestWestern
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Ah that's great news, well done, here's hoping their decision goes your way then
Weymouth is a lovely little depot, only about 7 FGW Guards there and just the one route up to Bristol. Hard work in the summer, absolutely manic in fact, but a nice scenic run and much quieter out of season. Not many sunday shifts or overtime, but they do very nicely on the commission front I believe!Best of luck, hope you hear soon!
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