Driver Manager interview. Failure rate - What caught you out?

[Dave1987]

Feel free to disagree. I personally don't think highlighting the fact that you live too far to walk/cycle yet don't drive is a good idea but there you go.

But you are not being truthful in a role that requires complete honesty. What do you think that shows to the TOC?

 

[MR_P]

Don't worry about having no driving license. They probably won't ask, but if they do the question will be phrased "How do you intend to get to work at 03.00 when there is no public transport?" You can answer "I will drive," without lying and they won't ask to see a drivers license. Just make sure you pass your test before you startshifts! Also whilst in training it will, for a couple of months at least, be mon-fri 9-5(ish) classroom based so that gives you some extra breathing space. Honestly, of all the things to concern yourself over, this shouldn't be one so don't worry about it.

They may ask - I did the tests with a TOC they asked everyone to bring in their driving licence and then proceeded to photocopy them.

 

[david_VI]

Well before I started learning I would be prepared to cycle... I doubt it's hard to find somewhere to rent within 45 mins of cycling for the depots I applied for. I still feel it will hold me back though.

 

[TDK]

I seriously doubt they will start checking up on you unless you are consistently late.

They are not looking at late but fatigue, if a driver has an incident and it is diiscovered they have lied or not been truthful at interview they will be personally liable

I have never known anybody to care because you make sure you get to work on time. Management do not care because these people are always on time, or at least there is no pattern of lateness which doesn't correlate to those who drive cars.

As above, it is fatigue not late on duty

Why worry? He has got this far. Telling someone to worry before an interview is hardly helpful. All he has to do is provide an assurance that he will get to work on time and stick to it.

He would not have to worry if he took your advice as if found out he would not get the job. I used to work at Brum and the journey time was 1 hr 45m from where I live I was never late on duty but I was well above the fatigue index.

This 45 mins thing is interesting, is this going to be a new standard coming in with the new driving license? Any idea when it is coming in? I wonder if grandfather rights are going to be negotiated and applied to staff who currently are employed on the assumption and understanding that they are upto 60 mins away.

There isn't a driving license, it is a competency pack and the competency structure is changing as well, this will be a new standard and it will completely shake up rostering as it isn't only the door to door times it is also breaks between unsociable hours shifts, continuous rostered driving etc, coming in over the next 2 years, garndfather rights will have to apply and I do not know how the TOC's will get round the problem unless the drivers living more than 45 minutes away have turns of duty that will ensure they do not break the new standard, maybe a different link? Time will tell. As for your comments on saying you will drive to work, why dont you say you will fly a helicopter, just take helecopter flying lessons, they will of course give you the job,

sorry mate but I totally dissagree with your post regarding saying you will drive but you do not own a car or have passed your test, as an interviewer myself if I checked this out I would tend to presume that the candidate was going to drive to work without a driving lisence and I certainly wouldn't give them the job, if a candidate said they were taking lessons I am afraid the risk of not passing the test would be too high and I also wouldn't give them the job..
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Well before I started learning I would be prepared to cycle... I doubt it's hard to find somewhere to rent within 45 mins of cycling for the depots I applied for. I still feel it will hold me back though.

If you rented somewhere that was within 45 minutes cycling you wouldn't have a problem, convincing the panel of this intention may not be so easy, get some evidence that your intention is to relocate and forget the driving thing altogether for now, if you tell them you will rent a place within 45 minutes, you are taking driving lessons and when you pass your test will revert back to your original home (if it is less than 45 mins drive) this will do you well at interview. Not only directed at Goldbm but many of the people on this forum some real duff advice if thrown arouns and many a candidate has failed interview taking duff advice, you can do as you like however please weigh up any advice first before acting on it.

 

[david_VI]

Well I have to move full stop. So would most probably not move again once I passed my test.. Unless I have to due to somewhere better or buying a house. I'm guessing bishops stortford and Chingford aren't that big so you'd be in cycling distance anyway or even walking distance!
I guess it would be good to have a few potential properties to get an idea and show intent.

I forgot to mention I intend to not move during training as its easy to get from Colchester to Stratford during training hours but move partway through before I start proper.. This also gives a chance to save money to move..

You think this will sit well? Surely some have to do it this way?

 

[Dave1987]

Well I have to move full stop. So would most probably not move again once I passed my test.. Unless I have to due to somewhere better or buying a house. I'm guessing bishops stortford and Chingford aren't that big so you'd be in cycling distance anyway or even walking distance!
I guess it would be good to have a few potential properties to get an idea and show intent.

I forgot to mention I intend to not move during training as its easy to get from Colchester to Stratford during training hours but move partway through before I start proper.. This also gives a chance to save money to move..

You think this will sit well? Surely some have to do it this way?

Which depot have you got your position at?

 

[david_VI]

I didn't specify because I'd have to move either way, the vacancies were for bishops stortford, Cambridge and Chingford. Maybe different now because I applied last year and a group of guys got through before the reaction test broke...

 

[Dave1987]

I didn't specify because I'd have to move either way, the vacancies were for bishops stortford, Cambridge and Chingford. Maybe different now because I applied last year and a group of guys got through before the reaction test broke...

Right well just wait and see really then.

 

[david_VI]

Heres an update instead of a new thread.

Got my date, 3rd Sept!

Got my driving theory booked for 8th August, somehow have to hope theres spaces for the driving test between that and my interview. If not I hope not having passed my test yet doesn't become the one thing that makes me fail the managers interview.. (After all I will pass eventually, noone just stops driving right?).

Also been looking at properties between Cambridge and Bishops Stortford.. aswell as Chingford. Might book some viewings.. Could help show my intent to move.
Places within cycling distance of depots if I am not driving by that time.. even though I should have passed my test by the time i'm working at a depot!

Been researching GA..
Wondering if anyone knows what they ask about the company values? Just ask if you know them and what you think about them in relation to GA or in relation to your personality/skills?

Cheers all!

 

[BravoGolfMike]

A good way to use company values is to find out what they are and pick an example about yourself that demonstrates how you share that value. For example, if one of their values is "Committed to the highest standards of Safety," you could think of something you have done which demonstrates a high standard of safety. If another is "Focussing on the customer," then find an example of good customer service.
They will probably ask why you want to join the company, or why you should be employed by them, and this is a good time to use your examples and show good knowledge of their values.

 

[Lincoln_biker]

Heres an update instead of a new thread.

Got my date, 3rd Sept!

Got my driving theory booked for 8th August, somehow have to hope theres spaces for the driving test between that and my interview. If not I hope not having passed my test yet doesn't become the one thing that makes me fail the managers interview..

Cheers all!

At the risk of making an unpopular suggestion, have you considered a motorcycle? If you're over 21, you pay £90 to take your CBT and you can ride a 125cc on L plates. No extensive testing required, just as long as you can ride a bike without falling off and can demonstrate a few basic road skills to the examiner you'll pass. A little Honda CG125 will cost £500 to buy, £15 to tax, £90 to insure fully comp for a year, does 120mpg and will do 60mph all day long. This way you're a road user for fairly little outlay and you can be sure that a lack of driving licence won't be held against you. LB

 

[david_VI]

A good way to use company values is to find out what they are and pick an example about yourself that demonstrates how you share that value. For example, if one of their values is "Committed to the highest standards of Safety," you could think of something you have done which demonstrates a high standard of safety. If another is "Focussing on the customer," then find an example of good customer service.
They will probably ask why you want to join the company, or why you should be employed by them, and this is a good time to use your examples and show good knowledge of their values.

I've thought of this, but some values I just can't get my head around. Taking ownership for example, I find it hard to think of anything for it and fully understand what they mean by it. Also Proggressive is an odd one.. When I hear that word I think of the music and the music I write which is progressive, all over the place

At the risk of making an unpopular suggestion, have you considered a motorcycle? If you're over 21, you pay £90 to take your CBT and you can ride a 125cc on L plates. No extensive testing required, just as long as you can ride a bike without falling off and can demonstrate a few basic road skills to the examiner you'll pass. A little Honda CG125 will cost £500 to buy, £15 to tax, £90 to insure fully comp for a year, does 120mpg and will do 60mph all day long. This way you're a road user for fairly little outlay and you can be sure that a lack of driving licence won't be held against you. LB

It's a good idea, but maybe a bit late? I doubt I can afford a bike right now, before the interview..

 

[Beveridges]

If they ask how you will get to work at 0300AM, just say you'll swap shifts for one you can get in on. On the rare occasions when no one will swap you, just say you will order a taxi, or better still, use your free train travel and get the last train of the night to work the night before. I actually know a guard who did this for the 03:00 start at Lime Street.

 

[BravoGolfMike]

I've thought of this, but some values I just can't get my head around. Taking ownership for example, I find it hard to think of anything for it and fully understand what they mean by it. Also Proggressive is an odd one.. When I hear that word I think of the music and the music I write which is progressive, all over the place

.

Yes, very tricky with words like that. Somehow "I vote for the Green Party and listen to Pink Floyd" probably isn't quite what they're after! Thats why I chose two easy examples! Definately learn them though, no matter how obscure they seem. Mention them when they ask the inevitable "What do you know about the company" question, at worst it shows that you have done your research.

 

[Latecomer]

If they ask how you will get to work at 0300AM, just say you'll swap shifts for one you can get in on. On the rare occasions when no one will swap you, just say you will order a taxi, or better still, use your free train travel and get the last train of the night to work the night before. I actually know a guard who did this for the 03:00 start at Lime Street.

To mention that you would require a shift swap in order to fulfil the criteria for a job that demands your availability for all the shifts they operate would be very unwise (regardless as to whether that is what you ultimately do). Demonstrating how you will get to work at 3am should be your focus.

 

[NI 271]

I've thought of this, but some values I just can't get my head around. Taking ownership for example, I find it hard to think of anything for it and fully understand what they mean by it.

I don't work for a TOC, so I could be very wrong...

However I feel that one thing a TOC won't want from a driver is someone who needs to have their arse wiped for them. In other words, when things go wrong, you will be expected to lead. To find the solution yourself if possible, to ensure people in your charge don't put themselves in unsafe situations, and to pass on any relevant information to the right people as quickly as possible to ensure nobody elsewhere becomes endangered as a result.

If you need to ask around when such situations arise, you waste valuable time. If you can take control of things, you might just save lives. I'm pretty certain this is the ability they want you to demonstrate.

 

[david_VI]

To mention that you would require a shift swap in order to fulfil the criteria for a job that demands your availability for all the shifts they operate would be very unwise (regardless as to whether that is what you ultimately do). Demonstrating how you will get to work at 3am should be your focus.

Yeah totally. Taxi probably best answer. However by the time I would be passed out and not training anymore I would have a driving licence. I should have one before the training even starts.. Just it may be difficult to get my test booked in before my interview... and even if I failed I would go for it again till I passed.. noone just stops trying to pass their test do they? Surely that should be enough to convince them I will be able to drive. Still that may be the one thing between me and another candidate which could cause me to miss out.

Yes, very tricky with words like that. Somehow "I vote for the Green Party and listen to Pink Floyd" probably isn't quite what they're after! Thats why I chose two easy examples! Definately learn them though, no matter how obscure they seem. Mention them when they ask the inevitable "What do you know about the company" question, at worst it shows that you have done your research.

Two easy examples? Are those your examples?
I've been studying GA and can't figure out what they've done that could be called progressive. I guess my thought of the word is skewed by the musical term . Would new stock, deep cleaning be progressive? :\
Maybe i'll just have to ask them

I don't work for a TOC, so I could be very wrong...

However I feel that one thing a TOC won't want from a driver is someone who needs to have their arse wiped for them. In other words, when things go wrong, you will be expected to lead. To find the solution yourself if possible, to ensure people in your charge don't put themselves in unsafe situations, and to pass on any relevant information to the right people as quickly as possible to ensure nobody elsewhere becomes endangered as a result.

If you need to ask around when such situations arise, you waste valuable time. If you can take control of things, you might just save lives. I'm pretty certain this is the ability they want you to demonstrate.

Oh yes. Makes more sense now! In my current job I often have to take the lead on things or even handle things myself without having to call for help..



Cheers guys. Really helping me focus. I'm suppose to be positive but often with the driving and relocating thing I find myself feeling a bit negative.. We'll see!

 

[Informe]

I recently got through the DM interview with EMT and I must have listed their core values about three times and mentioned them induvidually 5 or 6 times.

It was obvious what I was doing but it was entirely appropriate to the way the interview was going, plus I was being honest so there was no harm in banging the message home "I share EMTs values!!"

On some other thread there was a piece of advice regarding the "tell me what you know about the company" question. The advice was to sound natural and not that it was something you just learnt off the internet. Now I won't disagree but the way I answered was clearly just learnt of their site and wiki.
I think they just want to see you've done your own due dilligence and are taking the opportunity seriously. I doubt they expected me to just happen to know the routes, rolling stock, management structure, stations, franchise details etc. off the top of my head. Good luck.

 

[Beveridges]

To mention that you would require a shift swap in order to fulfil the criteria for a job that demands your availability for all the shifts they operate would be very unwise (regardless as to whether that is what you ultimately do). Demonstrating how you will get to work at 3am should be your focus.

Your probably right, but I have known some people who have managed to somehow get jobs when I used to work in Despatch, yet they were unable to get to (or from) work on certain shifts and have had to rely entirely on swapping. When they couldn't get swaps they did crazy things like get taxis or do overnighters in the messroom when they can't swap away from those extreme early starts or late finishes.

what people say in an Interview and what they really end up doing once they get the job are sometimes two different things.

 

[TDK]

If they ask how you will get to work at 0300AM, just say you'll swap shifts for one you can get in on. On the rare occasions when no one will swap you, just say you will order a taxi, or better still, use your free train travel and get the last train of the night to work the night before. I actually know a guard who did this for the 03:00 start at Lime Street.

Bev, if you say that at interview you will fail!
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To mention that you would require a shift swap in order to fulfil the criteria for a job that demands your availability for all the shifts they operate would be very unwise (regardless as to whether that is what you ultimately do). Demonstrating how you will get to work at 3am should be your focus.

No other option apart from walking, driving, riding or Cycling will be good enough to pass interview. Where do some people get their ideas from? Not you latecomer but other on this thread. Be realistic, you interview someone, they say "I will get to work at 3am cycling and it will take me 20 minutes" then you interview someone else and they say "I will get a shift swap, maybe a taxi, or sleep in the mess room" No chance of a job and this is 100%, anyone going for an interview ensure you don't lie, you can get to work in 45 mins. using your own transport and ensure if you cannot meet this criteria relocate.

 

[david_VI]

Bev, if you say that at interview you will fail!
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No other option apart from walking, driving, riding or Cycling will be good enough to pass interview. Where do some people get their ideas from? Not you latecomer but other on this thread. Be realistic, you interview someone, they say "I will get to work at 3am cycling and it will take me 20 minutes" then you interview someone else and they say "I will get a shift swap, maybe a taxi, or sleep in the mess room" No chance of a job and this is 100%, anyone going for an interview ensure you don't lie, you can get to work in 45 mins. using your own transport and ensure if you cannot meet this criteria relocate.

I suppose it comes down to how I word it. I should have passed my test by then.. but if not I can assure them I will have passed by the time i'm working.. and if not I have looked at properties within cycling distance of the depot.

 

[Beveridges]

All you need to say is that you will Drive in, no need to mention that your learning.
Theres no harm in saying that when you intend to be able to Drive before getting the job.

 

[Luski28]

Well I have to move full stop. So would most probably not move again once I passed my test.. Unless I have to due to somewhere better or buying a house. I'm guessing bishops stortford and Chingford aren't that big so you'd be in cycling distance anyway or even walking distance!
I guess it would be good to have a few potential properties to get an idea and show intent.

I forgot to mention I intend to not move during training as its easy to get from Colchester to Stratford during training hours but move partway through before I start proper.. This also gives a chance to save money to move..

You think this will sit well? Surely some have to do it this way?

We currently have drivers at Bishops Stortford who come in from both Chelmsford and Colchester so that part isn't a problem, they do drive but GA drivers at Stortford regularly swap turns to suit themselves so again no problem there.

Many drivers swap to do permanent earlies, lates or nights and then swap again to suit both parties, I,e someone living in Stortford would swap a job starting in London,

Don't use this instance as your reply to how you will get there but just say "drive in" If they ask for your licence then say you meant you wife / partner will drop you in. No problem

 

[david_VI]

We currently have drivers at Bishops Stortford who come in from both Chelmsford and Colchester so that part isn't a problem, they do drive but GA drivers at Stortford regularly swap turns to suit themselves so again no problem there.

Many drivers swap to do permanent earlies, lates or nights and then swap again to suit both parties, I,e someone living in Stortford would swap a job starting in London,

Don't use this instance as your reply to how you will get there but just say "drive in" If they ask for your licence then say you meant you wife / partner will drop you in. No problem

Interesting, I was under the impression that nowadays they wouldn't hire someone who lived that distance from a depot! Especially considering the choice of candidates they get.

Great point about the licence, i'll take that onboard but hopefully I can get my test booked in before 3rd Sept (and pass). If not I have the drive in (if asked lift in until licence) or cycle.

Thanks for your help

 

[Beveridges]

No TOC will ask for a license, unless stated in the job ad, FOC's commonly ask for it as it is part of the job to drive company cars.

There is no need for a TOC to ask for a license. Just say you'll "Drive in" - I can't imagine the Interview panel will suddenly say "Where's your licence to prove it?". You were not even asked to bring one with you to the Interview!

In my years I've applied for jobs at nearly every company at some point, the only one who ever asked to see my licence was DRS.

 

[TDK]

All you need to say is that you will Drive in, no need to mention that your learning.
Theres no harm in saying that when you intend to be able to Drive before getting the job.

So Bev, you say this at interview, they ask you to get to work at 3am, you have failed your test, you cannot get to work at 3am, you call a taxi, it don't get you there on time, they find out you don't drive, you are on probations, you get dismissed - simple.

If you are giving advice try to be accurate Bev - The correct thing to say, is "I am currently taking driving lessons and am confident I will pass my test before starting employment, however, I do have a plan B where I will take my CBT and get a scooter to tide me over until I pass my test if I am successful"

Now Bev, do you not think this is better? If not you are a deceptive person and I will not rant on about your past fella but interviewers do know these things generally!

 

[Beveridges]

Fail the test, retake it, fail it again, repeat until success.

The amout of time between now and the first graveyard shift is probably miles away, what with medical, contracts to issue, lots of waiting time between them. Then in the training the first X amount of weeks are office hours, its usually a while off until the shifts.

Plenty of time to retake the car driving test numerous times.

 

[Dave1987]

Fail the test, retake it, fail it again, repeat until success.

The amout of time between now and the first graveyard shift is probably miles away, what with medical, contracts to issue, lots of waiting time between them. Then in the training the first X amount of weeks are office hours, its usually a while off until the shifts.

Plenty of time to retake the car driving test numerous times.

You are advocating lying?? Problem is if you are willing to lie about not actually having a driving license, what else are you willing to lie about? Honesty is the best thing. Say you don't currently have a license but are taking lessons and you have means to get to the depot in the mean time through family or whatever.

 

[Degsi00]

I didn't gather from what Bev said was condoning lying. He's merely pointing out that the lad has plenty of time in which to realise a drivers licence.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Dave1987]

I didn't gather from what Bev said was condoning lying. He's merely pointing out that the lad has plenty of time in which to realise a drivers licence.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

He said that all you need to say is that you will drive in, no need to mention that you are learning to drive, so no need to mention that you don't currently have a license. By saying you will drive in and not mentioning you haven't actually got a license yet is not being completely honest. If you are honest then if they do happen to fail their test and not get their driving license in time at least the company are aware. Otherwise you are faced with telling them that actually you don't have a license and might not be able to get into work for the required time.