Merseyrail Customer facing roles

[8J]

Did anyone go for the "customer facing roles" (guard and station assistant jobs)?

I know its short notice, but the closing date is tomorrow!

Good luck

 

[Cheshiretrain]

I just about got my application in last minute!. Only just started applying for these railway jobs. Good luck

 

[baldyman26]

I've applied.....again !

 

[8J]

Out of interest, what experience do you possess with regards to operations and customer service?

 

[Cheshiretrain]

In brief I worked for around 3 years at a resteraunt, which should cover the customer service side of things. Also just over 4 years working at a car factory, operating, assembling, quality inspecting etc... I'm in my early twentys so I don't think that's too bad in regards to experience.
What about yourself ?

 

[8J]

Very interesting. I have been through the recruitment process and worked as a guard, but since moved on. I just thought id be helpful and advise on here for anyone interested

I worked as a porter employment workeding at Anfield, as well as a retailer. I then went on to be a tour guide in the city for a few years. I applied and demonstrated how the skills I had from my past employment and voluntary work would be transferable to the job and got an assessment day.

Keep us posted how you get on!

Jtd

 

[Cheshiretrain]

Thanks for the useful info , luckily I did some research before doing my application, I spent ages on the cover letter and cv so fingers crossed.

Also that's cool you've been a train guard-

What company did you work for ? Surely it can't be down to the job why you left otherwise you wouldn't be applying haha?
What's good and bad about the job in reality ( not sugar coated )

 

[baldyman26]

I don't think there is actually a "right" way to apply for jobs with Mersey rail. We can all demonstrate how our skills are applicable, what I don't get was I used all similar examples that got me through an interview and to an assessment day with another operator (I couldn't attend as I was away on holiday..typical!), yet with my previous applications with Merseyrail I didn't hear a thing. I think it's a case of do your best, don't waffle on and hope that your application stands out.

 

[8J]

There was over 600 aplicacions for this job. Most of them won't get read far, but you have to demonstrate a good grasp of English and that you have good character, be it through sports teams or voluntary work. I worked for merseyrail, but had an abortive start due to family commitments. Good parts of the job are the pay, benefits etc and if you like working with people, you'll love it. The bad parts, well people again! Haha! You will learn that there are some weirdos out there very quickly and the shifts are difficult to get used to if you haven't done shift work before. Also it can be seen as repetitive by some due to the nature of the job. I found it ok being an enthusiast though. Just so you're aware folks ATW are taking on at Chester depot too.

 

[richie26188]

Thanks for the heads up on ATW

 

[8J]

I have not been successful due to my abortive start at the company.

The letters are going out today or tomorrow to everyone else. Good luck

 

[Cheshiretrain]

Thanks for the heads up and answering my questions. Sorry to hear about the bad news. I'm sure your next opportunity is just around the corner.

Good luck !

 

[8J]

Well to be honest, I am aiming for a Northern Rail guard job based at Manchester or a FTPE at Liverpool. (Better pay)

Best of luck and let us know how you get on

JTD

 

[Cheshiretrain]

Applied the other day for the Wigan conductor one. Completed the online assessment too. Best of luck

 

[8J]

Its a case of getting as many strings to your bow and luck really. I imagine that my previous work as a guard will assist in the northern application.

 

[Cheshiretrain]

Just got home to find a letter from merseyrail and that I've been invited to the assessment day. Really chuffed considering the volume of applications. Can you let me know what to expect in the assessment please and how should I prepare?

 

[8J]

Just got home to find a letter from merseyrail and that I've been invited to the assessment day. Really chuffed considering the volume of applications. Can you let me know what to expect in the assessment please and how should I prepare?

Well done! Well they try to make it as relaxed at possible, but my memory of it is seeing all of the candidates bricking one!!! The activities may have changed order since I last did it, but they included the assesments, a team excersise to assess candidates personalities, an interview with questions such as "give one example of a time when you gave good service to a customer?" They're not after generic stuff with this, they want detail in the story to prove that you're not blagging it, and that you cared about it. Theres other questions, but they vary with eash assessment.

Best of luck and PM me with how you get on!

JTD

 

[baldyman26]

Looks like it's a no for me then, ah well, carry on !

 

[chrisultra]

Deleted post

 

[8J]

There was an assessment day today and I have been told that there is one on Wednesday too.

 

[mark1104]

Are these assessment days for the written tests or are they for the actual assessment day that includes the interviews, presentation etc? Anyone know?

 

[MerseyJake507]

I applied for this and got rejected at the first hurdle. Cant quite understand why myself, been in contact with them and they have agreed to give me some feedback which is good I'll know what I need to work on. I am only just 18 which may have been the issue, but I have good work experience background including some voluntary work for them. Still there should be a next time!

 

[185]

Both. Mostly assessments in morning, then interviews after lunch, but often ends up with interviews before lunch.

 

[mark1104]

Oh fair enough must have changed from last time when I went. They did the opc assessments one week , then if u passed them u went to the assessment day the week after! That was for the guards position anyway not sure about the other role!