Metrolink drivers help please

[futuredriver]

Hello. I've gotten through to the final day of assessment to become a Metrolink driver at the end of this month. I'm looking for current drivers to give me a bit of help in how best to prepare. What questions are you asked in the interview specific to the company and trams? Are there any simulators that you know of that are similar to the one used on assessment day? Is any part of the process unexpected as in you didn't prepare for it and wouldn't normally for an interview.
Thanks in advance to all those who help

 

[Yorkyboy]

Firstly, well done for getting this far. It's not easy is it? I have recently been to the final assessment day and have been officered a position pending a medical. They told me that out of around 700 applicants, they've got down to around 70 doing the final day, so you've done great so far.

I can't give too much away as it wouldn't be fair on others, so I hope you understand.

On the day, you will do various things including the interview. Part of it is competency based questions, so the best advice I can give you is read the info that they have sent you, mainly the info about key skills they are looking for from a driver. It's on one of the attachments on the advert, 'JD Driver' I think it's called. Prepare for the interview by getting some examples of when you've dealt with the keys skills. Try to think about what they want from a driver and focus on those. Research competency interviews and it will give you tips on how to prepare for them. I found this useful: How to handle competency-based interview questions

The other things you will do on the day are:

Climbing in and out of a tram from the ground. They show you the technique and you copy it.
Operating manual points. Basically pulling a large lever to change points in the depot. This is just so they can see you are able to do it as it takes a bit of effort to do. Nothing too bad though.
Group exercise - you will be split into teams and you will go through a scenario written down and work together. It's nothing to complicated, but I think it's to see how you work with others.
Tram simulator - This is where you will drive a virtual tram between 2 stops. This is to test your observation regarding speed limits and signals. Take your time and follow the instructions given. You will also have to do an announcement. It's really cool - a full size replica of a tram cab with all the buttons and switches. Make sure you follow instructions and look EVERYWHERE to make sure you don't miss anything.

I hope that helps and good luck. Just be yourself and enjoy. You've got this far, just one more step. Might see you soon!

 

[507 001]

Hi.

First of all, well done for getting this far.

It’s honestly best not to overthink these things. The assessments are designed to test natural ability rather than something that can be practised. You definitely won’t find anything similar to the simulator, and frankly you don’t need to as everything will be explained on the day

The main thing is that you listen to the instructions given to you by the assessor.

As for interview questions, there will be a couple of hypothetical scenarios, a couple of ‘give an example of when you’ve…’ and they’ll probably ask what you know about Metrolink. Doesn’t need to be overly detailed, just the basics (system size, operating company etc.)

Finally, good luck! I’m apparently going to be involved in some recruitment days soon so I might see you there.

 

[futuredriver]

Hi.

First of all, well done for getting this far.

It’s honestly best not to overthink these things. The assessments are designed to test natural ability rather than something that can be practised. You definitely won’t find anything similar to the simulator, and frankly you don’t need to as everything will be explained on the day

The main thing is that you listen to the instructions given to you by the assessor.

As for interview questions, there will be a couple of hypothetical scenarios, a couple of ‘give an example of when you’ve…’ and they’ll probably ask what you know about Metrolink. Doesn’t need to be overly detailed, just the basics (system size, operating company etc.)

Finally, good luck! I’m apparently going to be involved in some recruitment days soon so I might see you there.

Thanks for putting me at ease! I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible because I really want the job

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Sep 2021 ==

Firstly, well done for getting this far. It's not easy is it? I have recently been to the final assessment day and have been officered a position pending a medical. They told me that out of around 700 applicants, they've got down to around 70 doing the final day, so you've done great so far.

I can't give too much away as it wouldn't be fair on others, so I hope you understand.

On the day, you will do various things including the interview. Part of it is competency based questions, so the best advice I can give you is read the info that they have sent you, mainly the info about key skills they are looking for from a driver. It's on one of the attachments on the advert, 'JD Driver' I think it's called. Prepare for the interview by getting some examples of when you've dealt with the keys skills. Try to think about what they want from a driver and focus on those. Research competency interviews and it will give you tips on how to prepare for them. I found this useful: How to handle competency-based interview questions

The other things you will do on the day are:

Climbing in and out of a tram from the ground. They show you the technique and you copy it.
Operating manual points. Basically pulling a large lever to change points in the depot. This is just so they can see you are able to do it as it takes a bit of effort to do. Nothing too bad though.
Group exercise - you will be split into teams and you will go through a scenario written down and work together. It's nothing to complicated, but I think it's to see how you work with others.
Tram simulator - This is where you will drive a virtual tram between 2 stops. This is to test your observation regarding speed limits and signals. Take your time and follow the instructions given. You will also have to do an announcement. It's really cool - a full size replica of a tram cab with all the buttons and switches. Make sure you follow instructions and look EVERYWHERE to make sure you don't miss anything.

I hope that helps and good luck. Just be yourself and enjoy. You've got this far, just one more step. Might see you soon!

Thanks for replying, this is all extremely helpful

 

[Yorkyboy]

Thanks for putting me at ease! I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible because I really want the job

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Sep 2021 ==


Thanks for replying, this is all extremely helpful

No problem. Good luck on the day. Like I've said, just be yourself and try to relax and enjoy it. There's nothing on the day meant to trip you up. The day is nothing compared to the day of tests we did at the Hilton. That completely mashed my brain!