MMI thoughts?

[FManc]

Hi

I appreciate that this thread has been covered numerous times, but I’ve got some queries regarding the MMI. I’m trying to focus on some key areas/skills that might come up (building on the 5/6 questions the old CBI/new MMI cover). I'm really trying to relate my experiences as much as I can to the role of driving but I have some questions I wouldn't mind getting some input on.

My first question is in regards to working alone. Now I’ve got plenty of experience of working alone in my current job, but I still have interaction with people/customers whilst doing this. Obviously the majority of train driving is spent alone so I’m not sure this example will be very suitable. However, during my degree a couple of years ago I spent weeks in pretty much isolation writing my dissertation; normally several hours a day alone in my room, phone off and no distractions and required a lot more focus and concentration. Would that be more suitable as an example? I’ve noted a few times on here where forum members have said that uni/degree examples don’t have much merit but there’s never been an explanation as to why or if its true.

Similarly, in regards to following rules and procedures, in my current role we have very strict FSA (Food Standards Agency) guidelines to follow. The examples I have are pretty straightforward but definitely relate to the driving role as there’s massive health and safety implications if I don’t follow procedures, especially as I'm a manager. On the flip hand, I’ve got a more complex example I could use from a graduate placement relating to some work I was doing for a Local Authority. However, the links here are less tangible to driving as the rules and procedures relates more to legislation rather than a safety element.

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[greatkingrat]

For working alone, I think they are looking for evidence that you are given responsibility to complete tasks with minimal supervision. You don't have to be completely isolated. I think the problem with the college example is it might sound like you left it to the last minute to complete.

For the rules and procedures question, I don't think it has to be related to health and safety specifically. When I did the MMI my example was from a financial perspective and complying with HMRC regulations. As long as you can show that you understand the reasons for the rules and the consequences of breaking then you should be fine.

 

[GMT]

In the material the TOC sent me (I sat my MMI some time ago now, unsuccessfully) there was written that the examples didn't have to be taken necessarily from work experience. I remember somebody in a past thread said that as an example he used the time when he went fishing on his own.

I don't see why uni/degree examples shouldn't be valid. You have deadlines over there as well. I used my Open University degree as an example but I didn't elaborate it in the right way, I was too vague, I spoilt everything. They want to know about the length of degree/modules, what happens if you don't finish in time, why you did it, so on.

 

[juniorred]

Quick question... how in depth do you have to answer the questions? My fear is that I might give too much information, or is that what they want?

 

[FManc]

In the material the TOC sent me (I sat my MMI some time ago now, unsuccessfully) there was written that the examples didn't have to be taken necessarily from work experience. I remember somebody in a past thread said that as an example he used the time when he went fishing on his own.

I don't see why uni/degree examples shouldn't be valid. You have deadlines over there as well. I used my Open University degree as an example but I didn't elaborate it in the right way, I was too vague, I spoilt everything. They want to know about the length of degree/modules, what happens if you don't finish in time, why you did it, so on.

Cheers for all the responses so far!
Did they expect that high level of detail in your answers then or did they just probe you with further follow up questions to get the nitty gritty stuff from you?

 

[GMT]

Quick question... how in depth do you have to answer the questions? My fear is that I might give too much information, or is that what they want?

I suppose you ('we', I include myself for the next time, if there is one) should be concise rather than lengthy. When you drive a train and communicate with the control room you have to be quick and brief but at the same time clear and thorough. Obviously, I don't speak by experience but only by what I gathered through my reading here and else where.

 

[GMT]

Cheers for all the responses so far!
Did they expect that high level of detail in your answers then or did they just probe you with further follow up questions to get the nitty gritty stuff from you?

I didn't give the interviewer what he was looking for, so he started probing. If you provide him with the right answer with the right (key) words he shouldn't probe. I read that somebody's MMI interview lasted for merely half an hour (5 minutes per answer). Mine lasted for about an hour. The better and more complete the answers, the shorter the interview, I guess.

 

[chris11256]

From my experience, you get the probing questions when your initial response doesn't satisfy their criteria.

 

[Gekko5154]

From my experience my MMI lasted aprx 25mins if that. GMT is absolutely correct. If you structure your answer properly and reference key words you won't be probed.

 

[KT530]

Quick question... how in depth do you have to answer the questions? My fear is that I might give too much information, or is that what they want?

If you haven't given enough detail, they will probe you a little further. If the example you gave wasn't strong enough, they will ask for a different one. I found they will help you as much as they can, they're not there to catch you out so just be yourself and make sure you use truthful examples.

 

[juniorred]

thanks for the replies, really appreciate it. been creating alot of examples for some of the questions others on here have said they've been asked. so there is nothing wrong with giving a long example if it's communicated clearly and is relevant to the question being asked.