Multi-modal (criteria based) interview - help

[ultra4]

Could colleagues who have already been through such interview list the questions here, please.
I have been preparing answers for the most common ones, but I believe there much more to it, than I realize.

Thanks guys

 

[SPADTrap]

How different is the Multi-modal interview to the old CBI? Are all TOCs using the new process by now?

 

[GB]

We are still in the crossover stage but the woman at OPC said that every company should be on the new tests by November.

On another note, she also confirmed that previous two strikes will be wiped clean but only on the say so of each indivdual TOC or FOC. So if you had failed twice previously its not automataclly a given that you will be able to sit the tests again.

 

[ultra4]

How different is the Multi-modal interview to the old CBI? Are all TOCs using the new process by now?

I think those are two different names for the same interview.

 

[SPADTrap]

We are still in the crossover stage but the woman at OPC said that every company should be on the new tests by November.

On another note, she also confirmed that previous two strikes will be wiped clean but only on the say so of each indivdual TOC or FOC. So if you had failed twice previously its not automataclly a given that you will be able to sit the tests again.

Thanks a lot for the information!
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I think those are two different names for the same interview.

Got ya

 

[DunfordBridge]

How different is the Multi-modal interview to the old CBI? Are all TOCs using the new process by now?

Just a quick note on this for now. The MMI is reported to be a mixture of behavioural and situational questions. Whereas the CBI seemed to be focused with previous examples of how you conducted yourself in specific scenarios in your past, the MMI should have a blend of questions seeking answers to how you would react in hypothetical situations.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Just a quick note on this for now. The MMI is reported to be a mixture of behavioural and situational questions. Whereas the CBI seemed to be focused with previous examples of how you conducted yourself in specific scenarios in your past, the MMI should have a blend of questions seeking answers to how you would react in hypothetical situations.

Having given this question more consideration, I am sceptical as to whether the question about completing a long training course will remain. I say this because certain aspects of trian driving, such as working alone and working to rules and procedures will always remain the same throughout a train driving career whereas the training course is probably more applicable at the start of the career although I recognise that changes of traction would require further training.

As for rules and regulations, I would expect it would be up to to the individual driver to keep themself abreast of any developments, so I would expect questioning along the lines of ongoing development.

There are a couple of questions from the CBI which engage my curiosity. Will the question about set standards still exist in the MMI and will there be so many instances of the questions where the interviewer enquires about how you felt about various scenarios, etc.?

Although I was expecting questioning along these lines, I was never quite sure as to the answers that should have been provided to indicate how I felt?

Similarly, I was wondering if the question about set standards was expecting something along the lines of working to the ISO 9001 standard for example, although this would not usually give scope to providing an example from your lesiure activities.

 

[TDK]

Could colleagues who have already been through such interview list the questions here, please.
I have been preparing answers for the most common ones, but I believe there much more to it, than I realize.

Thanks guys

Why don't you ask them to sit the interview while you are at it :roll:

 

[DunfordBridge]

Why don't you ask them to sit the interview while you are at it :roll:

Probably better if no-one asks me with my track record for interviews, they would probably spot me a mile off as I am very distinctive, shall we say.

 

[ultra4]

Has anyone sat mmi recently?
How do you feel about it?
Did preparation for cbi turn out to be useful or is it completely different kettle of fish?

 

[CyrusWuff]

Covers a number of situations where you have to provide specific examples of how you handled the situation, the outcome and how you felt...with explicit instructions from RSSB (who set the tests) not to reveal the exact questions to others!

 

[ultra4]

with explicit instructions from RSSB (who set the tests) not to reveal the exact questions to others!

Obviously
However is it along lines of:
How you managed difficult customer, situation, conflict etc.?
Did they ask what you know about FGW or is that part of DM int.?

 

[DunfordBridge]

Seriously, I would not be expecting to find out for a very long time. No-one in their right mind is going to publicise the questions for fear that it could ruin their chances for next time. Online alterego or no alterego. Personally, I would not blame them.

Anyway, you seem to be thinking too far ahead. Those are questions that I would expect to find in the interview with the depot manager which to my mind may as well be taking place in a parallel universe, it is so far away.

The way I would be tackling your question is to identify the criteria for successful recruitment as a driver. The tests may have changed but the criteria will not have changed overnight although there may have been some change in the criteria whilst the CBI test has been ongoing. It has been remarked upon that the CBI test once had a high pass rate so afterwards, it must have gone in the opposite direction.

There are references to the 5 standard questions left, right and centre in this forum. I have speculated somewhere on here that the question about a training course will be modified as it is too specific in my opinion.

I have now learnt that there is now an extra sixth question in the MMI. Unlike the previous 5 standard questions, I am expecting this question to vary for different candidates depending on the weakest area in the SJE (Situational Judgement Exercise).

Personally, I am not in a rush to go to the next assessment. If it was not for the interim events of being a victim of crime, being on the receiving end of a defence solicitor was a walk in the park compared to the grilling in the CBI given the nature of the crime. Having said that, the prospect of watching a grey square for half a hour is hardly enthralling. It is one thing looking at dots every Sunday morning but to watch grey squares could hardly be more boring. Anyone who is prepared to do that must easily satisfy some of the criteria to be a train driver.

 

[ultra4]

Seriously, I would not be expecting to find out for a very long time. No-one in their right mind is going to publicise the questions for fear that it could ruin their chances for next time. Online alterego or no alterego. Personally, I would not blame them.

Why not? There has been so much useful information already revealed on this forum, covering many aspects of recruitment process.
People who failed already don't risk anything.
They will perhaps gain a lot, by being given alternative examples, guidelines etc.
That is what the forum are all about. The group of people with different experience and knowledge helping each other - sharing.
That also puts us ahead of those candidates who never thought about joining forum.

 

[DunfordBridge]

The fact is that only a select few have taken the new tests so far so it is not overly difficult to narrow down candidates to specific events. Additionally, people with past failures have potentially had their two lives reset. The sceptical part of me is inclined to believe that one of the reasons for this move would be to prolong test security.
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Obviously
However is it along lines of:
How you managed difficult customer, situation, conflict etc.?
Did they ask what you know about FGW or is that part of DM int.?

I am actually going to have a hat eating moment and speculate that the new sixth question could be about conflict management now I have re-read different bits of information and have had chance to gather my thoughts.
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That is what the forum are all about. The group of people with different experience and knowledge helping each other - sharing.
That also puts us ahead of those candidates who never thought about joining forum.

I could not agree more, and as such, that makes us better candidates in more ways than just one, by the very virtue of the desire to communicate.

 

[W230]

Why not? There has been so much useful information already revealed on this forum, covering many aspects of recruitment process.

Because the criteria based interview is based on your experiences and skills, not those of someone else.

People who failed already don't risk anything.

If they have been asked to keep the details of the assessments confidential then they do.

They will perhaps gain a lot, by being given alternative examples, guidelines etc.

But they are from their own experiences - you can't answer the questions on the experiences of someone else.

That is what the forum are all about. The group of people with different experience and knowledge helping each other - sharing.
That also puts us ahead of those candidates who never thought about joining forum.

Surely the candidates who have the correct attributes and skills should be ahead of the others - not those who spoke to someone who did the tests already and said "just say this in your interview..."

I'm all for doing research into what the process entails and there is loads of good info on here already but it sounds like you're trying to rehearse answers now based on what you think they want to hear.

 

[DunfordBridge]

I really have no objection to people sharing their CBI experiences in outline as generic experiences can be shared between candidates but it is up to the candidate to fill in the gaps and illustrate how they handled the situation.

As a recent example, I wish I had paid more attention to an example described on the Freightliner thread in response to the question about emergencies concerning evacuations although in my case as a security guard, they often turned out to be false alarms. I instead chose to use other unique examples involving ambulances.

My justification for the above is that I reckoned I would have been able to satisfy more of the criteria in hindsight. Even though the evacuations took place over twelve years ago, I am still able to remember the actions that took place and some of the conversations I had with certain individuals.

The point I am trying to make is that I would not have considered these examples without the input of an established member on this forum. As I neglected to use these examples, I believe that I have not done myself justice.

 

[choochoochoo]

Covers a number of situations where you have to provide specific examples of how you handled the situation, the outcome and how you felt...with explicit instructions from RSSB (who set the tests) not to reveal the exact questions to others!

I wonder how long before the 'How to become' gang get their hands on the questions though ?

What is frustrating me is that if lives are being reset (at TOC/FOC discretion) and we're all starting afresh, then why do those who weren't successful last time round still have to 6 months to do the new tests ?

 

[DunfordBridge]

I wonder how long before the 'How to become' gang get their hands on the questions.

Maybe they already have as strange as it seems. I have just had a quick look through one of their books and not all of the questions marked Structured Interview appeared in the CBI. What is certain is that the RSSB seem quite keen to protect the new test so although the same areas are being assessed, the questions may have altered significantly.
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What is frustrating me is that if lives are being reset (at TOC/FOC discretion) and we're all starting afresh, then why do those who weren't successful last time round still have to 6 months to do the new tests ?

Arguably, under the old system, it could have been to prevent familiarity with the tests but that may seem futile with the practice material that abounds these days in one form or another.

Some of the constituent tests are actually used in the GB rail industry for assessment of multiple roles. For example, what would happen if I failed the Group Bourdon in stage 1 this week for the sake of argument only to be invited to stage 1 of the conductor assessment next month where I would expect to perform the GB test again.

Going back to your question, Choo, as stage 1 of the new system has retained some of the former tests, this may be justification to impose the 6 month wait. Personally, I believe that it is also an effort to keep the recruitment workload more manageable due to the extent that these roles become oversubscribed. There is also the issue of test security as two (or even three) waits of 6 months can maximise the time during which test security can be more assured.

 

[ultra4]

Because the criteria based interview is based on your experiences and skills, not those of someone else.
I agree, however being in stressful situation, such as MMI often whole nothing is coming into the head. Later when you seat at home, relaxed - you can recall several relevant examples.

If they have been asked to keep the details of the assessments confidential then they do.

----Fair play... it is like with torrents in some sense. Everyone likes downloading but not so many sharing...

But they are from their own experiences - you can't answer the questions on the experiences of someone else.

------ No but I will used it as a guide. I might have had a similar experience as someone else but I am unable to recall it. With a little help however, after being put on the right track things may become clearer.

Surely the candidates who have the correct attributes and skills should be ahead of the others - not those who spoke to someone who did the tests already and said "just say this in your interview..."

------ Then why are you even here? You don't want to contribute and help, you are to great and got all attributes and skills in hand...

I'm all for doing research into what the process entails and there is loads of good info on here already but it sounds like you're trying to rehearse answers now based on what you think they want to hear.

------Wrong. Knowing the potential question will give me ample time to prepare my own answers based on my own experience. Having 5 min under pressure to think, comparing to few days of relaxed thinking can make significant difference.
I well realize interviewing panel will have skills enabling them to detect made up stories, I would not ever try that.
The thing is to provide relevant instance.

 

[DunfordBridge]

If I was you, Ultra4, I would try and chill out a bit with regard to the MMI. I am guessing that yours is due soon.

As an action plan, I would do the following:

1. Get a better idea of the train driver recruitment criteria. You may be able to work backwards from this to get an idea of the questions that will be asked.

2. Find out the 5 questions to the previous CBI. There is going to be some variation from the MMI but I am guessing that you will be able to use identical responses to some of the minor questions.

3. Arrange a mock interview with a professional careers adviser informing them of the above two points. It did not get me the result but it identified weak areas and the adviser may even devise questions that you had not previously considered.


As W230 has explained, there is some good info on the forum, whilst you will not find model answers to each and every question, you will come across answers from failed candidates with some amount of hypothesis from other members as to why the answer may not have been ideal.

If you do the above, you may well stand out from other candidates.

 

[ultra4]

If I was you, Ultra4, I would try and chill out a bit with regard to the MMI. I am guessing that yours is due soon.

As an action plan, I would do the following:

1. Get a better idea of the train driver recruitment criteria. You may be able to work backwards from this to get an idea of the questions that will be asked.

2. Find out the 5 questions to the previous CBI. There is going to be some variation from the MMI but I am guessing that you will be able to use identical responses to some of the minor questions.

3. Arrange a mock interview with a professional careers adviser informing them of the above two points. It did not get me the result but it identified weak areas and the adviser may even devise questions that you had not previously considered.


As W230 has explained, there is some good info on the forum, whilst you will not find model answers to each and every question, you will come across answers from failed candidates with some amount of hypothesis from other members as to why the answer may not have been ideal.

If you do the above, you may well stand out from other candidates.

Thanks for the advice.
Could you confirm the classic 5 questions for CBI for me?

 

[DunfordBridge]

Probably better if I leave you to your own devices with this one. I am sure a search on Google for, "cbi assistance rail forums," will yield results. As a potential train driver recruit, it is probably better not to demonstrate too much reliance on other people, particularly at the interview stage.

One question from the CBI which may not be too obvious however is the one about working to set standards which is asked in conjunction with the major question of working to rules and procedures.

 

[W230]

Then why are you even here? You don't want to contribute and help, you are to great and got all attributes and skills in hand...

Er...no. I'm suggesting you use your head to think up examples rather than someone elses.

Wrong. Knowing the potential question will give me ample time to prepare my own answers based on my own experience. Having 5 min under pressure to think, comparing to few days of relaxed thinking can make significant difference.
I well realize interviewing panel will have skills enabling them to detect made up stories, I would not ever try that.
The thing is to provide relevant instance.

You don't seem to see what i'm saying. This site is excellent for sharing experience of the assessments. But sharing experience of your answers? I would also suggest that being under pressure to think is part of the assessment process, hence why if you rehearse your answers too much it will be obvious. The assessors may well go off on a tangent.

Could you confirm the classic 5 questions for CBI for me?

They are littered all over the internet and this site. A quick search has thrown up this thread.

 

[train_lover]

Here is a bit of a curve ball for everyone.....What do you think the chances of the RSSB and other said companies reading these forums??

I feel that with the new process being rolled out surely test security is the number 1 priority and how better to protect it than policing these sorts of forums.

 

[DunfordBridge]

The chances are quite high I would have thought. The RSSB will have invested a lot of time and money into these new tests. Not the sort of investment you would want to write off in a hurry.

 

[train_lover]

Lets face it, all it needs is somebody to type a couple of keywords into google!

 

[ultra4]

They are littered all over the internet and this site. A quick search has thrown up this thread.

Thanks for your help.
That's exactly my point.
Old "classic 5 questions" were widely available all over the forum, so why no-one is willing to do the same with the new ones?

I would like prepare my own examples, not quote someone else's.
Knowing questions in advance allows one to come up with more adequate answers, and with more in-depth details.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Here is a bit of a curve ball for everyone.....What do you think the chances of the RSSB and other said companies reading these forums??

I feel that with the new process being rolled out surely test security is the number 1 priority and how better to protect it than policing these sorts of forums.

Even if so,that did not stop people from publishing questions in the past.
Both likes who have passed or failed have nothing to loose.

 

[DunfordBridge]

Lets face it, all it needs is somebody to type a couple of keywords into google!

This is probably a recurring thought that enters the collective minds of the powers that be on a daily basis.

I have my own private beliefs but creating an assessment system that remains uniform for an extended period of time is probably a challenge in itself.
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Even if so,that did not stop people from publishing questions in the past.
Both likes who have passed or failed have nothing to loose.

I am not quite sure which came first, the CBI or the World Wide Web, in its present form, but the CBI probably predates many, if not all, modern forums.

Essentially, those hopefuls who took the original CBI, when it first appeared, would have been in a worse position because they would have been relying on word of mouth and the inevitable Chinese Whispers.

Incidentally, Ultra4, I was meaning to ask you, what made you think that one of the new six questions might have been about conflict management? I am not always good at thinking outside of the box.

 

[ultra4]

Incidentally, Ultra4, I was meaning to ask you, what made you think that one of the new six questions might have been about conflict management? I am not always good at thinking outside of the box.

I do not think it was my guess.
Nevertheless I wish that was the last question

 

[CyrusWuff]

The MMI is one on one, just you and the Psychologist doing the interview, and lasts up to an hour and a half.

The actual questions asked cover the areas outlined in the questionnaire, but are also determined by your results on the Situational Judgement Exercise, so it's not as simple as going "These are the questions you'll be asked" as each interview will progress in different ways.

The main things you're scored on appear to be communication, how you handle pressure, your attitude towards following rules, repetitive tasks, working alone, training, and thinking on your feet.

Should you fail and approach the assessors for feedback, they can only tell you which area(s) you failed on, rather than specifics.