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Multimodal Interview (MMI)

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Jaeger

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20 Mar 2015
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34
Location
Kent
Hi all,

I've recently passed a structured interview with manager at SWT for a drivers position. The next stage is an MMI. Now, doing research on this forum and elsewhere gives no clear explanation of how a MMI is conducted or the structure of this type of interview.

What little is mentioned details the questions as, 'give us an example of when you have', in relation to safety, communications, customer service and other TD relevant skills. But this is exactly what I was asked in the structured interview I had with the managers, I had to give full and clear explanations using the STAR technique. I also had to explain why I wanted to be a TD and why with SWT? Again, this is being suggested as questions used in the MMI!

I'm presuming that the MMI won't ask the same questions I was asked in my last managers structured interview? Or will it?

If someone has recently conducted or taken part in a MMI can you please inform me of the format?

Many Thanks in advance

Jaeger
 
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stjimmy87

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Hi

My experience of the MMI, is that you get a sheet to fill out when you arrive that has six questions and you then give short answers to these and they form the basis for the interview later on. You basically end up just expanding on these answers and the interviewer will basically keep digging until he/she is satisfied with your example.

If I remember correct the questions I had were along the lines of name a time when you have had to work as an effective team and how your role helped to the success. Name a time you have done a similar job? and how do you react to emergency situations. Not sure if they are always the same questions but those are three I remember.

I am sure that some of the questions were very similar to ones asked in my DMI but theres no harm is giving the same response or answer its just that the MMI just goes deeper into your answer.

Good luck, hope this was of some use
 

Gekko5154

Member
Joined
12 Dec 2014
Messages
89
Everybody is asked the same 6 questions for the MMI. They have been plastered all over this forum!

1. Describe a time when you followed rules and procedures
2. Describe a time when you have solved a difficult problem
3. Describe a time when you have been on a training course over 2weeks or greatest achievement
4. Describe a time when you have handled an emergency situation
5. Describe a time when you have worked for long periods of time alone
6. Describe a role you do similar to a train driver?

Some are worded a little different but mean the same as above.
 

Traininday

Member
Joined
15 Feb 2017
Messages
8
Yeah as the other have posted above. But be aware that the questions might be worded different. On one of my question it also wanted me to explain the difficulties I had to face.if you dig deep enough in this forum you'll find the answers you're looking for. Just out of interest what was your dmi like??
 

choochoochoo

Established Member
Joined
6 Aug 2013
Messages
1,313
Ok, I know its been done to death on here, but figured its been a while since a list of possible questions has been made.

I did search 'MMI Questions' on this forum but it can be tricky to find a good list. Hence I thought I'd make it easier for those who want to prepare.

From what I remember when I last did a MMI type interview the questions I prepared were :

1 - Describe a time where you've had to follow rules and procedures
2 - Describe a time where you've been involved in an emergency / unexpected situation
3 - Describe a time you've been on a training course for over 2 weeks
4 - Describe your greatest achievement
5 - Describe a time where you've had to work for long periods of time alone
6 - Describe a time you've had to solve a difficult problem
7 - Give an example of a time you undertook a task similar to train driver's role
8 -Describe a time when you have worked to a very high standard whilst encountering difficulty
9- Give an example where you've had to work under pressure.
10 - Give an example where you've had to communicate an important message
11- Give an example where you've had to work as part of a team (to achieve a task)
12 - Give an example of when you provided high level of customer care and service
13 - Give an example of dealing with difficult and aggressive people
14 - Give an example of working with people from different backgrounds
15 - Give an example of a project you had to complete and the obstacles you had to overcome
16 - Describe a time when you had a disagreement with your manager and how it was resolved


I appreciate some of these come from when it used to be called the 'structured interview'

But for those who've been recently, maybe you can provide updates on what's being asked nowadays. I'll update the list as we go along.
 
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Jaeger

Member
Joined
20 Mar 2015
Messages
34
Location
Kent
So they're going to be exactly the same questions as I was asked in my structured interview with the managers? That seems odd.

Everybody is asked the same 6 questions for the MMI. They have been plastered all over this forum!

1. Describe a time when you followed rules and procedures
2. Describe a time when you have solved a difficult problem
3. Describe a time when you have been on a training course over 2weeks or greatest achievement
4. Describe a time when you have handled an emergency situation
5. Describe a time when you have worked for long periods of time alone
6. Describe a role you do similar to a train driver?

Some are worded a little different but mean the same as above.
 

Jaeger

Member
Joined
20 Mar 2015
Messages
34
Location
Kent
Many thanks for your response.

I'm thinking SWT does the process differently? I've already been asked in depth about 'give us an example of when you've', so I'm expecting the written questions this time.

Hi

My experience of the MMI, is that you get a sheet to fill out when you arrive that has six questions and you then give short answers to these and they form the basis for the interview later on. You basically end up just expanding on these answers and the interviewer will basically keep digging until he/she is satisfied with your example.

If I remember correct the questions I had were along the lines of name a time when you have had to work as an effective team and how your role helped to the success. Name a time you have done a similar job? and how do you react to emergency situations. Not sure if they are always the same questions but those are three I remember.

I am sure that some of the questions were very similar to ones asked in my DMI but theres no harm is giving the same response or answer its just that the MMI just goes deeper into your answer.

Good luck, hope this was of some use
 

Jaeger

Member
Joined
20 Mar 2015
Messages
34
Location
Kent
Thanks for the response guys, I think I'm just struggling with understanding that I'm likely to be asked the same/similar questions as in my structured managers interview. Interestingly, it wasn't called a DMI by SWT when I was invited to the interview, but a structured interview and it seems it was in exactly the same format as an MMI as being described above.

On many TOC's websites the MMI is detailed as being part of the TDSJE, which also threw me.

Jaeger
 

Gekko5154

Member
Joined
12 Dec 2014
Messages
89
Yes @jaeger, they will be the exact questions asked for the MMI. Those will remain the questions until they change the assessments in would imagine.
 

theking

Member
Joined
30 Sep 2011
Messages
626
On many TOC's websites the MMI is detailed as being part of the TDSJE, which also threw me.

That's because it is, the mmi is a part of the TDSJE the other part is the SJE which is used to form part of your mmi questions.
 

Gekko5154

Member
Joined
12 Dec 2014
Messages
89
Everybody's DM is different. I was not asked any questions from my MMI and was just a chat really. Ended up talking about lifting weights in the gym haha. They were nice. I have heard some stories that people were asked similar questions to that of the MMI but different toc's do it different I guess.
 

Need2

Member
Joined
15 Jun 2016
Messages
595
Hi all,

I've recently passed a structured interview with manager at SWT for a drivers position. The next stage is an MMI. Now, doing research on this forum and elsewhere gives no clear explanation of how a MMI is conducted or the structure of this type of interview.

What little is mentioned details the questions as, 'give us an example of when you have', in relation to safety, communications, customer service and other TD relevant skills. But this is exactly what I was asked in the structured interview I had with the managers, I had to give full and clear explanations using the STAR technique. I also had to explain why I wanted to be a TD and why with SWT? Again, this is being suggested as questions used in the MMI!

I'm presuming that the MMI won't ask the same questions I was asked in my last managers structured interview? Or will it?

If someone has recently conducted or taken part in a MMI can you please inform me of the format?

Many Thanks in advance

Jaeger

Was the interview with 1 or 2 people?
The reason I ask is that the MMI is normally conducted by 1 person and normally (with SWT) is conducted BEFORE the DMI. It is also normally held on the same day after you have successfully completed the assessments.

Application> Paper sift> Assessments> MMI> DMI> Medical> Job Offer

The DMI is with 2 driver managers.

The MMI is a standard format across all TOC's but the DMI can be totally different across the board.
 

Need2

Member
Joined
15 Jun 2016
Messages
595
Ok, I know its been done to death on here, but figured its been a while since a list of possible questions has been made.

I did search 'MMI Questions' on this forum but it can be tricky to find a good list. Hence I thought I'd make it easier for those who want to prepare.

From what I remember when I last did a MMI type interview the questions I prepared were :

1 - Describe a time where you've had to follow rules and procedures
2 - Describe a time where you've been involved in an emergency / unexpected situation
3 - Describe a time you've been on a training course for over 2 weeks
4 - Describe your greatest achievement
5 - Describe a time where you've had to work for long periods of time alone
6 - Describe a time you've had to solve a difficult problem
7 - Give an example of a time you undertook a task similar to train driver's role
8 -Describe a time when you have worked to a very high standard whilst encountering difficulty
9- Give an example where you've had to work under pressure.
10 - Give an example where you've had to communicate an important message
11- Give an example where you've had to work as part of a team (to achieve a task)
12 - Give an example of when you provided high level of customer care and service
13 - Give an example of dealing with difficult and aggressive people
14 - Give an example of working with people from different backgrounds
15 - Give an example of a project you had to complete and the obstacles you had to overcome


I appreciate some of these come from when it used to be called the 'structured interview'

But for those who've been recently, maybe you can provide updates on what's being asked nowadays. I'll update the list as we go along.

"Describe a time when you had a disagreement with your manager and how it was resolved" (or words to that effect)
SWT DMI mid 2016.
 

Need2

Member
Joined
15 Jun 2016
Messages
595
Thanks for the response guys, I think I'm just struggling with understanding that I'm likely to be asked the same/similar questions as in my structured managers interview. Interestingly, it wasn't called a DMI by SWT when I was invited to the interview, but a structured interview and it seems it was in exactly the same format as an MMI as being described above.

On many TOC's websites the MMI is detailed as being part of the TDSJE, which also threw me.

Jaeger

Just seen this post, missed it earlier! :roll:
You have NOT had a DMI, it was the MMI Structured interview.
The DMI is to follow, conducted by 2 driver managers.
I had and failed :cry: mine last year (mid 2016) and was a far more intense MMI than that you have already had. They dig deep and deeper, that is the reason I failed (I asked for feedback after).
You really have to answer there questions in the STAR style as you have mentioned, but fill it (not pad it) with detail. The more questions they ask during your response means that you are 'losing'. It appears they need you to tell them the whole story so that it leaves them in no doubt or in need to ask many things. (If that makes sense!)
You also need to do research into the company CEO, routes etc etc as this is one of the first things they will ask you "What do you know about the Company?"
 

Jaeger

Member
Joined
20 Mar 2015
Messages
34
Location
Kent
The interview was held with 2 managers. I've already passed all the assessments. I'm starting to wonder if their HR have passed me duff info? I'll get onto them.

Was the interview with 1 or 2 people?
The reason I ask is that the MMI is normally conducted by 1 person and normally (with SWT) is conducted BEFORE the DMI. It is also normally held on the same day after you have successfully completed the assessments.

Application> Paper sift> Assessments> MMI> DMI> Medical> Job Offer

The DMI is with 2 driver managers.

The MMI is a standard format across all TOC's but the DMI can be totally different across the board.
 

Need2

Member
Joined
15 Jun 2016
Messages
595
The interview was held with 2 managers. I've already passed all the assessments. I'm starting to wonder if their HR have passed me duff info? I'll get onto them.

Did both ask questions or did 1 remain silent?
Did you pass the assessments with SWT with this application or did you pass them a while ago for a different advertised vacancy? ie You only had to pass the paper sift to get to the interview stage
They could be doing it arse about face as some others do. DMI then MMI. Some do it this way to see if your face 'fits' with the manager. They'll then send you for the assessments (costly part) then mmi.
 
Last edited:

Jaeger

Member
Joined
20 Mar 2015
Messages
34
Location
Kent
Just looked through my emails with SWT, I had a competency based interview with 2 driver managers, MMI next stage. I was asked about the company etc and the other subjects you mention.

Looks like different TOC's run different recruitment methods.

Just seen this post, missed it earlier! :roll:
You have NOT had a DMI, it was the MMI Structured interview.
The DMI is to follow, conducted by 2 driver managers.
I had and failed :cry: mine last year (mid 2016) and was a far more intense MMI than that you have already had. They dig deep and deeper, that is the reason I failed (I asked for feedback after).
You really have to answer there questions in the STAR style as you have mentioned, but fill it (not pad it) with detail. The more questions they ask during your response means that you are 'losing'. It appears they need you to tell them the whole story so that it leaves them in no doubt or in need to ask many things. (If that makes sense!)
You also need to do research into the company CEO, routes etc etc as this is one of the first things they will ask you "What do you know about the Company?"
 

Jaeger

Member
Joined
20 Mar 2015
Messages
34
Location
Kent
Well mentioned, I previously passed all the assessments to national standard with GTR but didn't meet GTR's requirement of a higher standard so went straight into interviews with SWT's after I applied as all assessments already passed.

I think you've hit the nail on the head, it's being done arse about face. Makes sense now.

Did you pass the assessments with SWT with this application or did you pass them a while ago for a differnt advertised vacancy?
They could be doing it arse about face as some others do. DMI then MMI.
 
Last edited:

Need2

Member
Joined
15 Jun 2016
Messages
595
Just looked through my emails with SWT, I had a competency based interview with 2 driver managers, MMI next stage. I was asked about the company etc and the other subjects you mention.

Looks like different TOC's run different recruitment methods.

Strange!
As I say, I passed my assessments and MMI with Southeastern. All I had to do with SWT was the DMI. Bizarre that you are doing the interviews the other way around. I only did mine midish last year.
 

Need2

Member
Joined
15 Jun 2016
Messages
595
Well mentioned, I previously passed all the assessments to national standard with GTR but didn't meet GTR's requirement of a higher standard so went straight into interviews with SWT's after I applied.

I think you've hit the nail on the head, it's being done arse about face. Makes sense now.

Did you take and pass an mmi with GTR?
 

Jaeger

Member
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20 Mar 2015
Messages
34
Location
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Both asked questions in a structured interview format. I only had to pass the papersift as assessments previously passed with GTR. I now have MMI and medical left to do.
Did both ask questions or did 1 remain silent?
Did you pass the assessments with SWT with this application or did you pass them a while ago for a different advertised vacancy? ie You only had to pass the paper sift to get to the interview stage
They could be doing it arse about face as some others do. DMI then MMI. Some do it this way to see if your face 'fits' with the manager. They'll then send you for the assessments (costly part) then mmi.
 

Jaeger

Member
Joined
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Messages
34
Location
Kent
No. Never got to the interview stages. GTR required a higher pass 'mark' than the national standard on some of the assessments, I passed all to national standard but not GTR's,

Did you take and pass an mmi with GTR?
 

Jaeger

Member
Joined
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Messages
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Location
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How was the MMI conducted when you took it? What's the structure of an MMI?

Strange!
As I say, I passed my assessments and MMI with Southeastern. All I had to do with SWT was the DMI. Bizarre that you are doing the interviews the other way around. I only did mine midish last year.
 

dazzayid

Member
Joined
18 Oct 2014
Messages
90
The one question I struggled with when I did my MMI for a Shunters job was about working alone, he kept asking how I felt, for the life of me I could not think what he wanted me to say, I passed it but cannot remember what I said. I have a drivers MMI coming up soon so if anyone has any advice it would be helpful.
 

choochoochoo

Established Member
Joined
6 Aug 2013
Messages
1,313
Just curious as to who does the MMI ? Is it regular HR interviewers or do they have specialist psychology training ?

As well as STAR response, and relating the situation to the characteristics the TOC are looking for in a driver are there any buzzwords or things to emphasise ?

I just did GTR assessments and got the following questions:

1) Give an Example of where you gave good service whilst experiencing difficulty
2) Give an example of where you had to persevere whilst learning
3) Give an example where it was important that you did not make a mistake
4) Give an example where you had to deal with an emergency or a situation under pressure
5) Give an example of a situation where you had to follow rules and procedures
6) Give an example of a role you have done which is similar to a Driver.

So any tips on what to mention when answering any of these questions would be great.
 

dazzayid

Member
Joined
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Messages
90
Don't think there are actually any keywords, they will just want to see how you respond to certain situations. You will give an answer and they will ask how you did it, how you felt, how you would react if something else happened. The question about job similar to a train driver was a difficult one to answer as there is no job like it, I shunt trains and sit next to a driver but this answer was not good enough so had to think of a different answer
 

FManc

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Messages
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Don't think there are actually any keywords, they will just want to see how you respond to certain situations. You will give an answer and they will ask how you did it, how you felt, how you would react if something else happened. The question about job similar to a train driver was a difficult one to answer as there is no job like it, I shunt trains and sit next to a driver but this answer was not good enough so had to think of a different answer

Out of interest what answer did you then give for the job similar to a train driver? I've got an MMI coming up soon and was thinking of using a 300 mile road trip covered over 2 days as my example. It's the one area I'm struggling on.
 

dazzayid

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Out of interest what answer did you then give for the job similar to a train driver? I've got an MMI coming up soon and was thinking of using a 300 mile road trip covered over 2 days as my example. It's the one area I'm struggling on.

That's exactly what I did, they then ask how u felt driving alone, how you kept focused and kept your concentration up. When u answer just think of when you did your drive that you were in a train cab, what u would see and look for. I used things like hazards, weather, signs, road signals, things that are relevant to what u will need to watch driving a train.
 
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