Northern Rail

[Bubba]

I have applied three times before and made it to the initial interview stage twice. I applied last week and it really is my final attempt. Whilst I am confident I will make it to the interview stage I am worried that I wont make it further.

Has anyone been in a similar position and made it through? If so, what advice can you offer?

 

[Worldwide]

I have applied three times before and made it to the initial interview stage twice. I applied last week and it really is my final attempt. Whilst I am confident I will make it to the interview stage I am worried that I wont make it further.

Has anyone been in a similar position and made it through? If so, what advice can you offer?

What type of roles are you applying for?

 

[Bubba]

Apologies, I should have said. Trainee train driver.

 

[Worldwide]

Apologies, I should have said. Trainee train driver.

I would say keep trying and don’t let it get to you. I’ve applied 4 times now (customer service roles) and got an interview finally recently but now they are dragging there feet with regards to a hiring decision.

 

[dakta]

I've been applying for ten years, never passed the final interview (which I made on a few occasions) but got darn close and on one job nearly got down to last handful of hundreds (that was for an apprenticeship which involved driving).

Maybe it's not what im destined to do but I'll keep applying for as long as it remains a goal of mine. I don't think this is one of those situations where getting disheartened and moving on is an option because the numbers quite frankly are against you. Even if you're suitable. I don't think, because of the numbers involved, you can interpret not passing the final interview a couple of times as an indicator of suitability. But if you keep making interviews somethings going to plan somewhere.

My advice does vary as to why this would be your final attempt, is it because you dont think you'll ever make it? got to be in it to win it. But it's not a nice feeling, I actively push two careers elsewhere whilst I 'wait' because part of me also acknowledges it might never happen. Personally I do CAD and repair machinary in the mornings and run my own little vehicle workshop in the afternoons, keeps me out of trouble so you can't let life pass you by either. But anytime a vacancy comes up at a TOC i feel I could work for an application goes in. Can't give up in this game IMO

Just my 2p not sure if its aligned with what you were getting at.

 

[dilbertphil]

Do proper research on the company, find out about the company values and the "modernisation" they are going through. Have some knowledge of the role itself and what is expected of a train driver. You are going to get asked questions about times you provided excellent customer service, been in an emergency situation, led a team, worked on your own, challenged decisions you thought were wrong.
You need to have solid answers to all of these that have you at the centre of them. I used to work for Northern and the above are nearly always asked at interview. I won't lie it's tough and they have thousands of applicants to choose from so you have to stand out. Good luck.