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Northern Trainee Conductor - General Discussion
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Does anyone know how often Northern recruit at Liverpool Lime St? Didn't manage to fill in my application in time for the last campaign due to work and not spotting the vacancy earlier, but noticed Manchester has been advertised twice in the last few months (I live just outside the 45 minutes for Manchester).
Thanks!
Thanks!
Stan2025
Member
Sorry for not he late reply not been to my medical yet if that’s what you mean but iv been to the assessment and interview day yeah
northern2025
New Member
Hi everyone,
Recently went for a trainee train conductor job and had an interview. Got through to the 1-2-1 interviews but didn't get the job.
Now Northern have readvertised for this position. Feel abit disheartened but is it worth reapplying / could it be they didn't fill the positions?
Thanks
Recently went for a trainee train conductor job and had an interview. Got through to the 1-2-1 interviews but didn't get the job.
Now Northern have readvertised for this position. Feel abit disheartened but is it worth reapplying / could it be they didn't fill the positions?
Thanks
comicman123
Member
You should apply again use the previous interview experience and try and work out what you can do better this time if at first you don't succeed try again
It says on the conductor advertisements
- Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, anyone that has interviewed for a conductor position within a 1-year timeframe could be automatically rejected.
tonyjonesy
New Member
Hello there I have a first contact telephone interview with Northern Rail Tomorrow.
Can anyone give me any tips,information what to expect type of questions etc.
Would be very grateful
Can anyone give me any tips,information what to expect type of questions etc.
Would be very grateful
Hi,
Today I got an email inviting me for an interview a week from today for a Northern Conductor position. This is a job I’ve been chasing for years and even got rejected 2 years ago after an interview. I believe my answers to the STAR based questions let me down at at the time so I’ll be making sure to do extra practice this time.
Does anyone have any tips for the interview or any questions they may ask me? I remember a lot from last time, but apparently they’ve changed the interview process a little bit now and I’m also scheduled to do 2 group activities and role play based scenarios which I never did last time.
Any help or guidance would be massively appreciated! I want to be as prepared as possible for next week! Thank you very much
Today I got an email inviting me for an interview a week from today for a Northern Conductor position. This is a job I’ve been chasing for years and even got rejected 2 years ago after an interview. I believe my answers to the STAR based questions let me down at at the time so I’ll be making sure to do extra practice this time.
Does anyone have any tips for the interview or any questions they may ask me? I remember a lot from last time, but apparently they’ve changed the interview process a little bit now and I’m also scheduled to do 2 group activities and role play based scenarios which I never did last time.
Any help or guidance would be massively appreciated! I want to be as prepared as possible for next week! Thank you very much
jubilee_line
Member
My interview was a few years ago and I don't remember anything they asked, but being friendly and personable will help a lot. For the group exercises, although I didn't have these, I'm certain that they will be looking for people who speak at least once or twice, but don't dominate the conversation. If you notice that someone's made a point that's been ignored, or that someone's been talked over (because some people will assume that talking more is better), it will reflect very well on you if you notice this and call back to their point, or if you try to include someone who's being talked over. For instance, "I thought ___ made a good point earlier about ___" and then add some further thoughts or ideas on what they said. This not only shows that you're good at working with others, but that you're attentive and considerate.
Ledge_N_Dairy
New Member
Hello. I'm writing this tread for someone who's thinking about joining Norther rail as a train conductor in 2025.
Interview Format: The interview will be structured as an assessment day and will be split into two parts. The first session will include 2 group tasks. After the first round if you are successful you will have a 1-1 interview which includes role play based scenarios and competency-based interview questions, so it’s a good idea to take some time to prepare and do a little research on both the role and Northern. You can check out our website for more info, and we’ve attached an Interview Guide that should help with your prep.
Important: After the group task stage, the hiring managers will debrief and at this point they will only assign interview slots to successful candidates. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified and you may be asked to leave early. As the length of the interview process can vary depending on each stage, we kindly ask that you plan to be available for the entire day, even though your time with us may be shorter based on the outcome.
GROUP TASK 1:
They have divided the people into 2 smaller groups and then mixed them up for the 2nd task.
Imagine that you are working in the Marketing team and you are supposed to come up with a new Name, Logo and Mission statement for the company. To be honest with you. I was prepared well but this is something that I was not expecting whatsoever. I've learned about company history, what kind of trains they are operating and their route and so on, you know that kind of stuff is related to the role of Train conductor. I was not prepared for this kind of Marketing related task and I struggled a bit but was able to come up with some ideas but they were not as bright as other people's ideas. So you had 5 minutes to prepare your own ideas, then 20 minutes to discuss between us and choose the best ones. Mine was not chosen of course. Then we had 5 minutes to do a little presentation. I was so disappointed with my performance and promised myself to do better in the next one.
GROUP TASK 2:
Imagine that you are working in Operations team and you get 3 reports from different conductors and you have to prioritize what issues to deal with first.
1. Train conductor reported being confronted with a drunk passenger
2. Another conductor reported a broken toilet on board his train
3. The 3rd conductor reported a tree has fallen on the train track
This task was so easy for me cause it was related to the train conductors job and I dominated the group, was very outspoken and gave the right answers. Some people were not sure about the order of priorities but I convinced them with good arguments. Long story short, the interviewers confirmed my right answers so I believed that I redeemed myself after the first task.
After the task we went back to the big meeting room to find out who progressed to the 1-1 interviews. I must say that to this day I am still in a state of shock as they have not chosen me and chosen other people who got their answers wrong during the second task. I honestly don't know what I could have done differently to progress to the next stage. I was really desperate for this job.
Hope this helps
Interview Format: The interview will be structured as an assessment day and will be split into two parts. The first session will include 2 group tasks. After the first round if you are successful you will have a 1-1 interview which includes role play based scenarios and competency-based interview questions, so it’s a good idea to take some time to prepare and do a little research on both the role and Northern. You can check out our website for more info, and we’ve attached an Interview Guide that should help with your prep.
Important: After the group task stage, the hiring managers will debrief and at this point they will only assign interview slots to successful candidates. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified and you may be asked to leave early. As the length of the interview process can vary depending on each stage, we kindly ask that you plan to be available for the entire day, even though your time with us may be shorter based on the outcome.
GROUP TASK 1:
They have divided the people into 2 smaller groups and then mixed them up for the 2nd task.
Imagine that you are working in the Marketing team and you are supposed to come up with a new Name, Logo and Mission statement for the company. To be honest with you. I was prepared well but this is something that I was not expecting whatsoever. I've learned about company history, what kind of trains they are operating and their route and so on, you know that kind of stuff is related to the role of Train conductor. I was not prepared for this kind of Marketing related task and I struggled a bit but was able to come up with some ideas but they were not as bright as other people's ideas. So you had 5 minutes to prepare your own ideas, then 20 minutes to discuss between us and choose the best ones. Mine was not chosen of course. Then we had 5 minutes to do a little presentation. I was so disappointed with my performance and promised myself to do better in the next one.
GROUP TASK 2:
Imagine that you are working in Operations team and you get 3 reports from different conductors and you have to prioritize what issues to deal with first.
1. Train conductor reported being confronted with a drunk passenger
2. Another conductor reported a broken toilet on board his train
3. The 3rd conductor reported a tree has fallen on the train track
This task was so easy for me cause it was related to the train conductors job and I dominated the group, was very outspoken and gave the right answers. Some people were not sure about the order of priorities but I convinced them with good arguments. Long story short, the interviewers confirmed my right answers so I believed that I redeemed myself after the first task.
After the task we went back to the big meeting room to find out who progressed to the 1-1 interviews. I must say that to this day I am still in a state of shock as they have not chosen me and chosen other people who got their answers wrong during the second task. I honestly don't know what I could have done differently to progress to the next stage. I was really desperate for this job.
Hope this helps
They are not looking for people who have all the right answers - you get full training.
What they are looking for are people with the personal skills they want and who they think will fit in and be easy to manage.
Dominating the group and being very outspoken isn't what they're looking for.
- Joined
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How did this come up in discussion? I wouldn’t expect interviewers to confirm you “got the answers right” simply because there isn’t usually a right or wrong.
As has been highlighted by @skyhigh above, Northern are looking for the right person not the right answers. Being desperate for the job has probably presented in the wrong way. Dominating the group and being outspoken is not usually the way forward - there is a middle ground to be found.
Stan2025
Member
I got the job not started yet but I really wasn’t expecting too, I did well in the first group but terrible in the second group, I was suprised when I got through to the face to face interview, I tried to use the star method but I can’t say I put too much thought into it I just answered what I thought was right at the time.
Hi, any northern conductors here, im due to start the role soon (west) and was hoping for some input from people that are currently doing the role. Do you enjoy it still, what's the update (if any)on Sunday working , how easy is it to book time off etc. Also, on daily diagrams, is there usually any time for confort breaks inbetween your conmections? Any help would be great thanks
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
Anyone shed any light please?
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
Anyone shed any light please?
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Stan2025
Member
Hello Iv been took on at northern as a conductor and was wondering what people are getting after factoring in commission, ticket scans and overtime, I know my base obviously but is there anyone doing 50 hour weeks or some sundays on here that could shed some light, thanks.
travel_geek83
Member
Hi everyone,
When applying for a Northern rail conductor role its explaining you must live within 45 minutes of your chosen base. How do they calculate this?
For example during peak time the commute can be 46 - 50 minutes but during off peak it's between 40 - 45 minutes. Do they have a tolerance bracket to cover traffic ect?
If they look on Google maps they will see during peak time it's just over 45 minutes but at all other times it's within the commute time.
Many thanks!
When applying for a Northern rail conductor role its explaining you must live within 45 minutes of your chosen base. How do they calculate this?
For example during peak time the commute can be 46 - 50 minutes but during off peak it's between 40 - 45 minutes. Do they have a tolerance bracket to cover traffic ect?
If they look on Google maps they will see during peak time it's just over 45 minutes but at all other times it's within the commute time.
Many thanks!
tiptoptaff
Established Member
- Joined
- 15 Feb 2013
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- 3,224
I believe most, if not all, TOCs use Google Maps at 0800/1700
Wish i was haha, March for me in Leeds
AshLightfoot
Member
Hello
Wondering if anyone has any advice
I have an interview with Northern on Wednesday the 15th In Leeds for a Trainee Conductor Role
Just wondering if the process of assessment day is still the same as above or is it different each time
Many Thanks Exciting times hopefully
Wondering if anyone has any advice
I have an interview with Northern on Wednesday the 15th In Leeds for a Trainee Conductor Role
Just wondering if the process of assessment day is still the same as above or is it different each time
Many Thanks Exciting times hopefully
Same as above pal, I’ve been in the last few months & it was the same.
Hi all,
I'm looking at anyway into the rail industry with Northern either through a trainee role or one working on a station. One thing I really struggle with is using my life experience (uni grad, this will be my first job) to answer any questions.
I have done extra volunteering work (for some periods (maybe 1-2 months at a time twice) things in the past years or so, as well as a 5 week online internship with a client earlier this year, that I can draw on as well as other life things (maybe my travels?), but one of the things I struggle with is turning all of that into answers to these job related questions.
Trying to find possible avenues to answer your basic STAR or even more role tailored questions is just really difficult for me, even if I have heard they do not have to be complicated and can be from anything in life, not just work.
I would to ask is both for Northern and for railway roles in general as a general advice, how do I look at my experience and translate / articulate that into answering your standard (especially rail) interview questions?
Thanks all
I'm looking at anyway into the rail industry with Northern either through a trainee role or one working on a station. One thing I really struggle with is using my life experience (uni grad, this will be my first job) to answer any questions.
I have done extra volunteering work (for some periods (maybe 1-2 months at a time twice) things in the past years or so, as well as a 5 week online internship with a client earlier this year, that I can draw on as well as other life things (maybe my travels?), but one of the things I struggle with is turning all of that into answers to these job related questions.
Trying to find possible avenues to answer your basic STAR or even more role tailored questions is just really difficult for me, even if I have heard they do not have to be complicated and can be from anything in life, not just work.
I would to ask is both for Northern and for railway roles in general as a general advice, how do I look at my experience and translate / articulate that into answering your standard (especially rail) interview questions?
Thanks all
15 to 20 min turn arounds at a minimum but it all depends on diagrams. Lots of times you'll work the same train back to your home depot that you left on, some times you'll do two trips to the same place and get a break on the second trip and work a different train back. A few jobs you have a long turn around currently but still have your PNB when you get back to the home depot or other end of the route. Im Not in the grade but I do spend a lot of time looking at your diagrams! Your breaks will always be at designated point with the proper facilities.
Hope that makes sense!
Good luck to everyone hoping to get on and welcome to those that have!
Thanks for this , really helpful. Im not expecting a break every hour for instance but nice to know theres regular chances to get to a toilet etc.
AshLightfoot
Member
Hello all
Wanted to leave this here
Had my assesment today with Northern for the Trainee Conductor role in Huddersfield
As above all of it was correct
Group tasks
Then 1 2 1 interviews
There was 12 of us and only 2 went through the interviews one of them who went through was in my second Group and wouldn't let any of us others get a word in he also turned up late as we went around and introduced ourselves then got split up then after the first group task he appeared with the other group
Quite shocked really as he and another were the ones who got through to the interview stage
Don't know what to think about it but keeping my head held high and will try again
Cheers all
Wanted to leave this here
Had my assesment today with Northern for the Trainee Conductor role in Huddersfield
As above all of it was correct
Group tasks
Then 1 2 1 interviews
There was 12 of us and only 2 went through the interviews one of them who went through was in my second Group and wouldn't let any of us others get a word in he also turned up late as we went around and introduced ourselves then got split up then after the first group task he appeared with the other group
Quite shocked really as he and another were the ones who got through to the interview stage
Don't know what to think about it but keeping my head held high and will try again
Cheers all
Wanderen
New Member
Hello!
I've passed the phone interview and I am just waiting to get told when the assessment date is.
how long did it take for anyone else to be told the assessment date?
Any tips for the assessment day would be helpful. Is it a full day? Recommend staying night before or travel same day? I live in the lake District so it's a 2-3 hour drive
Fingers crossed for myself and everyone else who is applying!
I've passed the phone interview and I am just waiting to get told when the assessment date is.
how long did it take for anyone else to be told the assessment date?
Any tips for the assessment day would be helpful. Is it a full day? Recommend staying night before or travel same day? I live in the lake District so it's a 2-3 hour drive
Fingers crossed for myself and everyone else who is applying!
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Crash95
Member
I have an interview next week for trainee conductor.. can anyone remember how many questions and what they asked in the 1 to 1? It would be a huge help - Thanks!
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