Northern Trainee Drivers

[Sunday_mornin]

hello, first post after lurking/gathering info for a while!
only decided to pursue the train driver role fairly recently, and the vacancy at manchester vic probably came a bit too soon if anything - would've ideally liked a bit more time to prepare and research - however, I thought with it being almost as local as can be, and unsure when next ones would be, that it was too good an opportunity to pass up, so applied and have an interview on Tuesday afternoon - can anyone confirm that it is just an interview or will there be tests on the day too?
many thanks in advance for any advice

Just an interview at this stage, I'm there Tuesday morning.

 

[gazcat]

Just an interview at this stage, I'm there Tuesday morning.

ok thanks sunday_mornin - good luck

 

[Sunday_mornin]

You too mate

 

[Red18]

Did everyone get the New Starter Guide along with the Uniform and Footwear size sheet to complete?
It's all very positive but it did strike me as a little odd to be filling in shirt/jacket sizes etc.. when I haven't even been for an interview yet.
Is this normal practice or does it suggest that Northern are really keen to get people on courses asap?

 

[gazcat]

Did everyone get the New Starter Guide along with the Uniform and Footwear size sheet to complete?
It's all very positive but it did strike me as a little odd to be filling in shirt/jacket sizes etc.. when I haven't even been for an interview yet.
Is this normal practice or does it suggest that Northern are really keen to get people on courses asap?

didn't get a new starter guide.
got a brief interview guide and the uniform size forms.

 

[wayme]

I got the different forms to fill in along with a short guide to help prepare for the interview. Just wondering if there's anyone here who has been to one of the interviews and maybe could tell me what to expect? Don't want any nasty surprises that I've not prepared for! The guide that I received said about using the STAR system when answer some of the questions and also said that I should do some research on the company etc. anything else to look out for?

Much appreciated.

 

[Wall88]

Just an interview at this stage, I'm there Tuesday morning.

How did it go today mate?

 

[wayme]

I think it will be an absolute miracle if I get past this stage with the abysmal interview I just had! Hope everyone else's wasn't so terrible.

 

[Sunday_mornin]

How did it go today mate?

It went as well as I could have hoped I guess but you just never know.

Just have to sit and wait my fate now :-/

Best if luck for your interview, there are 6 positions to be filled btw.

 

[Wall88]

I think it will be an absolute miracle if I get past this stage with the abysmal interview I just had! Hope everyone else's wasn't so terrible.

Dont worry to much now, last time i thought i had a bad interview and got through to the assessment so keep your fingers crossed
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

It went as well as I could have hoped I guess but you just never know.

Just have to sit and wait my fate now :-/

Best if luck for your interview, there are 6 positions to be filled btw.

Glad it went well mate got mine thursday, hopefully wont be to long till we all know

 

[gazcat]

Had interview Tuesday afternoon.
Difficult to tell how it went, seemed to answer questions ok but wasn't asked them in the way I'd practiced, so ended up waffling a bit
They seem to want a quick turnaround with date still valid for end of January start and assessments week commencing 2nd Jan.
Said they'd let me know within seven days about next stage.
Anyone know how it works with them having 2 or 3 simultaneous groups of interviewers?
Good luck tomorrow Wall88

 

[Sunday_mornin]

Had interview Tuesday afternoon.
Difficult to tell how it went, seemed to answer questions ok but wasn't asked them in the way I'd practiced, so ended up waffling a bit
They seem to want a quick turnaround with date still valid for end of January start and assessments week commencing 2nd Jan.
Said they'd let me know within seven days about next stage.
Anyone know how it works with them having 2 or 3 simultaneous groups of interviewers?
Good luck tomorrow Wall88

Well done, its all done now so just wait and see.

I thought I noticed that there were atleast 2 interview panels, obviously speeds up the process. Not really sure how that effects potential results, maybe it takes the interviewers own opinion of you out of the equation and your merely judged on your interview score? Who knows.

What I do know is that I hate the wait

 

[gazcat]

Well done, its all done now so just wait and see.

I thought I noticed that there were atleast 2 interview panels, obviously speeds up the process. Not really sure how that effects potential results, maybe it takes the interviewers own opinion of you out of the equation and your merely judged on your interview score? Who knows.

What I do know is that I hate the wait

yeah speeds things up but must be more of an an element of personal opinion - I mean there always is I guess, but at least if its the same people its consistent. This way I'm not sure 'cos I had a lady asking questions and a guy taking notes, not just ticking boxes - wonder how they compare everyone afterwards.
anyhew, can't do much about it.... as you say the wait's nearly as bad as the interviews themselves haha
here's hoping.....
keep us posted

 

[Sunday_mornin]

I've been told previously that the interviewers opinion of you matters greatly, even if a previous candidate scores higher the interviewer can still choose the candidate they preferred more. Now as you say, with multiple panels interviewing at once, you could image that it makes comparing candidates harder.

I just want to get through to the next stage.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Was the 2nd of Jan a definite date for assessments? My wife is attending her Conductor assessments on the 3rd

 

[gazcat]

Was the 2nd of Jan a definite date for assessments? My wife is attending her Conductor assessments on the 3rd [/QUOTE]

I'm almost certain she said assessments start week commencing 2nd Jan but that's a Thursday (?) so may have it wrong - then again it's 1st working day of New Year, so perhaps she just meant from that date rather than week commencing.

 

[Beveridges]

I've been told previously that the interviewers opinion of you matters greatly, even if a previous candidate scores higher the interviewer can still choose the candidate they preferred more.

Yes that's the big flaw in interviews

 

[Bluebri]

Just had the official notification of the 'thanks, but no thanks' by email. Good luck to all those that got through for Manchester. Having spoken to HR though, they have a lot of vacancies coming up in the New Year, Wigan and Liverpool were mentioned. Hopefully sooner than later and I'll be all guns blazing for the Liverpool job as it would be more than perfect for me.

Have a great Xmas everyone.

 

[koolaid]

Yeah me too and i am actually shocked about it.

The interview went about as well as i could have wanted....they even said they were impressed and talking about the next stages, etc... I was about 99% sure I was through to the next stage..but no. Even now i am shaking my head in disbelief. Half expecting another email saying they made a mistake.

Not being arrogant but they can't have failed me on the interview and my background, something else made them say no...Maybe, in their eyes i was too confident (???), or my age? (45)? I did notice all others were much younger than me...not saying that's it...

Or possibly, they simply did not like my face? I'd love to ask them on what grounds they refused my application....because I simply do not see one. But i won't, no point in this. It's the end of the road for me. I'll never be a train driver. I am not pursuing it again. If all that wasn't good enough nothing from me ever will be.

It's bit like sitting an exam and afterwards you have a pretty food idea if you passed or not. Imagine expecting at least and A..and finding out you got an F-.

Good luck.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I've been told previously that the interviewers opinion of you matters greatly, even if a previous candidate scores higher the interviewer can still choose the candidate they preferred more.

I kind of have to agree. It was an almost perfect interview and still "no thanks." I now think no matter what i said, did, etc...i aint ever getting employment on trains.....

Educated to masters/degree level, similiar experiences, interview praised on = failed LOL No idea on what. wasn't like they were offering me the job, just the next stage.

i'll bet some much less impressive interviewees passed.

Now I have some time to think about it.....i think my age could have been the deciding factor.

Good by, merry x-mas and good luck trying to get in.

 

[FlashingYellows]

Yeah me too and i am actually shocked about it.

The interview went about as well as i could have wanted....they even said they were impressed and talking about the next stages, etc... I was about 99% sure I was through to the next stage..but no. Even now i am shaking my head in disbelief. Half expecting another email saying they made a mistake.

Not being arrogant but they can't have failed me on the interview and my background, something else made them say no...Maybe, in their eyes i was too confident (???), or my age? (45)? I did notice all others were much younger than me...not saying that's it...

Or possibly, they simply did not like my face? I'd love to ask them on what grounds they refused my application....because I simply do not see one. But i won't, no point in this. It's the end of the road for me. I'll never be a train driver. I am not pursuing it again. If all that wasn't good enough nothing from me ever will be.

It's bit like sitting an exam and afterwards you have a pretty food idea if you passed or not. Imagine expecting at least and A..and finding out you got an F-.

Good luck.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I kind of have to agree. It was an almost perfect interview and still "no thanks." I now think no matter what i said, did, etc...i aint ever getting employment on trains.....

Educated to masters/degree level, similiar experiences, interview praised on = failed LOL No idea on what. wasn't like they were offering me the job, just the next stage.

i'll bet some much less impressive interviewees passed.

Now I have some time to think about it.....i think my age could have been the deciding factor.

Good by, merry x-mas and good luck trying to get in.

I know you'll be disappointed at the moment, but my advice is don't give up, ask for feedback and go again.

As far as I know each question is scored and progress to assessments will be based on you meeting a set cut off score. Whatever the reason you didn't make it this time was, I can assure you it wasn't your age, I know they have taken on plenty of a similar age, good luck for the future and don't give up if it's what you truly want.

 

[Silv1983]

Yeah me too and i am actually shocked about it.

The interview went about as well as i could have wanted....they even said they were impressed and talking about the next stages, etc... I was about 99% sure I was through to the next stage..but no. Even now i am shaking my head in disbelief. Half expecting another email saying they made a mistake.

Not being arrogant but they can't have failed me on the interview and my background, something else made them say no...Maybe, in their eyes i was too confident (???), or my age? (45)? I did notice all others were much younger than me...not saying that's it...

Or possibly, they simply did not like my face? I'd love to ask them on what grounds they refused my application....because I simply do not see one. But i won't, no point in this. It's the end of the road for me. I'll never be a train driver. I am not pursuing it again. If all that wasn't good enough nothing from me ever will be.

It's bit like sitting an exam and afterwards you have a pretty food idea if you passed or not. Imagine expecting at least and A..and finding out you got an F-.

Good luck.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I kind of have to agree. It was an almost perfect interview and still "no thanks." I now think no matter what i said, did, etc...i aint ever getting employment on trains.....

Educated to masters/degree level, similiar experiences, interview praised on = failed LOL No idea on what. wasn't like they were offering me the job, just the next stage.

i'll bet some much less impressive interviewees passed.

Now I have some time to think about it.....i think my age could have been the deciding factor.

Good by, merry x-mas and good luck trying to get in.

It's not age. In my class of 10 in 2012 starting driver training - the oldest were 49 and 50. I was second youngest at 29. A 45 year old will have at least 20 years to give.

Could it be that your confidence has been mistaken for arrogance by the interviewers? One thing that's certain to get your application halted is the "Im here everyone, the person you've been waiting for - now where's my job?!" ethos.

I can't help but think this - and you're just words on a website to me. In person it would be much easier to give this impression.

As for 'less impressive' candidates getting through - well, that's non-sensical as to get through a candidate has to 'impress' upon the interviewers.

If you've beat the majority of other candidates at the application stage to get an interview then it is likely you'll get another. So try again I say.

 

[koolaid]

I know you'll be disappointed at the moment, but my advice is don't give up, ask for feedback and go again.

As far as I know each question is scored and progress to assessments will be based on you meeting a set cut off score. Whatever the reason you didn't make it this time was, I can assure you it wasn't your age, I know they have taken on plenty of a similar age, good luck for the future and don't give up if it's what you truly want.

ok i know they say this...but i don't believe it. Like i said every question was answered from real life experiences (armed forces.real life emergencies, taking charge, etc..) and not one question stumped me. They even commented on how impressive it all was. Even talking about the tests they said it should be no problem for me...like I was already in. (they seemed pretty confident too) I would have said afterwards I passed with flying colours.You have a goof idea how it all went)....

Oh well, maybe what i though was great experiences, they didn't agree, (then why comment how impressive it all was??) I can't see how but who knows? I am not what they want and I am moving on.

Got to move on.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
yeah i am confident person when talking, etc....but not an arrogant dick head....

and if it based on points, personal feelings should have no sway? which is it? Pure points system and/or "gut feeling"? (i suspect both)

I was confident in talking without fear or nervousness. It was like chatting to old friends about my past experiences. If they equate that to arrogance... Can't see it.

Could it be that your confidence has been mistaken for arrogance by the interviewers? One thing that's certain to get your application halted is the "Im here everyone, the person you've been waiting for - now where's my job?!" ethos.

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Possibly....i don't know

just saying.....I am pretty shocked I never made it to the next stage if it was based on points....This is why I say it's based on "opinion" as well. it definately wasn't from education, I.Q., past experiences, etc.

I am not being arrogant or rude but i doubt many have the real life experiences I have...that's all i am saying. But hey if they got through and i didn't, food luck to them Did better than me.

It's not age. In my class of 10 in 2012 starting driver training - the oldest were 49 and 50. I was second youngest at 29. A 45 year old will have at least 20 years to give.

25 hopefully.

I am not trying again.....finished. thx

good luck.

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
My point is...i could not have given a better interview. If i went in gain i'd say exactly the same things.....why would i change anything? So, i am not what they want. I see no point in trying again. I wouldn't answer anything any differently.

This wasn't a math's test where you swat up to improve......it was basically a talk about your past experiences, attitudes, life decisions etc.. to see if they would want someone like you to be one of their drivers...Not like I can go in next time and start changing my "life story" Nor would I.

If you've beat the majority of other candidates at the application stage to get an interview then it is likely you'll get another. So try again I say.

As far as I know each question is scored and progress to assessments will be based on you meeting a set cut off score. Whatever the reason you didn't make it this time was,

To me ,it's a bit like going on hot date, everything went way better than you though possible, everything seemed perfect. She says she can't wait to see you again. Next day you get text saying "good bye"... You are like "really.....i can't believe it.? LOL. See what I am getting at?

I am really surprised (almost in disbelief actually) after that interview they declined me.....if it was the tests I wouldn't have been so surprised. Their choice, I am stumped, but will move on.

Merry Xmas.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Do they give you feedback? I'd be really interested in this to see what they say. Not to re-apply, just out of interest.

I know you'll be disappointed at the moment, but my advice is don't give up, ask for feedback and go again.

 

[spad3189]

I suspect there were many other just as worthy candidates who submitted application forms or had an interview. Although I didn't get through this time I for one will persist.

 

[koolaid]

yes......good point.

100 into 20....something has to give.

BUT if it was based on a pure points system....that should have made no difference? 1 or 100 .

wonder how they score points for such questions? Pretty tricky to keep it uniform? One guy loves your example 4 points. Another thinks it's lame 2 points?

For me personally, i see no point. I couldn't have done any more..if they claim my past experiences didn't score high enough on their "test".......i have nothing more to offer. Move on.

Maybe everyone else were jet fighters looking for career changes?

 

[spad3189]

Alas I didn't get through to the interview stage and personally I think I would be more qualified to be a driver than most. Those are the breaks, you've just got to persist.

 

[koolaid]

Alas I didn't get through to the interview stage and personally I think I would be more qualified to be a driver than most. Those are the breaks, you've just got to persist.

That's how i feel as well without being cocky. If i couldn't pass it on what I talked with them about last week, i.m.h.o. nothing is going to good enough.

if i failed on pure points system on my experiences/skills/ etc....then i see no point in re-applying. I'd say exactly the same things again. If this wasn't good enough, next one won't be good enough either.

 

[spad3189]

Hey maybe another day and they will look at it differently you never know if you don't try.

 

[koolaid]

ok but say you did get through to the interview you gave your best real life examples to the questions, you thought it went very well, then they say "sorry..that failed.."

Try again? Different examples next time?

Alas I didn't get through to the interview stage and personally I think I would be more qualified to be a driver than most. Those are the breaks, you've just got to persist.

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
but my point is.....they say it's 100% objective scoring pass or fail..Not "how they feel on the day" Is it 100% objective and consistent or....? This is the debate. I see no way technically they could not have scored me high on every question.....that's why I wonder what they "failed me on".

I am not so sure.

Hey maybe another day and they will look at it differently you never know if you don't try.

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
let's be honest here, for us that attended the interview they wen't difficult/tricky questions? if you had held some high responsible job with huge responsibility and lot's of practical common sense needed, with a good I.Q. you should sail through it.

As great a skill as it is to drive a train safely and efficiently most reasonably I.Q'd and responsible people with training should be ok with it. But not me.........???? According to them

In short As long as you have reasonable intelligence, responsible, polite, hard working, safe, no defects you should at least pass this part. Apparently they are telling me i am not...;-(

They basically wanted to know you had responsibility, safety, customer care and a good I.Q. to pass all the training. (i miss anything?)

I passed every one with past experiences that i consider quite impressive..but still failed.... i fail to see how if it was 100% objective points scoring.

Some might say "obviously your answers weren't as good as you thought or you would have passed it"

Maybe, then why get praised for an impressive interview?

If those real life experiences weren't good enough for this......then i can only presume they want ex-"jet fighters" to apply. LOL if my answers weren't good enough I am REALLY SURPRISED!

But yes maybe my answers weren't hat they we looking for......(just can't buy that.)

I have my suspicions as to what it was and it's nothing to do with the answers I gave....(Nor age, now)

In short i feel like "Christano Ronaldo that went for a trial at Accrington Stanley and didn't get offered a second invite back."


Anyone know what the pass mark was? Or guess?

Maybe it was as something simple as not showing enough "desire" to work for them? But then that's a subjective thing. One person jumps up and down on the coach and proclaims his desire to work for them the other calmly states his desire. which one has more desire? Judged by whom?

Any how, done now, for whatever reason they chose. I have to move on. It would have been interesting but it's not to be.

 

[youngboy]

How did things go before the interview mate, did you speak to anyone or converse in the waiting room. I've heard you need to be very careful what you talk about or discuss because you never know if you're talking to an interviewer who's sat there. ??

 

[koolaid]

no that was 100% fine.....no-one else around, nothing wrong said, done etc...100% sure on that.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
if it was 100% objective based on points off the questions then the only thing is i didn't answer some of the questions as well as I thought i did...but i am having a real hard job believe in this....unless the pass-mark was 99%?

if it was points based.... why not tell you

You scored 78%, pass mark is 80%, sorry.

....??????????????????

I suspect it's based off both.

 

[Sunday_mornin]

The interview is points based but the interviewers opinion makes a huge difference, this was explained to me at a Northern interview I attended last year.