Northern Trainee Drivers

[koolaid]

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.

yes it maybe be points based but they score it...so it is there "opinion."

i can't get over how they gave me the impression I was coming back for the next stage, like they knew i had scored enough...then I "fail"

My gut was a very strong "I did more than enough to at least get to the next stage"...obviously wrong....were they?

i think i know why they have not progressed me. Not points based but on their gut geeling

Probably some employment law now where you can't "use your opinion" so they score based it..off "their opinion." Got to love bloated legal departments. Systems........lol

Any how....good luck guys. Maybe it's for the best.

bye

 

[NI 271]

I was utterly convinced I would get a job after the best interview I've ever had in late September. Couldn't possibly see how anyone could have out-performed me, but lo, I got the 'thanks but no thanks' letter three weeks later.

By November 8th I was receiving a phone call from another operator offering me a job, and I'd not felt the interview for that one was anywhere near as strong. I was never going to give up, if you have what it takes, and the determination to make it happen, you will succeed eventually.

And I'm only a couple of years younger than you. You've easily got enough years left to provide any operator with a return on their investment, was this your first application? It does happen, but I bet there's a lot more successful candidates who have had several attempts. Perhaps you were up against candidates who had comparable experiences and just wanted it more? One thing is for certain, if you don't try, you definitely won't get on. If you do...

 

[koolaid]

yeah me too........


it's not meant to be,

I was utterly convinced I would get a job after the best interview I've ever had in late September. Couldn't possibly see how anyone could have out-performed me, but lo, I got the 'thanks but no thanks' letter three weeks later.

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looking back this might have been it....

just wanted it more?

i am off now. Good luck.

Merry x-mas

 

[gazcat]

sorry to hear about those that didn't get through.
can understand the frustration, but can't comment really about the process as my first application, so learning all the time - via here and the process!
how'd you get on sunday_mornin? or anyone else who applied?
I got invited to 1st stage assessment centre on 2nd Jan. Venue TBC.

 

[koolaid]

It's not frustration but utter surprise.

can understand the frustration, but can't comment really about the process

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.

 

[Sunday_mornin]

sorry to hear about those that didn't get through.
can understand the frustration, but can't comment really about the process as my first application, so learning all the time - via here and the process!
how'd you get on sunday_mornin? or anyone else who applied?
I got invited to 1st stage assessment centre on 2nd Jan. Venue TBC.

Well done, I also made it through to the next stage on the 2nd.

Ian

 

[Red18]

Well I'm a bit confused about the process too.
I attended last week for the SJE and MMI for a role at Manchester Victoria, or so I thought.
I ended up in and interview with a DM for a role at Manchester Piccadilly. To be honest Man Pic is actually better for me so I was quite pleased about that.
So I'm really not sure what happens next. I didn't sit the computerised SJE test I was expecting so I can only assume I still have this to do if I am lucky enough to have passed the interview. Had I known it was the DMI I would have prepared a little differently but I rather assumed that this came right at the end of the application process rather than at the start.
I suppose it does make sense for a DM to only send those they would consider employing on to the other tests for which there must be a cost implication. I also think it must make the whole process much quicker if they can reduce numbers being tested at an early stage.
I guess I'll just have to sit tight for now.
Good luck to all those still waiting for Manchester and have a great Christmas.

 

[ash39]

I got the email last week, didn't meet the standard for the MMI.

I knew this would be my weak link, so I prepared best I could but still unfortunately not enough. Still, lots of positives to take from the process. I passed the interview, stage 1 and stage 2 of the tests. I can have another go in six months and I only need to resit the MMI. A lot of people on here are pleading bias and injustice at not getting through. To me that's poor attitude and it's not a surprise they decided against! 'Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better'.

The process is difficult, but it's supposed to be.

 

[winefarm]

I received the "thanks but your application was not successful" email yesterday, confirming what I suspected, as I knew a number of you on this forum already had interviews. It is disappointing, as on paper I thought I was a strong candidate, with a fairly senior current job involving safety, customer service etc. It goes to show how high the competition is. Well done to those that got further in the process than I did, even if it wasn't all the way.

 

[Sunday_mornin]

At last, people with a better attitude.

 

[Louby]

I'm getting bored of comments that because you think you are from a certain ex employment you think you should come before anyone else, doesn't matter if your the cleaner in the loo, the shop assistant on the corner, if your have the determination, motivation, and have plenty of patience I believe you will get there in the end.....vent over

 

[Kenni]

Hey guys, I went for my interview on Thursday. Not holding out much hope tbh after flapping on a question, anyway what will be will be. I know a few of the guys who went on Tuesday have received emails on Friday inviting them to the assessments in January. Good luck to all still in the running.

 

[156441]

Just to show what sort of careers people are coming from. The current course at Bolton consists of
1 ex Navy
2 ex RAF
2 x Conductors
1 x IT bod
1 x pub franchise manager
1 x pipe layer
1 x truck driver
1 x van driver
1 x prison officer
1 x paramedic

Which to me shows that they do take on a wide spectrum of people but obviously have a sway towards people who have a past history of following policies, procedures and rules. Also previous shift work is an advantage.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
To add to that education status is totally irrelevant. Train driving is a skill which a degree is not going to help you with at all.

As long as your going to work hard at the course there is no reason a person with no education at all couldn't pass the course.

 

[LWB]

Just to show what sort of careers people are coming from. The current course at Bolton consists of
1 ex Navy
2 ex RAF
2 x Conductors
1 x IT bod
1 x pub franchise manager
1 x pipe layer
1 x truck driver
1 x van driver
1 x prison officer
1 x paramedic

Which to me shows that they do take on a wide spectrum of people but obviously have a sway towards people who have a past history of following policies, procedures and rules. Also previous shift work is an advantage.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
To add to that education status is totally irrelevant. Train driving is a skill which a degree is not going to help you with at all.

As long as your going to work hard at the course there is no reason a person with no education at all couldn't pass the course.

Having watched this process for some time now I would say that that breakdown and the comments above match my conclusions exactly. In addition I would say that being self-employed, however hard working and successful is something of a hurdle to overcome in the first sift. At interview, if you get there, it can give you lots to talk about but you've got to get there first!

 

[Louby]

Just to show what sort of careers people are coming from. The current course at Bolton consists of
1 ex Navy
2 ex RAF
2 x Conductors
1 x IT bod
1 x pub franchise manager
1 x pipe layer
1 x truck driver
1 x van driver
1 x prison officer
1 x paramedic

Which to me shows that they do take on a wide spectrum of people but obviously have a sway towards people who have a past history of following policies, procedures and rules. Also previous shift work is an advantage.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
To add to that education status is totally irrelevant. Train driving is a skill which a degree is not going to help you with at all.

As long as your going to work hard at the course there is no reason a person with no education at all couldn't pass the course.

Thanks gets my point across better than I could

 

[ash39]

That makes sense, I'm from an office background which is why I really struggled when it came to the MMI. I'm 27 and have never really experienced any kind of emergency situation. It doesn't mean I don't know how to handle one, but I can see why they'd prefer someone who has experience as a paramedic for instance.

It won't stop me trying again in six months, and I keep joking to my wife that I'm going to have to go looking for some emergencies to get some examples

 

[Sunday_mornin]

That makes sense, I'm from an office background which is why I really struggled when it came to the MMI. I'm 27 and have never really experienced any kind of emergency situation. It doesn't mean I don't know how to handle one, but I can see why they'd prefer someone who has experience as a paramedic for instance.

It won't stop me trying again in six months, and I keep joking to my wife that I'm going to have to go looking for some emergencies to get some examples

I was involved in an armed robbery 2 years ago, now at the time I obviously wasn't happy that I'd been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now I'm actually counting my lucky stars as it feels like a strong example for such questioning.

So my advice is try hanging around in a rough area late at night, only positive things can happen

 

[koolaid]

yep have that by the spade full.

Which to me shows that they do take on a wide spectrum of people but obviously have a sway towards people who have a past history of following policies, procedures and rules. Also previous shift work is an advantage.

The guy venting didn't read my replies.....i ever said i was entitled to anything i said on the basis of answering on the questions, my past experiences etc i failed to see how I didn't score very high...so it's based on other criteria as well...next time take the time read all posts before venting.
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but my point is you shouldn't have to..you either have them or you don't.

It won't stop me trying again in six months, and I keep joking to my wife that I'm going to have to go looking for some emergencies to get some examples

 

[Kenni]

yep have that by the spade full.



The guy venting didn't read my replies.....i ever said i was entitled to anything i said on the basis of answering on the questions, my past experiences etc i failed to see how I didn't score very high...so it's based on other criteria as well...next time take the time read all posts before venting.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
but my point is you shouldn't have to..you either have them or you don't.

koolaid. Most of the time overconfidence can be mistaken/seen as cockiness. Maybe reel it in a bit son. At the end of the day a DTM's opinion of you at the interview matters greatly, whether you've given a fantastic interview or not.

 

[koolaid]

i presume you mean me by this...but again you have not read my posts....

I sailed through the interview, probably the bet interview i have ever attended. My past experiences are very impressive for the role of train driver. The vibe i got t the end was about the next stage, etc.....

i was about 90% certain i'd done enough to at least get to the next stage....

That's what i have been saying all the way through....venters ........need to read.

Looking back the only point i can really pick out ,is i didn't show enough enthusiasm as to why i wanted the job?? Maybe i should have jumped up and down on the chair (aka Tom Cruise style) and proclaimed my love for trains? In this economy.....they can pick and choose.

A lot of people on here are pleading bias and injustice at not getting through. To me that's poor attitude and it's not a surprise they decided against! 'Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better'.

well, one door closes another opens.

 

[Kenni]

i presume you mean me by this...but againyou have not read my posts....

Listen lt me lay this out for you....

I sailed through the interview, probably the bet interview i have ever attended. My past experiences are very impressive for the role of train driver. The vibe i got t the end was about the next stage, etc.....

i was about 90% certain i'd done enough to at least get to the next stage....

That's what i have been saying all the way through....venters ........need to read.

Yes I have read every single one of your posts and all you've done is bang on about how fantastic you were at the interview. Yes you may have had fantastic examples but like I said on my previous post the DTM's opinion of you matters. If they saw you as overconfident/cocky then they wouldn't want you driving their trains as the impression you may have given them is that you'd take risks. Which is a big no-no on the railway.

 

[koolaid]

Maybe reel it in a bit son.

irony....?

There's a big difference between being confident and "cocky"......you wasn't present.

Just because i say i was confident half of you presume I was "cocky"........forget that argument. I explained this too, but you don't read the full story before making remarks.

would it have been better had i come across as a Nervous Nellie?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Thank you......others disagree..... the essence of the thread....

my previous post the DTM's opinion of you matters.

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
who ever said this? why are you making this presumption? So based on me speaking confidently I am a Maverick, risk taking wreckless, gun ho person? .LOL Geeps what next?

and no, no answer i ever gave about my past REAL experiences gave this impression. In fact completely the opposite..but hey if by my confidence they think otherwise........great stuff!

Like i said....
i think i know where i failed on this now.

driving their trains as the impression you may have given them is that you'd take risks. Which is a big no-no on the railway.

 

[Sunday_mornin]

I've read all your posts Koolaid and quite frankly you come across as a complete tool and yet you wonder why you weren't progressed, it is blindly obvious to everyone but yourself.

 

[koolaid]

anyhow...good luck to those that did get through.

Merry X-mas.

Bye
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Says the man calling me a "tool"....nice language for a keyboard warrior.

At least you have shown your class.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I told why i think I wasn't progressed and you have to come out with posts like this?

Grow up.

 

[Kenni]

anyhow...good luck to those that did get through.

Merry X-mas.

Bye
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Says the man calling me a "tool"....nice language for a keyboard warrior.

At least you have shown your class.

So are you going to enlighten us as to where you think you failed? Was it with your entrance to the interview when you blew a hole through the roof and fast-roped in or was it your exit from the interview when you did a room clearance drill all the way to the roof and then base-jumped off with a member of the interview panel under your arm? Do tell

 

[Sunday_mornin]

Now I'm receiving threatening PMs from this individual. I stand by my original statement. Northern Rail have certainly missed out on a real gem here.

 

[Kenni]

Now I'm receiving threatening PMs from this individual. I stand by my original statement. Northern Rail have certainly missed out on a real gem here.

Send him to FTPE

 

[mr double 77]

To all have got to the next stage well done, I like certain other people was interviewed myself in September after a previous fail got to assessment, unfortunately I blew the mechanical test, applied for man Vic again did get threw to interview stage, and the way I look upon it is I've had a bite at the cherry and now it is other candidates opportunity, I will get there in the end but too cry about it like a certain individual on here is beyond me, and I agree with Sundaymornin who if you read failed interview previously but has carried on and hopefully will get to the very end, there are individuals who fail MMI will they give up NO they will make it, and these are the people northern want at the company not a self centred individual who when things go wrong downs tools,there recruiting so many Drivers over the next year across all TOCs that everyone who wants it enough will get there, finally Good luck to the people on this post who are still in the running and LOL at the embassy siege

 

[Sunday_mornin]

To all have got to the next stage well done, I like certain other people was interviewed myself in September after a previous fail got to assessment, unfortunately I blew the mechanical test, applied for man Vic again did get threw to interview stage, and the way I look upon it is I've had a bite at the cherry and now it is other candidates opportunity, I will get there in the end but too cry about it like a certain individual on here is beyond me, and I agree with Sundaymornin who if you read failed interview previously but has carried on and hopefully will get to the very end, there are individuals who fail MMI will they give up NO they will make it, and these are the people northern want at the company not a self centred individual who when things go wrong downs tools,there recruiting so many Drivers over the next year across all TOCs that everyone who wants it enough will get there, finally Good luck to the people on this post who are still in the running and LOL at the embassy siege

Thank you, I did fail this interview back in September but as you say you need to learn from it, accept your errors and come back stronger. I now have a date with the stage 1 assessments and let's see how that goes. I got everything crossed.

 

[Kenni]

Thank you, I did fail this interview back in September but as you say you need to learn from it, accept your errors and come back stronger. I now have a date with the stage 1 assessments and let's see how that goes. I got everything crossed.

When did you have your interview Sunday_mornin?