Preparation in case of Assessment/Interview

[387star]

Hi

The mechanical awareness test dosen't seem too bad however I am stuck on two related questions. The answers are given but does anyone have the book and have explanations behind the answers?

Question 19 page 99 asks 'At which point will the beam balance?'. There are arrows pointing at various points ABCDE. There are two weights on the beam and it looks like one is double the size of the other. Question 8 page 67 is pretty much the same question again with one weight double the size although this time they sit at each end of the beam

Anyone know the reasoning behind these questions.

I appreciate unequal weights balance if weight x distance is equal

 

[E&W Lucas]

I've just read an interesting article about aptitude testing for pilot training. A skill is something you can train. Aptitude is defined as something that you are born with. This has been proven by measuring the patterns of activity in people's brains. Do How to Become mention that in their sales patter?

 

[387star]

Hi to add to this thread- RE train driving possible interview question.

How might you answer 'How have you coped with a repetitive task without becoming bored/losing concentration'?

Any tips?

 

[bailey19]

Ive applied for a trainee train driver job with FGW just wondering if anyone can help me.Is how to become a train driver the best buy to get an idea what may be asked of me if i get through the application stage.
many thanks
Scott Bailey

 

[E&W Lucas]

Ive applied for a trainee train driver job with FGW just wondering if anyone can help me.Is how to become a train driver the best buy to get an idea what may be asked of me if i get through the application stage.
many thanks
Scott Bailey

I wouldn't bother, there's plenty of information freely available, if you bother to look for it. Remember, you are applying for a job where you will be required to use your initiative, and where you will not be "spoon fed" everything. Also, the selection process is aptitude led - you've either got it, or unfortunately, you haven't!

I wonder how many of us that are actually driving bothered with anything like that? Or did we just think through likely questions beforehand, do a spot of research, then turn up at the selection day, and get on with it?

 

[bailey19]

Thanks very much for sharing your experience mate,ive been doing alot of my own research just wanted to make sure i wasn't missing out on some extra help .Thanks for taking the time to reply to my question.
many thanks
Scott

 

[TDK]

Hi to add to this thread- RE train driving possible interview question.

How might you answer 'How have you coped with a repetitive task without becoming bored/losing concentration'?

Any tips?

Answer the question asked it is a basic question if you need advice on deciphering the question you have problems - sorry to be blunt but this is the facts
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Ive applied for a trainee train driver job with FGW just wondering if anyone can help me.Is how to become a train driver the best buy to get an idea what may be asked of me if i get through the application stage.
many thanks
Scott Bailey

There are a lot of factors to be successful in the first application stage, your application must stand out from others, so below are some ideas.

1. Complete the form, all of it, don't miss a thing as this is the first thing that could stop you progressing.

2. Answer the questions honestly and concisely - don't go into anything that is irrelevant to the question to pad it out.

4. Write neatly even if it is all in block capitals - (when completeing a drivers report form we are asked for block capitals)

5. Attach to your form any qualifications even if they are irrelevant to the job as these are evidence of undertaking training.

6. Allways quote that you are willing to either relocate or rent a place near your depot as this is also a factor.

7. Don't write an essay for each answer, quality is better than quantity and to be honest the sifters do not have time to read 2000 words on each form.

This is a start for you, just remember your application needs to stand out, black pen on white paper is better than blue, neatness and the most important factors to be first on the answers to the questions.

If you have already sent off the application wait for a reply and then repost on here for ideas on what to expect.

 

[iceman0303]

You sound as if your studying hard mate, when's your assessment happening, and good luck.

 

[GB]

Good advice from TDK. However on point 6, only state you are willing to relocate if you genuinely intend to. If you say you will and you don't, that can leave you wide open to all sorts of issues including legal and financial.

 

[iceman0303]

Are you a driver GB?

 

[387star]

Answer the question asked it is a basic question if you need advice on deciphering the question you have problems - sorry to be blunt but this is the facts
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


There are a lot of factors to be successful in the first application stage, your application must stand out from others, so below are some ideas.

1. Complete the form, all of it, don't miss a thing as this is the first thing that could stop you progressing.

2. Answer the questions honestly and concisely - don't go into anything that is irrelevant to the question to pad it out.

4. Write neatly even if it is all in block capitals - (when completeing a drivers report form we are asked for block capitals)

5. Attach to your form any qualifications even if they are irrelevant to the job as these are evidence of undertaking training.

6. Allways quote that you are willing to either relocate or rent a place near your depot as this is also a factor.

7. Don't write an essay for each answer, quality is better than quantity and to be honest the sifters do not have time to read 2000 words on each form.

This is a start for you, just remember your application needs to stand out, black pen on white paper is better than blue, neatness and the most important factors to be first on the answers to the questions.

If you have already sent off the application wait for a reply and then repost on here for ideas on what to expect.

I understand what the question means perfectly so perhaps I should rephrase... I was looking for other examples. In my job I perform a repetitive task and to maintain concentration is vital if I am to get home at the end of the day because I am dealing with money and due diligence means I have to ensure it is counted correctly and honestly no matter how boring the procedure may become night after night or there will be repercusions.

That is what I gleened from the question I was just looking to see if I was on the right lines.

I have no assessment currently due but wish to prepare myself none the less incase I am ever lucky enough to get through!

 

[iceman0303]

That's some preparation buddy, hopefully youl get the chance to put your PTA use to the test

 

[GB]

Are you a driver GB?

No mate, well not a mainline driver anyway.

 

[TDK]

I understand what the question means perfectly so perhaps I should rephrase... I was looking for other examples. In my job I perform a repetitive task and to maintain concentration is vital if I am to get home at the end of the day because I am dealing with money and due diligence means I have to ensure it is counted correctly and honestly no matter how boring the procedure may become night after night or there will be repercusions.

That is what I gleened from the question I was just looking to see if I was on the right lines.

I have no assessment currently due but wish to prepare myself none the less incase I am ever lucky enough to get through!

You have answered the question in this post, anything repetitive requires a higher concentration level to maintain competency, what thay are actually looking for is "can you concentrate on a boring or repetitive subject with the same results after a length of time" this is exactly what the dots tests are trying to find out to be honest.

 

[387star]

I have an invitation to a rail assessment centre next thursday am i correct it is acceptable to not wear a suit as long as I'm formal if the interview isn't the same day? Also if you pass assessment and dont get the job does that count as one of your two attempts? Im gateline so might not apply although having failed the conductor assessment once I was banned from applying for this job for six months because it is branded similar. Any advice on cust service and train dispatch parts? Thanks

 

[iceman0303]

Wear a suit ever person who attended with me wore 1, first impressions count. Yes it counts to 1 of your 2 attempts if you fail at any stage from assessment centre onwards.

 

[387star]

I meant if you passed. For gateline is it two attempts only and if i fail-shouldn't do- will I be able to apply again for a conductor role?

 

[iceman0303]

Even if you pass assessments but fail at any other stage e.g interviews ec this counts as 1 of your 2 chances, unfair I know.

 

[387star]

Thanks. Do you know if this only applies to guard or driver positions or a set of roles ie fail twice on any two customer service role assessments and that bans you from applying from a large number of different roles in the future?

Meaning given I have failed the concentration test for the guard once and then fail this gateline assessment that would be it for any customer service based role eg station staff

 

[Beveridges]

Failing of any of these components results in 1 of a possible 2 fails which would have you 'banned' for life from taking the Driver Psychometric tests again:

Trainability for Rules and Procedures - Parts 1 (Glop) and 2 (Dials)
Mechanical Comprehension?? ( maybe not anymore as I heard this is no longer a core componant to the testing??)
GBT Concentration Dots
DTG Reactions
Structured Interview

Failing the following do not count as one of your two chances:
SCAAT tests (not a core componant, never has been)
Any Trainability/comprehension type test that has nothing to do Glop or Dials
Any sort of group or team work type assessment
Personality questionaires
Interviews with HR or Driver Managers
Application forms

 

[387star]

What's the glop test? Is that connected to the fault finding

 

[TDK]

What's the glop test? Is that connected to the fault finding

You are read a sentance regarding a certain subject and then need to answer questions on the paragraph read

 

[Beveridges]

You read about 4 paragraphs about Glop (also known as Sandite in real life) then get the papers taken away from you, followed by 18 questions on what you've just read about Glop!
One of the harder tests in my opinion. Apart from the Structured Interview, I think the Glop test is the hardest one. I found the Reactions, Concentration and Dials easy, and the Glop & Mechanical Comprehension tests quite hard and the Structured Interview very hard. But everyone seems to have different opinions on the tests, but I cannot see how anyone can find the Dots hard, due to the excellent practice tool available.