roles in the rail industry

[Andrew32]

As previously mentioned, I am due to attend a second interview for a conductor position and I'm thinking of approaching it with a different attitude this time.

I'm currently on around 17k and intend to mention that I would be open to accept a job at a lower grade in order to get eventual employment as a conductor with Northern.

I pay 1k in traveling costs per year so wages around 16,500 would be ok with the free travel on offer.

Is there many jobs that pay around that and possible overtime with them roles too?

 

[Silv1983]

As previously mentioned, I am due to attend a second interview for a conductor position and I'm thinking of approaching it with a different attitude this time.

I'm currently on around 17k and intend to mention that I would be open to accept a job at a lower grade in order to get eventual employment as a conductor with Northern.

I pay 1k in traveling costs per year so wages around 16,500 would be ok with the free travel on offer.

Is there many jobs that pay around that and possible overtime with them roles too?

I think Despatch/Customer Service staff at Northern start around that mark, conductors much higher after the training period + a fair bit of overtime.

Don't sell yourself short however, by volunteering information such as how low you'd be willing to go salary wise or that you'd 'do any job' based on salary alone. You've applied for a conductor role - and they'll want to know why you'd be a good conductor. The interviewers won't be interested in your current pay situation! The railways isn't the sort of industry where the interviewers will turn and nod at each other if you pipe up that'd you'd take lower pay than the competition. Best of luck.

 

[156441]

Agree with the above. Sell yourself as a conductor. The HR management structure in the railway is so large that your mention of wanting to be considered for other roles will not do you any favours at all as the people interviewing you will be local conductor managers who want to fill their vacancies not the vacancies of other departments and managers.

Remember the people interviewing you want to know that if they progress you you'll be able to pass the psychometric testing, pass the conductor course and do the day to day training. I was told that to get a qualified conductor from street to working trains costs the TOC around £40k. They don't want someone who will sell themselves short.

I appreciate that you've done your research already but the main things they want to hear is that you can cope with long shifts (starting extremely early and finishing late)
That you can deal with the punters and most importantly you don't want to sod off driving after 12 months!! (Try mentioning that you'd like to develop into an conductor instructor in the future and you see Northern as a good company for internal progression for extra brownie points)!

All in all good luck!!

 

[455driver]

You are going for a conductor role so sell that, the other stuff is not relevant to the interview and only makes you sound desperate.

They are looking for people who want to be conductors.

 

[Andrew32]

Thanks for the advice guy's, really appreciate it.

I have been through all of my tests already, my previous interview score ran out whilst I was in the talent pool.

I have been a vice-president at a social club which involved alot of decision making and dispute solving and interaction with members. There was also ticket selling and money handling and light account work involved so I guess that should be of benefit to me.

I was also in the st johns ambulance for a few years and have worked in front line services with my current employer for nearly 17 years since leaving school.

Thanks for the tip regarding mentioning that I'd like to become a conductor minder at some point as I would.

Thanks again guys

 

[156441]

Make sure you mention you've already passed the assessments in any future application and interview and also say you've been in the talent pool before. This may also fast track your application.

 

[TomBoyd]

Have you thought about signalling? Much better pay...

 

[Andrew32]

I wouldn't have a clue where to start and as to where depots and vacancies are tbh, lol.