Station Assistant application with Merseyrail.

[Jon1]

Hi guys and girls,

I am new to the forum, would just like to say hi an get some information on a recent application. I have applied for a job as a Station assistant for Merseyrail. I have been shortlisted for interview, an I would like to know what kind of questions are asked?

Also it mentions a computer based assessment, could anyone give me more info on the type of test it is and what it's like?

Thankyou in advance for any help!

Regards

 

[First class]

Hi guys and girls,

I am new to the forum, would just like to say hi an get some information on a recent application. I have applied for a job as a Station assistant for Merseyrail. I have been shortlisted for interview, an I would like to know what kind of questions are asked?

Also it mentions a computer based assessment, could anyone give me more info on the type of test it is and what it's like?

Thankyou in advance for any help!

Regards

http://www.theopc.co.uk/tests/safety/detail.jsp?gfx1=NUMST.jpg&id=25
http://www.theopc.co.uk/tests/station/
http://www.theopc.co.uk/tests/customerservice/

These (or something very similar) will no doubt appear during the selection process.

 

[ChrisTheRef]

There will be a written test involving basic reading and writing skills, some basic network geography, timetable reading and a maths test which is based around cashing up at the end of a shift (even though station assistants don't handle cash!)
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Do you know when your interview is or who it's with?

 

[Jon1]

Thankyou for your replies, very helpful responses! Chris my interview date is the 23rd January, not sure on the interviewer! When they rang to tell me about being shortlisted they said can I start on the 30th! Does this mean anything good?

 

[dogman0001]

i also have an interview on the 23rd and i have no idea about this computer based assessment..any help would be nice...

 

[Jon1]

Cool hopefully we do well!

 

[Merseyash]

How did your interviews go i been on railway 30 yrs BR and Merseyrail started off on stations in 1981 was 18 then guard in 1984 before going on footplate in 1986 Merseyrail arnt to bad a company to work for ...

 

[Jon1]

Haven't heard anything yet! Think it went well! Do you know if they ring you or put in writing about if your successful?

 

[ChrisTheRef]

People have received offers through the post today, but there's still question marks over number of vacancies (lots of assistants are about to be promoted) so if you don't get a letter, it's not a bad thing.

 

[Jon1]

What do you mean if you haven't had a letter it's not a bad thing? Will they make contactat a later date?

 

[185]

Even if you fail, and Merseyrail say you failed the assessments, write back to them and ask which assessments you failed on.

I am aware of one astounding error at Merseyrail in which their letter, suggesting "failed the assessments" was later corrected in a phone call to "failed none of the assessments, but only scored 88% at interview". (?!!)

Slight difference I think. If you pass the assessments, remember they are valid at other train companies for a reasonable time period. Locally, this includes London Midland, Northern and ATW.

Good luck matey.

 

[ChrisTheRef]

My flat mate applied for the position, was successful and started his training today. One of our on board cleaners also applied and is yet to hear back. He rang HR who said there's still positions available.
They'll let you know either way, so until you get a letter saying unsuccessful, be optimistic

 

[Jon1]

Cheers thanks for the reply, might give them a ring myself tomorrow and see how I did, and if any are available!

 

[ChrisTheRef]

People are reshuffling at the moment - lots of assistants moving to bigger and better things - so the odds are they mightn't know for a while, but it'll do no harm to ring and ask how you did.

 

[142094]

For those who had the interview, what kind of questions were you asked? Just wondering if it has changed much since the last time I had an interview.

 

[Jon1]

Yea they did say there was another school in a few months, so hopefully they will contact me about that!

The interview questions, where ones like: what would you do if it was quiet on the station? Have I ever dealt with angry customers? Have I ever been in an emergency situation and what did I do?

All regarding customer service as expected with the job role being heavily customer based.
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the questions where ones such as: Have I ever had to deal with angry customers? Have I ever had to deal with an emergency situation and what did i do? What would i do if the station was quiet to keep busy?

Very much customer based as expected
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Never got the position guys!

 

[ChrisTheRef]

Unlucky. Keep submitting your CV and you might get another shot.

I got a job rejection from them today too

 

[First class]

There's "better" TOCs out there mate. Try Northern Rail for your area. Failing that wait until Virgin have either lost/regained the West Coast franchise and full time jobs will start appearing.

Alternatively, jobs in rail can come up:

TPE - Warrington/Manchester
LM - Crewe (traincrew only - long wait though for new applicants!)
ATW - Chester (occasionally appear)

 

[Jon1]

Cheers guys, I will just keep applying and we will see what happens!

 

[Jon1]

Got a phone call off Merseyrail today offering me the chance As a station assistant on a 7 month contract! Would you recommend doing this? Is there a chance of a permanent position? As I am currently on full time employment!

Thanks in advance

 

[LCC106]

GO FOR IT! A great foot in the door, and these types of contracts may well lead to permanent contracts. As someone who used to work in HR, I'm sure if you were to ring them and explain your concerns re continued employment they may be able to put your mind at peace, or confirm if there really is no opportunity to continue with them...

 

[First class]

I would personally not give up a full time permanent position for a 7 month fixed term contract on the railway.

7 months is quite specific, which implies there is a specific reason to employ someone, (major project work/renewals/refurbishment).

You have to be prepared for the worst case of the contract finishing and it not being renewed.

I'd give them a ring and explain your reservations, but tread carefully.

 

[Jon1]

I asked them about it becoming permanent and they said it won't be, I can apply for any vacant that comes up in that 7 months! I always did ask a neighbour who works for Merseyrail and he did say station assistants are only taken on a 6 month contract anyway!

 

[First class]

I asked them about it becoming permanent and they said it won't be, I can apply for any vacant that comes up in that 7 months! I always did ask a neighbour who works for Merseyrail and he did say station assistants are only taken on a 6 month contract anyway!

Wouldn't bother with it myself. 7 months, no extension likely. Either get a promotion or leave. Not keen on them odds or conditions! Very all or nothing isn't it?!

 

[142094]

I echo what LM has said - 7 months down the line and you could find yourself out of a job - plus the job market might be a lot worse in 7 months time as well.

 

[AntoniC]

Its like this in the Civil Service as well.

All new employees at my grade are taken on on Fixed Term Contracts - no permanent contracts.

 

[Jon1]

Thanks guys for your replies. I hear what your saying! I am currently a manager in McDonalds so hopefully if I work my notice they will take me back if it goes belly up. Hopefully though something on a permanent basis will come of it! So I now have a test on thursday, a different one from last time though.

 

[LCC106]

In that case I think it's well worth the gamble! Best of luck to you for Thursday.

 

[jonnyb1978]

Im a guard and been on the stations for 8 years previously. All retailers and station assistant staff are taken on a probationary period for an initial 6 month contract. They are known as roll out staff and can work across the network. Merseyrail will not commit but a job is more or less guaranteed after the 6 or 7 months as they have about 3 training schools a year for these staff, and yes you can put in for other jobs that come up for more static positions.
I would go for it as i can not see you being out of a job later on. Ive not seen it yet so far for this particular reason.

 

[AntoniC]

I get the train from Southport and there is a guy who is a guard NOW, who started off as a Station Assistant, so if your good enough there are prospects for you !.