Virgin casual CSA

[Sammy h]

I have just gone online to check the status of my above application and it now reads 'online tests'

A month or so ago I was invited to a recruitment event for the same job (not casual) and I didn't have to do tests? Does anyone know what's going on?

I notice thenl girl on here from Wolverhampton who got the job super quick, she didn't mention tests?

I have checked my emails and nothing in there, I will leave it until tomorrow and see if I get anything.

 

[RJ]

From what I can gather, the normal process is send application, receive an invite to a recruitment event, send in relevant documentation, commence training at the academy then start work, assuming you're successful at all stages.

What the online status says is not always accurate, best to speak to someone in the recruitment department.

 

[Sammy h]

Spoke to recruitment today and was told not to worry, they are always moving applications into different folders due to the volume of applications so I guess I just have to sit tight.

 

[blankBook]

I applied for a job recently as a Casual Customer Service Assistant/Onboard at Virgin Trains but my online application still says open. The lack of jobs out there and applying for a few vacancies is annoying and frustrating.

 

[Sammy h]

Been invited to a recruitment event next week. Get in!

 

[FManc]

I've been invited to the recruitment event on the 28th for the casual CSA role. Never thought I'd even hear back from Virgin tbh! It'd be the perfect job - mostly weekend work which is what I'm after as I'm at university atm! I'm REALLY nervous about the interview :cry: I'm thinking of entering the transport sector when I graduate next year, so this would be the perfect stepping stone for me! Anyone got any tips for the whole process? What are the two tests we take? Maths and.....? What does the group exercise consist of? Aaaaaargh so many questions haha! Thanks

 

[Sammy h]

Does it say just weekend work? I know it is a casual role, but I was hoping that it would lead to a full time role?

Is it a waste of time if I attend?

 

[FManc]

Does it say just weekend work? I know it is a casual role, but I was hoping that it would lead to a full time role?

Is it a waste of time if I attend?

Eeeeeerm well the advertisement says "You will work mainly on weekends and the hours will be variable". So I presumed it was mainly weekend work but you could be working a range of hours within those 2 days. Though the word "mainly" does suggest that you could be working some weekdays. Basically I'm not sure lol!

 

[RJ]

Does it say just weekend work? I know it is a casual role, but I was hoping that it would lead to a full time role?

Is it a waste of time if I attend?

This is the job advert - http://www.virgintrainscareers.co.uk/Exp/Vacancy.aspx?VacancyId=47174

I advise you go and see what they have to say.

 

[Siannn]

Does it say just weekend work? I know it is a casual role, but I was hoping that it would lead to a full time role?

Is it a waste of time if I attend?

I don't know if they are all the same type of hours but for mine in Wolverhampton it's working fri-mon so the busy times when people will be leaving/coming back from holidays, and they said were guareented shifts over that period because theres just not enough staff to cover all the shifts then once it's back to term time, it will quieten down and will just be like 1 shift a week or whatever they can fit it.
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I've been invited to the recruitment event on the 28th for the casual CSA role. Never thought I'd even hear back from Virgin tbh! It'd be the perfect job - mostly weekend work which is what I'm after as I'm at university atm! I'm REALLY nervous about the interview :cry: I'm thinking of entering the transport sector when I graduate next year, so this would be the perfect stepping stone for me! Anyone got any tips for the whole process? What are the two tests we take? Maths and.....? What does the group exercise consist of? Aaaaaargh so many questions haha! Thanks

The first test is like an english test, just reading passages of info and then picking out the relevant bits to answer the question.. it's pretty simple so don't worry ! Apparently the group exercises change but mine was basically just that they gave us a scenario and we just had to talk through it as a group... just don't get nervous and try to forget that you have about 6/7 people watching you! Your'll be fine, just make sure you talk enough but not too much so they can see you are a good listener aswell !

 

[FManc]

I don't know if they are all the same type of hours but for mine in Wolverhampton it's working fri-mon so the busy times when people will be leaving/coming back from holidays, and they said were guareented shifts over that period because theres just not enough staff to cover all the shifts then once it's back to term time, it will quieten down and will just be like 1 shift a week or whatever they can fit it.
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The first test is like an english test, just reading passages of info and then picking out the relevant bits to answer the question.. it's pretty simple so don't worry ! Apparently the group exercises change but mine was basically just that they gave us a scenario and we just had to talk through it as a group... just don't get nervous and try to forget that you have about 6/7 people watching you! Your'll be fine, just make sure you talk enough but not too much so they can see you are a good listener aswell !

Cheers for the advice Siannn!
The recruitment day is tomorrow....I'm nervous lol! I feel like I haven't prepared enough, but ah well I'll find out tomorrow.
God I'm gonna have to get up soooo early to get to Crewe. Booooo
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Well that wasn't as bad as it could have been! We were cut down in numbers from 9 down to 4 and then to 2 Don't feel I performed that well during the final individual interview but ah well guess I'll find out soon! The position is weekend only with the possibilty of 13 hour shifts! Haha

 

[Sammy h]

Hi FManc,

I now know who you are, it was cut down to three wasn't it? Me, you and the lady?

Nervy interview and don't think I have got it, but we will see.

 

[RJ]

Hi FManc,

I now know who you are, it was cut down to three wasn't it? Me, you and the lady?

Nervy interview and don't think I have got it, but we will see.

Relax - you did well to get through to the interview stage. I don't think you'll have to wait more than a day to hear back, best of luck.

 

[FManc]

Hi FManc,

I now know who you are, it was cut down to three wasn't it? Me, you and the lady?

Nervy interview and don't think I have got it, but we will see.

Hiya! Hmmmmm I don't think that was me.....it was cut down to me and another lad only.

 

[Sammy h]

Possibly a different event, was yours for the role at Preston?

 

[FManc]

Manchester!
What did they say about hours to you?

 

[Sammy h]

Just weekends they said to me.

 

[FManc]

I got the job proper chuffed!

 

[blankBook]

Cracking, I just checked my email and have recieved an email from Virgin Trains to attend a selection event next Tuesday. My question is what can I expect and how long does the selection test last? Is it a whole day, from 9 - 5 ?

 

[FManc]

Cracking, I just checked my email and have recieved an email from Virgin Trains to attend a selection event next Tuesday. My question is what can I expect and how long does the selection test last? Is it a whole day, from 9 - 5 ?

Hi, well the whole day was quite pleasant. Basically there were 9 of us starting the day in the kitchen/staff room. The day went like :

1) Comprehension Test (32 qtns in 10 mins)
This was pretty simple I thought, I managed to answer all 32.
It was all related to train info.

2) Maths Test (45 qtns in 12 mins)
This was more difficult...only managed to answer just over half in the time.
This was all related to ticket prices, food costs, orders etc....

After the tests 5 people hadn't made it through. Then we had the group interview.

3) Group Interview
We had to sit infront of 6/7 staff and discuss between the 4 of us who we would take to space with us out of a list of about 18 people. YOU HAVE TO TALK HERE. Another two didn't make it through this stage and they happened to be the one's who spoke the least.

4) One-to-one Interview.
So there were only 2 of us left by this point. I was taken to a room where there was one person asking the questions (train manager), another writing notes and another person just sat there lol! They just ask you questions similar and exact to the ones they ask you on the application form about 'describe a situation etc....'

We had to be there at 9.30am and I think I was finished just after 12pm.

Good Luck!

 

[blankBook]

I struggle with numerical tests/testing, I always fail at them though I am not too worried about the verbal comprehension test. The Virgin Trains application itself was quite a tough obstacle, but I passed it, now I have to contend with more tougher obstacles.

Do you have to pass both of these in order to get through the next round of the selection event? Any advice as to how I can prepare for the numerical tests?

 

[FManc]

I struggle with numerical tests/testing, I always fail at them though I am not too worried about the verbal comprehension test. The Virgin Trains application itself was quite a tough obstacle, but I passed it, now I have to contend with more tougher obstacles.

Do you have to pass both of these in order to get through the next round of the selection event? Any advice as to how I can prepare for the numerical tests?

Yep there is a pass mark for each test that you need to achieve. You have to pass both tests to get through to the next stage.

For the maths test just make sure you can add/subtract/divide/multiply large-ish numbers i.e. £20.56+£17.49 etc.. They give you scrap paper for working. They'll also be some qtns related to train times, they were pretty simple.

 

[Taz9290]

Hi im a bit new to all this. I was just wondering ive been invited to a recruitment event next week for a csa role with virgin trains. when you reply to confirm your attendance should you receive a message back from virgin trains? Thanks

 

[blankBook]

Gutted, I didn't make the cut. Apparently I was too slow on the numeracy test, they said I flew though the verbal test. Anyway, I am just going to improve my mental arithmetic and carry on applying to Virgin Trains. I will eventually make it.

 

[FManc]

Hi im a bit new to all this. I was just wondering ive been invited to a recruitment event next week for a csa role with virgin trains. when you reply to confirm your attendance should you receive a message back from virgin trains? Thanks

I was worried about the same thing, but no don't worry you won't get a message back from Virgin! Good luck.
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Gutted, I didn't make the cut. Apparently I was too slow on the numeracy test, they said I flew though the verbal test. Anyway, I am just going to improve my mental arithmetic and carry on applying to Virgin Trains. I will eventually make it.

Aaaaaaw unlucky mate! Just keep on trying

 

[Avenger20]

Hi there, thanks for posting the above info, I have a selection event in Glasgow tomorrow! Just wondered if you should bring anything with you? CV or certificates of attainment?

Cheers, Cammy

 

[scotsman]

Hi there, thanks for posting the above info, I have a selection event in Glasgow tomorrow! Just wondered if you should bring anything with you? CV or certificates of attainment?

Cheers, Cammy

Hey, welcome to the forum!

Firstly, well done on getting to the selection event, hopefully you've gleaned how that will work from the thread.

Secondly, unless Virgin asked for it - don't bring it. The time for a CV was the application, which clearly was good enough to get you this far. Certificates will likely be asked for (if at all!) by a manager if you are successful in the interview.

Just re-read the email/letter Virgin sent you to make sure.

Best of luck!

 

[Avenger20]

Much like FManc, I got the job!

I have a question though for those in the position, when attending the medical, do you wear smart clothing like you wore to the interview?

Cheers, Cammy

 

[RJ]

Much like FManc, I got the job!

I have a question though for those in the position, when attending the medical, do you wear smart clothing like you wore to the interview?

Cheers, Cammy

No. Congratulations!

 

[Fincra5]

Are the tests like the ones at Southern? - Multiple Choice

Cheers.