Virgin - CSA.. Selection event question

[Siannn]

Hi, new here, I applied for a job as a casual CSA for VT yesterday and woke up to an email this morning saying I'd been shortlisted and going to Crewe on Wednesday for the event.
Thing is, I know NOTHING about what's going to happen, and it's the first selection event i've ever been to, so I was just wondering if anyone had any information for me about what to expect.

Also.. What should I wear?! Stupid question I know, but I don't know how formal to dress.

Any help would be really apprechiated

Thanks
Sian

 

[Sammy h]

The vacancy hasn't closed yet?

 

[185]

They've done that before. :roll:

 

[RJ]

It's probably best to go for formal suitwear for any recruitment event - best to make a good impression to start with.

Expect to be presented with paragraphs of information and having to extract relevant bits in a very timely manner. Also, arithmetic ability is a must as you'll likely be presented with a grid of ticket prices and a menu, having to do plenty of addition.

The group excercise and interview just require a modicum of composure. If you ensure that you portray your thoughts coherently and in a calm manner, you should sail through.

 

[AlterEgo]

What should I wear?! Stupid question I know, but I don't know how formal to dress.

Any help would be really apprechiated

Thanks
Sian

Wear business attire. I assume you are female, so a trouser suit or similar would be most appropriate. Virgin are not the most formal organisation in the world, but they do expect people to be smart and willing....

Good luck



(FYI I am Virgin staff and have done a selection event before - not for retail staff though)

 

[Siannn]

The vacancy hasn't closed yet?

I applied for the one in Wolverhampton, The vacancy closes tomorrow, although not sure why because the event is tomorrow
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

It's probably best to go for formal suitwear for any recruitment event - best to make a good impression to start with.

Expect to be presented with paragraphs of information and having to extract relevant bits in a very timely manner. Also, arithmetic ability is a must as you'll likely be presented with a grid of ticket prices and a menu, having to do plenty of addition.

The group excercise and interview just require a modicum of composure. If you ensure that you portray your thoughts coherently and in a calm manner, you should sail through.

Thanks, I'll probably fail on the maths test haha, I'm good at maths but I can't work things out super fast, plus the whole group thing scares me, I'm not much of a public speaker!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Wear business attire. I assume you are female, so a trouser suit or similar would be most appropriate. Virgin are not the most formal organisation in the world, but they do expect people to be smart and willing....

Good luck



(FYI I am Virgin staff and have done a selection event before - not for retail staff though)

Yeah I'm female, I was thinking about wearing suit trousers, with a smart top - not a shirt though because I don't have one that fits and then a suit jacket or cardigan. You think that would be ok?
and Thank you i'm really nervous!

 

[AlterEgo]

Suit trousers and a smart top, or a blouse should be just fine. Virgin's Talent Academy is quite informal (I sat on a beanbag for my interview!). Remember to relax and try not to think of it as a competition!

 

[Siannn]

Thanks everyone!

Went today, passed the exams, the group talk and then did the interview and just had a phone call saying I got the job

Medical on friday & training Monday! yay!

x

 

[schwa]

Congratulations Siannn!

Also congratulations to Virgin for having such a fast recruitment process.. Blimey.

 

[RJ]

Thanks everyone!

Went today, passed the exams, the group talk and then did the interview and just had a phone call saying I got the job

Medical on friday & training Monday! yay!

x

Well done!

 

[387star]

Fasted application ever?! wow well done!!

 

[AlterEgo]

Thanks everyone!

Went today, passed the exams, the group talk and then did the interview and just had a phone call saying I got the job

Medical on friday & training Monday! yay!

x

Wow, congrats.

So you'll be based in Wolverhampton? Any idea when you'll start?

 

[Siannn]

Wow, congrats.

So you'll be based in Wolverhampton? Any idea when you'll start?

Thank you, Yeah based on board from Wolverhampton.. No idea, Got 6 days training starting on Monday so soon after that I hope

 

[Sammy h]

I have just been invited to the event for the Preston role next week.

Sian, did they tell you how many hours you would be getting and if there was a chance of a full time contract? I currently work full time, but really want to work in the rail industry so I am trying to find out how many hours are offered.

 

[RJ]

I think casual means freelance in this context. Part/full timers get a contracted amount of hours. Wouldn't be surprised if a full time vacancy comes up at some point though.

 

[AlterEgo]

Wouldn't be surprised if a full time vacancy comes up at some point though.

Owing to Virgin being involved in a franchise bid, they are not able to increase their permanent staffing level. Fixed term contracts for staff expire with the franchise. Depending on who wins the franchise, they may or may not be renewed in late 2012.

 

[87015]

Owing to Virgin being involved in a franchise bid, they are not able to increase their permanent staffing level. Fixed term contracts for staff expire with the franchise. Depending on who wins the franchise, they may or may not be renewed in late 2012.

Really, or is that just the easy option? Other franchises in the last year have been taking on permanent staff, just have to ask the DfT and it'll only get thrown out if its truly unnecessary expenditure.

 

[AlterEgo]

Really, or is that just the easy option? Other franchises in the last year have been taking on permanent staff, just have to ask the DfT and it'll only get thrown out if its truly unnecessary expenditure.

Remember firstly that VT have a slightly fractious relationship with the DfT. These posts are to increase the headcount during the franchise bid; they are not replacing retiring or leaving staff members.

 

[RJ]

Owing to Virgin being involved in a franchise bid, they are not able to increase their permanent staffing level. Fixed term contracts for staff expire with the franchise. Depending on who wins the franchise, they may or may not be renewed in late 2012.

True, but full time roles are still being advertised - there are two 35 hour vacancies on the site at present.

 

[AlterEgo]

True, but full time roles are still being advertised - there are two 35 hour vacancies on the site at present.

Fixed term.

Everything they have offered this calendar year has been fixed-term contract only. They can't really justify increasing permanent staff headcount during a bid.

 

[RJ]

Fixed term.

Everything they have offered this calendar year has been fixed-term contract only. They can't really justify increasing permanent staff headcount during a bid.

I'm not disputing that it's a fixed term contract - temps can still work full time or part time. The distinction between contract length and contracted hours has been lost in translation.

 

[Sammy h]

Just worried really, I suppose if it is weekends I could keep my 9-5 through the week and work weekends until/if something does come up?

Providing I get the job that is.

 

[Siannn]

Just worried really, I suppose if it is weekends I could keep my 9-5 through the week and work weekends until/if something does come up?

Providing I get the job that is.

Hi Sammy, basically, I'm working lots over the summer due to the children being off school and going on holiday so they need extra staff, then there keeping us on to work as and when they need us, It's good if you want to get into the industry because even though they're not taking anyone on full time atm and it's all just fixed term or casual if there bid is successful then there most likely going to take on new staff and if you've got the experience then your more likely to get a full time position, plus a lot of the jobs are advertised internally so you've got more chance. I'd definately go for it, I'm hoping to do this then move on to permanent weekend hours as i'm at uni.
Like my trainer in Crewe said, you just need to get your foot in the door.
I'd stay working full time mon-fri though as they have told us that some weekends we might not get any shifts!
Hope that helped!