Virgin Train Selection Day

[david22294]

Hi All,

I have been advised my application was successful and that I have to attend a selection day. Its for CSA onboard. Can anyone explain to me the medical checks that they do if i get that far? I ask because my weight is a few stone over the "Normal" BMI and I am trying to understand if you can fail the medical for being over weight. There was noting on the application form or website about this?????

Hope someone can help.

 

[causton]

Being someone who has undertaken a medical for a railway position, being a few stone over 'normal' and having no comment at all made, makes me think the threshold is pretty generous and you should be fine. After all, you see a lot of CSAs that aren't exactly skinny and as long as it doesn't restrict your ability to do your job i'm sure it's fine!

 

[calc7]

I imagine your customer service attitude will hold far more weight than your weight.

 

[RJ]

Hi All,

I have been advised my application was successful and that I have to attend a selection day. Its for CSA onboard. Can anyone explain to me the medical checks that they do if i get that far? I ask because my weight is a few stone over the "Normal" BMI and I am trying to understand if you can fail the medical for being over weight. There was noting on the application form or website about this?????

Hope someone can help.

Unless you have problems walking through a train without having to go sideways, you will be fine. Congratulations!

 

[AlexS]

I know plenty of railway staff who can't get down aisles without turning sideways - it doesn't appear to hinder them in the slightest, ha :P

 

[spyontheinside]

The medical for onboard CSA is not safety critical. Its urine sample for drugs etc, eye sight and hearing.

Good luck, there's about 6 internal staff also going for the role (currently onboard staff now with fixed term contracts).

^ Providing this is for the CSA Onboard @ Preston.

The interview has 3 parts;

1. Written exam

If you pass this you go to the next stage.

2. Group excercise.

If you pass this you go to the next stage.

3. Actual interview.

Once offered a position you have to pass a medical before you can start.

 

[david22294]

Thanks everyone for your comments. You have put my mind at ease. I wonder how many postions they are??? I have always wanted to work for Virgin so even getting this far is a great feeling

 

[spyontheinside]

Manchester depot are recruiting about 8 onboard CSAs. Preston only 1, although they have just listed another role for Preston, so technically 2, but the 2nd is still open.

The first test is easy. Its a 2 part test.

1. You get a menu with a price list, the questions are like; customer x gives you £20 for a packet of crisps and a bottle of water, how much change do you give them...

2. The next test is a read a paragraph first type one, then there's a question with mutli choice options.

Top tip for the second test....read the question first, then find the answer in the paragraph. Its a timed test so the more you get right the better. Some people take ages to read the paragraph and never finish it.

They ALWAYS change the group exercise, some example of what they have done previously...

Theres normally no more then 4 people in these at this stage, after the first test they bin off about 6 people.

You might get a list of 20 items, and you have a scenario your stranded at sea, you have to discuss which order of items you should keep in priority, like fishing net, oil lamp, mirror, map, flashlight etc.

You might be given a scenario where one of you reads a paragraph about a topic like 'smoking in public' and you all discuss why you think its good or not.

The group exercise is all about how you react with others, remember to listen to others, make your point, but prompt others who may not be talking much. Dont be the hero, and dont be the one who doesnt talk.

Good luck.