Virgin Trains: Platform Customer Service Assistant (Wolverhampton)

[CraigStar]

Hi guys,

Long term lurker, first time poster here.

I have found out this evening that I have an assessment next Wednesday at Virgin's Talent Academy for the role of Platform Customer Service Assistant (Wolverhampton). The email says that the day will involve a testing, a group exercise, and an interview. Does anyone have any more detail about this, I'd rather not go into this totally unprepared! Also, does anyone know roughly how long the day lasts?

Thanks for any comments!

 

[pinguini]

I've attended one of these myself and depending upon how well you do, you could be there for 4-5 hours.

Assuming your role is Platforms only, you will have 2 written/individual tests; one just a basic comprehension test based upon information given to you in the exam booklet about station procedures. The second is quite an intensive listening exercise. This test is designed to assess your ability to remain focussed on noises for an extended period whilst being distracted. You will be required to listen for the sounds stated as required for safe dispatch (Girls shouts train ready to depart, then a whistle then a train horn). You will be required to answer additional questions from passengers using an information sheet whilst determining whether or not the train is safe to be dispatched.

With the group exercise; take control immediately from the word go. DO not allow for any awkward silences or gaps in convesation. Never interupt (apologise if you do) but ensure you are taking an active role.

There is little preperation that you can do for the Platform assessments. You can either do it or you cant.

 

[williams210809]

I'm on this Wednesday, I've applied for 6 jobs with Virgin been binned off once, the others are showing candidate processing or recently applied. I tried a slightly different approach by taking my CV, references, cover letter, and printed off application in to them in person, hopefully this stood me out from a few people.

 

[craigybagel]

With the group exercise; take control immediately from the word go. DO not allow for any awkward silences or gaps in convesation. Never interupt (apologise if you do) but ensure you are taking an active role.

Be careful with the idea of "taking control" in the group conversation - whilst it is true that they don't like awkward silences and gaps, and you need to be seen to be actively taking part, you don't want to be too controlling or dominant either - it's as much about being able to listen as being able to talk, since it's people with great team skills and customer service they're looking for.

That said, best advice I can give as someone who's done the job with them, just relax and enjoy yourself on the day, don't get too worked up. It's positive and outgoing people they're looking for. If you can show that, you're already half way there.