Virgin trains

[allticketspls]

Thanks again for all your help guys, the recruitment day is on Friday so no long to go.

Been practicing some maths questions and done some research on virgin trains history etc so I go in to the interview with some knowledge, not a lot more I can do now, just pray, be confident and smile.

Wish me luck

Wish you all the luck, if you get the job, come visit us poor souls at Euston ;P

 

[RJ]

The test really isn't all that difficult. Just basic maths and being able to handle different information. If a person has a discount card that gives 20% off at certain times you check the fare on a fares list then work out how much change you have to give them from the amount they give you. It really is a simple test.

Just walk in relaxed and this part of the assessment will be a breeze.

It's a simple test, but with very strict time limits. For literacy I was given 10 minutes to complete 30 questions and for numeracy, 12 minutes for 45 questions. I had to forego one or two of the more complicated questions in order to scoop the marks in for the simpler ones.

 

[Sammy h]

Thanks RJ, what about after the exams? Are the exams the first thing?

I am quite confident with my maths and numeracy and can work quite quickly so I am quietly confident on these. Touch wood.

Very excited for it now!

 

[185]

Tends to be-
(am)
Assessments
Group Exercise
(pm)
Interviews

 

[RJ]

Exams usually come first, then group exercise/role play, then interview.

 

[Sammy h]

Absolutely gutted.

Got through the tests ok and didn't get past the group exercuse. There were nine of us in the group exercise and fI've made it through, there were two positions too.

Thought I did well, listened well an spoke and got my point across well, but nit too well as advised. But it wasn't to be. Will ring up next week and see where I went wrong.

I will keep my eyes peeled and fingers crossed I get in to the industry sooner rather than later.

 

[AlterEgo]

Sorry to hear about that - hope get the job you want soon.

 

[Asian Demon]

Absolutely gutted.

Got through the tests ok and didn't get past the group exercuse. There were nine of us in the group exercise and fI've made it through, there were two positions too.

Thought I did well, listened well an spoke and got my point across well, but nit too well as advised. But it wasn't to be. Will ring up next week and see where I went wrong.

I will keep my eyes peeled and fingers crossed I get in to the industry sooner rather than later.

Don't take it as a negative. These things happen. If anything phone up and ask for feedback which they will give you. It'll look good on you and it'll help you to prepare for any future jobs in rail that you go for. I wish you the best of luck for your future job prospects.

 

[185]

Until now, I'd tried to not slate Virgin Trains Recruitment as being grossly unfair on this thread, but I think it's time.

You probably were one of the best candidates, but Virgin for a long time have used that stupid sham of a group exercise to get candidates through that they'd already made there mind up on.

Don't get too downhearted, they have been getting away with this for 14 years now, but hopefully not for much longer.

 

[Sammy h]

I know what you mean, it just had no relevance to the job role what so ever, I was so disappointed with myself as I thought I presented myself really well and wanted an interview to show them how dedicated and committed I am.

It sounds cringy, but it really was/is my dream job. I will keep my eyes peeled and hopefully something comes up soon and I will apply again. They will have to let me in eventually

Will ring them tomorrow and find out where I went wrong. I will stick around the forums and keep picking up hints/tips. I actually quite enjoy it

 

[185]

At one event they invited 19 people for 2 jobs, and the two Virgin internal candidates both got jobs. (neither had said they were, until me and a friend recognised them as temps). Most others wasted £11 on rail travel to/from Virgin's Tatton House in Crewe.

 

[AlterEgo]

Well, I managed to get myself a great job with Virgin through the normal assessment process. I had no contacts within the company, nor any previous rail experience.

Just providing the other side of the coin.

 

[Asian Demon]

Same as above. I had no railway experience or knew anyone in the company or anything like that. I saw the vacancy and applied as it was something I thought I would enjoy doing. Lo and behold I got the job and I can say I love it. There are two sides to everything I guess.

 

[Sammy h]

Can anyone tell me if I would need any rail experience for the job below? It isn't that clear and I want to double check before applying as I don't want to look an idiot.

http://www.northern.engageats.co.uk...e7Ssle7tJZNh6/Lkm6dgAlFTKmy8jw6XqXiEqZ1+RKp0I

Thanks.

 

[RJ]

Can anyone tell me if I would need any rail experience for the job below? It isn't that clear and I want to double check before applying as I don't want to look an idiot.

http://www.northern.engageats.co.uk...e7Ssle7tJZNh6/Lkm6dgAlFTKmy8jw6XqXiEqZ1+RKp0I

Thanks.

No harm in trying. The worst they can do is say no .

 

[Asian Demon]

Can anyone tell me if I would need any rail experience for the job below? It isn't that clear and I want to double check before applying as I don't want to look an idiot.

http://www.northern.engageats.co.uk...e7Ssle7tJZNh6/Lkm6dgAlFTKmy8jw6XqXiEqZ1+RKp0I

Thanks.

It's better to apply and get a no than not apply and never know. Trust me. I applied to a lot of other rail jobs until I got the one I have now, and funnily enough..... I couldn't ask for a better job

 

[RJ]

Same here, keep trying and something always comes up!

 

[185]

Driver Operator / Blackpool Enfield Road CS...

Yes, you should apply, it's an entry level job and all training is provided. Very sought after job as it's a standard route into becoming a driver but certainly worth applying for.

Good luck, and even if you don't get it, you can then easily and quickly apply for other Northern jobs once you've set up the online application profile.

 

[Sammy h]

Thanks again for all your advice, can't believe how helpful everyone is!

I will apply for it tonight, it's good to know that Northern save your details so you can apply quickly again.

Just check the virgin website and there is a vacancy for Preston so will try my luck with them again. I have called a couple of times to get my feedback, but keep getting told I will be called back. Hopefully soon!

Thanks again guys, hopefully one of these two is the one!

 

[Lampshade]

Information kiosk vacancy? Why ever not?

 

[Sammy h]

I was referring to the CSA on board vacancy Full time.

Applied for that and the Northern vacancy. Fingers and toes crossed once more.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Anyone heard anything from northern yet?

Keeping my eyes out for jobs in the north west, but they are few and far between. Fingers crossed I hear back from the CSA on board role at Preston.

 

[Lampshade]

The Information Kiosk CSA vacancy at Preston closes tonight, here's to hoping I get somewhere
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Hmm, how long, typically, is it between the applications closing and hearing a squeak?

 

[AlterEgo]

The Information Kiosk CSA vacancy at Preston closes tonight, here's to hoping I get somewhere
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Hmm, how long, typically, is it between the applications closing and hearing a squeak?

It took me about a week or two to learn that I'd been invited to a recruitment event, which is usually the next stage in the process.

Best of luck.

 

[Asian Demon]

It varies. I waited around a month before I heard anything and only had a week notice prior to the recruitment event.

Best of luck.

 

[voyagerdude220]

I'm curious as to whether anyone has heard anything from VT, regarding their recent job applications, as one or two people earlier in the thread have applied?

 

[blankBook]

I recently applied for Customer Service/Onboard for Virgin Trains. I worked hard to complete the application and submit it. If I remember correctly I submitted the application 2 weeks before the closing date. To note, I have just recently recieved an email from Virgin Trains:

Thank you for your application for the above position with Virgin Trains.

Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming response to this vacancy, we are not able to invite you to a recruitment event. On this occasion we received over 400 applications for 2 available positions.

However, please do continue to visit the Virgin Trains Careers website and apply for any vacancies you may be interested in.

Yours Sincerely

The Recruitment Team .

Since there were so many applicants for this position, my question is did they even look at my application before sending me a rejection note via email. How do you even begin to compete with this much competition for jobs?

 

[voyagerdude220]

Yep I got that as well "BlankBook"- welcome to the forum btw!

My very first application to VT last May got me an interview last June, where I reached the final interview.

Since then, I've applied for 6-7 ish times for various station/onboard roles, with a very similar response to what we've got today.

Lets hope the people who do get this role are extremely good, to justify their position over others like ourselves.

 

[Lampshade]

I'm curious as to whether anyone has heard anything from VT, regarding their recent job applications, as one or two people earlier in the thread have applied?

I submitted my application on the 8th June, it closed on the 15th - I've still not heard anything and been logging in at least twice a day to check

Knowing my luck I'll be invited to a recruitment event between 28th July - 5th August, when I'm on holiday hock:

Since there were so many applicants for this position, my question is did they even look at my application before sending me a rejection note via email. How do you even begin to compete with this much competition for jobs?

Out of interest, where was the position you applied for?

 

[blankBook]

The position was On-board/Virgin Trains/Customer Service Assistant based in Preston, Lancashire. Good luck to you, seems very competitive and I am just going to keep on trying. Eventually Virgin Trains will have to say yes lol

 

[Lampshade]

The position was On-board/Virgin Trains/Customer Service Assistant based in Preston, Lancashire. Good luck to you, seems very competitive and I am just going to keep on trying. Eventually Virgin Trains will have to say yes lol

Aha, another forum member applied for that one as well

I applied for the Information Kiosk CSA, also at Preston. I can't get my head round "over 400 applications for 2 vacancies", I genuinely thought it'd be around the 30/40 mark, talk about underestimations hock: