Why do you want to be a train driver?

[leeds guard]

I have my managers interview this week in leeds and find what should be the easiest question the hardest to answer. "why do you want to be a train driver?"

Money is a big motivator, I also like trains but I suspect they want something a bit more in depth.

How did you answer?

 

[Class2ldn]

Doing the job for money is a big no no as the job is not for everyone . The money is great but I suspect mentioning it at interview will be a big disadvantage lol. Do you like working with people, being part of a team, doing a job where you get to travel within reason? Don't forget it takes a lot to get your key and is definitely a job you can feel proud of achieving. I wouldn't mention being interested in trains as sometimes it can put them off as they think your going to be more concerned with what train you've just passed rather then the signal in front lol. It's a long term secure career as long as you play by the rules . Not much I know but hopefully gives you something to think about.
Cheers

 

[Cherry_Picker]

It's one of the few jobs in the world where you can say you have wanted to do it since you were a kid and they will believe you. Obviously that cant be your only reason, but it worked for me.

 

[Silv1983]

I take it's for Northern? I wasn't asked why I wanted to be a train driver; but I was asked what sort of person makes a good one. No harm in mentioning pay and conditions IF they asked why you want to be a train driver for that company specifically - but if it's a general question use reasons that are qualities in themselves.

 

[Beveridges]

If its Northern then they ask you on your application form why you want this job, so surely you have already answered the question on your app form? It is a question they tend to ask in interviews as well though

 

[stargazer]

Is this for the job advertised on the 17th October?

 

[Beveridges]

I take it you are a Guard at the moment (judging by your username) so you could say that you want to progress in your railway career. You could say that your current role has given you a good insight into what a driver does and you believe that you would enjoy the role of a mainline driver and it would provide more job satisfaction.
You could also say that after being a Guard for X amount of years you are now looking for a new and challenging role and would enjoy learning new skills. You can also add that you would like to do more to help Northern build on its PPM to achieve its 94% reliability target and would enjoy helping passengers get from A to B (the sort of corporate stuff they like to hear I think).
You can also add things like you want the role because you believe you have the right skills to do it, and you could even say that you enjoy working alone as thats what you'll be doing if you get the job obviously.
I think mentioning the salary is not required as it goes without saying that the salary is a motivator, it would be like stating the obvious, so cant see that gaining any points in your interview score.

 

[TDK]

I take it you are a Guard at the moment (judging by your username) so you could say that you want to progress in your railway career. You could say that your current role has given you a good insight into what a driver does and you believe that you would enjoy the role of a mainline driver and it would provide more job satisfaction.
You could also say that after being a Guard for X amount of years you are now looking for a new and challenging role and would enjoy learning new skills. You can also add that you would like to do more to help Northern build on its PPM to achieve its 94% reliability target and would enjoy helping passengers get from A to B (the sort of corporate stuff they like to hear I think).
You can also add things like you want the role because you believe you have the right skills to do it, and you could even say that you enjoy working alone as thats what you'll be doing if you get the job obviously.
I think mentioning the salary is not required as it goes without saying that the salary is a motivator, it would be like stating the obvious, so cant see that gaining any points in your interview score.

Hmmmm and so will hundreds of other give these answers, you need to be original and tell them why YOU want to be a train driver and not why anyone else wants to! The best way is to be honest and original with what you want!