Failed in my interview for a trainee Train conductor for TFW.

[T Hayward]

Hello everybody! After passing all the SCAAT and other online tests I attended an interview on the 6th of April. I’ve just been notified that I have not been progressed to the talent pool and to say I am disappointed would be an understatement.
They gave very little feedback as to why I was not accepted and I feel like I prepared well for the interview but I was so nervous I feel some of my answers lacked depth. Is there any way I can reapply and try again? Many thanks.

 

[Class2ldn]

Not within 6 months I dont think and only if there are vacancies at that time.
You've probably answered your own question about why you weren't successful.
Just have to try again once you can.

 

[T Hayward]

Not within 6 months I dont think and only if there are vacancies at that time.
You've probably answered your own question about why you weren't successful.
Just have to try again once you can.

Yeah to be honest I was pretty certain I’d fluffed the interview. I was so nervous I couldn’t get my words out. I had held out hope that I’d done enough but alas. No.

So if I’m to retry I have to wait at least 6 months from today? And then find a position. I know I can pass the tests so if another place comes up I won’t hesitate to try again. I know I can do better. I feel like I really let myself and my family down. Thanks for your reply.

 

[387star]

Yeah to be honest I was pretty certain I’d fluffed the interview. I was so nervous I couldn’t get my words out. I had held out hope that I’d done enough but alas. No.

So if I’m to retry I have to wait at least 6 months from today? And then find a position. I know I can pass the tests so if another place comes up I won’t hesitate to try again. I know I can do better. I feel like I really let myself and my family down. Thanks for your reply.

Don't worry about it. I failed my conductor interview internally for Southern at Barnham ten years ago so hopped over to FGW. They told me at the Southern interview at the end that 'It can be hard to move on in the Rail Industry' which seemed like an odd remark

 

[Tevion539]

Yeah to be honest I was pretty certain I’d fluffed the interview. I was so nervous I couldn’t get my words out. I had held out hope that I’d done enough but alas. No.

So if I’m to retry I have to wait at least 6 months from today? And then find a position. I know I can pass the tests so if another place comes up I won’t hesitate to try again. I know I can do better. I feel like I really let myself and my family down. Thanks for your reply.

There is also conductor positions that come up regularly. You could also apply for one of those within the six months as it is a different job role.

 

[Bigticket]

The beauty is you've already passed your tests. That's it done and it lasts I believe 5 years. So while you may not be able to apply for jobs at that company for 6 months, if jobs open up again there's no harm in saying nothing and just applying. You've only 'failed' the interview i.e. other people were preferred candidates to you on this occasion. It's not the end of the world.

If I were you I'd be searching every train operator in the land to apply for a trainee job, even ping emails to careers/HR departments with a CV and brief cover letter and make clear you've passed your OPC testing which puts you right up the front of the queue. Obviously this assumes you'd be willing to relocate to within an hour of whatever depot you'd be applying for and if so then also make that abundantly clear in your message.

You'll likely get the standard "Ty for your email, keep checking our careers page...." but then when something does open up you can apply then follow up that email with a reply to say you've now applied for trainee driver position yadda yadda. It's all about polite pestering to make sure you get yourself spotted among the bazillions of applicants. You never know, someone might just see your email after a meeting about recruitment and think 'hey, this guy is really keen, I'm just gonna give him a chance'.

TPE Driver wishing you luck. Let us know how you get on.

 

[SmithyCM2000]

Hi, I have an interview coming up soon for qualified conductors, I’m an absolute mess when it comes to interviews, please can anyone remember what kind of questions they asked. I’ve researched TFW, I know the role of the conductor as I’m already doing the job, other questions would be greatly appreciated. TIA

 

[Tevion539]

Hi, I have an interview coming up soon for qualified conductors, I’m an absolute mess when it comes to interviews, please can anyone remember what kind of questions they asked. I’ve researched TFW, I know the role of the conductor as I’m already doing the job, other questions would be greatly appreciated. TIA

They'll likely ask you to name times when you've demonstrated good customer service, attention to health and safety, times when you've been resilient etc... All the usual stuff. How do you deal with fare evaders etc.... Try and include as much detail as possible include stuff like "thinking like a customer". As a qualified conductor, you'll know that safety comes before anything.

Research the routes that you could serve on the off chance they ask what you know about the routes. They did with me....

 

[SmithyCM2000]

They'll likely ask you to name times when you've demonstrated good customer service, attention to health and safety, times when you've been resilient etc... All the usual stuff. How do you deal with fare evaders etc.... Try and include as much detail as possible include stuff like "thinking like a customer". As a qualified conductor, you'll know that safety comes before anything.

Research the routes that you could serve on the off chance they ask what you know about the routes. They did with me....

Thank you I’ve looked at the routes also it’s stupid how nervous I get ‍♀️

 

[SmithyCM2000]

I got offered the job Waiting for a date now (it’s talent pool) so not sure how long it’ll take

 

[Tevion539]

I got offered the job Waiting for a date now (it’s talent pool) so not sure how long it’ll take

Well done!!! I assume you went for Crewe, which is a big depot. Hopefully not a terribly long wait! Good luck!

 

[SmithyCM2000]

Yes for Crewe. Hopefully not to long to wait no Where are u based?

 

[Tevion539]

Yes for Crewe. Hopefully not to long to wait no Where are u based?

Cardiff, mainline. Might see you around when you get the call.

 

[KaiTucker]

I got offered the job Waiting for a date now (it’s talent pool) so not sure how long it’ll take

Hey mate I have an assessment day/interview for this position tomorrow! what kind of questions were asked if you don't mind me asking? i have already prepared for a ton of questions but would be helpful to know what questions you were asked

 

[ayaz2001]

same thing happened to me last month for northern, still waiting for feedback i requested. i felt like the perfect candidate but idk where i went wrong.

 

[mugatneysface]

Hello everybody! After passing all the SCAAT and other online tests I attended an interview on the 6th of April. I’ve just been notified that I have not been progressed to the talent pool and to say I am disappointed would be an understatement.
They gave very little feedback as to why I was not accepted and I feel like I prepared well for the interview but I was so nervous I feel some of my answers lacked depth. Is there any way I can reapply and try again? Many thanks.

Hi buddy did you have to do a group assessment day before your interview?