Trolley Dolly @ Scotrail. Hints and tips?

everycloud · 2nd May 2012, 10:16

I recently applied for an On Train Hospitality Assistant job with Scotrail. I have previously applied for other station roles and never got further than the inital online form which asks your details. So when I saw this and applied, it eventually invited me to do the online assesment for arithmetic and reasoning... passed this and now awaiting interview date.

I have read most of the Scotrail posts on here and application process so have some expectations of what comes next. Slightly concerned about the medical, have had problems with my left ear and this has affected my hearing. I am also overweight and have read that BMI must be under 33. I am borderline so doing all I can to lose weight incase my interview is successful. For the trolley dolly job, are these just as important as say, a driver medical may be?

Also, what is the interview and training process like? I'd say I'm naturally pretty good with people and usually fare well in interviews but is there anything special they are looking for?

Also, would like to hear how a typical shift goes, I have an idea in my head but would be great to hear from someone with experience. Really looking forward to a job on the railways, so while this role is typically entry level, I am keen to explore other opportunities if they arise.

Thanks in advance.

Cherry_Picker · 5th May 2012, 19:12

I dont think Scotrail catering staff are safety critical, though I may be wrong. It should have said on the advert if they are though.

Trolley staff have to be good with money, obviously, but often they are the face of the company too. Passengers tend to have longer interactions with trolley/catering staff than almost anybody else who works on the railway, certainly on board trains. In that regard I guess having a bit of charisma comes in very handy without being overbearing. You will probably get asked all kinds of questions about journeys too (ie, where do I change to get to X or what time is my connecting train to y) and while knowing the answers to these questions isnt key I think they are always appreciated by the passenger and the company so having a decent background knowledge of how the railway runs and being able to articulate that is a key secondary skill.

everycloud · 6th May 2012, 04:08

The money side I'm not worried about at all, my current job is in the cash office of a supermarket so I'm used to adding and making everything balance. One of the main reasons I went for this job is the human interaction element - my job at the moment can be quite isolated and I think I'm more a people person

Have already been studying the routes and stuff as I imagine I need to know where to get on and off trains as well as having the knowledge for any passengers who ask.

Would I generally be getting on at the start of the route and travelling right to the end or would I be swapping trains halfway through? Trying not to be overly concerned about the medical... will be really gutted if I perform well at interview then be unsuccesful due to the medical.

LCC106 · 6th May 2012, 07:19

I suspect the BMI is important with regard to being able to move up and down the aisle easily. Can't add any more than that, but you're trying to do something about it and that can only be a good thing! Good luck and keep us posted.

everycloud · 6th May 2012, 12:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCC106

I suspect the BMI is important with regard to being able to move up and down the aisle easily. Can't add any more than that, but you're trying to do something about it and that can only be a good thing! Good luck and keep us posted.

I'm on trains quite often and while I might be overweight, I'm not that big that I can't squeeze down the aisle

yorksrob · 6th May 2012, 15:36

Make sure you've got a couple of sarnies on the trolley !

I was recently on an Inter-City evening service and there was nothing more substantial than a bag of crisps.

everycloud · 6th May 2012, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorksrob

Make sure you've got a couple of sarnies on the trolley !

I was recently on an Inter-City evening service and there was nothing more substantial than a bag of crisps.

If it was up to me, I'd have Weetabix, Scotch eggs and Pernod on the trolleys. And then have a different menu for evenings...

The closing date for the role I applied for is tomorrow so here's hoping I get an interview date soon.

EltonRoad · 6th May 2012, 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by everycloud

If it was up to me, I'd have Weetabix, Scotch eggs and Pernod on the trolleys. And then have a different menu for evenings...

Well then I seriously hope you get the job

Banter with customers? You don't want me as a customer, all I ever say is "Cup of Tea please. Thanks."

yorksrob · 6th May 2012, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by everycloud

If it was up to me, I'd have Weetabix, Scotch eggs and Pernod on the trolleys. And then have a different menu for evenings...

The closing date for the role I applied for is tomorrow so here's hoping I get an interview date soon.

Not sure about the weetabix, but on the occasion in question a scotch egg would have been most welcome

Best of luck with the job !

everycloud · 14th May 2012, 20:30

So a week has passed since the closing date... yes, I'm impatient. Tempted to contact to find out what's happening but I will resist the urge.

Do they normally arrange interviews quickly or does it drag on?

ChrisTheRef · 15th May 2012, 20:59

I appreciate banter with catering staff

if I'm in a good mood, I usually ask for a twirl (as opposed to a Twirl)

Regarding routes you'll operate, which company and location have you applied for?

everycloud · 15th May 2012, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisTheRef

I appreciate banter with catering staff

if I'm in a good mood, I usually ask for a twirl (as opposed to a Twirl)

Regarding routes you'll operate, which company and location have you applied for?

Scotrail based in Edinburgh, so I know the routes I'll prob be doing:

Edinburgh - Glasgow
Edinburgh - Aberdeen
Edinburgh - Inverness
Edinburgh - Perth (I think)

Was on the train back and forth a few times this weekend and was paying close attention to trolley routines.

Really hoping I get this, getting a bit nervous that no interview date has been given, just need the know the wheels are in motion (excuse the pun)

everycloud · 23rd June 2012, 11:26

Yay I have an interview date! It's not said whether it's a group thing or individual but I'm now kind of half excited/half nervous, just glad I have the date, gonna do some prep and hopefully will have some good news in the next few weeks.

Also, I don't have a passport or driving licence, is my birth certificate and a tax letter enough to take along with me?

13 valleys · 25th June 2012, 20:56

well done and good luck with the interview.a friend of a friend also has a interview with first scotrail regarding a booking office job.it was advertised externally.apparently posts like this are already earmarked for someone who is a relative of a manager, and they interview a group of people to make it look less suspicious.the rumour is that first scotrail are good at this.there you go,a controversial first post!! good luck.

everycloud · 26th June 2012, 10:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by 13 valleys

well done and good luck with the interview.a friend of a friend also has a interview with first scotrail regarding a booking office job.it was advertised externally.apparently posts like this are already earmarked for someone who is a relative of a manager, and they interview a group of people to make it look less suspicious.the rumour is that first scotrail are good at this.there you go,a controversial first post!! good luck.

How long ago did this friend of a friend apply? I'm sure it happens in every company. But doubtful in this case unless the manager has three sibliings who live in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen who all want the same job (as advertised)

After months of waiting, if you are indeed right in your speculation I will not be impressed.

2nd May 2012, 10:16	#1
everycloud Member Join Date: 2 May 2012 Posts: 36	Trolley Dolly @ Scotrail. Hints and tips? I recently applied for an On Train Hospitality Assistant job with Scotrail. I have previously applied for other station roles and never got further than the inital online form which asks your details. So when I saw this and applied, it eventually invited me to do the online assesment for arithmetic and reasoning... passed this and now awaiting interview date. I have read most of the Scotrail posts on here and application process so have some expectations of what comes next. Slightly concerned about the medical, have had problems with my left ear and this has affected my hearing. I am also overweight and have read that BMI must be under 33. I am borderline so doing all I can to lose weight incase my interview is successful. For the trolley dolly job, are these just as important as say, a driver medical may be? Also, what is the interview and training process like? I'd say I'm naturally pretty good with people and usually fare well in interviews but is there anything special they are looking for? Also, would like to hear how a typical shift goes, I have an idea in my head but would be great to hear from someone with experience. Really looking forward to a job on the railways, so while this role is typically entry level, I am keen to explore other opportunities if they arise. Thanks in advance.

6th May 2012, 15:36	#6
yorksrob Established Member Join Date: 6 Aug 2009 Location: Yorks Posts: 4,625	Make sure you've got a couple of sarnies on the trolley ! I was recently on an Inter-City evening service and there was nothing more substantial than a bag of crisps. __________________ If you're going to Normancisco, Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair....

15th May 2012, 20:59	#11
ChrisTheRef Trainee Driver Established Member Join Date: 15 Apr 2009 Location: Ely, Cambs Posts: 1,373	I appreciate banter with catering staff if I'm in a good mood, I usually ask for a twirl (as opposed to a Twirl) Regarding routes you'll operate, which company and location have you applied for? __________________ Follow me on Twitter @TheCFairclough

5th May 2012, 19:12	#2
Cherry_Picker Established Member Join Date: 18 Apr 2011 Location: 52.479°N 1.893°W Posts: 1,354	I dont think Scotrail catering staff are safety critical, though I may be wrong. It should have said on the advert if they are though. Trolley staff have to be good with money, obviously, but often they are the face of the company too. Passengers tend to have longer interactions with trolley/catering staff than almost anybody else who works on the railway, certainly on board trains. In that regard I guess having a bit of charisma comes in very handy without being overbearing. You will probably get asked all kinds of questions about journeys too (ie, where do I change to get to X or what time is my connecting train to y) and while knowing the answers to these questions isnt key I think they are always appreciated by the passenger and the company so having a decent background knowledge of how the railway runs and being able to articulate that is a key secondary skill.

6th May 2012, 04:08	#3
everycloud Member Join Date: 2 May 2012 Posts: 36	The money side I'm not worried about at all, my current job is in the cash office of a supermarket so I'm used to adding and making everything balance. One of the main reasons I went for this job is the human interaction element - my job at the moment can be quite isolated and I think I'm more a people person Have already been studying the routes and stuff as I imagine I need to know where to get on and off trains as well as having the knowledge for any passengers who ask. Would I generally be getting on at the start of the route and travelling right to the end or would I be swapping trains halfway through? Trying not to be overly concerned about the medical... will be really gutted if I perform well at interview then be unsuccesful due to the medical.

6th May 2012, 07:19	#4
LCC106 Member Join Date: 16 Nov 2011 Posts: 529	I suspect the BMI is important with regard to being able to move up and down the aisle easily. Can't add any more than that, but you're trying to do something about it and that can only be a good thing! Good luck and keep us posted.

14th May 2012, 20:30	#10
everycloud Member Join Date: 2 May 2012 Posts: 36	So a week has passed since the closing date... yes, I'm impatient. Tempted to contact to find out what's happening but I will resist the urge. Do they normally arrange interviews quickly or does it drag on?

23rd June 2012, 11:26	#13
everycloud Member Join Date: 2 May 2012 Posts: 36	Yay I have an interview date! It's not said whether it's a group thing or individual but I'm now kind of half excited/half nervous, just glad I have the date, gonna do some prep and hopefully will have some good news in the next few weeks. Also, I don't have a passport or driving licence, is my birth certificate and a tax letter enough to take along with me?

25th June 2012, 20:56	#14
13 valleys New Member Join Date: 9 Apr 2012 Posts: 2	well done and good luck with the interview.a friend of a friend also has a interview with first scotrail regarding a booking office job.it was advertised externally.apparently posts like this are already earmarked for someone who is a relative of a manager, and they interview a group of people to make it look less suspicious.the rumour is that first scotrail are good at this.there you go,a controversial first post!! good luck.