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at a job interview

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shed56b

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is it a good idea to tell the interviewer an also put it on your cv that you are a rail enthusiast , as i thought they would be keen for people intrested in the railway, i dont want them to think i
 
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Beveridges

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In every other job in the UK, people who are enthusiasts about the job they are applying for, would be seen as a good thing. This would always go in your favour. One example is programming. If you do not make out you are into computer programming as a hobby, it is actually a barrier to getting the job. Railways are the only exception. Railways are the only jobs where they want people who are not enthusiasts about the subject area that the job is in.

At best, mentioning it in the interview will do no harm, but will not score you any additional points.

At worst, it will make you lose points, leading to failure.

As there is nothing to be gained, but a lot you could potentially lose, its best not to mention it.
 

rf_ioliver

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I wouldn't personally, stick to the revelant facts on what would make you suitable for the role.

And to add to that explain why you want to work in the railways, *and* why working for whatever company you're applying for would be exciting for you.

There's nothing wrong in stating that you've always had an interest in railways but like some other have stated, you probably want to see clear of coming across as the "stereotypical trainspotter". However, do some research on the company, eg: history, board of directors, plans, etc

Ultimately your interviewers want to know if you'll fit in "socially" with the company, be willing to learn and do your job.

Other than that, smile, make eye-contact, be polite and curteous to everyone you meet on the day (especially receptionists who probably will be asked their view of the applicant), wear a suit and tie and make sure you polish your shoes!

t.

Ian
 

fordylad

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Hmmm I'm not to sure about this one. In my interview I had built up a good rapport with the driver managers, and mentioned that my wife calls me a railway cabbage, I don't think this was a negative subject to mention. And I now drive trains for a living
 

RJ

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In every other job in the UK, people who are enthusiasts about the job they are applying for, would be seen as a good thing. This would always go in your favour. One example is programming. If you do not make out you are into computer programming as a hobby, it is actually a barrier to getting the job. Railways are the only exception. Railways are the only jobs where they want people who are not enthusiasts about the subject area that the job is in.

Not so in many cases. Whether or not someone gets the job is all down to how likeable the candidate is to the interviewers. If they like you and think you're capable of doing the job well, it won't matter if you tell them that you're an enthusiast.
 

185

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Not so in many cases. Whether or not someone gets the job is all down to how likeable the candidate is to the interviewers. If they like you and think you're capable of doing the job well, it won't matter if you tell them that you're an enthusiast.

As a manager I gave jobs to at least two gricers during interview, primarily because of the likely enthusiasm they would show for the job.

The problem today is dead-from-neck-upwards 'HR people' who have no personality or soul, who view candidates that deviate just slightly from the norm to likely be either a serial killer or a bankrobber.

For further reading on 'HR people', http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borg_(Star_Trek)
 

RJ

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As a manager I gave jobs to at least two gricers during interview, primarily because of the likely enthusiasm they would show for the job.

The problem today is dead-from-neck-upwards 'HR people' who have no personality or soul, who view candidates that deviate just slightly from the norm to likely be either a serial killer or a bankrobber.

I never seem to have a problem getting into railway/other roles and I've always mentioned that I have an interest in the industry in my CV, application and at interview.

However, I'm sure the way some people portray railway enthusiam in their applications probably conjures up images of the dribbling platform end spotters for some HR departments so it's no surprise they don't get anywhere!
 

saracen

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I never seem to have a problem getting into railway/other roles and I've always mentioned that I have an interest in the industry in my CV, application and at interview.

However, I'm sure the way some people portray railway enthusiam in their applications probably conjures up images of the dribbling platform end spotters for some HR departments so it's no surprise they don't get anywhere!

I think this is a fair comment. I work for a FOC and it's fair to say that 'enthusiasts' are frowned upon by management.

There is no problem with having an interest in the railway, the infrastructure and the management of the network, but I wouldn't make it too obvious if you're a spotter.

Also, if anyone works on heritage lines etc then feel free to mention it BUT be aware that you don't know how the railway works as they're very different.

I think the point here is to be subtle...at least until you get the job.
 
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