Talent pool agony.

[henryedward61]

I am new to the site, but have eagerly visited regularly to get a heads up on this whole process.

I am currently sat in a talent pool for two vacancies with a TOC, although the vacancies at one depot were withdrawn midway through application.

I am finding it a very painful journey, and the jubilation at passing the assessments is fast ebbing, as my application loses momentum. I am told that I am stiill being considered for vacancies at one depot, can anybody enlighten me on what count's most when the TOC are establishing a pecking order for course places. My assessements went great, is that the most important aspect of the grading system?.

 

[E&W Lucas]

I am new to the site, but have eagerly visited regularly to get a heads up on this whole process.

I am currently sat in a talent pool for two vacancies with a TOC, although the vacancies at one depot were withdrawn midway through application.

I am finding it a very painful journey, and the jubilation at passing the assessments is fast ebbing, as my application loses momentum. I am told that I am stiill being considered for vacancies at one depot, can anybody enlighten me on what count's most when the TOC are establishing a pecking order for course places. My assessements went great, is that the most important aspect of the grading system?.

Recruitment has to be seen to be fair, and TOC's don't want to end up in front of tribunals for discrimination, so it's all decided on the basis of highest score. Both on the tests, and also the managers' interview, where you will also be scored against set criteria.

Best of luck with this, keep at it, and if you've passed the tests, try contacting other TOC's.

 

[henryedward61]

Thanks for that, I was beginning to wonder whether anybody would post a response.

I sat my interview at one depot prior to my assessments and was told the following day that the vacancies had been withdrawn, but would I like be considered for another depot (of course I said yes). I presume that the next stage would be medical if my apllication was progressed?. Although both interviews with the depot manager's and the CBI at Doncaster were virtually identical in structure.

I am worried that applications for other TOCs that are not close by, will be rejected on the grounds of commute, although I would be more than prepared to uproot for the chance at this career.

 

[ChrisTheRef]

Thanks for that, I was beginning to wonder whether anybody would post a response.

I sat my interview at one depot prior to my assessments and was told the following day that the vacancies had been withdrawn, but would I like be considered for another depot (of course I said yes). I presume that the next stage would be medical if my apllication was progressed?. Although both interviews with the depot manager's and the CBI at Doncaster were virtually identical in structure.

I am worried that applications for other TOCs that are not close by, will be rejected on the grounds of commute, although I would be more than prepared to uproot for the chance at this career.

If you let the TOCs know you'd relocate, most will consider you. Some say you have to live within 60 minutes when you apply, others will offer you a job suject to relocating, so that you live within 60 minutes of your home location.

The TOCs you mention which "aren't close by" would want you to be able to book on within 60 minutes of leaving your house. If that's possible, then go for it. If not, then those offers would be subject to relocation too.

Northern Rail stipulate you must live within 60 minutes when you apply. First Great Western on the over hand, give you option to say "yes, yes, I'll relocate! pick me!" when you fill in the initial application.

 

[Mix107]

I wouldn't worry too much about Northern and the 60 minute rule when you apply. I applied back in Feb and I live in Essex, saying I would relocate. I got through the initial sift and to the online test stage. Seems a ridiculous thing to put and could be seen as discriminating if people are prepared to relocate for the role. So don't think it's enforced from my experience with Northern. Good luck!