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SWR Comercial Guard Interview

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NitroNick

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Joined
6 Mar 2018
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6
Hi there!

I'm currently in middle of recruitment process for SWR Comercial Guard based in Basingstoke. I've passed the assessment day and now need to pass an interview. I'm doing my own reaserch into company info but I'd like to hear honest views from anyone in the role regarding hours, flexibility, overtime and anything else about the job warts and all! For instance I take it they like you to opt out of working time directive?

I currently work a technical customer facing job with shifts and regularly work 11 hour shifts and by time I've done OT am used to 80+ hours in a row.


This is a massive career change for me which would see a change of direction that I have followed for nearly 30 years so want to be 110% sure it's the right move.
 
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R

RailUK Forums

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Interestingly I'm in a very similar situation to you - I had my assessment last week with SWR for a trainee driver out of Basingstoke. Like you its a huge career change after a long time in a different industry and I have wondered if I'm doing the right thing at times! Having said that I think the time is right for me and I may not get another chance so I'm going to grab it while I can! It sounds like the long hours and shift patterns aren't going to be an issue for you.

Have you heard when your interview is?

PS - Sorry for not helping with your original question!
 

NitroNick

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6 Mar 2018
Messages
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Only had assessment yesterday. Lass was talking about a course in April however due to Holiday commitments (getting married in June) may not be till September when I'm in a position to carry out an uninterrupted training course so guess may be a few weeks until I get invite. Works well for me us this is not the only Iron I have in the proverbial fire.
 

Chris1978

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Joined
7 Mar 2018
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81
Hi all, sorry to hijack this thread but I’ve just received a invite to an assessment centre for a commercial guard position with South Western and just thought as the discussion is already underway in here it would be easier.

Can anyone give a idea of what the role play exercise involves? I’m guessing it will be a scenario where I will be required to play the guard but can anyone give some examples and is this a group exercise or will I do the exercise solo with the assessors?

Would also really appreciate any feedback on the rest of the testing, I’m quite nervous about this as I haven’t really done a work based assessment like this before and obviously want to do well.
 

Chris1978

Member
Joined
7 Mar 2018
Messages
81
Only had assessment yesterday. Lass was talking about a course in April however due to Holiday commitments (getting married in June) may not be till September when I'm in a position to carry out an uninterrupted training course so guess may be a few weeks until I get invite. Works well for me us this is not the only Iron I have in the proverbial fire.

So how does this work? I have my assessment next week, if I pass do they then book you in for a interview and then if successful do you get a job offer?

Sounds like a long process but think it will be worth it in the end. I’ve got a security and customer service background so I’m hoping it should be a fairly easy transition for me.
 

NitroNick

Member
Joined
6 Mar 2018
Messages
6
Didn't do any roll playing exercise!

First hour was everyone doing a colour blind test.

Then into a class room for three tests. Customer Service, Math and reading a passage and answering questions. Do the practice exercises you are given is best advice.

More sitting around whilst test is marked and then if your name is called is game over. If you survive first cut time for a short lunch break (plenty of shops etc outside or bring your own lunch)

Back in classroom for the concentration test. The exercises use letters the test uses symbols and is harder. Just make up names for the symbols and I found that helps. Then it's the message test. LIsten to a recording and write a brief summary of incident giving as many details as possible. Don't worry you all get to give your summary in a separate room. Speak clearly and take a glass of water as my mouth dried out as I was doing it.

More waiting followed by a second cut, if you make it its on to ticket selling and checking. More waiting and a final cut. If you pass all test you then have to wait for interview (stage I'm at) and you leave just after 1700! Long day so be patient.

Short Version?

Do practice test your sent and you will be good.
 

Chris1978

Member
Joined
7 Mar 2018
Messages
81
That’s a great summary, thanks much appreciated.

Role playing takes me way out of my comfort zone, I don’t think it gives a accurate assessment of how you would react in a real scenario as you are very aware that role play is acting and you just feel a bit silly, that’s my opinion at least so hopefully they won’t do it but it was mentioned on the invite details.

Silly question but what is the dress code? Is it interview smart or a bit more casual? Obviously want to make a good impression and all that.

Sounds like a long day but I guess once it’s done it’s done and even if you don’t land a job this time you’ve then completed the assessment should another position come up.
 

NitroNick

Member
Joined
6 Mar 2018
Messages
6
Couple of candidates had whistles on but I hit mid ground with formal shirt (I didn't wear a tie), trousers and well polished shoes. Its a long old day so dress comfortably. Remember its an assessment day not an interview.
 

RidingMullah

New Member
Joined
5 Sep 2019
Messages
4
Location
London
Didn't do any roll playing exercise!

First hour was everyone doing a colour blind test.

Then into a class room for three tests. Customer Service, Math and reading a passage and answering questions. Do the practice exercises you are given is best advice.

More sitting around whilst test is marked and then if your name is called is game over. If you survive first cut time for a short lunch break (plenty of shops etc outside or bring your own lunch)

Back in classroom for the concentration test. The exercises use letters the test uses symbols and is harder. Just make up names for the symbols and I found that helps. Then it's the message test. LIsten to a recording and write a brief summary of incident giving as many details as possible. Don't worry you all get to give your summary in a separate room. Speak clearly and take a glass of water as my mouth dried out as I was doing it.

More waiting followed by a second cut, if you make it its on to ticket selling and checking. More waiting and a final cut. If you pass all test you then have to wait for interview (stage I'm at) and you leave just after 1700! Long day so be patient.

Short Version?

Do practice test your sent and you will be good.


Thank you, that is very good and detailed summery of the day.

Can you please elaborate on the interview stage and the questions that may be asked.
 

MiNi

Member
Joined
22 Sep 2019
Messages
412
Location
Sherborne
I have to book my date for my assessment over the next few days. Having only worked in one job since I was 17(50 now) this is all new to me. Don't know how to face it really. Any help please.
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
Messages
4,879
I have to book my date for my assessment over the next few days. Having only worked in one job since I was 17(50 now) this is all new to me. Don't know how to face it really. Any help please.
In terms of any advice you can get from now on, bear in mind the hardest part of the whole process is getting this far in the first place, so well done with that.

Regarding interview prep, it’ll be largely competency based, so try and think of some half decent examples of specific instances where you’ve demonstrated safety, customer service, team work and following rules. Your interview WILL encompass most of not all of these and more. Also worth researching SWR, as well as their history (back to SWT potentially) and FirstGroup as a parent company.

Good luck! Always worth getting in early too as I’ve heard these interview dates get booked up really quickly and FirstGroup tend to have a first come first served type booking system?
 

JaMa9

Member
Joined
27 Jun 2019
Messages
64
Just booked my assessment day.I hope it will go ok but will see on the day.Thanks.

Did you have your assessment yet? I have mine next week for non-commercial guard. Quite nervous!
 

MiNi

Member
Joined
22 Sep 2019
Messages
412
Location
Sherborne
Did you have your assessment yet? I have mine next week for non-commercial guard. Quite nervous!
Mine is next week aswell.Where is yours being held.As I said in my original post I've only had one job for 33 years,so yes I am nervous too.
 

MiNi

Member
Joined
22 Sep 2019
Messages
412
Location
Sherborne
Usual right to work stuff; your passport, birth certificate, National Insurance number and a utility bill.
 
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