• Our booking engine at tickets.railforums.co.uk (powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

Attire for assesment

Status
Not open for further replies.

carlejo

Member
Joined
5 Mar 2013
Messages
164
Location
South Wales
how do you dress ?

I intend to give a good impression by going suit, shirt, tie, etc... as per first stage interview

is any attention paid to to this or doesn't it matter ?
cheers
Carlejo
 
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

cobbler

Member
Joined
12 Apr 2012
Messages
191
how do you dress ?

I intend to give a good impression by going suit, shirt, tie, etc... as per first stage interview

is any attention paid to to this or doesn't it matter ?
cheers
Carlejo

i think its a mute point if they pay attention or not :) if you dress to impress then you cant go wrong
 

michael769

Established Member
Joined
9 Oct 2005
Messages
2,006
is any attention paid to to this or doesn't it matter ?

It does matter. You might get the odd organiser that genuinely could not care, but for most folks, not dressing up marks you out as not taking it seriously - not a good message to send out at the best of times, let alone for an occupation which has so much competition.
 

Tubeboy

Member
Joined
9 May 2009
Messages
470
Location
London
For an interview, I would say ideally a suit, shirt and tie at the very least. For aptitude tests, smart casual. Slacks and a shirt. Certainly not jeans and a T shirt. You want to be professional, but you want to be comfortable too. So sitting in a exam room on a summers day wearing a tie isnt a good thing in my opinion.
 

TDK

Established Member
Joined
19 Apr 2008
Messages
4,155
Location
Crewe
For an interview, I would say ideally a suit, shirt and tie at the very least. For aptitude tests, smart casual. Slacks and a shirt. Certainly not jeans and a T shirt. You want to be professional, but you want to be comfortable too. So sitting in a exam room on a summers day wearing a tie isnt a good thing in my opinion.

It is essential to wear a tie as this will be a part of your uniform if you are successful and you will be expected to wear it. It was -6 last night here so it aint summer yet!

This question has been asked many times and to be fair I really cannot understand why it is asked, Shirt, Jacket, Tie, clean shoes and clean shaven if you don't have a beard are also essential.
 

Nuttytoffee

Member
Joined
9 Nov 2012
Messages
113
Location
Stafford
Defo a suit. I was told you are assessed in every aspect of your assessments. Some have even mentioned companies sometimes throw a 'ringer' in the assessments at times to check out the potential intake, though not sure how true this actually is.
 

carlejo

Member
Joined
5 Mar 2013
Messages
164
Location
South Wales
Thanks again guys.

They've also asked for passport sized photo that they will keep..... I'm gonna be wearing a suit in that pic as well
cheers
Carlejo
 

TDK

Established Member
Joined
19 Apr 2008
Messages
4,155
Location
Crewe
Defo a suit. I was told you are assessed in every aspect of your assessments. Some have even mentioned companies sometimes throw a 'ringer' in the assessments at times to check out the potential intake, though not sure how true this actually is.

Very true, I used to sit in the reception area reading a paper and just observe, you could always tell who were the good and the bad even before interviewing them. I was approached on many an occasion by potential trainees who asked me why I was so calm reading a paper, I also had one give me loads of advice and it is a doddle to persued the interviewer to belive your story, not good and when he saw me sitting in the interviewers chair I saw a hole appear below his feet, remember you are being assessed as soon as you enter the building until you depart.
 

rf_ioliver

Member
Joined
17 Apr 2011
Messages
855
Very true, I used to sit in the reception area reading a paper and just observe, you could always tell who were the good and the bad even before interviewing them. I was approached on many an occasion by potential trainees who asked me why I was so calm reading a paper, I also had one give me loads of advice and it is a doddle to persued the interviewer to belive your story, not good and when he saw me sitting in the interviewers chair I saw a hole appear below his feet, remember you are being assessed as soon as you enter the building until you depart.

I worked for a few companies that would send one of the secretaries out to meet you at reception. In almost every case she'd have the casting vote over who got picked and who didn't.

Eye contact, smile, be polite and courteous. Make the effort to engage in light chat.

I once attended an interview and the receptionist started chatting to me while I waited. She asked me did I know Guildford well (guess where the interview was!). I answered that I arrived early to have a look around, walked the main street etc. Turns out that the receptionist was part of the interview team. They were impressed (so it turned out later after I got the job) that I'd bothered to find out about the area where I'd be moving to - most interviewees turn up for the interview only.

So, do your homework too!

Best of luck and there's some good advice given here from others too!

t.

Ian
 

plastictaffy

Member
Joined
18 Nov 2012
Messages
1,104
Location
Unfortunately, Maps has stopped.
I was approached on many an occasion by potential trainees who asked me why I was so calm reading a paper, I also had one give me loads of advice and it is a doddle to persued the interviewer to belive your story, not good and when he saw me sitting in the interviewers chair I saw a hole appear below his feet, remember you are being assessed as soon as you enter the building until you depart.

TDK - I would have dearly loved to see that!!! That must have been a moment that Mastercard truly cannot buy!!!!
 

TDK

Established Member
Joined
19 Apr 2008
Messages
4,155
Location
Crewe
TDK - I would have dearly loved to see that!!! That must have been a moment that Mastercard truly cannot buy!!!!

It certainly was and it happened more than once. You would not believe what I have overheard when sitting in the reception area when the candidates come in the saying of "you always get one" comes to mind.

I had one guy sit next to me and ask if I was nervous, I said no, not at all, why? And he replied he was crapping it and needs the job so much as he loves trains, not a problem until he said he can't wait to get in the seat to video the routes to put on youtube and share with his fellow spotters. Unfortunately for the chap he failed the GB test if I recall but it would have been entertaining if I had to interview him ;)

All I can say is just act as if you are being assessed from the minute you are out of your front door as the interviewers also travel by train ;)
 
Joined
3 Mar 2011
Messages
60
I've been invited to further assessments (reaction test) by LM and in the letter they've advised I wear smart comfortable clothing, which I take to mean a shirt but no tie. They want you to be relaxed, not dressed up like a dogs dinner. If full suit and tie was expected then they wouldn't even mention what clothing you should wear.
 

TDK

Established Member
Joined
19 Apr 2008
Messages
4,155
Location
Crewe
I've been invited to further assessments (reaction test) by LM and in the letter they've advised I wear smart comfortable clothing, which I take to mean a shirt but no tie. They want you to be relaxed, not dressed up like a dogs dinner. If full suit and tie was expected then they wouldn't even mention what clothing you should wear.

If you don't want to wear a tie that is your choice, do your own thing fella. However most of the answers on here are quite straight forward. Suited and booted with a tie. A the end of the day it's your choice.
 
Joined
3 Mar 2011
Messages
60
If you don't want to wear a tie that is your choice, do your own thing fella. However most of the answers on here are quite straight forward. Suited and booted with a tie. A the end of the day it's your choice.

I wore a suit and tie for the first stage of interviews and assessments but this time they've actually stated I should dress 'comfortably' which to me is their way of pointing out suit/tie not necessary although I may be wrong. I'll probably wear a suit anyway as I don't want to hamper my chances. I'd always wear a suit and tie for an interview but thought it strange they felt the need to mention what I should wear, hence thinking it meant no tie required.
 

sprite

Member
Joined
4 Jan 2011
Messages
163
Location
Leeds
I wore a suit and tie for the first stage of interviews and assessments but this time they've actually stated I should dress 'comfortably' which to me is their way of pointing out suit/tie not necessary although I may be wrong. I'll probably wear a suit anyway as I don't want to hamper my chances. I'd always wear a suit and tie for an interview but thought it strange they felt the need to mention what I should wear, hence thinking it meant no tie required.

If I got a message like that I would still attend wearing a tie, if the situation seems to dictate that it is not needed, it is easy to take it off and place it in a pocket or bag. Much more obvious and difficult to turn up, then realise you should have one on and start putting it on the the reception area.
 

Nuttytoffee

Member
Joined
9 Nov 2012
Messages
113
Location
Stafford
I wore a tie for my stage 2 assessments, just before We started the reactions test, the lady said we should 'make ourselves comfortable' to do the tests, including taking off our suit jackets. My advice is to wear the tie and maybe ask if they mind you taking it off just before you start the test. You can always put it straight back on after.
TDK, The interviewers certainly do travel on the trains. I found myself sat next to the chap that had just given me the managers interview on the way home. I was just about to rip off my tie, unbutton my shirt and throw my jacket over some poor unsuspecting chap in front of me when the manager sat down and asked if I minded if he joined me. I thought 'this is awkward' but was careful not to mention the interview in case he thought I was touting for answers. We generally chatted about life and circumstances and as he stepped off the train he said 'see you April 8th and good luck!" with a wink. I nearly wet myself there and then!!
 
Last edited:

carlejo

Member
Joined
5 Mar 2013
Messages
164
Location
South Wales
I've been invited to further assessments (reaction test) by LM and in the letter they've advised I wear smart comfortable clothing, which I take to mean a shirt but no tie. They want you to be relaxed, not dressed up like a dogs dinner. If full suit and tie was expected then they wouldn't even mention what clothing you should wear.

When I sat assesment yesterday for ATW all 12 candidates were in suits, tie, dressed up for it.

The assessor said it was really nice to see everyone turned out so professionally but there was no need and that people could remove their ties, unbutton shirts, etc.........a few did, but I wanted to maintain the image I went in with and until I got home

It's up to you of course


cheers
Carlejo
 

mickc7893

Member
Joined
18 Dec 2012
Messages
8
I wore jeans and a t-shirt everyone else was suited and booted I felt a right doghnut
 

TDK

Established Member
Joined
19 Apr 2008
Messages
4,155
Location
Crewe
I wore jeans and a t-shirt everyone else was suited and booted I felt a right doghnut

If you were the only one in jeans and a T shirt this certainly would not help you. I really cannot comprehend anyone turning up for anything in Jeans and T shirt to be honest.
 
Joined
3 Mar 2011
Messages
60
I finally attended stage two assessments yesterday and decided to wear a shirt and tie but not a full suit and was told straight away that the tie wasn't necessary as they wanted us to be as comfortable as possible and it was to be an 'informal' day. Two others turned up with no tie at all and also the assessor was just in an open necked shirt.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top