MMI "similar task"

Chloe88 · 26 Apr 2016

Hello!

I'll be taking stage 2 tests and multimodal interview soon.

This forum has got me to this stage, so thanks to everyone for the information they've posted.

My question is for those who have had the mmi.

The "similar task" question.

Did you guys use the star technique for this question?

My job is different to train driving but it has many attributes that are similar, i.e. working alone, long concentration periods, customer focus etc

My whole job covers these qualities but not one specific task i.e. driving

I've never driven buses, vans etc, and I don't do much long distance driving and so can't use this as an example for this question.

I'm hoping you guys understand what I'm asking.

Thanks in advance

Chloe

RailUK Forums

ComUtoR · 26 Apr 2016

Evening Chloe

A/S/L ? or do you have a question for us ?

Chloe88 · 26 Apr 2016

I do, as above.

i clicked post message before i finished it :roll:

Gemz91 · 26 Apr 2016

Whats your current job?

I've never heard of the star technique so didnt use it in my mmi!

Dave999 · 26 Apr 2016

Think of the train driver role, they know you won't have done the exact same job before but show that you understand the role by linking in a job you have done where you've covered a few of the attributes required. Lone working, concentration, responsibility, time keeping etc.

I suppose if it's asked using the phrase "tell me a task" then break down one of your past jobs and talk about a time you had to work alone or concentrate on something for a long period of time.

Also stucture it using the STAR model as its what they expect and helps you out your answer across in a structured way.
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Gemz91 said:
Whats your current job?

I've never heard of the star technique so didnt use it in my mmi!

Situation
Task
Action
Result

It's a good way to stucture interview answers, in my MMI it was asked for by the interviewer.

kaine19 · 26 Apr 2016

I didn't use the star method in mine and passed but it is a good way of thinking

Chloe88 · 26 Apr 2016

I work as a and so have the attributes mentioned, but im struggling to formulate the answer in the STAR format as i have many duties.

My practice document advises using STAR, so im reluctant to deviate from it if possible.

On the face of it, nursing could not be further from train driving, but could i give my example in the form of what i do during a specific shift and then tying it in with how similar it is to driving. would that be acceptable? Or would i be going about it all wrong?

So something along the lines of "i do x and y which requires concetrating for x number of hours. i regularly work night shifts which involves working alone etc"

ComUtoR · 26 Apr 2016

Chloe88 said:
On the face of it, nursing could not be further from train driving, but could i give my example in the form of what i do during a specific shift and then tying it in with how similar it is to driving. would that be acceptable? Or would i be going about it all wrong?

I would say you are going about it right. You are planning and preparing. I would try not to be too rigid in having pre prepared answers as the questions are mostly a base for the interviewer to then pull more in depth answers from you.

I think you have already proven that nursing and train driving have close similarities. Keep thinking along those lines when you phrase your answers. Driving a train is probably the least significant aspect as you are not expected to have any experience and will undergo training anyway. They are looking for aptitude, attitude, and suitability.

As you have already pointed out, you have lots of experience and already have a similar skill-set.

tlionhart · 26 Apr 2016

For this question in particular, you don't have to use the STAR format. The STAR format is to aid people in keeping to the point and answering the question fully. An example answer to this question could be; as a nurse you have to follow rules and procedures, which you need to remain up to date with. To keep up to date with them, you must read the notices when you book on. (If you do this in your current job, great! (Think of something you know train drivers have to do-this requires research into the role and match that with your job. Some TOCs offer an in depth description of what drivers actually do. Then provide your response of what it is? When you give the example, use the STAR format.)

Chloe88 · 26 Apr 2016

Thanks guys

Gemz91 said:
Whats your current job?

I've never heard of the star technique so didnt use it in my mmi!

Dave999 said:
Also stucture it using the STAR model as its what they expect and helps you out your answer across in a structured way.

It's a good way to stucture interview answers, in my MMI it was asked for by the interviewer.

kaine19 said:
I didn't use the star method in mine and passed but it is a good way of thinking

tlionhart said:
For this question in particular, you don't have to use the STAR format.

where did you all have your mmi?

Mine will be at Watford. Im just wondering if certain test centres ask for the STAR format, while others don't emphasise it.

332 > 444 · 26 Apr 2016

I haven't read all replies but don't forget driving trains on the same route can get repetitive so also use something that required you to do the same thing for a period of time.

Spankthemonkey · 27 Apr 2016

I would suggest it should be work related to show you can produce that skill over and over again day after day though someone on here once suggested playing the piano or drums which I always thought would be quite a good answer.

ComUtoR · 27 Apr 2016

Spankthemonkey said:
(...) though someone on here once suggested playing the piano or drums which I always thought would be quite a good answer.

A few of us always recommend that people use examples from their personal life. It is VERY advisable.

TDK · 28 Apr 2016

All questions asked are to see if you are suitable for the role as a train driver and nothing else. Listen carefully to each question and answer the question in the format that will prove to the panel that you are suitable, that is all there is too it. The main reason for not passing this believe it or not is not listening to the question correctly and answering it with a pre practiced answer that someone has told you is the correct answer.

For example - a question may be "why do you want to be a train driver for company X" If you answer this question without mentioning company X you are sure to fail that question. Many harp on about why they want to be a train driver and what they can bring to the role when in fact the question is put as to see why you want to work for that particular company as a train driver.

sfxdude · 28 Apr 2016

TDK said:
All questions asked are to see if you are suitable for the role as a train driver and nothing else. Listen carefully to each question and answer the question in the format that will prove to the panel that you are suitable, that is all there is too it. The main reason for not passing this believe it or not is not listening to the question correctly and answering it with a pre practiced answer that someone has told you is the correct answer.

For example - a question may be "why do you want to be a train driver for company X" If you answer this question without mentioning company X you are sure to fail that question. Many harp on about why they want to be a train driver and what they can bring to the role when in fact the question is put as to see why you want to work for that particular company as a train driver.

Don't think you get that sort of question in the MMI.

But the first points still stand. Think about STAR and that's about all the prep you need to do.

Chloe88 · 8 May 2016

Have many of you answered this question with an example that wasn't driving related?

Thanks in advance

Chloe

MMI "similar task"

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332 > 444

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