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Using Trade Union Roles on Application

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TagJet

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I am applying for a conductor role and am wondering if it is beneficial to include my activities and experience as a TU rep on the application. I am mindful that unions are probably not looked upon favourably by certain sectors of the rail industry and that it may land my application straight in the bin, knowing I'm likely to be a 'trouble-maker' (which I'm not).

On the other hand, if my application is being viewed by someone directly connected to the role and is a union person themselves, it may put me in better stead. On my application covering letter I have put down my experiences as a rep without explicitly stating it's related to TU activities. Sort of if you can read between the lines you'll realise I'm a TU rep but might not be obvious to others.

What is everyone's thoughts?
 
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vikingdriver

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I'm not sure I would. It shouldn't make a difference but I wouldn't be at all surprised if someone viewed it as you described - potentially being a 'trouble maker'.
 
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jezzer34

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TagJet said:
I am applying for a conductor role and am wondering if it is beneficial to include my activities and experience as a TU rep on the application. I am mindful that unions are probably not looked upon favourably by certain sectors of the rail industry and that it may land my application straight in the bin, knowing I'm likely to be a 'trouble-maker' (which I'm not).

On the other hand, if my application is being viewed by someone directly connected to the role and is a union person themselves, it may put me in better stead. On my application covering letter I have put down my experiences as a rep without explicitly stating it's related to TU activities. Sort of if you can read between the lines you'll realise I'm a TU rep but might not be obvious to others.

What is everyone's thoughts?
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yeah i wouldn't mention this defiantly not viewed upon well in every company i have ever worked for by seniors.
 
MostlyHarmless

MostlyHarmless

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I probably wouldn't as people often hold strong views about Unions and railway ones in particular (both for and against), and as it has no bearing on the job at all why take the chance?
 
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Red1980

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Yeah I'd steer clear of that if I were you. Yes it shouldn't have any bearing on your application should you include it but who knows what goes on behind closed doors.

Yes the chances are it'll be viewed by someone who's in a union but unfortunately that doesn't mean they'll look upon it favourably. The union to is nothing more than an insurance policy to some....a manager I knew was in the union but had some terrible run ins with them in meetings when representing the company and never really had many nice things to say about them...... remember above a certain grade unions are nothing more than a hindrance.

If you're applying for a conductor role I'd just stick to putting down all the other qualities you feel you have that suit the role.

Best of luck
 
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Komma

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As above,steer well clear.
I had a job interview with Chiltern Trains for trainee train driver and the interview was going really well and then in conversation I mentioned being a RMT LLC rep and how I had a good relationship with my manager.Despite all the good feedback at the time I didn't get the job.
 
pdq

pdq

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Not in the railway sector, but I definitely used my previous Union rep role positively in a job application and successful interview. Think not about the union role in itself but what benefits it gives relating to your new role. For example, working with people, communicating effectively, resolving problems, dealing with difficult situations, tact and diplomacy etc.
 
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Red1980

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pdq said:
Not in the railway sector, but I definitely used my previous Union rep role positively in a job application and successful interview. Think not about the union role in itself but what benefits it gives relating to your new role. For example, working with people, communicating effectively, resolving problems, dealing with difficult situations, tact and diplomacy etc.
Click to expand...

I don't think for one minute that's what railway management and recruiting staff see when they see union rep on an application form unfortunately.
 
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