Hi guys, just completed my first experience with applying with the TFL for the CSA2 job role and I will break it down as much as I can,
1) Firstly it was the tests online they sent via link to complete, they were fairly easy but required some brain work and just to be quick, apart from that nothing too hard.
2) The second stage was the in house Assesment at Ashfield House, this again was easy and simple for a 25 year old, however I just barely finished at time was a serious constraint, and I worked quick with experience from doing exams from uni etc so I had the know how, if you are less experience with timed conditions maybe practice at home doing some.
3) The final bit ( where I failed and have A LOT to say about) was the Role play. Oh boy, where do I even start. got in Ashfield House and there was only 3 of us doing the role play, me and this woman arrived early and another gentleman arrived 15 minutes later, however they briefed us saying they can only do 2 since the other actor is not here yet, and they ultimately chose me to do it afterwards, waited an extra 30mins. not a good start since I was early and had to wait to do mine rather than the gentleman who arrived late... anyways, nothing too big of a deal.
I got into the room, the lady explained that the head of recruitment was in there as well assessing the assessor, to see how she marks the results etc. Great, extra unnecessary pressure. The lady briefed me, gave me a piece of paper which had useful information on it, she then asked me if I knew what buskin was... immediately I knew I would get this scenario, probably the worst scenario you can get.
She gave me 5 minutes to plan and prepare and make notes if needed, however I felt confident as I have practised religiously for a week, consulted family members who also passed this role and they also briefed me, I felt like I was in a good position (I also deal with customers day to day for years so I already know how to speak to people)
Once the 5 minutes was up, the actor came in. and I was right, it was a busker. she was singing asking for money, I approached her and asked her if she has a license or permit to be buskin here, as the info sheet said buskers require this. she said no, she is just trying to make some money to get to the next station, I said well unfortunately you need a license to actually perform here, and without presenting me with a valid proof of this I can't let you continue, the actor was again refusing etc etc, I then started to show sympathy (which was required) by saying, look, I get where you are coming from, hustling etc, however there's a correct way to do it. what I can do for you is I can take your details down, name, number, email and forward to our customer service team, they'll contact you regarding the license and how to apply, I will also mark it as priority, she said well how long will that take? I just threw a figure out my mouth said 5 days, then again she just starts refusing to work with me, not stopping despite me staying firm, I also tried the sympathy route, she's just being so difficult, she then sat down the chair and was vaping, I said you also can't vape, she's saying why not etc, im explaining its not pleasant for other customers with asthma and its health and safety hazard, I again try to work with her and sympathise by saying look, I know a homeless shelter 2 streets down I can write their address for you and you can see them if needs be, then I also said I understand you are trying to get to the next stop, what I will do on this one occasion is let you through the gate, for you to get to your stop. she's then saying oh but you work for TFL how are you letting people avoid fares for free, is this even allowed etc, I said on this occasion I will let it slide as you are in desperate need of help. she's again refusing and just question everything unrealistically...she said what if someone stops me I dont have a ticket, I said well ill give you a reference number, you can show them this and they will understand what it is for and let you pass. again, she's being firm and not listening or helping me out here, refusing to do so. last resort I said is ultimately you can't vape and buskin I may need to contact the BTP if you continue to refuse.
That's when the role play ended, we walked out and I said you absolutely killed me in there lol, she just giggled...
The lady then gave me feedback, the assessor, she said it was good I mentioned the homeless shelter but I needed to be a bit more engaging...? im sorry but I think I followed the correct protocol, what else could I have done in this situation? I genuinely feel a bit robbed, I followed the guidelines and rules and procedures, tried to work with this difficult person, remained calm, and even offered her a free ride...did she expect me to ask her personal questions like how are you homeless? or why are you in this situation ? with all due respect, this is not realistic and TFL can't expect everyone to have 10-15min convos with a busker (WHO IS NOT EVEN A CUSTOMER!!!)
I feel like the odds were stacked against me, the actor was just horrible and trying her best to go against me, not even helping me a little bit... and oh- the head of recruitment was in the room there too, which again im not sure if the actor thought let me try my hardest since she is here too and doesn't penalise me.
it's a bit sad, this was probably the worst scenario you can get since this person is not a customer, they are a beggar, offering nothing but wanting everything, so how you deal with them will be difficult.
Hope that helps others,
