Third time lucky?

[RobM73]

Hi just wondering if any one can help...I've applied to SWR as an RO2 on 3 occasions. I've been to assessment days twice and then got to interview and been told I'm unsuccessful, most recently in April 2019. I tried again for a different station and I'm going to interview again at the end of the month. My main worry is my interview , due to social distancing measures is being held at the station that has twice decided not to offer me a position. Will the people who interview me be from the station I've applied to or be from the station my interview is at? It's been a long slog to try and get on the railways and I'm just wondering if there's any point just to be told no again? I've been in security for a long time and have years of customer experience and decent references, clear DBS etc so just don't know why I can't seem to get a job with SWR? Any advice gratefully received.

 

[1725RJ]

Good luck for your interview Rob. Shows huge resilience and determination to go for something three times. I’m sure your interviewers will look upon this favourably. Stay confident!

 

[RobM73]

Good luck for your interview Rob. Shows huge resilience and determination to go for something three times. I’m sure your interviewers will look upon this favourably. Stay confident!

Thank you. Fingers crossed....

 

[1725RJ]

Ive just tried to call SWR HR (Recruitment) for an update. It’s saying I’ve dialled an incorrect number. Has this changed?

 

[Rockhopper]

01793 425 669

 

[Stigy]

Hi just wondering if any one can help...I've applied to SWR as an RO2 on 3 occasions. I've been to assessment days twice and then got to interview and been told I'm unsuccessful, most recently in April 2019. I tried again for a different station and I'm going to interview again at the end of the month. My main worry is my interview , due to social distancing measures is being held at the station that has twice decided not to offer me a position. Will the people who interview me be from the station I've applied to or be from the station my interview is at? It's been a long slog to try and get on the railways and I'm just wondering if there's any point just to be told no again? I've been in security for a long time and have years of customer experience and decent references, clear DBS etc so just don't know why I can't seem to get a job with SWR? Any advice gratefully received.

Firstly, it’s great you’ve not given up, so keep going, whatever happens!

It is often extremely difficult to get a job on the railway, with most vacancies having loads of applicants. It’s arguably even more difficult for jobs such as RO as there’s often only one available position (whereas Guard/Driver vacancies are usually part of a large intake).

It may be absolutely nothing to do with you as to why you’re not being offered a job, just that there were stronger candidates at the time. Have you asked for feedback from interviews?

Regarding the interviewers, it’ll usually be the manager from the am station you’re applying for, plus one other (maybe someone from HR, or any other manager to be honest).

The fact that you’re getting as far as interview stage is an achievement in itself to be honest, so bear with it and definitely don’t give up! Good luck.

 

[RobM73]

Firstly, it’s great you’ve not given up, so keep going, whatever happens!

It is often extremely difficult to get a job on the railway, with most vacancies having loads of applicants. It’s arguably even more difficult for jobs such as RO as there’s often only one available position (whereas Guard/Driver vacancies are usually part of a large intake).

It may be absolutely nothing to do with you as to why you’re not being offered a job, just that there were stronger candidates at the time. Have you asked for feedback from interviews?

Regarding the interviewers, it’ll usually be the manager from the am station you’re applying for, plus one other (maybe someone from HR, or any other manager to be honest).

The fact that you’re getting as far as interview stage is an achievement in itself to be honest, so bear with it and definitely don’t give up! Good luck.

Hi Stigy
Thanks yes I'm finding it a bit of a trek and I'm hoping that my persistence is going to be seen as a plus. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while and it will be far more interesting than my current role as well as being better paid, decent pension and perks.
I'll just go to the interview and do my best and pray that this time I'll have done enough.

 

[DonkeyKong]

Which station are you applying for? Dont put yourself down too much re you're interview technique. More often than not it's because the manager already has an internal candidate lined up

 

[RobM73]

Fareham

 

[DonkeyKong]

Fareham

The interviewer will be the Station Manager at Fareham, Mr Pete Byrne.

 

[BTU]

Hi just wondering if any one can help...I've applied to SWR as an RO2 on 3 occasions. I've been to assessment days twice and then got to interview and been told I'm unsuccessful, most recently in April 2019. I tried again for a different station and I'm going to interview again at the end of the month. My main worry is my interview , due to social distancing measures is being held at the station that has twice decided not to offer me a position. Will the people who interview me be from the station I've applied to or be from the station my interview is at? It's been a long slog to try and get on the railways and I'm just wondering if there's any point just to be told no again? I've been in security for a long time and have years of customer experience and decent references, clear DBS etc so just don't know why I can't seem to get a job with SWR? Any advice gratefully received.

Talk about customer safety and your experience tell them you see it as job progression and a new challenge tell them that you can contribute to their already good reputation possibly mention any non technical skills you have they are hot on NTS on the railway tell them you enjoy wearing a uniform and being in a customer facing role talk about safety and what you would do to keep it maintained tell them about your experience and what you bring to the role, remember STAR situation task action result thats what they look for amongst other things etc... hope theres a few ideas for you, good luck.

 

[RobM73]

Hi guys sorry I didn't realised you had posted til now. Yes he seemed like a nice guy. Interview seemed to go well, they made lots of notes and it was pretty relaxed. Just have to hope I said the things they were looking for. Just a waiting game now.

 

[DonkeyKong]

Good stuff. When are you likely to find out?

 

[DonkeyKong]

Hi guys sorry I didn't realised you had posted til now. Yes he seemed like a nice guy. Interview seemed to go well, they made lots of notes and it was pretty relaxed. Just have to hope I said the things they were looking for. Just a waiting game now.

Any news?