Why do you want to be a shunter driver with us?

[dan5324]

Exactly what would the interviewer be looking for, for this question? Sounds silly I know. I know why I want the job. I just can’t seem to put it into words

 

[4F89]

I said, although for main line, that "You are the only company taking on within an hour of my home, as simple as that". Worked for me.

 

[Seejwalker]

I always go along the lines of it being a position of great responsibility, its a career which you have taken great consideration in selecting as you wanted a role that would not only suit your current skill set but also test them whilst providing the opportunity to learn new skills.

I've had four interviews within the last six month for driver roles and a signaller role. I've been offered a job from each company.

 

[Panupreset]

Because you have no doubt, if recruited, you will be a a very capable individual in that role.

 

[dan5324]

Because you have no doubt, if recruited, you will be a a very capable individual in that role.

Hmmm wouldn’t that be taken as coming over as big headed though? I don’t know I’m terrible at interviews!!

 

[Stigy]

The question, “Why do you want to be a shunter?” should be quite easy to answer. It’s the other bit that usually follows which tends to throw people, “Why do you want to work for us in particular?” Or words to that effect. In reality and as has been said here, most people aren’t bothered about the TOC specifically and apply to whoever is recruiting and whoever is a commutable distance.

For the first question, I’d say something like, “I want to progress within the railway industry and want a role that will challenge me, and which requires great responsibility”. For the other question about why them, I’d usually say something like, “I want to change to another TOC as I’ve been with my current one for a number of years. It would be easy for me to apply for my existing TOC, but I want to work for another respected company within the industry”.

Admittedly that’s only possible as I work for a TOC already, but even if you don’t, saying something like, “I want to work in the railway, and I know you are respected by your employees/people and look after your staff and customers” blah blah, all the corporate stuff.

I also wouldn’t mention salary, which I think is common sense (only at the end of the interview if it hasn’t been explained). I personally don’t actually want to be a driver for the salary anyway, although it’s obviously a bonus! I know salary is often a big selling point for jobs on the railway, so I can see why people might be swayed by it (not just driving jobs, but a fair few jobs in general).

 

[MidlandsChap]

We cant answer that for you. Only you know the answer, and dont be inclined to make anything up because an experienced interviewer will spot it a mile off.
Only thing I can point out is that you need to answer both questions. Why do you want to be a conductor, and why that company.

 

[Panupreset]

Hmmm wouldn’t that be taken as coming over as big headed though? I don’t know I’m terrible at interviews!!

I did the ‘how to become’ 1 day course prior to my interview with the TOC I drive for. That’s what they told me to say in the final managers interview. I said it. Got a shunter drivers job, became a main line driver subsequently.

 

[Topcat999]

^^ and are they not wise to this now? Surely they know what he teaches people to say?

 

[GB]

For the other question about why them, I’d usually say something like, “I want to change to another TOC as I’ve been with my current one for a number of years. It would be easy for me to apply for my existing TOC, but I want to work for another respected company within the industry”.

Which could also be taken as you might get bored after a few years and want to change companies again. No one changes from one well respected company to another well respected company just to work for a well respected company.

 

[Stigy]

Which could also be taken as you might get bored after a few years and want to change companies again. No one changes from one well respected company to another well respected company just to work for a well respected company.

Could be, but it’s such a tricky question to answer honestly sometimes, and I genuinely don’t think they base that much emphasis on that question as it’s not competency based.