The United Kingdom has one of the most extensive railway systems in the world. A passenger can travel from England down to the regional borders of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland through these trains. People can even travel to France with England’s underwater tunnel. The ease that train systems bring to passengers doubles the challenge for rail transport system employees on maintaining the quality and safety of the service.
Trains cannot move without its train drivers. Being a train driver may have numerous benefits and a great salary but the stakes are high in getting hired. Train driver vacancies are very rare and when there’s an open spot, the competition is very high. So for those who are interested in applying for the job, here are a few tips on how to get the job as a train driver.
1. Prepare a flawless CV
The volume of applicants is high and there might be a chance that your CV isn’t browsed upon by the train company’s HR department. The technique here is to keep applying until you receive the first call for an exam. Make your CV impressive- place your latest decent photo, list all you important education and job credentials and keep your CV simple yet informative in organised, preferably bullet, manner.
2. Review for the primary tests
Once the HRS admin or the train driver recruiters get a hold of your CV and was able to contact you to take an exam, you must be prepared. Right after or before you even send your CV to your desired train company, make sure that you have reviewed the possible test questions in the train driver trainee’s exam. There are websites and review centres that offer reviewers and possible test questions for you to study upon so that the moment the train company calls you for an exam, your head is clear of pressure and you’re not going to cram.
3. Dress up and act smart for the interview
From the primary tests, the chances of failing is very high so if you really want to get hired, you must do best on all the phases of applying. You will be notified once you pass the test where you can proceed to having an interview. Take note that not everyone who has passed the test can go on to the interview. Because of the high demand, there is a quota where it depends how many has got the highest scores.
On your interview, be sure that you are on time and that you are dressed properly. On this phase, HR personnel would like to know if you’re worthy of being a train driver by evaluating your personal traits and your outlook in life. Train drivers must be responsible and concerned. Of course, they must be a fast learner.
4. Wait for your results without anxiety
After the interview, it’s okay to call the train company where you have applied from time to time on how your interview results have gone. But don’t call them very frequently- this may make you seem desperate for the job and most HR personnel don’t like this kind of attitude. On the other hand, don’t let them feel that you’re uninterested by failing to check your application status. Know your right timing and sound professional even through your phone conversations.
5. Pass the medical exam
Last but not the least, if you have passed all the previous phases, all there is left to do is pass the medical tests. This wouldn’t be a hindrance if you do not have prior untreated ailments or diseases. But after you pass the medical exam, you’re not exactly a train driver yet. Your employer will place you in a trainee where you get paid while you learn. It takes a couple of months to fully grasp on the idea of train driving before you can be a regular. So even in your training, you must perform well and show them that you are really fit for the job.
