Train Driver Job Structured Interview
A structured interview forms part of
the assessment process. The interview session is used to assess your
ability to carry out specific tasks required of a train driver. The
structure of this interview is quite different from the regular kind
where you are asked questions relating to your qualifications.
Here
you will be given a form to describe, in writing, any past experience
related to when you had to carry out certain tasks. Your interview
session will then be in-depth questions based on the description you
provide.
An example of the kind of question you should expect is:
Q. Describe an example of when you have gone out of your way to provide an exceptional customer service.
In the above example, your description should be able to highlight the following:
- A brief background to the experience and the event that led up to it.
- Describe the need that required attending to, for example, the customer service needed.
- Describe the customer service you delivered highlighting what made it exceptional.
- Conclude your narration with how better the end result was from when the need occurred.
During the interview, you will be asked further details on the:
- Background to the example you described.
- Sequence of events.
- End result.
- Reason for the actions.
TIPS
- Make sure you choose an example that you are comfortable discussing
with your interviewer. This is because questions you will be asked
usually tend to be probing.
- Use a recent example to make it easier to remember details when you are asked.
- Describe an experience you have had rather than someone else’s. This
makes it easier for you to answer in-depth questions naturally.
- Make your written description is clear and understandable because you will be assessed on that basis as well.
- You are allowed to opt to be interviewed on a different experience
other than the one you have described in writing. This is because some
people after writing out a description, suddenly remember a better
experience they feel more comfortable to be interviewed on. If you find
yourself in this situation let your interviewer know.
To help
you prepare for this session, employ the help of a friend or family
member to act as your interviewer. Choose a topic or any past
experience to practise with. Write down a brief description and ask
your mock interviewer to ask you questions on it. At the end of your
practise session ask him for an honest feedback on:
- How concise you were in your verbal response.
- How clear and understandable your written description is.
- What were your strong points.
Note
that you are not restricted to providing examples from your work life.
You may provide examples from your social, educational life which are
likely to be relevant to the job of a train driver.