Job Application

campbell · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:12

Need a little bit of help here people.

Applying for a Trainee Train driver job and seriously stuck on a question.

Question:
What challenges do you think you might face if you were successful in your application for this job?

Im stumped. Ive been straining my brain trying to come up with a challenge that is not a sign of weakness.

Ahh!! Any help would be great.

Scotty

benjo · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:15

Train crash?

MikeHunt79 · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:16

It does sounds a little like a trick question...

Red_knight · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:17

Dealing with the after-effects of a jumper?

kaffe · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:17

Sounds morbid but suicides?

edit: beaten to it. but red_knight sounded much less macabre. On another note, maybe snobby commuters blaming you for lateness when there's nothing you can do?

Beerbaron · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:18

Q. Will you go on strike at least once a year?
A. Yes, more if possible

topshot · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:20

leaves, hot weather, cold weather, wet weather. Seems to be the most common challenges facing midland rail

campbell · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:20

(Re: Suicides) The thought had crossed my mind. I know it will come up in the interview but im trying to stay clear of it as a challenge.

Was thinking honestly about the challenge and i could only come up with the training being part of the challenge. But do i want them to know i think their training will be a challenge?

Ahh!!

ntg · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:21

long periods of working alone/isolated
staying concentrated for a long time
having the responsibility for the well being of so many people
unsocial working hours

Knubje · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:23

Question:
What challenges do you think you might face if you were successful in your application for this job?

How about:

A: The challenge of acquiring new skills and dealing with the learning curve of becoming a qualified train driver. I thrive when I am learning and being put to the test, I love new challenges as demonstrated x,y,z etc, etc,etc.

Turn the question into somewhere you can talk about how good you are and how the job sounds amazing. Thats my general rule for these sorts of things! Try not to put anything negative, regardless if its about you, the job, the employer and so on.

kaffe · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:23

kgi said:
long periods of working alone/isolated
staying concentrated for a long time
having the responsibility for the well being of so many people
unsocial working hours

Definitely better than my ones.

I guess snow n stuff could be challenging.

Zefan · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:23

This isn't really applicable to your situation, but in interviews or job applications always make your "weaknesses" actually strengths. For instance, say "I can be a little too methodical" or "I have a problem tolerating attitude problems in the workplace, for instance I am always on time and find it hard to understand why others feel they can stroll in late".

Have fun driving trains and remember to wear a suit obviously.

campbell · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:25

kgi said:
long periods of working alone/isolated
staying concentrated for a long time
having the responsibility for the well being of so many people
unsocial working hours

The third one is really good. Might adapt it for a while

kaffe · 13 Jul 2011 at 16:25

Zefan said:
Have fun driving trains and remember to wear a suit obviously.

Had an interview yesterday and was told NOT to wear anything smart.

Zefan · 13 Jul 2011 at 17:43

kaffe said:
Had an interview yesterday and was told NOT to wear anything smart.

Well that's different obviously!

It's just an OcUK in joke really

Dave M · 13 Jul 2011 at 17:59

Given it is an application for a trainee train driver the first challenge you should expect is the training

After that I'd suggest ensuring you are always in top physical and mental condition so as to best serve the responsibility that is being put in your hands.

You can roll into work hung over in many a job, but train driver wouldn't be one of them

big_white_dog84 · 13 Jul 2011 at 19:10

Some of the replies here are mental - they are definitely NOT looking for things like 'suicides'. The reply above is very close to the mark....talk about the challenge of training for a new role with such a high level of responsibility, new rules to learn, new working environment to adapt to etc. But that's exactly what you are looking for...a new challenge exactly like the one they are offering, allowing you to step outside your comfort zone or something similar (needs to be worded carefully).

Mercenary Keyboard Warrior · 13 Jul 2011 at 19:21

Answer : managing to tollerate the poor service, terrible time keeping and poor efficiency that is delivered on the rail network

jellybeard999 · 13 Jul 2011 at 19:50

"The challenge of scoring 100 points sounds difficult, but I feel I will rise to it. A pensioner is 10 points, right?"

Whackeygrunt · 13 Jul 2011 at 20:33

Knubje said:
Question:
What challenges do you think you might face if you were successful in your application for this job?

How about:

A: The challenge of acquiring new skills and dealing with the learning curve of becoming a qualified train driver. I thrive when I am learning and being put to the test, I love new challenges as demonstrated x,y,z etc, etc,etc.

Turn the question into somewhere you can talk about how good you are and how the job sounds amazing. Thats my general rule for these sorts of things! Try not to put anything negative, regardless if its about you, the job, the employer and so on.

This would probs work.

However I really hate the fact that you have to resort to such **** sucking to get a job in todays world. Wish you could just become a merchant or tradesman of some kind like in the days of old.