Pre-employment test

[Anonymous]

I have been invited to a BNSF hiring session scheduled for next Tuesday. I just got the email yesterday and I am wondering how to prepare for the aptitude test and interview. I have no idea what to expect on the test. I am a horrible speller and fairly clueless when it comes to grammer. I am an electrician presently working for myself as a contractor. I applied for an electrical system position in Great Falls, Montana. What are they looking for? Help!

Kevin Haugan

[Overmod]

You might start by remembering how to spell 'grammar' if it comes up ;-}...

Seriously -- this subject has been covered many times on these forums, and you might want to search the archives for some very good wisdom.

As an immediate point ('take-home' wisdom from previous posts by real railroaders): remember "SAFETY". If anybody asks you a question during this testing -- even casually or seeming to indicate they want an answer that's different -- STRESS SAFETY. Also indicate that you'll always, always, always follow company procedures no matter what. Even if you think you're laying it on too thick, do it.

(Of course, once you're on the job, keep on thinking and doing things the same way...)

[Anonymous]

depending on the craft that you are applying for, they will also ask if you are willing to relocate. The answer is always yes! One question that will be asked is, "Do you think all accidents are avoidable?" Answer is YES and only yes! This was quite a few years ago, but the monkey test included reading comprehension, math (add,sub,div,mult,fractions,word problems), some sort of personal blah blah inventory which looks for predisposition to anger (if you are like me, answer the exact opposite of how you really feel) it gives roadrage scenarios etc. That's all that I can share. Good luck

[heavyd]

Like Overmod said, safety safety safety... That is what held me back from being hired the first time I applied because I really didn't talk about it very much at all. They also don't care about how smart you are or how technically inclinded you are either. So trying to sound overly intellegent won't get you too far, even though their hiring requirments are usually rather high! Working safely, following company procedures, a "company comes first attitude", common sense and being a team player will help you greatly. Also, one major tip, don't tell them you are a rail fan.

[Anonymous]

It does depend upon the craft. You can expect some written questions, on some crafts you might even be expected to do sit ups and some hand strength tests (train crews). The hiring sessions for different crafts are all different so brush up on English and math and always stress that you are a team player and can work safely.

Expect to take a drug test possibly during the hiring session or when offered a position. The drug test will happen, it is just a matter of when. They might require a sample of hair or the usual other sample [;)] you know, the one in the little bottle. [:o)]