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[Anonymous]

Ever since I can remember trains were my life and nothing else. I wanted to operate trains. So when I got out of High School I joined the Army. Oops. I only thought that if I joined I would look better than everyone else when my applicatiion came up. I wanted the railroad job in the Transportation part but they told me I couldnt have it. I think they lied to me about that. My mom got incredibly sick and the circumstances got real bad. I was still in basic. So I made the worst mistake of my life. I went AWOL. I got arrested and discharged from the military. I was given a less than honorable discharge. Not the worst but nothing I'll ever be proud of. Now I work in a factory, it's not bad but It's not what I want to do. I want to work for the railroad. I applied for UP and was invitied to a hiring session. I was one of the last one's left in the entire process. The application asked if I had ever been in the Military. I put yes. I wont lie to a future employer. I want to be totally honest. Well needless to say I wasnt called for the job. I still really want to pursue my dream and was wondering what you think? Do I really have a chance at all. Or did a mistake so long ago ruin a my dream of a lifetime? Please dont flame I just want your honest opinion.

[Anonymous]

I too joined the military out of high school and joined an elite group but left before my contract was fulfille (mutual). I wouldn't change the experience for anything.
I don't know if joining for the sole reason of resume enhancing is a good one but what you learn through the experience is beneficial no matter what career path you choose.
After 6 months from your discharge date you can request, or apply for, a change in your discharge status to a 'general discharge' or possibly a 'general with honorable conditions' discharge. I would recommend checking into this.
As for your future- Sorry I can't offer anything RR related but most employers either don't or don't know how to check into someones Military history.
Good luck!

[heavyd]

Yah, I am not sure either how thourough a RR would get about your resume. When I hired on I thanked my references but they told me the RR never called them anyway! But don't feel too bad, I made a terrible mistake aswell. I actually got my dream of working on the railroad, but it turned into a nightmare and I ended up quiting. It has been about a year and I am still trying to get my job back or reapply. It is a long story of why I quit, but I shouldn't have and now I regret it. So we are kinda in the same boat. I am not giving up, I hope you won't either. Keep trying!!!

[Anonymous]

Hmmm... well I tought the railroad was a goverment job therfore they could get access to my military records is this not true?

[heavyd]

I think the only Government RR are Amtrak and the US ARMY RR. All others are private just like any other company. Conrail used to be government but it was broken up to NS and CSX. CN used to be goverment aswell but it was sold to private sector.

[Dough]

I'm not sure what is being said here, but let me stress, DO NOT lie on your resume. Of course your employer can find out what your discharge status was, government or not. That is not something to mess around with. Maybe they will not check, but why chance it???

I think that you are on the right track about being honest Jango. I encourage you to continue down that path and I hope that you can correct your mistakes.

Oh and one more thing. Isn't UP desperate for workers right now? I wouldn't give up just yet...

[Anonymous]

So all they can find out is my discharge status? I think I know why I didnt get the job with UP. The guy doing the interviews was former ARMY. I dont think it's really fair to judge me on my mistake. Im only 20 and would be perfect for that job. No marriage, children, or medical problems. I can work the long hours. I just want a chance more than anything. Someone who can look past a bad decision that I made in life. I stay out of trouble and do my work. I just want another chance. Im a good kid honest. But everyday I keep telling myself they dont care about why I did what I did. They just look down on me. But I wont give up. I really wanna work for NS. I always grew up around em and it would be great. I think if I could sit down and really talk to a Employer who will listen to me I know I'll get a chance. But ot's hard to find one.

[Anonymous]

I also heard the interviewer for UP say there's only 2 reasons they cant hire you:

1 DUI
2 Tested positive for drugs

Neither of these things am I guilty of. I stay clean and sober at all times. No parties and stuff like that. I stay out of trouble. I did apply for UP when they were hard up for employees. I applied for a Trainmen posistion is Cedar Rapids IA. I live in Tennessee and drove all the way up there and still didnt get it. I was pretty bummed.

[Dough]

Well, good luck. Keep trying and one of them may finally hire you on. I'll say again, that the best bet is probably to be honest and explain your mistake, and your reasons...

[Anonymous]

From the inside I can tell you this. Railroads unlike most private employers have their own police departments that have a higher than normal access as well as knowledge to get info on an applicant. You might also note that railroads are almost tyrannical in their management and treatment of employees..they look at noncomformance as a real threat these days. They look for people that will do what they want, when they want it done. I might suggest trying regional railroads also....I've heard Wisconsin Southern and Montana Rail link treat people ok, and are a little more people orientated..just hearsay though. Don't give up, keep trying. Your biggest hurdle will be overcomming the personnell depts profile of an acceptable applicant...keep selling yourself. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Did you ever consider that there was someone more qualified or had an "in" for the position / s you applied for....either one is possible....don't knock yourself too bad...
AL