Norfolk and Southern Interview

[Anonymous]

I am scheduled for an interview for Freight Conductor. Anyone have any tips on what or what not to say?

[ericsp]

Anything stupid.

On a more serious note, I have never interviewed with a railroad, however I can take about interviews in general. Take about the company will benefit from hiring you, never speak negatively about anyone in the interview, show you can be a team player. I am sure there are other things that I cannot remember right now. You might want to look into getting a book or two about interviewing.

[MP57313]

Look up the company website and see what's listed there

[ericsp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dmac730

Anyone have any tips on what or what not to say?

Norfolk and Southern. I do not see an "and" between the "Norfolk" and the "Southern" on its website. There is nothing quite like calling the company by the wrong name to reduce your chances of being hired.

http://www.nscorp.com/

[daveklepper]

Watch for trick questions that are intended to provoke an emotional and not a rational answer. So before answering "NO" or CAN'T or WON'T, quicly think how you can show that you are both friendly and cooperative and still give an answer that won't get you into future trouble. Like

Well maybe that would work in some situations

I can't see myself doing that now but in the future the situation should change

[Anonymous]

Go into that interview with a positive "can do" attitude. CSX really questioned whether I could handle working outside in all weather conditions and working all hours of the day/night. I responded with personal job experiences. Even if you don't have any a positive attitude will go a long way. And like the others said, do a little research and try to understand what being a RR conductor is all about. You need to fully understand the personal implications of this job and how it will affect your life. By showing that you understand this will go a long way in the interview process.

[Anonymous]

From someone who actually knows about the NS. First, refer to the company as Norfolk Southern or NS, no "and". Second arrive at least twenty (20) minutes early for the hiring session. NS is unforgiving about tardiness. They literally lock the doors just before 8:00am. If the doors are locked when you get there they will not let you in, period. So don't be late.

Be prepared to take written tests. Be prepared to hear about how working on the railroad is a different lifestyle. Be prepared for a diffficult interview with multiple interviewers. Dress reasonably. No jeans. No suits. I would go with business casual. Nice pants and a button up shirt with a collar. Don't ever let on that trains are your hobby.

LC

[cherokee woman]

LC, you have hit the nail on the head! [#ditto] on everything you said.
Your suggestions and tips work for any job interview. You can be
comfortable in casual work type clothes, but still look very dignified,
competent, and well groomed. And keep a nice, pleasant SMILE on
your face. No frowning or scowling.

[wabash1]

LC is right on with a few exceptions... after about a hour they will take a break this is to git rid of the drug user and anyone else who dont really want to work. it may start out at 120 people after 1 hr it will be down to 40 or 50 people and out of that bunch only 20 may be qualified. which pack of people are you in?

they are right about locking the doors. dont be late. and they want team players not know it alls. look like you are interested in what they want to tell you. if your a female they will give you situation for discriminating. its is designed to see if they can afford you. most of all when they ask you why you want a railroad job. what ever you can think of positive will help. not i think it will be a great job. ( if this is your answer you wont be called back) be alert and be a team player and let them know you want a career and you will do great

[dwil89]

One thing to consider very carefully once you've listened to their presentation, is ,how will it change your lifestyle. I do not work for the railroad, but in reading what other railroaders have said....1. Are you prepared to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? You can't plan anything....because that phone could ring anytime. Do you have, or plan to have a wife and family? You'll be away alot, and won't be able to commit to being home for Birthdays and the like.....A couple of years ago, an article was written in Trains by someone who had hired on as a Conductor for NS... He resigned after several months because he decided that his time away from his family was too much for him, He also said that for him, Railroading is the best job, with the worst lifestyle. But again, everybody is different, but it is something to put some time and serious thought to. It will not be a 9-5 job at the beginning, the work times will be erratic and unpredictable. Career Railroaders may have their own ideas and opinions to add to this... Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown

[ValleyX]

It may (and probably won't) ever be a 9 to 5 job, you might spend a lifetime answering the phone, taking calls at odd hours. It's a lot to ask and when you find yourself on a train at midnight on New Year's Eve or Christmas Eve or on your spouses' birthday, you have to wonder if you made the right choice. It's not for everyone, it has been written here many, many times. I believe that if you really want to work for the railroad, you have to know that upfront. I did and I've still found it difficult at times.

Still, if you want to get the job, all of the above advice is good, you don't ever want to be a know-it-all and you want to look like a team player.

[Anonymous]

From all I read above, it looks like just about any job interview I've ever went to. Interviews are meant to be a little tough. Railroads would like to weed out slackers at entry level walking in pretending to be reliable, dedicated, hard working, and conscientious about safety when infact they lack some or all the credentials.

LC hit one important note though (probably others as well) when he said, "Don't ever let on that trains are your hobby." This is if you railfan, telling them you are one is not good. Keep it under your hat. Give them what they need to know, tell them what they want to hear, and just be yourself.

Good Luck to You. let us know how everything turns out.

[Anonymous]

Any experience you have had working outdoors or shiftwork is a good bonus be sure to mention it if they ask.

If you ever worked christmas or missed family holidays be sure to mention that if they ask as well, 24/7, trains don't stop for Santa.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the great advice. I hope my resume will speak for itself, having 20 years in the US Navy as a Loadmaster aboard jet transports. 20 years of being on call 24/7. I have also have had more safety training than most have in a life time. I'll let you all know how it turned out!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dmac730

Thanks for the great advice. I hope my resume will speak for itself, having 20 years in the US Navy as a Loadmaster aboard jet transports. 20 years of being on call 24/7. I have also have had more safety training than most have in a life time. I'll let you all know how it turned out!

Good. NS loves former military folks. Shows ability to work as a team and follow orders in demanding circumstances. Also, you will find that there is quite a group of NS officials who are VMI grads.

LC

[heavyd]

Here is one tip not to forget. The railroads are about the most safety conscious industry in the world. When you are interviewed try to answer with "safety" in mind. Like stories of when you took safety first, or the safest way to complete a job, or found an unsafe condition and corrected it. When I interviewed with CP the first time I tried too hard to sound intellegent and able. I wasn't hired and I asked why, they told me my answers were good, but not safety-ish enough. The next time I interview my answers were safety this and safety that and I was hired. They really like to hear safety stuff. Being safe is the most important thing!

[heavyd]

Oh yah, what ever you say, DO NOT mention you are a railfan!!! Railfans and railroaders are two different things in the mind of a railroad manager. Most managers are old heads and are still very much against the hiring of railfans.

[dwil89]

Keeping Railfanning under your hat at the beginning is a good idea. However, NS is fully aware that there are railfans among its ranks...The NS Calendar has pictures snapped by its own employees. Some pics posted on here and other forums are taken by active railroaders....but as far as getting hired, you don't want to make it appear that a primary interest is Railfanning....Keep that part under your hat. Once you have proven yourself, perhaps some pics under the right circumstances would be appropriate....And of course, you can still railfan on your own time. I have met a number of active railroaders that are also avid railfans...I have met many of them at The Station Inn in Cresson. Many of them have been railfans prior to hiring on, but kept it very low key when interviewed. Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown

[Anonymous]

I can tell you first hand that they don't always lock the doors. With the last NS hiring session I attended, I got there 40 minutes early and dressed nicely. I watched twelve or fifteen people walk in 10 minutes late. Only one or two were dressed for an interview. The others had pants falling off their butt and wore FUBU type clothing and backwards baseball caps. Half of these people were called back up 3 or 4 times because they couldn't complete the application. Guess what? Most of these people were called to stay for interviews. This ticks me off . I get up at 3am to get there early, wear nice clothes trying to look professional, and they want to interview a bunch of clowns.
This is all pointless, I just felt like venting. Everyone is right about not saying anything about railroad hobbies, that's a no no.

[MP57313]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dmac730
20 years in the US Navy as a Loadmaster aboard jet transports.

I was going to add "don't gripe about your current/former job" but if you were there 20 years you must have liked it. interviewers sometimes ask why you left your previous job...and they want be be sure it wasn't because you locked horns with team-mates or supervisors

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dmac730

Thanks for the great advice. I hope my resume will speak for itself, having 20 years in the US Navy as a Loadmaster aboard jet transports. 20 years of being on call 24/7. I have also have had more safety training than most have in a life time. I'll let you all know how it turned out!

I'd be sure to mention that, that's the exact kind of experince they are looking for.

[dwil89]

QUOTE: Originally posted by blaze

I can tell you first hand that they don't always lock the doors. With the last NS hiring session I attended, I got there 40 minutes early and dressed nicely. I watched twelve or fifteen people walk in 10 minutes late. Only one or two were dressed for an interview. The others had pants falling off their butt and wore FUBU type clothing and backwards baseball caps. Half of these people were called back up 3 or 4 times because they couldn't complete the application. Guess what? Most of these people were called to stay for interviews. This ticks me off . I get up at 3am to get there early, wear nice clothes trying to look professional, and they want to interview a bunch of clowns.
This is all pointless, I just felt like venting. Everyone is right about not saying anything about railroad hobbies, that's a no no.

Well, if their capabilities and work habits match their sloppy appearance, they won't make it very far in the interview process, they'll be weeded out. I am a Dept manager in my job and I've hired a number of people. One teenager came in dressed like a slob, baggy jeans, t-shirt with pic on front and I heard him out, then said I'd get back to him if I decided on him...I decided against him initially..He called the HR rep back a few times asking about the job...I related to the HR manager that I'd reinterview him if he would come to that interview dressed as if he were starting work that day...He did, I ended up hiring him, and he has been working for the company for 6 years and is a good and reliable associate. Some people don't have a clue how to present themselves at an interview, and may get turned down for good jobs because of it. Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown

[shrek623]

QUOTE: Originally posted by heavyd

Here is one tip not to forget. The railroads are about the most safety conscious industry in the world. When you are interviewed try to answer with "safety" in mind. Like stories of when you took safety first, or the safest way to complete a job, or found an unsafe condition and corrected it. When I interviewed with CP the first time I tried too hard to sound intellegent and able. I wasn't hired and I asked why, they told me my answers were good, but not safety-ish enough. The next time I interview my answers were safety this and safety that and I was hired. They really like to hear safety stuff. Being safe is the most important thing!

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is huge.I explained in my interview how my previous company I worked for was very safety concious, had safety meetings all the time. You could see the interviewers attitude change right away. That and being 24/7 on-call in my previous job I think are the two main reasons I was hired by BNSF.

Good luck,

Shrek

[Anonymous]

Blaze I feel your pain about calling back slobs!! I've been to six hiring sessions this year alone and got interviewed once...unfortunately I didn't make it that time because I majorly screwed up.

I touted safety this, safety that and I figured the interview wouldn't be a problem. Wrong!! I goofed because they will ask questions that take some thought, and I somehow ended up sounding like I wasn't safe afterall and I wasn't hired!! Out of 150+ people, making it to the final 7 is awesome, but to screw up sucks. I'll keep trying tho.

Question for you guys...I've heard you also should have a spotless driving record. Since my last interview I have gotten a speeding ticket...is this the death-nail for my hopes with working for NS??

[Anonymous]

FutureConductor81, welcome to the forums. To be totally honest, I don't know if a ticket is a strike against you. I would think they would be understanding of such a thing. I interview with CSX twice and my ticket was never brought up. My only advice is hang in there and be persistant, because it will pay off. Don't feel too bad about taking so long to get hired on with NS, they are kinda hard to hire on with, and one man I talked to said he spent 11 years pursuing them until he finally got hired.

[Nora]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FutureConductor81


Question for you guys...I've heard you also should have a spotless driving record. Since my last interview I have gotten a speeding ticket...is this the death-nail for my hopes with working for NS??

It probably depends on who the recruiter is at the hiring session. At the last one I went to, the recruiter said that speeding tickets in the past were not necessarily a problem but that it was important to disclose all of them on the application. She then gave us a little lecture on driving safely, not speeding, and stopping at crossings. Then she said that if she sees anyone there that day at a future hiring session who has any speeding tickets listed from that day forward, she would not consider them because she told us not to speed. [%-)] Of the six hiring sessions I've been to that was the only one where anything like that was said. If I were you I would make damn sure not to get any more, though!

At one of the hiring sessions I was at, they were explaining the application and a girl in the back interrupted to say "Can I get an extra sheet of paper? I get at least one ticket every year and there isn't enough room on here." I think she got cut in the first round. Why would you want to draw attention to yourself & your crappy driving record that way?! [sigh]

[Anonymous]

I know Driving Under the Influence, or Impared driving is a very big deal.

Anyone who is doing that kind of stuff shouldn't be operating heavy machinery of any kind, in my opinion, anyway.

[Anonymous]

Yea my first offense ever...just when I needed it too!! Personally I think the cop was needing something to fill his quota in a hurry because of the circumstances, but all that aside, I got one anyway. Sheesh, either way I'm going to driving school to get it off my record.

As for people interrupting, Nora, I was at a hiring session one time when a guy in his early to mid 30's interrupted to say he still played with his toy trains everyday. Needless to say, he didn't get called back!!

My cousin is a conductor and he asked me if I had any speeding tickets, and at the time I didn't. He mentioned that if I didn't it would help me big time. On the other hand, at hiring sessions I believe they're looking for honesty above all, because can a speeding ticket 9 years ago really effect ones chances? I doubt it.

[Sterling1]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dwil89

One thing to consider very carefully once you've listened to their presentation, is ,how will it change your lifestyle. I do not work for the railroad, but in reading what other railroaders have said....1. Are you prepared to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? You can't plan anything....because that phone could ring anytime. Do you have, or plan to have a wife and family? You'll be away alot, and won't be able to commit to being home for Birthdays and the like.....A couple of years ago, an article was written in Trains by someone who had hired on as a Conductor for NS... He resigned after several months because he decided that his time away from his family was too much for him, He also said that for him, Railroading is the best job, with the worst lifestyle. But again, everybody is different, but it is something to put some time and serious thought to. It will not be a 9-5 job at the beginning, the work times will be erratic and unpredictable. Career Railroaders may have their own ideas and opinions to add to this... Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown

I saw something similar to that effect, it was about a BNSF conductor who quit after two years, because he wasn't able to spend much time with his wife. Trains article in the September 2002 issue titled "Hard lessons: working fo the railroad."

[iGoDwnTwn]

I received a speeding ticket ( 15mph over ) 2 blocks from home. When I attended the invited class for the first general test, the gentlemen stated to be honest about the tickets b/c when they did the background test, it would show up. Indeed, about three weeks after that test, the verification firm called me because I listed the ticket but not what city or county I got it in. That was the only negative spot in the whole verification process that I had. I start BNSF in 2 weeks!!!!![:D]