When you are in the process of preparing for a Train Conductor interview, there is one thing that you must keep in mind. And that is how well you can present yourself when not doing it on paper.
Up until now, you would have highlighted your accomplishments, skills, and qualifications through resumes and cover letters.
But the real test begins now when you have to be face to face with an interviewer. Preparing yourself through practice questions is probably the best way to go about it.
If it is a train conductor’s interview that you are appearing for, here is a set of questions and answers that you may come across.
Train Conductor Interview Questions and Answers
1. During the time that you have worked as a train conductor, what have you found to be most challenging?
I believe that an onboard emergency is always challenging. Since the train is on the go, it is often difficult to handle problems such as illnesses or injuries, especially since you may be at any point in the journey – even passing through a mountain area or barren land.
2. Tell us of a time when an emergency did occur and you had to handle it.
There was an elderly man who was traveling alone. I had a hunch about him as he didn’t look too well when he was boarding, so I kept a check on him. In one of my hourly checks, I found him unconscious. I immediately rang the alarm, gave him CPR, and managed to save his life just as we reached the nearest station.
3. As a train conductor, what have been your on-board duties in a past role?
During the time I have worked at this position, I have assisted passengers to embark and disembark, issued tickets and collected fares, assisted passengers in finding their seats and berths, and provided the information regarding timetables, destinations, and routes.
4. What skills do you believe are necessary to work as a train conductor?
It is essential to be passenger / customer-oriented. You have to have a pleasant personality and a will to help. Additionally, one has to be aware of one’s surroundings so that any untoward or suspicious activity is addressed properly. The ability to handle emergencies and calm passengers down during one is also of the utmost importance in this work.
5. What are your off-board activities as a train conductor?
Signaling engineers to begin train runs, directing workers engaged in yard activities, operating controls to activate track switches and traffic signals, and documenting and preparing reports of accidents and unscheduled stops or delays is all part of a train conductor’s off-board activities.
6. How do you make sure that train carriages are made ready for the next group of passengers in the minimum possible time?
The trick to getting carriages ready quickly is to make sure that most of the work is done while the train is on the run! I make sure that I keep the train as clean as possible during the run by coordinating the services of stewards and cleaners. And as soon as the last passenger has disembarked, I get the cleaning and maintenance crew rolling!