Well, I had an interview with BNSF for a conductor trainee position out of Vancouver, WA. I made the cut after the test (22 were eliminated), I am certain I passed the drug test since I have never actually ever used drugs, and had what I thought was a pretty good interview. I stuck with the safety topic, emphasised as it should be. But a week later I was informed I was not being offered a position. A couple of questions for anyone who would like to answer. 1) do I have to wait six months to apply? and if I do apply, will they automatically eliminate me? 2) In the e-mail I received it stated that while I wasn't offered a position, I am an alternate. Is this truly a good thing? Or do they tell a lot of people who got interviewed but not offered that they are altnerates? Am I one of two or three alternates or am I one of 45 alternates? 45 is about the number of folks who interviewed but were not offered a position. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
dunno about the wait, but I suggest you stay in touch with them. That way they know you are interested. Charlie
Just wanted to let you know that I have been offered a conductor trainee position out of Vancouver. I am fairly certain that this is a result of my interview this past Dec. After the origianl interview I was informed I was not selected for a position, but was selected as an alternate. It looks like my name finally bubbled to the surface. I am currently going through all the hoops (drug tests, strength test, health check, etc). Not sure when I will actually start once the rest of the process has been completed. Hopefully I will be starting within a month or so.
Congrats! The class work will seem daunting when you first get all the books, but if an old redneck like me can make it... Once you're checked out on all the tests, you should be informed when your class will start. If it's anything like the UP, we had 3 weeks of classroom work, 4 weeks of what I called "ride alongs" on both yard and road jobs, a 2 week conductor class, and then you'll train for what ever subdivision/terminal you'll be working out of, and that will last a couple of weeks. Then you'll be able to "mark up" as a conductor for a road pool, or even a switchman on a yard or local job. Good luck to you and keep us informed! Ken
1. Ask Lots of questions, the only dumb question is the one you don't ask 2. Have your timetable out for the subdivision and your signals book 3. Restricted speed is NOT about 20 MPH, it is about the ability to stop WITHIN HALF the range of vision and 20 MPH "IF" conditions warrent it. 4. Remember, ANY TRACK, ANY TIME and IN ANY DIRECTION.[Keep your head on a SWIVEL] always be aware of your surroundings. I take students down here in Alliance NE. BNSF is a good career, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. It will seem over whelming at first, till you get the jist of things, but it will come.
Good luck! I have an interview with KCS next week for conductor trainee. From what I've been reading around here, safety, safety, safety.
Hey guys! Just wanted to say "hello" as I am new to the forum. I am in the process of trying to get hired as a conductor with BNSF in Vancouver, WA. I have a conditional offer and have received notice that I meet the medical standards so just waiting to hear if I need to do something else or get the call/e-mail with the final offer. Good Luck to all those who are trying to find employment with the RR.
Yet another "interview" quest..........wonder how long it will be before someone decides to take some sort of legal action cuz they didn't get hired with all the free so called advice passed out here.........
