I filed an application with BNSF as a conductor trainee. I have talked to several BNSF engineers on-line and in person. I have taken the plunge and await the future. They are going to hire around 1700 people out of Chicago and I think I have a decent chance. Time will tell.
So you'll be able to remain relatively close to where you live at present? Or will they send you off to the Wyoming coal fields? Guys I've known in recent years have been sent all across the system. Well, it will certainly be an adventure for you. Boxcab E50
I will be based out of Chicago. The guy I spoke with said he has been there for 9 years, and he had never been laid off. He also said that they are always short people. I am going to move about an hour west of here if I get the job.
who were you talking to Jason? If he has been with the BNSF in Chicago for 9 years and on the BN side, I'm certain I would know him. I dont want to be the prophet of doom, but just because others weren't laid off, that doesn't mean you wont be. At the time the person you refer to was hired, the railroad was pitifully short of people and the economy was beginning to really boom. We had a total of 32 new hires in a couple of classes in 1999, they were fully trained,qualified and examined but never marked up. They were furloughed upon completion of their training. Some nice folks too! I had a number of them as trainees when I was still working at Eola. When the recall came about 21 of them came back and many of them have since left. We have been hiring full throttle this past year. My regular job on suburban service is a job that is usually selected as one of the trainee assignments since it is 3 all stop locals and a Hinsdale express on the last run. Its a good job to learn all the stops and familiarize yourself with the route. Good luck, maybe I'll get to see you out there before I retire! CT
Well, I did not get his name, but he worked at the Job fair Friday night and was the only one that actually looked like he worked on the railroad, most everyone else looked and acted like office personal. He was at the conductor table around 7:30 and was on the exit side of the table. Things aren't looking good at this point. There is an orientation tomorrow at 5, and we are to be notified by email if we are to attend, so far no email for me. If I progress any farther, i will certainly let you guys know. Just found out today NS is looking for people in this area too, and their hire day is Thursday.
The railroad habitually waits until the last minute to do something and then expects it to be done immediately. When I was hired I received a telephone call asking what sort of arrangements I would like for transportation to Kansas City(I flew with Peanut Central Airlines). I told them I would like to fly there and was told I would receive confirmation in the mail. On Wednesday I received a letter telling me to report to such and such a place in KC, an airline confirmation number for my ticket and instructions on what ground transportation arrangements to expect on arrival for transport to Overland Park KS. Not much of a lead time to take care of my personal business and make sure my family could handle my absence. I could tell you more "horror" stories, but we'll save that for later. Let us know what happens one way or 'nuther CT
Well, I didn't get picked, so it is not much of a problem now. Maybe I will try again at a later date.
Probably not at this time. I am working to get my blue card through a local short line and museum. Once this is done, and I get a bit of experience, then I may try the railroads again in a year or 2. The BNSF thing came up so fast, I really wasn't ready to make the move. For now, I will continue on as is.
Jason, keep trying. I tried for years to get with any RR. Kept sending in resumes. Have you checked the newspapers for "Help wanted" ads? If you read any, reply to them. That is actually how I got my job. By answering an ad in the Chicago Sunday Tribune CT
I just applied with UP in St Louis for he second time. Didnt get an interview last time, maybe I wil this time.
Gabriel, welcome to TrainBoard. Great to have you on board! Glad to hear about you re-applying with UP. Hope the second time will be the charm. What position are you applying for? Good luck, Bill
Well, it's really offical now. Dear Mr. Jason ******, Thank you for your interest in the BNSF Conductor Trainee position. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer you a position at this time. Please visit the website at www.bnsf.com for future employment opportunities. Please note; if you interviewed for this Conductor Trainee position, you are not eligible for a Conductor Trainee position with BNSF for a period of six (6) months.
Either a person qualifies, or not. Their above statement makes absolutely no sense. If qualified for possible future employment, they should say so. And if so, why a forced 6 month reapplication wait? For a company in need of quality people, ASAP, this won't help bring the right folks in....... Boxcab E50
I've never been able to find where to send a resume and letter to for any railroad. Some have links to job available but don't explain where to send resumes and stuff to. Can someone lead me to where I can find this stuff?
