Western Railroad Discussion > Hiring session with the UP

Hello everyone,

I will be attending a hiring session this Friday with the Union Pacific in Ft.Worth and I have some questions for those of you who have been to this type of thing in the past:

1). I was considering wearing a short sleeve shirt,slacks and dress shoes. Would this be appropriate dress or should I wear a tie?

2). After the orientation a "general" test will be given. What kind of topics are covered in this test?

3). Is the physical agility test difficult? I am in excellent shape and do not have any back problems.

4). What kind of questions can I expect in the interview session and what kind of answers does the railroad like to hear? I have been warned about not telling them that I am a train buff...

Thanks for your answers and assistance!

DFWJIM Wrote:
>
> I will be attending a hiring session this Friday
> with the Union Pacific in Ft.Worth and I have some
> questions for those of you who have been to this
> type of thing in the past:
>
> 1). I was considering wearing a short sleeve
> shirt,slacks and dress shoes. Would this be
> appropriate dress or should I wear a tie?

You can't go wrong with a short black skirt. Don't wear white after easter, however. Otherwise, dress like you're going out golfing, as that is more than appropriate for a railroad environment. Don't wear the golf shoes, though. No suit. Don't let em think you're actually college-educated. In Texas, it helps if you project the image of a guy who likes to bass fish and golf.

>
> 2). After the orientation a "general" test will be
> given. What kind of topics are covered in this
> test?

Addition/subtracting (this will be useful to question the makeup compliance of the train)
Foot stomping.
Whining.
Running (work).
Calculating held-away (not that it matters, as they won't pay you for it).
Independent thinking (Not on OUR railroad!)
Astral-projection (it helps to think you're somewhere else when you're waiting for Ratsyberger to come and get you)

>
> 3). Is the physical agility test difficult? I am
> in excellent shape and do not have any back
> problems.

You'd be a wonderful candidate for the railroad. Because in 10 years, you'll be in horrible shape and will have back problems. If you're lucky, you can get an early retirement because of it.

>
> 4). What kind of questions can I expect in the
> interview session and what kind of answers does
> the railroad like to hear? I have been warned
> about not telling them that I am a train buff...

"How do you feel about spending 8 hours at home a night, then spending 36 hours at an away terminal in a dingy Super 8 motel?"
"How important is family life to you?"
"So, are you a social drinker?"
"What career aspirations do you have?" (careful with this--look too eager to move up and the questioner feels you want his job/not eager enough and they think you'll be a lazy slackard union member wanting to fleece the company)
"So, do you like long vacations? Say, January through May or each year? Unpaid?"
"Do you object to being mistreated, berated, and generally treated like a child by your supervisors?"
>
> Thanks for your answers and assistance!

Good luck! You'll have fun. Be sure to ask them about the possibility of one-man crews in the near future.

Snicker......Slug, you crack me up......

Yawn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Snicker......Slug, you crack me up......


The sad part is he isn't too far from the truth.

I was adivised to show up to interview sessions "ready to work" by a person in the business. In other words, work boots, jeans , button down work shirt etc. Obviously neat and clean versions of the above with shirts tucked in would be best. I was hired by both CNW and CSX wearing that kind of attire to the interview sessions. I was told by the same person that suits and business wear are specifically not what they are looking for. You aren't applying to be an accountant!

--jag

DFWJIM: I see the UP bashers didn't take long finding your post. I believe at least two of your first three respondents are UP rails although I'm not sure. If they hate the UP so much you wonder why they don't quit and find themselves another life. I'm not a rail so I can't offer a different opinion based on experience. But if you want to read some perspectives that are not so negative, try the threads titled "An engineer to be" by Lloydwilliams on 6/19/04 and "Just got invited to a UP hiring session" on 6/18/04.

Yep,Gene I second your thoughts. If they dislike their jobs and the Union Pacific so much they should do themselves a favor and pursue another profession. I guess that means that they would have to give up a very good income and benefits package though...

Thanks for directing me to the two other posts; I read them after I posted my message.

DFWJIM Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hello everyone,
>
> I will be attending a hiring session this Friday
> with the Union Pacific in Ft.Worth and I have some
> questions for those of you who have been to this
> type of thing in the past:
>
> 1). I was considering wearing a short sleeve
> shirt,slacks and dress shoes. Would this be
> appropriate dress or should I wear a tie?
> I have always preferred to consider someone for employment who was nicely dressed. I have interviewed people dressed in everything from jeans and a T-Shirt to business suits. You sound like you are on the right track. If you are hired, you will probably be required to undergo a physical exam, and if you are hiring out for train service, rules classes will probably be first thing before you actually work.
> 2). After the orientation a "general" test will be
> given. What kind of topics are covered in this
> test?
> Can't speak for the UP, but I cannot imagine the test to be too difficult, maybe some math and english, possibly some story-type questions.
> 3). Is the physical agility test difficult? I am
> in excellent shape and do not have any back
> problems.
> Again, can't speak for the UP, but if you are in good shape it shouldn't be a major problem, I would think.
> 4). What kind of questions can I expect in the
> interview session and what kind of answers does
> the railroad like to hear? I have been warned
> about not telling them that I am a train buff:
Leave the avocation at home. Honest, thoughtful answers work best. They may want to know about prior work history, education, a little about you. Speak clearly and look the interviewer in the eye. Be honest and get right to the point.
Again, can't say what UP likes, but it seems pretty simple.
> Thanks for your answers and assistance!

I suggest you be clean and neat. Wear nice "casual" clothes. You will be required, during the interview, to do sit ups so wear something that will allow you to do so.

I wouldent worry to much about the interview, just wear normal street clothes, look somewhat respectable. The test's are pretty easy, i have a bad back and had no problems with the agility test except for the situps but i passed them too.

When they take you in and interview you one on one just tell them your ready to work,and work safeley. should have a pretty good chance of being hired.
JC

Also during the interview session let them know you like the outdoors. If you have ever worked outdoors bring it up. The physical testing are how many sittups in 1 minute, then you lift on a handle attached to a bar that is chained to a platform, and a grip test. You can do lousy in one and good in the other 2 and be ok. It all goes on a percentile score that they average out to qualify. I don't know what the min. score is.
Wear what you would go to work in. Blue jeans (No rips or tears) and a collared shirt will suffice. Work boots maybe. Just remember that what you put on your application online WILL BE CHECKED!!! Make sure all dates and names are correct. Good Luck!

A big thank you to everyone who provided so much useful information; I will let you all know how everything turns out.