To get short listed for assessments, you’ll have to submit a compelling train driver application. This may require some time – at least two days. That is Day One  is for first draft. And Day Two is for revision and submission. Spend more time than two days then you’ll risk the chances of your driver application being selected.

Completing job application forms can sometimes be a daunting task, however the only way to overcome this is to just do it.

In this article, we unveil five simple and easy to implement strategies that can help you get invited for train driver assessments. These strategies if used well will help you stand out from the crowd.

5 Keys to Submitting an Effective Train Driver Application Form.

1) Research the company thoroughly.

OK so, what sort of research are we talking about? There are a lot of research you can do about a company depending on interests. For example if you are looking to buy a company, you may concentrate on their efficiency and profitability ratios. Where as a train driver applicant may want to look at the goals and objectives of the company and how the role of a train driver can contribute.

Let say: a train operating company has set one of their objectives as ‘being customer focused’. How can you as train driver contribute? You can contribute by learning the company’s products and information, and by driving train safely and on time.

Another document you may want read is their passenger charter. As a train driver applicant you must read their safety policy. Also another area you may want look at is their train punctuality ratings from Network Rail and the capacity of passengers they are carrying a day, week or year. Any new franchise or concession they are loosing or wining. Bear in mind: only talk about their good results.  You must also learn the names of the railway lines and station they operate on.  You could be asked to name the railway lines and some of the stations they operate during the driver manager interview.

2) Read the job advert carefully and underline the key requirements

To win the attention of the human resourcing officer sifting through you application, you need to answer every question that applies to you carefully. In the train driver job advertisement, they will specify certain key skills that they want. And you must give examples where you have demonstrated such skills. Some skills will be scientifically measured where as others will depend on you telling them your story.

In writing your story, use who, what, where, how to examine its credibility. You can use the STAR acronym to answer the competency based questions.  An example of the competency based questions: tell us about any transferable skills you have that meet the requirements of the role of a train driver. If you are still challenged in this area, then we highly recommend our 1-Day Ultimate Train Driver Course,  where you will get the chance to fill a mock application forms of a certain train operating company.

3)  Do a first draft.

You should create a plan for submitting your application form. Do a first a draft. And then go through it critically. If you can’t be bothered to check your own work get someone else do it for you. Make sure you have checked and corrected any spelling and grammatical error. And then once you are satisfied with your application just the click the SUBMIT BUTTON.

4) Be prepared to take an on-line aptitude test.

Some company’s will sift through your application before offering you this test. Others will not even tell you. Once you click the submit button you are taking to the test page. And you must complete it or you lose out.

5) So how then do you prepare for the unexpected on-line test?

You have to be in a quiet place and ready to take the tests. Also ensure you have had some rest so your attention span is relatively higher. This will increase your chances of passing and being invited for the assessment day.

Share these strategies, implement them today and let us know what you think! We are looking forward to reading your comments and hearing your suggestions.