How can i get hired by the railroad?

Question

I want to work for a major rail company, but I don't have any experience. I'm a very hard worker and can hang with the best. I would appreciate any and all help.

Answer 1

application, interview, take what ever job then foot in door. work hard and advance to the job that you want.

Answer 2

Start with an application.  Take any job if they offer.  You will have your foot in the door.  If it is union, join!

Answer 3

Sounds a familiar situation to me! What job is it you want to do?

With getting into rail work more than in any other industry it really does seem to be a case of 'who you know' more than 'what you know'. Do you know anyone of your family, or distant relatives, or good friends, who already work for the railroad? A word in the right direction from one of them could be worth ten CVs.

Be prepared to start on the rails doing a job much lower or lesser than the job you really want. I wanted to become a driver (engineer) but had to start as a member of catering staff (a Senior Steward in the UK) pushing a trolley up and down a train, to get up the ladder to buffet cars, then a conductor, and finally a driver or engineer. Took me five years to do it, but I might never have got in if I'd only been willing to go straight in 'off the street' as a driver.

Be persistent, even make a nuisance (within reason) of yourself with the hiring departments of the railroads. It really does work sometimes, where they'll take you on in the end just to stop you telephoning! Write a good CV and keep sending it. Really sell yourself, particularly point out the things railroad companies like to see in people: reliability, punctuality, low or no sickness, safety awareness, team work skills, self discipline in working alone, that sort of thing.

Also be prepared to move anywhere to get the job, if you can. That may well give you the edge over someone else who's not.

Hope these tips help, from my personal experience.