How to get into the r.r?

Question

OK. I have posted something before on this but, I have a couple more questions. Ok I want to do the whole r.r. thing. I have always liked the r..r but, I tryed to apply online to differnt companys but, my resume is a little old. Also my resume only contains jobs from differnt restauraunts because I am a chef and thats what i do for a living. Now would that really matter if I put those in to the r.r companys? Another thing is can u apply in person at any locations in or near chicago? Or should I say s***w it and do the whole NARS school? For those who answer thanks a bunch!! Michael

Answer 1

Almost all rails use online applications.

Being near Chicago I'd try the smaller RRs first. Try the BRC, IHB, EJ&E, and omnitrax.

The railroad retirement board website has jobs listings and links to many railroad job sites.

www.rrb.gov

Every class I in the country goes through Chicago. I work for the UP, my sister works for the CP.

Another way to go is to hire in as a laborer or car cleaner or some other "lower" position, then later on (a year at the UP, I think) you can transfer to transportation.

Answer 2

I would think that being a chef would not be particularly helpful as a railroad employee (except in Europe, where the dining car is a very big draw!).  I would consider going to school and learning a few other "specialties", then update the resumé before trying any more applications.

Learn what the requirements are, learn how to meet them and then apply; you'll have much more success.  Good luck!

Answer 3

They do not look at resume. You have to go to a hiring section to apply. Some RR have 800 numbers you can call that tell you when and where to hiring section will be.

Its hard work, dirty, and you are on call 24/7.

You need no experience for starting position, just comman sense and strong body.

I work for CSX

Answer 4

You should go to a school and make it official.  A friend of mine's brother went that route.  He started at about $40k per year.  The hours stink though.  actually, there ARE no hours.  He has to be ready at any time.  No problem for him as he doesn't drink or anything.  Plus he loved seeing all the sights.  I'd say "s***w it" and do the NARS school.

Answer 5

Personally, I would say s***w NARS.  you pay $6000 for school, plus living expenses for 6 weeks, when all they teach you is the GCOR.  I know that BNSF has lines running through chicago, (i think that that is the only passenger service that BNSF still operates)

If you want to just hire out, try one of the booming places.  I am currently working out of Gillette, Wy for BNSF they currently have around 100 miles of 3 main line, soon to add a 4th.  The big thing over here is coal.  I would estimate that there are between 60-100 trains per day (split pretty evenly between BNSF and UP)  they had people cutoff system wide everywhere except Gillette last January.

The reason I say to go to one of the booming places is because the company wants to hire NARS graduates, but they need people so bad up here that they don't necessarily make it a pre-req.

Only advice that I can give you... do not hire out for UP in Bill Wyoming... it is a terminal, and about 30 trailerhouses.... 50 miles from the nearest town.

On the resume part, they just want to know that you are going to be a good worker.  My previous job was a Customer Service Rep for Directv.  I stayed with jobs for extended periods of time too which I believe to have helped in their decision to hire me.  I listed employment from all the way back in highschool when I sent in my resume.

If you ahve not already done so, it takes about 45 minutes to apply for BNSF on their website.

Good Luck.

Just an update after reading some of the other posts... I made $51000 last year and was in training from feb through May (made ~$700 per week in training, and about $1250-$2500 per week after I marked up)

This job is not a job that allows you a personal life, you cannot plan anything out.

The benifits are very good, but even though the company boasts great benifits, the union is what keeps the benifits there for us to enjoy.