Irish Rail Jobs Discussion

Willie Stroker 1976 · 21-09-2020 7:48pm

I completed stage 1 & 2 just 2 months ago, can we apply again I wonder?

SnowFlakes2019 · 21-09-2020 7:58pm

Just applied there myself. Always fancied being a train driver. Long process ahead. Competition will be fierce

prinzeugen · 21-09-2020 8:38pm

Willie Stroker 1976 wrote: »

I completed stage 1 & 2 just 2 months ago, can we apply again I wonder?

It may be risky if you have not had a rejection email from them. Someone may know better.

I got right through to the interview stage and got a rejection email so have applied again. It looks as if I will have to do the testing again even though they said our results were valid for 2 years.

Willie Stroker 1976 · 21-09-2020 8:41pm

prinzeugen wrote: »

It may be risky if you have not had a rejection email from them. Someone may know better.

I got right through to the interview stage and got a rejection email so have applied again. It looks as if I will have to do the testing again even though they said our results were valid for 2 years.

Oh I gof the rejection but I felt I aced everything bar the situational judgement tests and may have used different answers, no harm to reapply I guess

prinzeugen · 21-09-2020 8:46pm

Willie Stroker 1976 wrote: »

Oh I gof the rejection but I felt I aced everything bar the situational judgement tests and may have used different answers, no harm to reapply I guess

Go for it! No harm.

dzsfah2xoynme9 · 21-09-2020 9:31pm

Website seems to be down. Connection timing out. High demand I'm guessing.

GT89 · 21-09-2020 10:32pm

Applied for it haven't a snowballs chance in hell of getting it but a slightly better chance of getting it by applying I suppose rather than not.

sweet_trip · 21-09-2020 10:37pm

Is the drugs test a hair test? Will I be disqualified for smoking weed in amsterdamn last year because it's still detectable in my hair?

prinzeugen · 21-09-2020 10:43pm

sweet_trip wrote: »

Is the drugs test a hair test? Will I be disqualified for smoking weed in amsterdamn last year because it's still detectable in my hair?

Urine & blood.

prinzeugen · 21-09-2020 10:59pm

Just got an email from the OPC to say I have met the standards (again) and got the link to do level 1 (again).
Looks like they may only take past test results into consideration rather than allowing us to skip the process.

I must be nuts wanting to go through it all again!

Rootsblower · 21-09-2020 11:08pm

prinzeugen wrote: »

Just got an email from the OPC to say I have met the standards (again) and got the link to do level 1 (again).
Looks like they may only take past test results into consideration rather than allowing us to skip the process.

I must be nuts wanting to go through it all again!

Being nuts is a prerequisite for doing the job!!!

job seeker · 21-09-2020 11:38pm

How long is this open for??

prinzeugen · 21-09-2020 11:51pm

job seeker wrote: »

How long is this open for??

There is no closing date according to the ad but numbers are limited. Apply now.

job seeker · 22-09-2020 12:19am

prinzeugen wrote: »

There is no closing date according to the ad but numbers are limited. Apply now.

Thanks. I am just stuck at the moment. I can't get hold of my past landlord of one of my address from 2013, while I was at college..

job seeker · 22-09-2020 12:32am

Would you have a better chance of a job if you applied for Dublin as opposed to Galway for example?

GavRedKing · 22-09-2020 8:05am

job seeker wrote: »

Would you have a better chance of a job if you applied for Dublin as opposed to Galway for example?

Buddy of mine went the whole way, interview, medical all that.

He originally applied for Cork and was offered the DART course in Dublin.

He was told there was nothing in Cork at the moment (Nov 2019) but turned down the DART course as didnt fancy moving to Dublin with a young family.

No idea if hes going to get a call back, based on the link theyre looking for a few stations again but I've said it to him and hes heard nothing back from IE yet anyway but hes not hopeful after turning them down once, was told hes on a panel for 2 years after passing the process for a place in Cork but its not looking too good for his chances.

job seeker · 22-09-2020 3:09pm

GavRedKing wrote: »

Buddy of mine went the whole way, interview, medical all that.

He originally applied for Cork and was offered the DART course in Dublin.

He was told there was nothing in Cork at the moment (Nov 2019) but turned down the DART course as didnt fancy moving to Dublin with a young family.

No idea if hes going to get a call back, based on the link theyre looking for a few stations again but I've said it to him and hes heard nothing back from IE yet anyway but hes not hopeful after turning them down once, was told hes on a panel for 2 years after passing the process for a place in Cork but its not looking too good for his chances.

Thanks for the info! That's pretty unfortunate for him after going the whole hog. By right they (EI) shouldn't give an option for a region, if there is no available positions, seems kinda pointless.

I didn't pass the quitions anyway on the application. I wasn't really expecting to sit a test so soon. In fact where would you even find that information to practice?

GavRedKing · 22-09-2020 3:37pm

job seeker wrote: »

Thanks for the info! That's pretty unfortunate for him after going the whole hog. By right they (EI) shouldn't give an option for a region, if there is no available positions, seems kinda pointless.

I didn't pass the quitions anyway on the application. I wasn't really expecting to sit a test so soon. In fact where would you even find that information to practice?

He was offered Dublin on 6 days notice, I think they must have been looking to fill one of the DART courses.

I might go for it myself this time around and see how far along I get, if at all.

job seeker · 22-09-2020 3:42pm

GavRedKing wrote: »

He was offered Dublin on 6 days notice, I think they must have been looking to fill one of the DART courses.

I might go for it myself this time around and see how far along I get, if at all.

6 days is very short notice.

Definitly do! why wouldn't you? The best of luck!

sweet_trip · 22-09-2020 3:58pm

job seeker wrote: »

T
I didn't pass the quitions anyway on the application. I wasn't really expecting to sit a test so soon. In fact where would you even find that information to practice?

Are you talking about the initial questions about Irish Rail they ask you on the application forum of the RAAT and other tests?

If you're talking about the initial questions, the trick is to be 100% safety and rule orientated. Be a robot.

Safety, rules and regulations always take precedence over everything even if you think something is common sense, it's not, you are a robot and the only right answer is from the manual.

That's how you get through stage 1.

job seeker · 22-09-2020 4:44pm

sweet_trip wrote: »

Are you talking about the initial questions about Irish Rail they ask you on the application forum of the RAAT and other tests?

If you're talking about the initial questions, the trick is to be 100% safety and rule orientated. Be a robot.

Safety, rules and regulations always take precedence over everything even if you think something is common sense, it's not, you are a robot and the only right answer is from the manual.

That's how you get through stage 1.

Yes the initial questions indeed! I wasn't even expecting them! One minute I was filling in my details and before I knew it. I was answering questions on sinarios and what not. That I hadn't a clue about! I don't understand how someone comes from an unrelated role/industry and passes them. Maybe I was just oblivious though..

I see what you're saying! It makes sense too. I kinda looked from the point of view that, you done all this training so I should know this and what to do in these situations.

Maybe next time sure!

GT89 · 22-09-2020 5:01pm

sweet_trip wrote: »

Are you talking about the initial questions about Irish Rail they ask you on the application forum of the RAAT and other tests?

If you're talking about the initial questions, the trick is to be 100% safety and rule orientated. Be a robot.

Safety, rules and regulations always take precedence over everything even if you think something is common sense, it's not, you are a robot and the only right answer is from the manual.

That's how you get through stage 1.

Yeah that's exactly what always went for the option that seemed the most cautious. Few caught me out where I had to think about which option was more cautious than the other. I haven't heard anything back to say I failed yet. Which surprised as that was what happened when I apllied for any of the customer service roles.

job seeker · 22-09-2020 5:21pm

GT89 wrote: »

Yeah that's exactly what always went for the option that seemed the most cautious. Few caught me out where I had to think about which option was more cautious than the other. I haven't heard anything back to say I failed yet. Which surprised as that was what happened when I apllied for any of the customer service roles.

You'll be emailed regardless of your result.

patrickc · 22-09-2020 7:10pm

applications are no longer being accepted.

sweet_trip · 22-09-2020 8:37pm

The RAAT, miniSCAAT and SJT tests were quite hard.

jamesbondings · 22-09-2020 8:58pm

sweet_trip wrote: »

The RAAT, miniSCAAT and SJT tests were quite hard.

What type of testing are they? Is there anywhere you could get sample questions like a theory drivers test?

prinzeugen · 22-09-2020 9:00pm

sweet_trip wrote: »

The RAAT, miniSCAAT and SJT tests were quite hard.

It gets harder! You will find that out if (hopefully) you get to phase 2 in the test centre.

Contrails · 22-09-2020 9:01pm

Anyone know if the internal CIE and external application processes are two separate channels or are they just all thrown together in the end?

prinzeugen · 22-09-2020 9:04pm

jamesbondings wrote: »

What type of testing are they? Is there anywhere you could get sample questions like a theory drivers test?

If I recall, there are samples online from a UK railway company. I still have the PDF from when I applied first time round but cannot share it as I have applications ongoing with them now.

jamesbondings · 22-09-2020 9:05pm

prinzeugen wrote: »

If I recall, there are samples online from a UK railway company. I still have the PDF from when I applied first time round but cannot share it as I have applications ongoing with them now.

I just got the email from them inviting me to do the tests - they have those test forms on the email!

prinzeugen · 22-09-2020 9:05pm

Contrails wrote: »

Anyone know if the internal CIE and external application processes are two separate channels or are they just all thrown together in the end?

Together. When I did phase 2 earlier this year, there were guys from DB etc doing the test at the same time.

prinzeugen · 22-09-2020 9:08pm

jamesbondings wrote: »

I just got the email from them inviting me to do the tests - they have those test forms on the email!

Ah sorry I didn't know you had applied. I thought you were just asking in general!

2Mad2BeMad · 22-09-2020 9:15pm

Passed the initial application process. Onto the online tests now.
Would be a nice change in career.
Anyone currently working for as a train driver any info on the job?
Also anyone any info on the various stages? Is it extremely tough? I'm not great at interviews

SweetCaliber · 22-09-2020 9:26pm

jamesbondings wrote: »

I just got the email from them inviting me to do the tests - they have those test forms on the email!

Gone cross-eyed after doing them

:D:pac:

jamesbondings · 22-09-2020 9:28pm

SweetCaliber wrote: »

Gone cross-eyed after doing them :D:pac:

havent done them yet - will look at them tomorrow. did look at the sample test which were easy enough to understand - the find the letter test was hard enough as I wasnt really sure what I was to do (i found them but never counted)

is the test itself in a similar vein? easy enough but under pressure due to time.

Contrails · 22-09-2020 9:31pm

prinzeugen wrote: »

Together. When I did phase 2 earlier this year, there were guys from DB etc doing the test at the same time.

Thanks. That's interesting. Wonder why they bother taking applications from CIE separately.

sweet_trip · 22-09-2020 9:31pm

prinzeugen wrote: »

It gets harder! You will find that out if (hopefully) you get to phase 2 in the test centre.

Honestly I'd say I haven't a hope. Some of those tests today were tough enough. Started out grand but as it progressed I found myself getting flustered.

Some very specific wording, and paragraphs, also very easy to get tricked by some of the answers. I think I did alright but if I get through them...then the next hurdle will be a killer unless there are some companies doing practice tests/training days that'd help me.

It's a long process. So many tests and interviews it seems.

Phase 2 isn't even half of it.

sweet_trip · 22-09-2020 9:38pm

jamesbondings wrote: »

I just got the email from them inviting me to do the tests - they have those test forms on the email!

The samples are deceptively easy. When you do the actual test you'll be rode sidways.

prinzeugen · 22-09-2020 9:42pm

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

Passed the initial application process. Onto the online tests now.
Would be a nice change in career.
Anyone currently working for as a train driver any info on the job?
Also anyone any info on the various stages? Is it extremely tough? I'm not great at interviews

Skim through the posts here from about November onwards. A few of us posted info about tests, medical, interviews etc.

prinzeugen · 22-09-2020 9:52pm

sweet_trip wrote: »

Honestly I'd say I haven't a hope. Some of those tests today were tough enough. Started out grand but as it progressed I found myself getting flustered.

Some very specific wording, and paragraphs, also very easy to get tricked by some of the answers. I think I did alright but if I get through them...then the next hurdle will be a killer unless there are some companies doing practice tests/training days that'd help me.

It's a long process. So many tests and interviews it seems.

Phase 2 isn't even half of it.

I won't give to much away as I am going for the job again, but read what's there.
Quality not quantity. There are some tests that a NASA scientist would struggle to complete in the time given so don't worry.

MrBumBum · 23-09-2020 10:58am

It's so long since I've done it I cant remember.
What sort of tests were in the online assessments?
It opened with a few questions about irish rail and the scenarios where you pick an answer... if you passed that, what was next?

Coybig_ · 23-09-2020 11:48am

The link is dead already, was the application portal due to close today? Was meaning to apply. Pity.

Jamie2k9 · 23-09-2020 11:58am

Coybig_ wrote: »

The link is dead already, was the application portal due to close today? Was meaning to apply. Pity.

They appear to have capped at 5,000. Given how few they got last time I am sure it will open again next year.

gonzo1 · 23-09-2020 1:53pm

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

They appear to have capped at 5,000. Given how few they got last time I am sure it will open again next year.

Do you know why they got so few the last time ? I think they capped it at 20000 the last time ? So many falling at the various stages?

MrBumBum · 23-09-2020 2:59pm

gonzo1 wrote: »

Do you know why they got so few the last time ? I think they capped it at 20000 the last time ? So many falling at the various stages?

Almost 27000 applied last year. Every step has a standard that has to be met so each phase eliminated more and more.
Even interviews have to be scored and a certain standard reached, if you dont reach the standard they cant hire you plain and simple.

Tomas99286 · 23-09-2020 7:09pm

Can someone help me out I done the second stage of the online tests, there was one of them I didn't fully complete time ran out I done it the 5th of September haven't gotten a reply, I did get a email the other day to trial test from OPC but it has nothing to do with the application has anyone else heard anything that might have done them around that date

Sixtoes · 23-09-2020 10:51pm

Just completed 2nd phase: the miniSCAAT, Rules Acquisition Aptitude Test (RAAT) and the Locomotive Driver Situational Judgement Test (LM SJT).

Fair play to anyone who managed to complete miniSCAAT in the time given:eek:
Rules Acquisition Aptitude Test was tight for time also.

Good luck to all.

smellyoldboot · 24-09-2020 12:22am

Did they ever contact anyone not in Dublin? I applied for Waterford, got an email a few times saying your application is still open in a file in a filing cabinet, never a dear john, and then invitation to reapply.

I'd say there's not a smell of a job for anyone outside of Dublin and maybe an odd one in Cork. Just a PR exercise to include the rest of us so we can't say we were left out. haha

I won't be doing the tests this time around. Best of luck to anyone who is.

GavRedKing · 24-09-2020 8:05am

smellyoldboot wrote: »

Did they ever contact anyone not in Dublin? I applied for Waterford, got an email a few times saying your application is still open in a file in a filing cabinet, never a dear john, and then invitation to reapply.

I'd say there's not a smell of a job for anyone outside of Dublin and maybe an odd one in Cork. Just a PR exercise to include the rest of us so we can't say we were left out. haha

I won't be doing the tests this time around. Best of luck to anyone who is.

Buddy applied for Cork, and was offered DART in Dublin, turned it down and was told you're on a panel/list for Cork for 2 years from whatever point of passing his medical or interview, last year, cant remember what he said TBH.

radiata · 24-09-2020 6:05pm

Are applicants closed for the train driver positions? Can't find it on their website

Irish Rail Jobs Discussion

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