Bus Driver Interview Need Advice/Help

Bad_Credit

Hi Guys,


I have been long term unemployed. However I have managed to secure myself aninterview for a bus driver’s job with national express next week.


I have had 3 interviews this year and none have been successful. I get verynervous during interviews and I think that is one of the reasons I am notgetting work.


I would like some help/advice as to what to expect from this interview interms of what they will ask and what kind of answers they are looking for.


Any help/advice would be much appreciated.


Thanks for reading.

Jordo

Hello, well done on getting the interview.

Right off the bat: nervous people don't get jobs, especially not jobs where you'll be in charge of 20 tonnes of metal filled with people, so we need to address this.

What's making you nervous? Try and identify what it is and get to work on it. Interviews are conversations, and that's it - you can converse with people right? It's a conversation with a more formal tone, thats all.

Preparation is key - research the company as much as possible. Have a read of this lot too:

Copy and paste the following, print out and read:

10 top mistakes people make in job interviews

10. Over-explaining why you lost your last job
9. Conveying that you're not over having lost your last job
8. Lacking humor, warmth or personality
7. Not showing enthusiasm or interest in the job
6. Inadequate research about the position or company
5. Concentrating on what you want rather than what the company needs
4. Trying to be all things to everyone
3. Winging the interview
2. Failing to set yourself apart from other candidates
1. Not asking for the job

7 Things You Should Never Do During An Interview

With the job market extremely tight, even the small stuff counts, especially when you’re on a job interview. That’s why it’s so important not to say or do the wrong things, since that first impression could end up being the last one.
With that in mind, here are seven deadly sins of job interviewing.

1. Don’t Be Late To the Interview
Even if your car broke down or the train derailed, do everything you can to get to that job interview on time. “If you have a legitimate excuse it’s still hard to bounce back,” says Pamela Skillings, co-founder of job coaching firm Skillful Communications. “People are suspicious because they hear the same excuses all the time.”
On the flip side, you don’t want to show up too early and risk appearing desperate, but you do want to be there at least five minutes early or at the very least on time.

2. Don’t Show Up Unprepared
It seems simple, but countless people go on job interviews knowing very little about the company they are interviewing with when all it would take is a simple Google search to find out. As a result, they end up asking obvious questions, which signal to the interviewer that they are too lazy to prepare.
“Don’t ask if the company is public or private, how long it’s been in business and where they do their manufacturing,” says Mark Jaffe, president of Wyatt & Jaffe, the executive search firm. “Sharpen your pencil before you go to school.”

3. Don’t Ask About Salary, Benefits, Perks
Your initial interview with a company shouldn’t be about what the company can do for you, but what you can do for the company. Which means the interview isn’t the time to ask about the severance package, vacation time or health plan. Instead you should be selling yourself as to why the company can’t live without you.
“Your interest should be about the job and what your responsibilities will be,” says Terry Pile, Principal Consultant of Career Advisors. “Asking about vacation, sick leave, pension, salary and benefits should be avoided at all costs.”

4. Don’t Focus On Future Roles Instead Of The Job At Hand
The job interview is not the time or place to ask about advancement opportunities or how to become the CEO. You need to be interested in the job you are actually interviewing for. Sure, a company wants to see that you are ambitious, but they also want assurances you are committed to the job you’re being hired for. “You can’t come with an agenda that this job is just a stepping stone to bigger and better things,” says Jaffe.

5. Don’t Turn The Weakness Question Into A Positive
To put it bluntly, interviewers are not idiots. So when they ask you about a weakness and you say you work too hard or you are too much of a perfectionist, chances are they are more apt to roll their eyes than be blown away. Instead, be honest and come up with a weakness that can be improved on and won’t ruin your chances of getting a job.
For instance, if you are interviewing for a project management position, it wouldn’t be wise to say you have poor organizational skills, but it’s ok to say you want to learn more shortcuts in Excel. “Talk about the skills you don’t have that will add value, but aren’t required for the job,” says Pile.

6. Don’t Lie
Many people think its ok to exaggerate their experience or fib about a firing on a job interview, but lying can be a surefire way not to get hired. Even if you get through the interview process with your half truths, chances are you won’t be equipped to handle the job you were hired to do. Not to mention the more you lie the more likely you are to slip up.
“Don’t exaggerate, don’t make things bigger than they are and don’t claim credit for accomplishments you didn’t do,” says Jaffe. “You leave so much room in your brain if you don’t have to fill it with which lie you told which person.”

7. Don’t Ask If There’s Any Reason You Shouldn’t Be Hired
Well meaning career experts will tell you to close your interview by asking if there is any reason you wouldn’t be hired. While that question can give you an idea of where you stand and afford you the opportunity to address any concerns, there’s no guarantee the interviewer is going to be truthful with you or has even processed your information enough to even think about that.
“All you are doing is prompting them to think about what’s wrong with you,”

8. Don’t make assumptions about the interviewer.
If someone seems junior -- whether by appearance or title -- don't assume they are the low man or woman on the totem pole with no decision-making power. "Your misjudgment will be apparent if you insinuate that you are more experienced [or qualified] than him or her. For all you know, the interviewer may be one of the youngest graduates ever of an Ivy League school, or he/she is being groomed for an executive management position within the organization”. If the interviewer feels belittled, you won't get his or her approval. Even if you're right about their status, they'll still pass on their sentiments to the person in charge.

Valuable Lessons
Lesson learned: The time to collect your thoughts is prior to an interview, not on your way to one. If you arrive to an interview bewildered, the client will take notice and you run a high risk that you will be not get the offer.
Lesson learned: Everything you say and do during an interview is scrutinized; from the instant you walk in, to the moment you walk out. An innocent question doesn’t exist during an interview and a careless misstep is seldom forgotten. Choose your responses carefully. Even if they open with ‘Did you find us OK?’, never admit that you struggled to find the building and walked past the door three times!
Lesson learned: Interviews are unpredictable. One never knows the broad range of topics that will be covered and the type of formats that may be presented. Familiarize yourself with all interview settings.
Lesson learned: Most interviewers expect candidates to be nervous during an interview, and they rarely will forgive you if you fail to demonstrate a sincere interest in working for them. Most hiring decisions are based on whether the interviewer feels a connection to you. People buy people: the failure to establish a bond immediately is usually beyond repair.
Lesson learned: Even if you have the “right stuff,” nothing is guaranteed. Don’t get caught off guard; prepare for interviews; do your homework. No-one is ever a shoo-in.
Lesson learned: Remember the 90:90 rule – managers make up 90% of their mind within the first 90 seconds of meeting you – think of your body language, firm handshake, smile, eye contact, politeness, small-talk etc. If offered a drink, accept, it makes you seem relaxed and convivial, and taking a sip while you gather your thoughts after a question is a great way to buy time. But always ask for water, coffee can be a burden to make and quickly gets cold.
Lesson learned: Finish well – a strong finish can repair a shaky middle. Ask good questions, again be polite, thank them for their time etc. Don’t be afraid to tell the interviewers why you want to work for them – whether it was after researching the company or something else, it will mean a strong exit for you.
Lesson learned: Never underestimate the receptionist – they are the first and last person you see, so make sure you make it count as their opinion of you can and will be asked for.

IDEAL EMPLOYEE QUALITIES
Flexibility
You can't run a business if your employees are unwilling to accept change. Companies will continue to have turnover, change strategic direction, change product lines, and get in and out of different technologies. If you can't demonstrate an ability to deal effectively with change, you won't be very happy in today's corporate climate.
Team Player
NO LONE WOLVES! Just keeping your head down and doing your job is not enough these days. You must make an effort to be more involved with your colleagues. This means forcing yourself to get out of your office and interact. No one likes to be misunderstood, but if people don't get the opportunity to work with you, and thereby get to know you, it will be your own fault if you don't get their support in critical situations. There is an old saying..."MAKE FRIENDS BEFORE YOU NEED THEM".
Breadth of Skills
As organisations flatten, career growth will be found horizontally, not vertically. You must be willing to work outside of your respective niche from time-to-time to broaden your abilities. Having a specialisation is fine, but being able to help out in others areas will make you more valuable to the company and more marketable as a candidate.
Being Aware of the BIGGER Picture
Employees that understand and show an interest in the bigger picture of the business itself, as opposed to only their area of focus, aren't as likely to be blind sided by change and tend to better understand and cope with the associated turmoil.
Presentation Ability
If you think only sales people and "kiss-ups" should be concerned about presentation skills, you're WRONG. Improving your ability to give effective presentations on any subject, to small or large groups, is a skill that you must make a priority if you want to be more than just a role player.

nickcc

If you already hold a PCV license the interview should be fairly relaxed, the one I had some years ago with First bus was just a matter of assuring the interviewer that my previous driving record was good, especially no points on my license, and my attitude regards dealing with the public was acceptable. You will also be expected to pass the company driving test and probably the company medical, even though you passed one for your PCV test. If you are going in as a non PCV license holder then showing the interviewer that you have the correct attitude to be a Driver and are prepared to gain the necessary skills are very important. One important point to remember, is that if you leave within six months from completing your training and passing your test, most companies will deduct the cost of training from your final salary. All of the above posters points are also very important but my comments are just related to my own experiences as a Bus Driver.

National_Careers_Service

Hi there Bad_Credit

First of all, well done on getting this interview. It sounds like you’ve got your initial job applications sorted and you’re selling yourself effectively as a potential employee, which is great. I guess now you’ve got to focus on getting confident and feeling positive about the interviews. I agree with Jordo that being prepared can help with this.

I’m assuming that the jobs you’ve gone for before have been driving jobs too. If that is the case, you could have a think about what you’ve been asked at your other interviews and maybe prepare your answers accordingly. It’s a really good idea to think of some examples you can use to demonstrate your skills too. Clear and relevant examples of your skills can score you points in an interview. So for example, if you think you might get asked about your customer service skills, you could think of an example of when you have shown these skills.

If you can’t remember what you were asked in the past, don’t worry. You can see some example questions on our website and I’ve included a link below:

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/interviews/Pages/top10interviewquestions.aspx


I wonder if you’d had any feedback from your interviews so far. I know you think that one of the reasons that you’re not being offered a job is because you’re nervous but maybe you actually did ok, and were just ‘pipped to the post’. It’s ok to ask for feedback from an interview if you find you weren’t successful and you might get some really useful comments that help you prepare for next time. Not all employers will offer this but there’s no harm in asking.

If you do find you get really nervous leading up to your interview, you could try practicing answering interview questions with someone you trust or even just into a mirror. Sometimes doing this can help you order your thoughts and remember what you want to say in the interview.

You might feel a little less nervous, if you have a relaxing evening before the interview. On the day you could try breathing techniques to help you stay calm. I’ve found this link that suggests a few more tips to try.

http://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/content/10-top-tips-for-handling-interview-nerves

Remember, National Express are interested in you as a possible employee. That’s why they’ve called you for interview. So try to be as positive as you can and let them get to know you!

Best wishes for your interview…I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Penny

Bad_Credit

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies guys!

Previous applications were for office jobs.

I did not have a driving licence. I passed my car test earlier this year.

I am going in as a non PCV licence holder. I have passed the written assessment and driving assessment and now have been called for interview.

I decided to broaden my options and that is why I focused on passing my driving. Had been using London underground my whole working life. This job is important to me. I want to work.

Tiddlywinks

The fact that they have asked you in for interview means they think you have what they are looking for... the interview is just to confirm that.

Everyone gets nervous before an interview - anyone that says they don't is probably over-confident.

If you stumble over words or forget something then just apologise and say something like 'sorry, I'm just a bit nervous in interviews' and smile... interviewers are people too and will understand. You saying that will show you have a bit of self awareness and the confidence to offer an explanation.

If you have a tendency for sweaty palms, wipe your hands on your trousers or a hankie just before going in the room. You can also take an iced bottle of water with you to hold whilst waiting which will cool you down.

Good luck.

Bad_Credit

Hi Guys,


I have some good news!


I passed the interview stage! I just heard back from them. I have to go for a medical on the 7th January. If all goes well I need to pass my theory then on to training! I do have psoriatic arthritis but I informed them of my condition at the interview.


Thank you to all the people who replied and gave me advice it was much appreciated. I hope I can now pass the medical!


Thanks once again!

LiveOnce

Congratulations. Fingers crossed.

nickcc

Bad_Credit wrote: »

Hi Guys,


I have some good news!


I passed the interview stage! I just heard back from them. I have to go for a medical on the 7th January. If all goes well I need to pass my theory then on to training! I do have psoriatic arthritis but I informed them of my condition at the interview.
Good luck and well done, hope everything works out for you.

Thank you to all the people who replied and gave me advice it was much appreciated. I hope I can now pass the medical!


Thanks once again!

Just like to offer a little advice, don't believe that the Doc doing your medical is your own GP. He is there to assess your ability to safely drive and carry passengers on a PCV, offering your previous medical conditions/complaints will not help you to achieve your ambition. I foolishly pointed out a creaky knee joint during a pre employment medical, the examining Doc told me to be quiet as he could find no reason to not certify me fit, I was offered the job and had continuous employment for 26 years, knee joints knackered now but at least I reached retirement

blackburn_w

Hows it gone? I'm just about to start my bus driver training in the next few weeks

tight_scotsman

blackburn_w wrote: »

Hows it gone? I'm just about to start my bus driver training in the next few weeks

Yes let us know how your training is going i have been a bus / coach driver for over 25 yrs so if you need any advice just ask.

I would also recommend joining https://www.coachdriverforum there is a special section for new drivers and a lot very experienced drivers in there.who will dish out some very good advice.

Once you get a few yrs experience you can virtually choose who you want to work for due to the chronic shortage of bus / coach drivers

Good Luck with the training