How Should You Act During the Hiring Process at Amtrak? The first thing that companies do is to create a recruitment Process. This ensures that recruitment is proactive.
- What does process completed mean on application status?
- Is it hard to get into Amtrak?
- How do I pass the Amtrak interview?
- What are the chances of passing a job interview?
- What does it mean when HR is processing your application?
- Why does my application still say in the process?
- How long does it take to hear back from a job application?
Amtrak employs more than 20,000 divers, Conductor, Mechanical, and energetic professionals in various career fields.
Search and Apply to Jobs on Amtrak Careers
The Hiring Process at Amtrak
Below, I’ll outline a typical hiring process at Amtrak, although the exact details may differ depending on the specific position and current company policies.
- Application – the first step to create Your Profile
- Find your Job
- Selection process
- HR Interview
- Pre-employment Assessments
- Hiring Manager Interviews
- Job Offers
- Start your first day
Career Areas
- OBS and Station Services
- Amtrak Police Department Jobs
- Engineering Jobs
- Onboard and Station Services Jobs
- Office of Inspector General Jobs
- Conductor Jobs
- Locomotive Engineer Jobs
- Mechanical Jobs
Employment Assessment Test At Amtrak
Amtrak may require applicants to take assessments or tests as part of the hiring process.
The pre-qualification assessment is basically an online test like job tasks, problem-solving, work history questionnaire, simulation scenarios, and work-style questionnaire.
Ramsay Test, Hogan Personality Test, SJT Test, Mechanical Aptitude Test
About the Company
Amtrak is the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak, is a passenger railroad service that provides medium and long-distance intercity service in the contiguous United States and to nine Canadian cities.
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
Subsidiaries
- The Washington Terminal Company is a corporation created in Washington, D.C., United States, to support railroads using Washington’s Union Station.
- The Chicago Union Station Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amtrak that owns Chicago’s Union Station, the largest intercity station in the Midwest, as well as the approach tracks.
- Amtrak’s Downeaster operates four daily round trips between Brunswick, ME, and Boston.
- Penn Station Leasing
- Street Limited
- Passenger Railroad Insurance – Insurance Company
What are the behavioral based interview questions for Amtrak?
Behavioral-based interview questions are designed to assess an applicant’s past experiences and behaviors to predict their future performance on the job.
behavioral-based interview questions:
- Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult customer?
- Tell me about a situation where you had to work under pressure.
- Can you describe a situation where you had to work with a team to accomplish a goal?
- Can you describe a time when you had to deal with a conflict at work?
- Can you give an example of a time when you had to think creatively to solve a problem?
- Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a change in your work environment.
- Can you describe a situation where you had to use good judgment to make a difficult decision?
FAQ
Questions and answers you need to know:
Are Amtrak employees federal employees?
Amtrak employees are employees of Amtrak and not actual federal employees
How much does an Amtrak conductor make a year?
The average pay of $40,000
How long is Amtrak conductor training?
Eight hours a day, five days a week
Does Amtrak offer a pension?
You Amtrak begin receiving a monthly pension
How much does an Amtrak coach cleaner make?
The average pay of $40,000
Preparing for an interview with Amtrak
Preparing for an interview with Amtrak requires understanding the role you’re applying for, researching the company, and practicing your answers to common interview questions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your Amtrak interview:
- Understand the Job Role:
- Read the job description thoroughly and understand the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities required for the role. Highlight key areas where your experience aligns with the job requirements.
- Research Amtrak:
- Understand Amtrak’s mission, values, products, and services. Be prepared to discuss how you align with the company’s culture and goals.
- Prepare Your Answers:
- Practice answers to common interview questions. Some typical questions might include:
- Why do you want to work for Amtrak?
- How does your previous experience qualify you for this role?
- Describe a time when you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it.
- What interests you most about this position?
- Practice answers to common interview questions. Some typical questions might include:
- Prepare for Technical Questions:
- Depending on the role, you might also be asked technical or job-specific questions. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge and skills as they pertain to the job.
- Prepare Questions to Ask:
- Come up with thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your genuine interest in the position and gives you a chance to assess if the role and company are the right fit for you. For example:
- Can you describe the typical career path for someone in this role?
- How does Amtrak support professional development and growth?
- What is the company’s approach to safety and customer service?
- Come up with thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your genuine interest in the position and gives you a chance to assess if the role and company are the right fit for you. For example:
- Dress Professionally:
- Wear professional attire that aligns with the company’s culture. If unsure, it’s usually better to be overdressed than underdressed.
- Gather Necessary Documents:
- Bring multiple copies of your resume, a list of references, and any other relevant documents, such as certifications or a portfolio.
- Practice Good Body Language:
- Your body language communicates a lot about your confidence and interest in the role. Practice maintaining good eye contact, offering a firm handshake, and maintaining an engaged posture.
- Know the Logistics:
- Make sure you know the interview’s time, location, and format, whether it’s in-person, over the phone, or via video. Plan to arrive early if it’s an in-person interview or check your technology ahead of time if it’s a virtual interview.
Amtrak Interview Questions By Position
Interview questions at Amtrak can certainly vary by the position for which you are interviewing. Below, I’ll outline a few example positions and the types of questions that might be asked for each:
Conductor
Technical/Safety Knowledge:
- What do you understand about the role of a conductor with regards to safety?
- How would you ensure the safety of passengers in the event of an emergency?
Customer Service:
- Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult passenger. How did you resolve the situation?
- How would you handle a situation where a passenger is unhappy with their seat or accommodations?
Situational Questions:
- If you noticed someone trying to board the train without a ticket, how would you handle it?
- Imagine you have a passenger who requires special assistance; how do you ensure they have a comfortable and safe journey?
Engineer
Technical Knowledge:
- What kind of experience do you have with diesel-electric locomotives?
- Describe the key aspects of train dynamics that you consider when driving a train.
Regulatory Compliance:
- How do you stay up-to-date with the Federal Railroad Administration’s regulations?
- Can you discuss a time when you had to implement a new safety procedure? How did you go about it?
Problem-Solving:
- How would you handle a situation where your train is experiencing mechanical issues?
- Describe your process for troubleshooting an unexpected problem while on the job.
Customer Service Representative
Communication Skills:
- Tell us about a time when you turned a customer’s negative experience into a positive one.
- How do you handle multiple customers when you’re the only one available to assist?
Product Knowledge:
- How would you help a customer who is trying to decide between different routes or fares?
- What would you suggest to a customer looking for the most cost-effective travel options?
Problem-Solving:
- If a customer calls in upset because their train is delayed, how would you calm them down?
- Describe a time when you had to handle a customer complaint. What was the outcome?
Maintenance Worker
Technical Skills:
- What experience do you have with railway track maintenance?
- How would you approach a routine inspection of a section of track?
Safety Procedures:
- Can you walk us through the safety protocols you follow when working on or near live tracks?
- Describe a time when you identified a safety hazard during your work. What did you do?
Teamwork:
- How do you communicate with your team during a repair project?
- Give an example of a time when you had to work with others to complete a maintenance task under pressure.
Station Agent
Customer Interaction:
- How would you assist someone who’s never traveled by train before?
- Can you give an example of how you would handle crowd control at a busy station?
Operational Knowledge:
- Are you familiar with the ticketing systems and software that Amtrak uses?
- How would you handle a situation where the station’s systems go down?
Emergency Procedures:
- What steps would you take in the event of an emergency at the station?
- Describe a situation where you had to act quickly to ensure passenger safety.
For each position, remember that Amtrak may also ask questions related to their core values and company culture. It’s important to be familiar with the company’s mission and to be able to articulate how your experience, skills, and values align with the organization.
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