Core competencies are a key part of any application process. This is especially the case for Australian Train Driver candidates. Here, we’re going to be taking a look at 4 steps to improve your application:
As you can see, the core competencies can appear at almost every point in the train driver selection process. Make sure that you’re prepared for this by doing the following:
- Find out what the train company’s core competencies are.
- Read the core competencies and make sure that you fully understand them.
- Think of at least 2 examples of where you’ve met the core competencies in your working life.
- Commit these to memory so that you can deliver them in an interview or psychological assessment.
Let’s take a look at each of these steps in more detail.
Find Out What the Core Competencies Are – Australian Train Driver Core Competency Tips
Your first step to preparing for the core competencies is to find out what they are. Hopefully, the train company you’re applying for will make these core values clear. These values will usually be detailed in any recruitment materials found on the job listing page. In addition, try to find an ‘about us’ page on the train company’s website. These pages will usually contain core values that the company holds as a whole. This is a great place to start.
Core values or competencies might also be introduced during the application form stage of the selection process. For example, you might have to answer the following question:
Provide an example of a time where you overcame a problem in order to deliver excellent customer service.
This question highlights two characteristics that the train company might consider desirable or essential. These can be broken down into even more competencies:
- Overcoming problems – problem solving, diligence, commitment, determination.
- Delivering excellent customer service – interpersonal skills, respect, listening skills.
So, if you can’t find competencies in recruitment materials, don’t panic. You can use the application form to get an idea of what core competencies you’ll need to be ready for.
Read and Understand the Core Competencies – Australian Train Driver Core Competency Tips
Once you’ve got hold of the core competencies, it’s time to get to grips with them. Usually, the train company will give an explanation for each of the competencies, so read those thoroughly and make sure that you understand the differences between them. Once you know what each competency means, it’s time to move on to some examples.
Think of Examples
As a candidate, you need to be able to demonstrate that you possess the core competencies of the role. The best way to do this is with examples. The application form and interview stages of the selection process will likely require examples of matching the core competencies. So, it’s important that you have some in mind before beginning the selection process.
The goal of this stage is to think of at least 2 examples for each competency. Preferably, these should be examples from your working life. However, if you have a short professional history (perhaps you’ve just left education), then an example from academic life can also be relevant.
In the first chapter, we suggested that you apply for a role as a train driver once you’ve gained some professional experience in any job. This is because train companies want to see examples of matching core competencies from workplace environments. For example, let’s say that one of the core competencies is “commitment to excellent customer service”. Without having worked in a role where you’re serving customers, you won’t be able to demonstrate that you possess this core competency. So, for the best chances of success, we recommend that you try to gather a wide range of work experience.
Commit Examples to Memory – Australian Train Driver Core Competency Tips
Once you’ve written all of your examples, it’s time to start to remember them. This will be particularly important for the interview, where you probably won’t be allowed to bring your notes. If you answered competency-based questions in the application form, you should keep a photocopy of it so that you can revise your answers for the interview. You can use the STAR technique to simplify each example down to 4 bullet points, making them easier to digest and remember.
Now that we’ve taken a look at a guide to preparing for competency-based questions, it’s time to look at some examples, the following sample questions and answers will cover a wide range of different competencies. Since train companies all have different competencies, some of these might not be completely applicable to your application.
