posted
Hello, new here. I was wondering if anyone can give me some tips/insight on getting hired as a Conductor with Amtrak. They seem like a wonderful company to work for, and I love traveling and working with the public. I've been applying for a few years, but never have been selected to even interview. Tough company to break into. I currently work at a call center doing customer service. I applied about 2 weeks ago again for a Conductor job in NYC. I'm still "under review".
Posts: 2 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Mar 2015
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posted
Have no experience with Amtrak to offer specific advice. However,
Has your resume any relevant experience? Have you asked for help in constructing your resume to display your background most effectively?
Have you asked for advice from currently employed conductors?
In my opinion, you will probably find that being a conductor requires experience with Amtrak in less sophisticated positions and that you should apply for the most appropriate of these.
Have you a friend or relative with Amtrak who could point the way?
Networking with people in the know, some of whom may even introduce you, can be key to a successful job search.
Ignore anyone who says that you should give up. I have extensive executive recruitment experience and know that many good people get jobs in a poor economy if they do it right and are qualified.
posted
Be sure that you have read the job description carefully and that your resume and cover letter highlight your suitability for the job as described in the job description. Most applications are subject to a computer generated keyword search before any human eyes view them. If the job description asks for someone who is "energetic, left-handed and a New York Yankees fan", be sure that your resume highlights the fact that you are "energetic, left-handed and a New York Yankees fan". In order to score highly on the keyword search and have your application forwarded to the next round your cover letter and resume must generate a high number of "keyword" hits.
There's currently an opening for a Conductor position in Washington DC and the "Summary of Duties" section reads (in part):
quote:Works a variety of hours within a 24/7 transportation environment. Assists the Conductor in the safe movement of trains by adhering to applicable operating rules/practices. Assists the Conductor in the oversight of all on-train employees in service delivery by adhering to the Corporation's service standards. Ensures all revenue documents (cash, credit card receipts, proof of payment) are collected/verified in accordance with designated tariffs. Ensures safety of passengers and crew by adhering to safety rules.
The words that I highlighted are words that are likely "keywords" for the computer and I would highly recommend you include those exact words in your resume and cover letter.
In the job announcement there's a paragraph detailing the work history desired by Amtrak.
quote:Some work experience exhibiting responsibility, initiative, and other leadership characteristics. Must demonstrate clear, effective verbal communication skills. Must have satisfactory attendance and safe work record. Prefer experience in a customer service role that includes cash handling, as well as a work history demonstrating the ability to adapt to variable work hours. Prefer some mechanical experience/knowledge. Prefer some leadership/supervisory experience.
Again, figure out the keywords and make sure that they appear on your application. Good luck!
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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