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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe train dispatch and assist passengers with their journeys.
- Company: Join South Western Railway, connecting communities across South West London and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel on SWR services and discounts on other train companies.
- Why this job: Be the face of SWR, making a difference in customers' daily lives.
- Qualifications: Must be organised, proactive, and a great communicator; safety critical role.
- Other info: Flexible shifts required; inclusive environment celebrating diversity.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Who are we? South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight. Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.
The Reward
Opportunities to work on rest days or to do overtime could increase your annual earnings. Some Rail Operators earn up to £30,000 pro rata per annum plus regional allowance. On top of your salary, we offer a variety of valuable benefits, including:
- Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
- Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
- 75% discount on many other train operating companies
- Full training and support with development
- Excellent pension scheme
About the job
As a Rail Operator at South Western Railway, you will be at the heart of ensuring trains are safely and efficiently dispatched and stations are presented to the highest standards. You will provide the most up to date travel information for our customers and assist them in reaching their destinations safely and on time. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Safely dispatching trains from the platform, ensuring all customers are clear of the train whilst observing the correct signal is showing. You will need normal colour vision for this position.
- Offering passenger assistance to those that need it, whether this be additional support with moving luggage or helping customers board and alight our trains with ramps.
- Keeping customers updated about their journeys by making announcements and in your face-to-face interactions.
- Being flexible in your approach and not afraid to get stuck in with a variety of tasks as you are responsible for your station and making sure it meets the quality and safety standards our customers expect.
You will need to be:
- Organised, proactive and able to efficiently prioritise tasks.
- Able to cope with repetitive tasks under pressure.
- A great communicator that enjoys working with people.
- Confident and happy to approach and talk to new people.
- Passionate about doing the right thing - nothing is too much trouble.
This is a safety critical role and you will be required to pass a medical including vision and hearing tests. Applicants who require a visa must have 6 months remaining at the time of their appointment. Training is full time and you must be able to commit to this.
Working pattern
Our customers need us all day, every day (except Christmas day) and as part of the stations team, you'll need to be able to work shifts at all times of the day and on every day of the week. You will work an average of 30 hours across 6 days per week on any days Monday - Sunday. Shift times vary and include both early & late shifts. Early shifts start from 05:45 and late finish times vary.
We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.
If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
Rail Operator 2 employer: VERCIDA
Contact Detail:
VERCIDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Operator 2
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the South Western Railway services and routes. Understanding the network will not only help you answer customer queries effectively but also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills by engaging with people in various settings. As a Rail Operator, you'll need to be confident in making announcements and assisting customers, so honing these skills in everyday interactions can be beneficial.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your ability to handle pressure and repetitive tasks. Think of examples from past experiences where you've successfully managed similar situations, as this will show your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for customer service by volunteering or taking part in community events. This experience can provide you with valuable insights into working with diverse groups of people, which is essential for a Rail Operator.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Operator 2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Rail Operator at South Western Railway. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in customer service or roles that required strong communication skills. Mention specific examples where you successfully assisted customers or managed tasks under pressure.
Show Your Personality: Since the role involves interacting with customers, make sure to convey your personality in your application. Use a friendly tone and share anecdotes that demonstrate your passion for helping others and making their journeys enjoyable.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a safety-critical role like this one.
How to prepare for a job interview at VERCIDA
✨Show Your People Skills
As a Rail Operator, you'll be interacting with customers regularly. Make sure to highlight your communication skills and any previous experience in customer service during the interview. Share examples of how you've helped others or resolved issues.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The role requires you to be adaptable and willing to take on various tasks. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to adjust quickly to changing circumstances or handle multiple responsibilities at once.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Since this is a safety-critical role, it's essential to convey your understanding of safety protocols. Discuss any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for both customers and colleagues.
✨Bring Your Personality
The job description mentions bringing your own personality to the role. Don't hesitate to let your character shine through in the interview. Share anecdotes that reflect your enthusiasm for helping others and making their travel experience enjoyable.