Railroad Jobs Forum

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1. 

   Mprather91
   Member

   I how that is program has been talked about a little bit before, but I would really like to take the time and hear everyone's experience and opinions, especially Sean's since he mentioned it in his e-book. After tons and tons and tons of rejection emails, I am seriously considering going to attend the program.

   Posted 5 months ago #
2. 

   Sean Martin
   Key Master

   Search this forum because there are tons of comments about nars! They don't guarantee a job so don't expect one! I really suggest you search the forum for nars because there is a ton of info on here about it, expecially from johnbea...

   Posted 5 months ago #
3. 

   bjl994
   Member

   What kind of work experience have you had in the past?

   Posted 3 months ago #
4. 

   Mprather91
   Member

   I've have 2 verifiable years in industrial cleaning, floor stripping waxing, carpet cleaning, window washing and do forth. I have more because it is a family business and I've been doing it since I was a kid. But only a little over 2 years in verifiable experience. 7 months working in the food industry being a server assistant. And now over a year in retail and sales at the store I work at. I've probably gotten over 80 "other candidates more closely meet the qualifications...." emails.

   Posted 3 months ago #
5. 

   bjl994
   Member

   ya i've recently gotten one email like that, just had one interview about two weeks ago with bnsf and said they were unable to offer me a position after their analysis of their business needs. i thought i aced the interview but i guess not. also only been looking into a career with the railroad since about december and have already had on interview and one email like yours.

   Posted 3 months ago #
6. 

   Mprather91
   Member

   At least you got an interview! Hah! I think I would be one lucky son of a gun to get a shot at a interview.
   What does your experience look like?

   Posted 3 months ago #
7. 

   bjl994
   Member

   ive had past experience with shift work, not the most stable work history either. been in the army reserves for almost 4 years now as a concrete and asphalt equipment operator, so i've had quite a bit of experience operating and being around heavy machinery.

   Posted 3 months ago #
8. 

   ALB
   Moderator

   bjl994 - That means you weren't rejected, they cancelled the class. The Thanks but no Thanks email is worded differently. So that is good news for you, get some more apps in.

   Posted 3 months ago #
9. 

   bjl994
   Member

   alb- the email i received after my interview for the centralia, il job said "XXXX railroad evaluates a variety of factors when considering applicants for this position. These factors include work history, prior related training and education, interpersonal skills, your work approach and style, and oral communication skills. Unfortunately, after an analysis of our present business needs and an evaluation of your skills, qualifications and experience, we are unable to offer you a position at this time." then i also received an email from the same place about another position in kansas city saying i didnt make it to the next process of hiring

   Posted 3 months ago #
10. 

    bjl994
    Member

    and at the end it said i could reapply for the position after 6 months for the position, are they talking about that particular position and location or throughout their entire conductor job postings?

    Posted 3 months ago #
11. 

    ALB
    Moderator

    bjl994 - I am sorry I missunderstood your original post, I was under the impression it was based solely upon business needs. Still keep on trying.

    Posted 3 months ago #
12. 

    bjl994
    Member

    ALB- would u recommend giving the NARS program in Overland Park a shot to help my chances at getting hired on with BNSF?

    Posted 3 months ago #
13. 

    johnnbea
    Moderator

    Okay guys, here I go again! NARS! Under the right circumstances! Those of you who have been around for awhile know, I went through ALOT of applications and rejections, chasing the job I wanted. I really wanted to work for BNSF, and they were the only railroad NOT talking to me at application number 150. I made the decision at that point to quit applying, and attend NARS. Best decision I ever made! Immediately after NARS, I found that BNSF was indeed interested in talking to me, and now, I am working EXACTLY where I wanted to be, doing a job I love, and getting ready to head back to Kansas City for Engine School; so yeah, I've had great results as a NARS graduate. I will still caution, however, go into it with your eyes wide open. As Sean said above, there are no guarantees, other than an education, so be sure you are okay taking the risk. It's a huge commitment to take litely!

    I don't want to go on here and tie everyone up, but in short, I believe it is an awesome program, still looked at very positively by many railroads, and a great tool to chasing a railroad career. Feel free to pm me with any questions. I'll be happy to answer what I can!

    Posted 3 months ago #
14. 

    PhilS
    Member

    Your the man Johnnbea.....Thanks for the info.

    Posted 3 months ago #
15. 

    bjl994
    Member

    very helpful, thanks for the info! i probably wont attend until august at the latest due to military training over the summer, so just gunna keep putting in the applications and see if that helps for now.

    Posted 3 months ago #
16. 

    Mprather91
    Member

    I actually just got back from Overland Park this weekend from seeing the area and the school. I'm pretty impressed so far.

    Posted 3 months ago #
17. 

    bjl994
    Member

    Mprather91- are you planning on enrolling soon for the course?

    Posted 3 months ago #
18. 

    Sean Martin
    Key Master

    You guys could be roommates and go at same time!

    Posted 3 months ago #
19. 

    Mprather91
    Member

    I am. Well, if this interview does not work out. I actually got my first invite to a hiring session next week, out of probably 80+ applications I've done. If it doesn't work out I'll go ahead and attend on the 27th of this month. I've already sent in all my forms to the school exc.

    Posted 3 months ago #
20. 

    bjl994
    Member

    I think the soonest I could attend NARS is in August due to army training over the summer. I think I may have only filled out 10-15 applications and I've had one interview so far, I didn't land that job for the conductor trainee but I'm still putting in the apps to see where that gets me.

    Mprather91- are you planning on paying for the class straight out of pocket or do you have another way you are going about paying for the class?

    Posted 3 months ago #
21. 

    Mprather91
    Member

    @bjl994 I'm going to be paying for it out of pocket. I actually just finished paying tuition and book the hotel a few days ago.

    Posted 3 months ago #
22. 

    johnnbea
    Moderator

    Good luck to you Mprather91! Pay attention in class, and don't let it overwhelm you! It's a great deal of information, but it's really doable! When are you going?

    Posted 3 months ago #
23. 

    Mprather91
    Member

    Thank you Johnnbea, I appreciate it. I'm ready to hunker down down for 6 weeks and do my best. Class start date is the 27th.

    Posted 3 months ago #
24. 

    pacgrewes
    Moderator

    All of you guys planning on doing NARS, and whatever conductor training program, You should check out what Sean,s e-book has to say about such programs. If you do not have Sean's book, get it!!

    Posted 3 months ago #
25. 

    Sean Martin
    Key Master

    I concur 100%...

    Posted 3 months ago #
26. 

    johnnbea
    Moderator

    @Mprather91
    Cool! I'll be there 2/13 to 3/2 for the beginning of my engineer training. Maybe we can get together for a beer!

    @pacgrewes
    Thanks! Guys, pacgrewes is right. Get Sean's book, and read what it says on trade schools. Anyone on here any length of time knows, I am a HUGE supporter of NARS, but even so, I caution, constantly, be sure you know what you are getting into. It's a great deal of time and money, and should not be entered into lightly! Let me know if there are any specific questions!

    Posted 3 months ago #
27. 

    Mprather91
    Member

    @Johnnbea well hopefully, if I didn't mess up my enrollment! I tried to pay my tuition today but I couldn't I have to give them a call Monday. Which is the last day to pay.

    Posted 3 months ago #
28. 

    dwight42
    Member

    bjl994 . I was also at the interview session for centralia . I got the same e-mail . I too am considering conductor school. Its alot to think about , I have a job i've been at 11 years making 35k a year. Its such a gamble . I have friends get the job but i cant seem to make it . I want it so bad .

    Posted 3 months ago #
29. 

    superman
    Member

    Hey guys, I will be attending the Dakota County Technical College Railroad Conductor Program...it is cheaper and a 7-week long program

    More information from this link:

    http://www.dctc.edu/future-students/programs/railroad-conductor-technology.cfm

    Posted 3 months ago #
30. 

    Sean Martin
    Key Master

    good luck!

    Posted 3 months ago #

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