Are you willing to undergo a pre-employment medical review and a pre-employment background review?
Vetting and onboarding candidates can be expensive, and your interview needs to ensure they are investing the company's resources wisely. How you answer this question should inform them whether you are familiar with the fact that federal regulations require BNSF Railway Company to conduct medical tests (including drug testing) and background checks on all potential hires. How familiar you are with this requirement will reveal to them your work ethic and how prepared you were for this question. It will also inform them of your integrity, and whether you disclose with transparency, and take advantage of this opportunity to provide context to, any issues that may come up in a background check.
BNSF's Pre-Employment Background Review entails the following: "Criminal history, last 7 years of driving history, last 5 years of employment history to include military service, social security number, education."
They also detail what to expect from their pre-employment medical review. "Because of our commitment to Responsible Care and the communities we serve, as well as inherent risks and liabilities involved with transporting certain products, Federal law mandates that any property owned or operated by BNSF Railway be maintained as an Absolute Drug-Free Environment. Individuals are expected to pass a pre-employment drug test and adhere to all alcohol and drug policies.
The pre-employment medical review allows BNSF to ensure the job is a good fit for both the candidate and the company. All new hires are required to complete one or more of the following during the medical review: medical history questionnaire, medical evaluation, urine and/or hair drug screen, vision and color acuity test, hearing test, physical exam, thorough review of medical information and records by BNSF Medical Team.
BNSF does test for some prescription medications. To be considered a valid prescription, a prescription order must be less than 12 months old. In addition, be aware that marijuana is among the drugs that are prohibited, notwithstanding any statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use.
"I have no problem with any of that. I read up on the medical testing and examinations. No problem there either. I look forward to it. One of the reasons I chose this lifestyle and do so well with it is because I love the physical aspects of the job. I eat super healthy, exercise outside of work as well, and really enjoy outdoorsman sports. Part of my healthy lifestyle is that I don't drink, don't do drugs, and avoid prescription drugs as well. I am pretty straight-edge in every way. My background is clean, and my track record at work is strong as well. The only thing that might come up is my credit check. I cosigned on my sister's mortgage and she ran into some issues, which then affected my credit score. So if that comes up, there's the story behind it."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
"I am ready to abide by any federal regulations and any other needs of BNSF Railway Company when it comes to checks on my criminal history or drug and alcohol use."
Marcie's Feedback
Great! The interviewer will appreciate that you are open to background checks and drug/alcohol testing. Have you been through these checks/tests before for another job? If so, mention that. Also, you might include a sentence reminding the interviewer that you are proud to be law-abiding and substance-free.
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