Describe your overall experience working around and operating heavy equipment.
Depending on the position, this question may not apply to you. But even then it is still a useful exercise since so many of the operations of the company require cross-functional teamwork and an understanding of the heavy machinery which BNSF is so reliant on to succeed. But, regardless of your experience, showcase your commitment to safety when working with, or around, heavy machinery. Also, if you are new to the industry, be honest about your experience or the lack thereof. BNSF Railway Company is willing to train the right person. So, to showcase that you are the right person, express your eagerness to learn by getting a head start on your training. Learn everything you can about the equipment you'll be working with before your interview. By strengthening your knowledge before you start your new job, you'll be exhibiting a strong work ethic.
"I have a considerable amount of experience with equipment for railway work. Some of the heavy equipment I have operated or repaired include (list the equipment you have experience in). For the past three years, I have been the go-to crew member for troubleshooting many of our heavy equipment failures. I am comfortable with anything that has an engine, and if I don't know what to do, I will research until I have the answers. I am also tech savvy, and confident in my ability to learn to troubleshoot the most common pieces of equipment used at BNSF Railway Company."
Here are some of BNSF's statements regarding their heavy equipment safety training: "BNSF Railway completed a record year for workplace safety in 2023, with the lowest injury frequency rate in the company's 175-year history. Employee injury rates decreased more than 20 percent, and injury severity was down nearly 35 percent, year-over-year, leading the industry in safety. BNSF's safety vision is to operate injury and incident free. To continue progress toward this vision, BNSF annually invests more than 20 million on developing and managing employee safety programs. BNSF also invests extensively in equipment and facility improvements that enhance safety."
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 new to working with heavy equipment but I know there are rules and regulations in place to keep everyone and everything safe.
Marcie's Feedback
Your response is straightforward and direct, which is great. Can you talk a bit about why you're interested in working around and operating heavy equipment if you've never done so before in the past? What intrigues you about this? Why do you believe you're capable of doing it? Tell the interviewer that you're excited to learn and feel confident that you will be successful in this area. Good job!
Anonymous Answer
"I have a great deal of experience with equipment for railway work. Some of the heavy equipment I have operated or repaired include (list the equipment you have experience in). For the past three years, I have been the go-to crew member for troubleshooting many of our heavy equipment failures. I am comfortable with anything that has an engine, and if I don't know what to do, I will research until I have the answers."
Marcie's Feedback
Sounds great! Discuss any experience you have working with heavy equipment. If you don't have any, talk about the reasons why you're interested in doing this and think that you'll enjoy it. Mention that you're mechanically inclined (if you are) and talk about any projects or hobbies you've been a part of that allowed you to work with engines, etc. Show your enthusiasm for this aspect of the job.
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