How do you anticipate and plan for last minutes changes or disruptions when they occur?
In the rail transport industry, reaction time is everything. So, your interviewer wants to learn more about your time management skills, and how frequently you plan ahead. This can pertain to working on a project, or even preparing for your morning commute to work, and whether you take measures to ensure you arrive to work early every day. Or, do you procrastinate, wait until the last minute, and rush, racing against the clock? Those who plan ahead, and strive to over-achieve, to come in ahead of their deadlines, are always more prepared for when things don't go according to plan. How you answer this question could help them determine what kind of employee you would be.
"Nothing is guaranteed to go smoothly in the rail transport industry, and any transport job can be unpredictable and requires a great amount of adaptability. I always create 'what-ifs' because I know that plans change quickly, especially where there are multiple decision-makers and safety variables between myself and the delivery. Recently, we had a huge recall of a hazardous product that we were transporting. Our customer was trying to stop the shipment; however, we were unable to turn the shipment around as we had other clients who needed their delivery on time. We made plans with the client for a shipment return, which turned all our work schedules upside down. But if you've done your job right, Plan B is always ready to go. And more often than not, Plan B simply is doing your job fast, planning ahead, and adapting at a moment's notice."
As one of BNSF's HR managers puts it, "Once you come in the door, it's really about how you think and how you can talk about both past work and be presented with a problem that you're experiencing at that company." So, your answer will paint a clearer picture of the type of employee you'll be, how adaptable you are when things don't go according to plan, and how willing you are to go the extra mile when you are needed the most.
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
As a research and development engineer, I have to create several alternate scenarios for my work. There always has to be a plan B or a plan C in case plan A does not work. For example, I had a project that I worked on that dealt with testing steam valves. Plan A was to have either a water-tube boiler or a fire-tube boiler. Plan B was to have a superheated steam generator. After presenting plan A to the safety department, I went to plan B because even though a superheated steam generator would cost more, it was also safer since it could not cause a steam explosion due to its design. Having a plan B definitely saved time and money when, as it has with my other projects.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! The example you have provided clearly shows that you effectively use alternative scenarios in your current position. You come across as prepared and thoughtful. Great job!
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