How will you contribute to our reputation for excellence in safety?
As one of the largest rail transportation companies in the U.S., BNSF advertises its commitment to doing everything it can to promote safety at all levels of the company. Therefore, your interviewer is curious about what your answer will reveal about your character and how you may assist them in their goals. They're curious whether you're comfortable approaching your coworkers when they are exhibiting unsafe conduct and encouraging them to adopt safer behaviors and practices. And, they're curious whether you'll show the courage to report safety concerns when all other efforts fail.
"I always lead the charge for safety out of my empathetic nature and how deeply I care for my teams, and people in general. When someone isn't practicing safety first, they aren't just putting themselves at risk. They're risking the welfare of every rail worker, and the communities we travel through, as well as the customers we serve. I guess I'm just super conscientious. That's why I always keep my first aid training and CPR training up to date as well. Whenever something goes wrong, I am usually one of the first people racing toward the situation rather than away from it. It's not on my resume, but I am also a volunteer firefighter."
When meditating on how to formulate your answer, consider all the things you have done to promote safety inside and outside of the workplace. BNSF prides itself on not only promoting safety within its company but also across communities through which it operates. "Safety is the most important thing we do at BNSF. Our vision is to operate injury and accident-free, and we work each day to make that vision a reality through our extensive safety programs, training and technology. BNSF also promotes safety within our communities. We've helped train more than 10,000 first responders in communities across the rail network. We promote safety through our Approaching Others program, which encourages employees to approach co-workers about safe behaviors and practices. Thanks to our employees' commitment, BNSF is a safety leader in the rail industry."
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
BNSF's vision and values are based on a just-in-time model. Customers receive goods only as needed for the production process to help cut down on greenhouse emissions. From San Fran to Memphis I will exhibit safe behavior when performing safety-related rules, paying close attention to detail, cooperating with my cohorts, and being prepared to manage unexpected events.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! Abiding by safety rules, paying attention to details, collaborating with your coworkers, and being prepared for unexpected events are all great ways to ensure the safe and efficient operations of the trains and their freight. Your answer shows that you have a clear understanding of the company and its vision and values. Can you give an example of a time in a past role when you ensured the safety of others? Adding an example will further strengthen your response. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
"Serving customers safely is the theme that I have read on your website and a goal that I plan to help you achieve every day that I am on the job. Your trains pass through small towns, big cities, and everywhere in-between, which is why a firm commitment to safety is of utmost importance. I will invest time in learning your equipment and infrastructure, getting to know my colleagues, and learning about the customers that you serve. Through this dedication to knowledge, I can contribute to your history of safety and customer service excellence."
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! The interviewer will appreciate that you've done research on the company and are aware of its commitment to safety. Learning about the company's equipment, infrastructure, and customers and getting to know your colleagues are all great ways to ensure that you contribute to the company's reputation for safety and excellence. You might also mention that you'll gladly participate in any safety training that the company offers and strive to consistently implement what you learn. Great response!
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