Tell me the skills and characteristics you feel uniquely qualify you for this position.
Your interviewer is curious to hear why you feel you are uniquely positioned to be awarded this job. This requires understanding who their ideal candidates are, and what it takes to succeed in this position. As they say on their careers site, "BNSF team members drive the railroad's success." Regardless of your industry experience and whether your background is in rail transport, there are a variety of ways you align yourself with their target talent. It all starts with thoroughly researching them, the industry, and yourself.
"I'd say that I have a strong attention to detail, solid communication skills, a strong sense of character, and great people skills. I build strong relationships with my coworkers to the point that most of us are friends outside of work. I build trust and am a friend to all. This includes my leadership team as well, and my peers don't judge me for it. I just don't judge or ever take sides. So, when I see that one of them isn't paying attention to the details or isn't putting safety first, I'll bring it up to them. They always know I have their back, which really counts in the rail industry. It's also about doing what's right. I have everyone's interests at heart. I am passionate about my work, my teams, my friends."
"I'd say that I have a strong attention to detail, solid communication skills, a strong sense of character, and great people skills. I build strong relationships with my coworkers to the point that most of us are friends outside of work. I build trust and am a friend to all. This includes my leadership team as well, and my peers don't judge me for it. I just don't judge or ever take sides. So, when I see that one of them isn't paying attention to the details or isn't putting safety first, I'll bring it up to them. They always know I have their back, which really counts in the rail industry. It's also about doing what's right. So, I have everyone's interests at heart. I am passionate about my work, my teams, my friends."
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
My current role is a high stressed fast-paced environment with no room for error. My experience working in the telecom industry taught me how to communicate effectively, work with color-coded schedules, manage the unexpected, and working with a team, and understand that safety is a priority.
Marcie's Feedback
It definitely sounds like many of the skills you have acquired during past roles will transfer well to this role. Can you talk more about how exactly your telecom role taught you communication skills and so on? Don't forget to tie it all together at the end by reminding the interviewer that these same skills will allow you to succeed in this new position. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
There are a variety of ways that you can be a good fit for a job; regardless of the industry from which you come. This question is your opportunity to discuss the transferable skills you bring to this position. Transferable skills can include safety training, mechanical abilities, customer service experience, and software capabilities, for instance. Be prepared to position yourself as the best candidate for the job, regardless of your direct industry experience.
"It's tough to teach time management, troubleshooting, and safety skills; however, industry knowledge is something I can learn. I have begun to study the rail transport industry already and will have a firm grasp before my start date. If you have any suggestions on resources to gain further industry knowledge, I am happy to look into them."
Marcie's Feedback
The above advice sounds great! If you're lacking industry experience, emphasize the transferable skills you have that will allow you to excel in this position. This question gives you an opportunity to really sell yourself - take it and run with it!
Unlock all 30 BNSF Railway Company questions
Master safety-focused questions that BNSF interviewers use to assess railroad readiness.
Get Started