Which aspect of working for the railways excites you most?
Your interviewer is curious about what motivated you to pursue a career in the railway industry, of which BNSF Railway is the largest freight railroad in the United States. How you answer this question will inform them of how strong a fit this career choice is for you, and whether working for them aligns with your lifestyle. Your answer could also offer clues as to whether you would be a long-term sustainable employee.
Before your interview, consider all the reasons why this position is a good fit for you, where it can take you, and has to offer you. "Railroading is not a job. It is a way of life." For example, many of those who seek employment with the U.S. railways do so because they were raised in rail-worker families, and chose to follow in their family's footsteps, continuing their railroading legacy. Others are interested in the opportunities for travel, growth, and learning. Then there are those who are recreationally interested in trains and rail transport systems and want to pursue their passion full-time. These are often referred to as train enthusiasts, rail fans, rail buffs, train buffs, railway enthusiasts, railway buffs, train spotters, or ferroequinologists. For these, and their more dedicated employees, BNSF even has a store, where you shop online for BNSF-branded merchandise.
On their website, BNSF has an extensive recommended reading list of over 20 books on the history of the North American rail system, as well as a list of historical societies dedicated to rail history. They also have a community website for people who have an interest in or have a connection to BNSF or its predecessor companies, called Friends of BNSF. Also, explore Trains Magazine, which covers everything from railway employment issues, advice for tackling Human Resources issues at your given railroad employer, union representation, and a community chatroom. But they also offer several alternative sites, such as Trains.com, Model Railroader, Classic Toy Trains, and Garden Railways.
"This may sound silly, but it is actually the locomotives. You see when I was a kid, we moved to a new house, and in the garage was a massive model train diorama, with rolling hills, a mountain, lakes and streams, and a Swiss villa. I loved it. That started my obsession with model trains, which I haven't dabbled in since before college, but the passion never left me. I love a good locomotive. Everything about them. I also love the planning and execution of getting the train moving and on schedule. Once a week I make it a practice to stroll through the rail yard, looking over our unit trains and train cars, and acting like an owner. I have a keen eye for detail and have noticed a few concerns in my time as well. So, for me, I would say it is a passion and a lifestyle."
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
The rail transport industry is diverse, with many opportunities for travel, growth, and learning. This question helps the interviewer to see what type of research you have done on the role and the industry as a whole. Refer to the job description to see if any particular tasks or responsibilities are real stand-outs for you. Be sure to bring enthusiasm to your response!
"I get very excited about opportunities to problem solve and troubleshoot. For that reason, I believe the greatest aspect of working in the rail transport industry will be the opportunity to ensure smooth and effective movement of priority trains, trains containing hazardous material, or restricted shipments. Every success related to smooth transport without delays will be very satisfying."
Marcie's Feedback
The key to your response here is to show the interviewer that you are excited about working in this industry, particularly if right now you work in a different field. Let your passion shine through so the interviewer understands how excited you are about this role and industry.
Anonymous Answer
The industry as a whole fascinated me. The locomotives help with supply and demand. Understanding how the railroad industry works is exciting to me. As a dispatcher, I would learn so much more about the industry from the ground level and I am eager to do so.
Marcie's Feedback
So you're most excited about learning about the industry because it fascinates you? This is a great opportunity to let your passion for the field really shine through. When did your interest in the rail transport industry begin? What in particular about it fascinates you? End your response by reminding the interviewer that you are confident that you will excel in this position because of your passion for the industry and the role. Nice job!
Unlock all 30 BNSF Railway Company questions
Master safety-focused questions that BNSF interviewers use to assess railroad readiness.
Get Started