CTA Mock Interview
Practice 30 CTA interview questions covering transit operations, customer service, and Chicago's public transportation system.
Question 27 of 30
It appears that your background is not in public transit. Tell me which transferable skills qualify you for this position with CTA?
How to Answer
Example Answer
Example Answer 2
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
This question applies to you if you do not come from a job in the public transit industry, or if you are brand new to your career. Perhaps you come from Oil & Energy, Healthcare, Engineering, or even IT. No matter which industry you have worked in, there will always be transferrable skills that can qualify you to jump industries. If you have never worked before, you will have transferable skills from school, home, volunteer, or even team sports.
Examples of transferable skills include:
- Team leadership
- Problem-solving
- Data analysis
- Industry knowledge
- Organization and planning
Take a look at the CTA job description and take note of the soft skills listed in the posting. These are the areas that you will want to be prepared to discuss if you are missing some of the industry-specific experience mentioned. When you craft your answer, rather than focusing on what you do not have, it's crucial that you focus on what you do have. This approach means that you should avoid starting your answer with 'Although I don't have...' or 'I do not have experience in...but...'
This question is an opportunity to sell yourself as the top candidate, so be prepared with a compelling response!
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I have many transferable skills from the chemical engineering industry, where I worked for 15 years. The CTA job posting mentions skills such as organizational planning, compliance, and a focus on safety. These were all priorities in my last position, and I plan to keep them as priorities in this role. Other skills that will lend to my success include my ability to lead a team, motivate others, and be an example of ethics in the workplace."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I am thrilled to begin my career with CTA and will bring a variety of important transferable skills from my time as a student and an athlete. First, I know that you are seeking a team player who can lead without being asked. I am excellent at this, considering I was the captain of my soccer team, requiring me to play to everyone's strengths while remaining sportsmanlike in a competitive environment. As a student, I learned the importance of organization. I would plan my day and weeks according to which tasks and assignments were most urgent. These are just some of the qualities that I will bring to CTA should you choose to hire me."
Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
Typically responds within 24 hours.
0 - Character Count
Anonymous Answer
I know CTA is looking for candidates that like to improve have initiative. I can transfer many of my skills from my caregiver, education, and selling jobs I'm a very organized and planning person. I can work and I can lead a team. I have excellent customer service.
Cindy's Feedback
Good start! To revise your answer, start by thinking through the qualities that are important to this position and what the CTA is looking for in candidates. Then, make the connection between your skills and their needs.
Unlock All 30 CTA Questions
Prepare for questions about safety protocols, union environments, and serving diverse riders.
Get StartedJump to Question