Describe your overall experience working around and operating heavy equipment.
When you answer this question, make your answer more conversational in tone by discussing any training you received, troubleshooting you've performed, and any areas of expertise you've earned.
If you have little to no experience working around or operating heavy equipment, that is okay! Canadian National Railway Company is willing to train the right person. Be sure to express your eagerness to learn. You could offer to take some coursework or training before your hire date, which will strengthen your knowledge before you start your new job.
"I have a great deal of experience with equipment for railway work. Some of the heavy equipment I have operated or repaired include (list the equipment you have experience in). For the past three years, I have been the go-to crew member for troubleshooting many of our heavy equipment failures. I am comfortable with anything that has an engine, and if I don't know what to do, I will research until I have the answers."
"Heavy equipment is new to me; however, I am tech savvy, and confident in my ability to learn to troubleshoot the most common pieces of equipment used at Canadian National Railway Company."
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
I have extensive experience working around heavy machinery. My family business has been around since the mid-'70s. I learned how to drive a front end loader before a car. Most recently, at IWG, I was responsible for 15 pieces of heavy equipment and trucks.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your experience with a front end loader before a car is memorable - this is an excellent addition! I recommend adding in more detail on the type of heavy equipment you are used to.
Anonymous Answer
Heavy equipment will be a new skill to learn for me. I have worked with many different types of machinery to complete jobs but having the opportunity to learn and broaden my experience in heavy machinery was my main interest in applying for this position. I would eventually like to operate the crane and any other equipment you are willing to teach me.
Rachelle's Feedback
Terrific answer! You sound excited, engaged, and ready to learn new skills. The details you provide further support the idea that you've given this opportunity a lot of thought.
Anonymous Answer
I am very experienced working with and around heavy equipment on the railway I have operated speed swing, spiker, despiker, snow fighter, excavator, loader, tie crane. I am a very good and safe operator.
Amanda's Feedback
It sounds like you have significant experience that can work in your favor. You can give this answer more impact by sharing how many years of experience you have operating heavy equipment. If accurate, you can also emphasize that you've never caused an accident or injury while operating heavy equipment. If you hold any special licensing or certifications for operating machinery you can also provide that information, indicating that you have both the training and experience to operate heavy equipment with confidence.
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