Canadian National Railway Mock Interview
Practice 35 CN Railway interview questions covering safety protocols, operational scenarios, and rail industry expertise.
Question 9 of 35
Do you have experience working on an on-call basis? Are you willing and able to comply with an on-call schedule?
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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.
Rail transport crews are often required to work on-call, remaining readily available to work safely on short notice. The interviewer is looking for candidates who are willing to meet those needs and expectations of this role. Volunteer if you're currently or in the past have worked on an on-call basis. If you have no experience with this, assure the interviewer you understand these schedule requirements and can deliver what is expected.
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 currently work on-call, 14 days on and 14 days off. When on call, I often need to arrive at work in 2 hours or less. I completely understand the challenges that come with a schedule like this; however, it's what I am accustomed to in my career."
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.
"My work schedule, thus far, has been primarily evenings and weekends. I understand that this role with Canadian National Railway Company requires me to be on call quite often. I am willing to be a team player and work whichever hours are required of me."
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Anonymous Answer
At IWG, our winters involved snow removal. Some nights we would have 3 hours notice and have to go out no matter what day of the week or year it was.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems you are very dedicated to getting the work done, no matter the circumstances! Be sure to end with a qualifying statement. I have provided an example below.
"At IWG, our winters involved snow removal. Some nights we would have 3 hours notice and have to go out no matter what day of the week or year it was. I am fully committed to being present when I am needed the most."
Anonymous Answer
Yes my current job is pretty on call full time. We switch on a day's notice from days to nights or we could change start times of a shift on an hour's notice, based on company needs. I'm always available to be flexible.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's clear that you are accustomed to an on-call schedule. I recommend giving a more direct statement regarding your understanding of this role, and its scheduling requirements. I've provided an example for you below.
"In my current job, I am on-call most of the time. We switch from days to nights with one day's notice, and we change shift start times with as little as an hour's notice. I understand that CN Rail scheduling includes (detail what you know). I am willing to be flexible with my availability according to the company's needs."
Anonymous Answer
Yes, with my experience we were used to being on call.
Amanda's Feedback
You've confirmed that you have on-call experience. Now, expand your answer by giving more detail to give the interviewer clearer insight into your past experience. Talk about the past or current role in which you have been on-call. How often you were called out and what kind of work you were doing.
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