Working for the Canadian National Railway Company can be physically demanding. Are you able to lift 50-85 pounds, work in confined or enclosed spaces, and spend much of your day bending, kneeling, and climbing?
Working in the rail transport industry is physically challenging and the Canadian National Railway Company needs to have complete assurance that you can manage these requirements, accident-free. If you already work a job that is challenging on you, physically, be certain to share those details! Keep your reply concise and confident. The answer to this question should be a simple yes or no.
"I am physically fit and able to meet every requirement of this role. In my current job, I lift 80 pounds regularly. I crawl into small spaces and spend a lot of my day standing and walking. Rest assured, I can meet the physical requirements of this position."
"I read through the physical requirements of this role before applying to Canadian National Railway Company. I can lift heavy objects and do not have restrictions as far as heights, or crawling into tight spaces."
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
Yes, as an electrician, much of my day was in these conditions. I remember one time where I was the smallest on the crew; I had to go into ceiling spaces in the central part of the hospital. We had to run a conduit with very limited access. Working in the confined space and crawling through the area safely as a crew would follow underneath with a tent to pass up materials.
Rachelle's Feedback
It sounds incredibly intense, and you handled it like a pro! Your example is great and will create a lot of confidence with the interviewer.
Anonymous Answer
I'm able to meet the physical demands of the job. At my current position, I meet theses demands everyday and in various weather conditions.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a good start! I suggest giving more details of the physically demanding work you currently do and how this ties in with your future success at CN Rail.
Anonymous Answer
I am able to do all these things. My current job involves me swinging a sludge hammer for most of the day and lifting heavy material.
Amanda's Feedback
This role can be very physically demanding, so confirming that you understand and can handle all of the physical demands is important to your candidacy. You can do this by drawing connections between your current role or a previous role and the demands listed. Talk about when you've had to lift a significant weight, work in a small space, or bend/kneel/climb in order to get the job done. This shows the interviewer that you have experience working within similar parameters.
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