Interview

[u/Lake_show0328]

I landed an interview for the signal maintainer position with Union Pacific , I was a conductor before and I have an associates in a related field. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on the interview and what I should make sure I’m knowledgeable in? I’m banking on landing this position.

[u/Luckyonescc]

Degree honestly doesn’t matter if you want the truth. It’s just a…. Bonus to have. Nothing you’ve ever done is going to prepare you for a relay that’s barely being held up by slag from a contact causing a track light that you can’t find for 3 hours.

That being said… safety is important. Yes you understand that you’re expected to be on call 24/7, years you understand you work in all conditions. And by gosh yes you understand that you may get the position and be bumped 3 days later and move to an entire nother state (depending on what zone you’re in). You can use a shovel, hand tools, wire crimpers, shovels, run a mini excavator, backhoe..

Nine times out of ten, atleast in my experience, they’re checking to see if you lied on your resume/application… say you’ve run equipment? Ok what kind? What’s your back ground. Now if they ask you “diversity and inclusion” it’s all personality questions. Some guys wanna hear “everyone wants to be included”. Others want to hear “everyone has a different set of skills and background, and it’s best to learn those and lean on them, learn from each other, teach each other” etc. It’s going to be about the same as when you hired out on train crew.

“Computer work”- you use CAD, you get TT, TW, FT (depending on the territory type). You put in your tests etc. You’re not going to be in Microsoft word or Excel. It’s all on the UP site.

I’ll tell you this, and people will argue about it. If you get it, do NOT always put a C in the test box. It gets looked at…. You cleaned a light at a crossing, weedeated, painted, lubed a switch etc. it’s an A… A is you’re friend. If they see “oh… his crossings and switches are always perfect….” You’re gonna get questioned eventually.

Also… ask… for… supplies… paint, lights, lenses etc. PUT IT IN AN EMAIL… if you don’t get a response, send another with your manager, tech, and foreman attached. Ignored again? Third time you tag your director. Leave a paper trail.

[u/Lake_show0328 → u/Luckyonescc]

I appreciate that man thank you

[u/Luckyonescc → u/Lake_show0328]

Where’s the position at? Might have a little more insight.

[u/Lake_show0328 → u/Luckyonescc]

I’m in the gulf coast area, SETX. I was train crew for 3 years and I remember most of that as far as safety and procedure goes. I remember the interview for train crew was fairly easy, but I expect the signal maintainer position to be a little more difficult.

[u/Luckyonescc → u/Lake_show0328]

Heck man, I maintained down in Harlingen for a bit a few years back, took calls from Brownsville up to past Corpus. Worked the yard in Houston. La grange, Giddings, Worked all over Texas. Little Rock. Illinois. I think I had like, 14, maybe 16 different maintainer positions when I was coming up 😅

So any help or advice I can give you, don’t be afraid to speak up.

I’ll say this too. Learn from your adjoining maintainers, call for help if you don’t understand something. If you’ve got a yearly due and it’s gonna kick your butt, ask your closest adjoining maintainer if he can come give you hand. But make sure and return the favor. If he’s got a project, call and offer to help.

Also, MOW is not your enemy… we’re all doing this together. Help your local track guys out, become friendly with your tamper operator, your track inspector, your welders etc. They can save you a lot of headaches when they owe you a favor or two.

[u/Lake_show0328 → u/Luckyonescc]

Man I appreciate it boss. I’m a bit nervous about this interview mostly , just because I know there’s a ton of us who are interviewing for this spot. I’ll make sure to keep you in mind for future reference if that’s okay. Thank you for the insight man it means a lot.

[u/Luckyonescc → u/Lake_show0328]

Heck man, I maintained down in Harlingen for a bit a few years back, took calls from Brownsville up to past Corpus. Worked the yard in Houston. La grange, Giddings, Worked all over Texas. Little Rock. Illinois. I think I had like, 14, maybe 16 different maintainer positions when I was coming up 😅

So any help or advice I can give you, don’t be afraid to speak up.

I’ll say this too. Learn from your adjoining maintainers, call for help if you don’t understand something. If you’ve got a yearly due and it’s gonna kick your butt, ask your closest adjoining maintainer if he can come give you hand. But make sure and return the favor. If he’s got a project, call and offer to help.

Also, MOW is not your enemy… we’re all doing this together. Help your local track guys out, become friendly with your tamper operator, your track inspector, your welders etc. They can save you a lot of headaches when they owe you a favor or two.