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So my dad wants to change his job to be a train driver. He's 48, and has had an array of jobs mostly to do with driving (he's been a bus driver for about 10 year, worked as a driver in the military), but he was also a doctor for a few years (which he didn't like much and couldn't continue well due to not speaking English well so he changed careers when he came to England). He applied two years ago and didn't get in.
He wants me to help him write a good application, CV and cover letter for the job since he still has mistakes in his English and writing is my strongest point.
Problem is, I'm only 18 so I don't have much experience in this and this is a lot of weight on my shoulders as it's his future career and he promised to support my decision to attend college in the USA if I help him (something he's very against).
So my question to you guys is: is there any advice you can give me on applications for train drivers in London, what they're looking for in a potential driver, etc? Also, my dad wants to make his cover letter/application a bit more "free flow" as he tells me. He says he wants to stand out and not be like the "others" who are much younger than him and who follow a strict and "boring" structure.
Thanks!!
tl;dr
- dad wants to change jobs from bus driver to train driver at 48
- he's enlisted my help to write him an application
- any tips?
I would want any applicant, especially one for such a responsible job, to write their own CV.
Sorry- that's probably not what you want to hear.
I'm thinking the same thing, but it won't be 100% written by me. He's gonna write it roughly first and I'll correct it, make adjustments, add stuff in based on the material he gives me. Kind of like a ghostwriter.
I'm thinking the same thing, but it won't be 100% written by me. He's gonna write it roughly first and I'll correct it, make adjustments, add stuff in based on the material he gives me. Kind of like a ghostwriter.
I agree, he should write his own CV. If his language is not up to it then he should enrol on adult education course to improve his language and written skills. Most of them also offer a careers adviser who could assist with his CV. Being a train driver has big safety implications and so being familiar with everything is paramount. We had a lot of Polish people in the town I used to live before I relocated to the US. First thing they did was enrol on an English for speakers of other languages course which they could pay in instalments. They also used the careers service and most have secured gainful employment in a better working environment than what they were doing whilst studying. Hope this helps You can google and find out your local adult ed centre otherwise a local library probably stocks these course details or can help. Good luck
I would want any applicant, especially one for such a responsible job, to write their own CV.
Sorry- that's probably not what you want to hear.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Montygirl
I agree, he should write his own CV. If his language is not up to it then he should enrol on adult education course to improve his language and written skills. Most of them also offer a careers adviser who could assist with his CV. Being a train driver has big safety implications and so being familiar with everything is paramount. We had a lot of Polish people in the town I used to live before I relocated to the US. First thing they did was enrol on an English for speakers of other languages course which they could pay in instalments. They also used the careers service and most have secured gainful employment in a better working environment than what they were doing whilst studying. Hope this helps You can google and find out your local adult ed centre otherwise a local library probably stocks these course details or can help. Good luck
I can't really give the OP any advice on writing a CV for someone who wants to be a train driver, but I can advise her to largely ignore these two posts. Provided the facts set out are truthful, there is nothing improper or unusual about a person having help in composing their CV. There are lots of people, native and non-native speakers alike, for whom written English is not a strong suit, and it makes sense not just from their perspective but also from the employer's for them to receive help in communicating effectively why they would be good for a given job. If any particular competencies as far as reading and writing are required for the proper execution of the role, then they will be tested during the interview process - especially if they are considered safety-critical. So dad should certainly do whatever he can to improve and become more confident in his English, but he should also have no hesitation in letting you help him to prepare the initial application.
I'd suggest searching for specialist rail forums, where you should be able to find people who can give more detailed advice.
I can't really give the OP any advice on writing a CV for someone who wants to be a train driver, but I can advise her to largely ignore these two posts. Provided the facts set out are truthful, there is nothing improper or unusual about a person having help in composing their CV. There are lots of people, native and non-native speakers alike, for whom written English is not a strong suit, and it makes sense not just from their perspective but also from the employer's for them to receive help in communicating effectively why they would be good for a given job. If any particular competencies as far as reading and writing are required for the proper execution of the role, then they will be tested during the interview process - especially if they are considered safety-critical. So dad should certainly do whatever he can to improve and become more confident in his English, but he should also have no hesitation in letting you help him to prepare the initial application.
I'd suggest searching for specialist rail forums, where you should be able to find people who can give more detailed advice.
Yes that's fine, ignore my post. I gave the option about adult Education improving chances of getting a job above. They also have careers advice and contacts in theses fields so know the process. You can ignore my post of you like even though adult education is all about assisting EVERYONE in getting into their chosen field and how to get the best out of your CV. What would I know , I just worked there with people at the front line, native and non native speakers as I explained. The English course is optional and you can still access the careers service.
The OP said they didn't know how to do this as they are not an expert and also still very young possibly going to college in the US ,He was worried that he would let his Dad down and feels pressure and that if it doesn't work their parent may then decide not to support their move to the US. I gave them an option of a free expert and there is no reason why the OP cant still go along to support their parent . The careers person will help them get the CV right to maximise their chances of getting that job. I know as not only did I work in Adult Ed but it helped me retrain , rejig my CV and also get the job in a primary school that I wanted. You can have more than one appointment and they will also help you fill in any application forms if needed and advise what extra qualifications may help.
Yes that's fine, ignore my post. I gave the option about adult Education improving chances of getting a job above. They also have careers advice and contacts in theses fields so know the process. You can ignore my post of you like even though adult education is all about assisting EVERYONE in getting into their chosen field and how to get the best out of your CV. What would I know , I just worked there with people at the front line, native and non native speakers as I explained. The English course is optional and you can still access the careers service.
The OP said they didn't know how to do this as they are not an expert and also still very young possibly going to college in the US ,He was worried that he would let his Dad down and feels pressure and that if it doesn't work their parent may then decide not to support their move to the US. I gave them an option of a free expert and there is no reason why the OP cant still go along to support their parent . The careers person will help them get the CV right to maximise their chances of getting that job. I know as not only did I work in Adult Ed but it helped me retrain , rejig my CV and also get the job in a primary school that I wanted. You can have more than one appointment and they will also help you fill in any application forms if needed and advise what extra qualifications may help.
To be clear, in case I wasn't, my advice to ignore your post concerned the bit where you implied that the OP should not assist with father's CV.
I can't really give the OP any advice on writing a CV for someone who wants to be a train driver, but I can advise her to largely ignore these two posts. Provided the facts set out are truthful, there is nothing improper or unusual about a person having help in composing their CV. There are lots of people, native and non-native speakers alike, for whom written English is not a strong suit, and it makes sense not just from their perspective but also from the employer's for them to receive help in communicating effectively why they would be good for a given job. If any particular competencies as far as reading and writing are required for the proper execution of the role, then they will be tested during the interview process - especially if they are considered safety-critical. So dad should certainly do whatever he can to improve and become more confident in his English, but he should also have no hesitation in letting you help him to prepare the initial application.
I'd suggest searching for specialist rail forums, where you should be able to find people who can give more detailed advice.
There are a few tests you have to take which don't include reading and writing as far as I know. There's a psychometric test which my dad has studied for before. He has books and programs on it and does very well.
In my opinion, not just saying this because he's my dad, I think he's very competent as he's worked in transport all his life, is hard working, willing to work overtime (hell, he gives up all his days off to make more money) and cares about his career.
I guess his only issue is that he's 48 and he's worried that they won't take him because he's not young. Writing is definitely my strongest point so I think with his guidance and material he gives me, we can work on a pretty solid application.
Thanks for all the help!
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