Applied online. Completed online test.
3 days later invited to a hiring session. Could choose following week, or three weeks later.
Attended hiring session. You're told dress is business casual. I was surprised at how many people wore cruddy, dirty, non-business clothes. UP says to wear business casual, so I recommend you do so. Wikipedia states business casual (in part): "Includes khaki pants, slacks, and skirts, as well as short-sleeved polo shirts and long-sleeved shirts, but excludes, tennis shoes, tight or short skirts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts" I'm sure everybody has heard, "you never get a chance at another first impression." It's true.
Along the same lines, remember that the person conducting the hiring session works for HR, and will be doing the interview. So don't say or do anything you wouldn't do in the hiring session you wouldn't do in an interview.
In my session, the HR person made a very good point. If you move on, you'll be drug tested. It's a DOT test, so if you fail, DOT will keep that in their database and you'll never work in a transportation job. So get clean before applying/moving on. As a side note, if you take prescription medication that will show up on your drug test, (I do), don't worry. The lab will call you when the results are in. As long as you can supply documents from the pharmacy indicating you were prescribed the meds (prescribed BEFORE the drug test), you'll be fine (I was).
The hiring session lasts all day, so be prepared to wait. I'd bring along a snack/lunch (which is leave in the car until you are dismissed from the session to wait for your interview), and something to drink.
Interview only lasted about 10 minutes. As addressed many times in these posts: Focus on safety. When you answer a question about safety, provide an example of something you did safely that could have gone the other way. They are correct to say you don't need experience. I've never worked around heavy machinery, and that was a question. I said so; ADDING something to the effect that I knew how dangerous it could be, and I understood how important SAFETY is when working around heavy machinery. They asked what the most time I've been away from my family for, if I had worked shift work, what I thought the expectations of the job were (they give you the answer in the hiring session), and a time when I had a conflict with a supervisor.
Having been on the other side if the table conducting interviews, my advice would be to always add something to an answer - don't just say yes/no. For example, if you've never worked shift work, don't just answer "no." Say something (ONLY IF TRUE - DONT LIE OR EXAGGERATE) like, "No, but I understand the commitment. My family supports me and understands what shift work entails, and I've looked up the importance of sleep hygiene, proper eating, and exercise when working shift work. I'm confident shift work won't be a barrier."
Frankly, the interview was so fast and easy, I was surprised I received an offer. I didn't see how they could compare all the applicants. But they did.
Although not part of the interview, I'd like to add something that I worried about in hopes it sets some people at ease I'm older, and my body has been through a lot (TEN orthopedic surgeries on my knees, shoulder, elbow and wrist. I played hard when I was younger!). As long as you can do the job, and you can pass the physical agility, you'll be fine. I was also very worried because I take meds for depression and ADHD. Many, many people are. Just be 100% honest. I thought I'd be disqualified because of it. It raised a big red flag during the medical review. But they asked for my medical records. I had them sent, and it wasn't a problem. I don't know what they look for, but I'd guess they want to know if you're stabilized on meds (I am), or if you're suicidal and will jump in front of a train the first chance you get (I'm not). I can say that I'm proof It's true they just want somebody who is qualified and can physically do the job safely. They didn't discriminate, or toss me aside for a younger, healthier person. Of course, if you're young and healthy - you're in easily!
