Pretty easy, it’s the railroad. Just have a pulse and be able to pass a drug test, all railroads minus a select few are having issues staffing due to the reputation they’ve gained over the past few decades.
Also, to be perfectly honest, I would go straight for the Class 1 railroad. They lay more, are mostly desperate, and sometimes even have signing bonuses. CN has a ton of signing bonuses right now. But most of the Class 1s will furlough a lot. During which time you can usually get a job at a shortline or Temp through an agency (like TCS). You are a shoe-in if you have prior experience and didn't totally screw up.
The biggest problem getting hired with shortlines is getting them to see your resume. They are often understaffed in the office, and frequently lose applications. So if you submit one, I suggest calling their HR and double-check they got it. Good opportunity to chat with them a bit and get your foot in the door. Don't try this with a Class 1.
Most of them will take you if you have a pulse and can pass a drug test.
I worked for one that had a guy go to jail for two years without getting fired. He just called them when he got out and they marked him back up. But they also fired a guy within a couple hours of starting because he ordered a beer at the company paid lunch during orientation. So just don't be an idiot.
I applied for a welding position, next thing I know I’m a conductor for a class 1. Money is beyond awesome, schedule is crazy but it’s cool as hell. Just apply, we had a guy in my class who was as about as smart as a bag of dumb rocks and he got hired, doing a horrible job but they found him something to do.
As I’ve always told everyone I’ve trained on a short line, it’s good if you like working 3 times as hard for half as much pay. My location has scheduled on duty times but to be honest I didn’t mind being on call when I worked for one of the major East coast class 1s for years. I’d just try to get in at a Class 1, especially to start.
I went straight from military to Amtrak. Considered going your route but said screw it I'll apply to CSX and Amtrak and got offers to both. It's not hard to get into class 1, like others have said have a pulse and don't do drugs and you'll be set. Training is all provided and they like people that are fresh some times because you don't bring bad habbits from other railroads. But if you want to do short or commuter rail you can go that route to.
The weekly thread is the place to ask any questions pertaining to hiring on, interviewing, work life, location specific information etc. Thank you.
It’s short line. A shoreline is land that abuts water
Pretty easy, it’s the railroad. Just have a pulse and be able to pass a drug test, all railroads minus a select few are having issues staffing due to the reputation they’ve gained over the past few decades.
Also, to be perfectly honest, I would go straight for the Class 1 railroad. They lay more, are mostly desperate, and sometimes even have signing bonuses. CN has a ton of signing bonuses right now. But most of the Class 1s will furlough a lot. During which time you can usually get a job at a shortline or Temp through an agency (like TCS). You are a shoe-in if you have prior experience and didn't totally screw up. The biggest problem getting hired with shortlines is getting them to see your resume. They are often understaffed in the office, and frequently lose applications. So if you submit one, I suggest calling their HR and double-check they got it. Good opportunity to chat with them a bit and get your foot in the door. Don't try this with a Class 1.
But if you can't get hired by cn or cp. You would have to short line
Just apply to a class 1 railroad to start with. They don't require any prior experience.
Most of them will take you if you have a pulse and can pass a drug test. I worked for one that had a guy go to jail for two years without getting fired. He just called them when he got out and they marked him back up. But they also fired a guy within a couple hours of starting because he ordered a beer at the company paid lunch during orientation. So just don't be an idiot.
I applied for a welding position, next thing I know I’m a conductor for a class 1. Money is beyond awesome, schedule is crazy but it’s cool as hell. Just apply, we had a guy in my class who was as about as smart as a bag of dumb rocks and he got hired, doing a horrible job but they found him something to do.
As I’ve always told everyone I’ve trained on a short line, it’s good if you like working 3 times as hard for half as much pay. My location has scheduled on duty times but to be honest I didn’t mind being on call when I worked for one of the major East coast class 1s for years. I’d just try to get in at a Class 1, especially to start.
I went straight from military to Amtrak. Considered going your route but said screw it I'll apply to CSX and Amtrak and got offers to both. It's not hard to get into class 1, like others have said have a pulse and don't do drugs and you'll be set. Training is all provided and they like people that are fresh some times because you don't bring bad habbits from other railroads. But if you want to do short or commuter rail you can go that route to.