I have been applying for Asst. Conductor positions with BNSF for quite some time now, but since I don't have NARS training, or railroad experience, I am used to receiving rejection letters. Last week, though, I was excited to receive an invitation to test and interview with BNSF, for an opening in Forsyth, MT. The interview is in Billings next Monday. I'm really torn, because money is tight right now, and Billings would be a 2,400 mile round trip for me. With gas prices, plus motels and food, that will be a good chunk of change. I don't want to miss an opportunity to get on with BNSF, but I don't want to waste all of that money, if there's no hope of getting on. Does anyone have any idea how many people might be invited, and/or interested in a position way out in the middle of Montana? I guess I'm hesitant because a couple of years ago I went through this process for a UP opening in Roseville, CA. There was a huge pool of applicants testing there, many with military, NARS and/or previous railroading experience. I made it through to the final interviews, but didn't get one of the jobs, because there were so many other applicants who were more qualified. I know Roseville is a major UP yard, and is in the Sacramento area, which has a huge population...so I guess I'm hoping that maybe the Billings interview won't be as well attended? I sure would appreciate any insights from any and all of you who may be able to help me with my decision. Thanks!!!!!!!!
The trip to the interview could be an excuse to do some railfanning on the way there and back.The MRL is in Billings Mt. and Spokane is very busy.
I would use the opportunity to take a vacation for a week and go fishing and camping too! If you have to spend the money, you might as well have fun!
Hard to guess how many might show up. Railroading pay would be some of the best income in that area. Although Forsyth isn't exactly exciting. So it could be a fair number of job seekers. Montana is pretty much a service sector economy. If you don't work for government, or own a successful business, there's often a big drop off in pay scale. Good luck! Boxcab E50
I cannot speak intelligently about who all might show up at this interview, but there's plenty to railfan on the road to Billings. Plenty of MRL action along the I-90 corridor in MT, and lots of Milwaukee Road ghosts to seek out. Spokane is a huge RR hub, and Missoula and Laurel are good spots to watch some yard action. The 2 beautiful depots in Missoula are good to photograph.
That makes sense. I forgot to consider the appeal of a good paying job like railroading in an area like that. It could be very well attended. Thanks, and thanks to the rest of you for the railfan tips. If I decide to go to the interview, I will definitely bring my camera along, and do some shooting. I like your suggestion, too, Pray59!
Keep in mind that your seniority will be good in other places so if you do not like the area you can always move to another terminal if you can hold a job there. Kevin
This reply is a couple months late however, I work with two guys who had this same opertunity 1. as a switchman in Yakama and the second a dispatcher in Springfield MO (1989) #1 Did not fo on the interview because he was working the next day #2 Did not go because he did not think too much about it. Well they both regret it now I had interviews with Amtrak as Asst. Conductor in Seattle and I am 100 miles away. I went to those at all costs (missed one day of work) because this is my dream job. Do not miss out if invited. I also have an application in with MRL if they call, I'm gone for a week from work. I'll go anywhere in the Pacific Northwest for an interview, and if you want it bad enough, you'll have gone. Hope it went well.
