Union Pacific is one of the largest railroad companies in the United States, with over 32,000 miles of track spanning 23 states. As such, they are always in need of new employees, from train operators to engineers to maintenance workers.
If you’re interested in working for Union Pacific, you can expect to be asked some company specific interview questions. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of what to expect and how to answer Union Pacific interview questions.
The interview process at Union Pacific can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as a locomotive engineer, the interview process may only consist of a brief meeting with a hiring manager. For other positions, such as a train dispatcher, the interview process may be more extensive and include multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the interview process at Union Pacific is generally fairly straightforward and not overly difficult. However, it is important to be prepared for your interview and to have a good understanding of the job you are applying for.
Top 5 Interview Question to Ask at a Railroad Interview
What advice do candidates give for interviewing at Union Pacific
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Be willing to be molded. Don’t be a know It all. Listen.Shared on August 24, 2022 – Trainman – Tucson, AZ
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Be sure not to mention any health issuesShared on August 14, 2022 – Freight Car Inspector – Los Angeles, CA
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Stay away don’t be swayed by the payShared on July 11, 2022 – Senior Electronic Technician
How candidates received their first interview at Union Pacific
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Went to internet on 17 April and did an application. Two weeks later did a test on the internet and passed. About 2 weeks later 15 May went to hiring session for 3 hrs, did interview the same day. On …Shared on January 5, 2019
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Went on internet and filled out application.Shared on November 12, 2016 – Locomotive Engineer – Avondale, LA
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I imagine my father working at the company helped, but I am certainly qualified without to be able to work the job.Shared on November 11, 2016 – Conductor – Boone, IA
What candidates say about the interview process at Union Pacific
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For management I had to take the Operations management test battery. This test was 100 questions, multiple choice. I received confirmation immediately that I had passed. Next I was sent a link for …Shared on May 18, 2022 – Operations Manager – Omaha, NE
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They will gather all the people in a room and tell them about how great the pay is and how great the retirement is. Then ask everyone if they can work weekends, and Holidays. Then tell everyone abou…Shared on November 1, 2020 – Conductor/Switchman – Houston, TX
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Very unorganized. Seemed like they wanted to hire new employees at the same time they were laying off employees. HR couldn’t give me straight answers about the layoffs and job security.Shared on August 8, 2020 – Operating Manager – Omaha, NE
Interviews for Top Jobs at Union Pacific
Analyst Interview
I interviewed at Union Pacific
Interview
It can take months to get hired. Many people never hear back from the company after their application, and the screening is rigorous, including a background and drug screening. They favor younger college graduates over a seasoned employment history.
- What was your first job?
Machinist Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at Union Pacific in Jul 2022
Interview
Consistent of a zoom meeting, asked about my work history, work experience, and to make sure I understand the job requirements. Overall it went pretty good, and I’m happy I accepted the position.
- What is my history.What experience do I have.Have I ever worked outdoors.If I’m willing to accept their schedule.
Risk Manager Interview
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Union Pacific (Little Rock, AR)
Interview
The process included a panel interview. The interview questions were not difficult. The interviewers were pleasant and professional. The company paid for travel and even issued a gift certificate for miscellaneous travel expenses.
- Describe your strengths. How do you deal with stress? Are you available to respond to catastrophic accidents?
To help you prepare for an Union Pacific Railroad Company job interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.
In the rail transport industry, nothing is more important than safety and pride in work. Take some time on Union Pacific Railroad Company website to learn about their mission statement and values. Now, take a look at your values, work ethic, and top skills. How are they a match? Talk to the interviewer about how your skills and characteristics will contribute to the goals of Union Pacific Railroad Company.
“I read that Union Pacific Railroad Company abides by key principles which include Employee Development, Operational Safety, and Customer Excellence. I too am committed to opportunities for development and growth. I seek out an exciting career that is safe and rewarding for all. I plan to contribute by abiding by your policies, leading by example, and being an encouraging team member to my colleagues.”
“Serving customers safely is the theme that I have read on your website and a goal that I plan to help you achieve every day that I am on the job. Your trains pass through small towns, big cities, and everywhere in-between, which is why a firm commitment to safety is of utmost importance. I will invest time in learning your equipment and infrastructure, getting to know my colleagues, and learning about the customers that you serve. Through this dedication to knowledge, I can contribute to your history of safety and customer service excellence.”
How do I apply for a position at Union Pacific? The “Search Jobs” link at the top of this page will take you to a list of current job openings. NOTE: Positions are posted by state/city location. Interviews are held at that location, and if you are selected for that position, you will need to relocate.
How will I find out about my interview? If you have applied for a union position: first, your web status will be updated to “Invited to Hiring Session.” Second, you will receive a phone call informing you of the update. If you have applied for a non-union position, you will receive a phone call.
How should I prepare for the interview? Your attire should be business casual. You might have to take a test before your interview. Our tests are designed to evaluate your current knowledge, so there is no study help available. Tests are often administered at a hiring session, or in advance at a third-party testing facility. Some tests and locations require you to pay a nominal fee. You should plan to spend the majority of the day there.
What is Union Pacifics background investigation policy for new hires and transferred employees? The background investigation policy established guidelines for a uniform and objective approach for considering your past record as part of the decision to offer employment. This investigation takes place after you have been offered a job, with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.
If I am offered a job, when will I start? If you are offered a job on the train crew, you will be given information about your training classes (if available) when you complete your new employee paperwork. If you are offered any other position, you will be contacted by a local manager, who will tell you your start date. Contact might take up to 30 days depending on the job and location.
This question is a great way to see how you would fit in with the company culture. It also allows the interviewer to get an idea of what your goals are for the future and if they align with Union Pacific’s goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about some of the things that you have seen or experienced at other companies that you feel could improve.
Example: “I always make sure I’m aware of my surroundings when I conduct a train. For example, if there are any obstacles on the tracks or in the surrounding area, I communicate with the conductor to determine whether we need to stop the train. If so, I use hand signals to tell the engineer to slow down or stop the train. This helps prevent accidents and ensures the cargo reaches its destination safely.”
Union Pacific is a large railroad company that transports goods across the country. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your safety practices and how you ensure the train’s cargo arrives safely at its destination. Use examples from your experience to describe what steps you take to keep yourself, other crew members and the public safe while conducting a train.
Example: “Union Pacific is one of the largest freight railroads in North America. The company was founded in 1862 by a group of businessmen who wanted to connect Omaha, Nebraska, to Sacramento, California. Today, Union Pacific operates more than 32,000 miles of track across 28 states. I also know that Union Pacific has an excellent safety record, which is something I’m passionate about.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level. If you have a few years of experience, it’s important to highlight any skills or knowledge that you’ve gained in this time. If you’re new to the industry, you can talk about what attracted you to rail work and how you plan to develop your skills.
FAQ
What are the 5 Ps of interview preparation?
- Don’t show up to an interview disorganized or disinterested. Employers are tired of it. …
- First, prepare. …
- Next, practice. …
- Be professional. …
- Always participate. …
- Finally, infuse passion and personality.
How long is the hiring process for Union Pacific Railroad?
Why you feel you are qualified for this position?
How do I prepare for a support worker interview?
- Can you tell me about yourself? …
- What is your interpretation of a Support Workers role? …
- What would you bring to the position? …
- What was a challenging experience you encountered and how did you deal with it? …
- How do you assess a client’s needs?
