Transport for London
Application process
Applying is easy, but that doesn't mean you should dash off the application like you would an email to a friend. Remember - more candidates get rejected at the application stage than at any other part of the recruitment process so it's worthwhile preparing and spending time on this stage.
Hints and tips
The online form does not contain a spell-checker, so be as careful as you would be on paper. Poor spelling and bad grammar can create a bad impression. Resist the temptation to write reams. The word limits are here to guide you.
What we really want to know at this stage is why you want to join us, and more importantly why you've chosen your particular scheme. Think about your answer carefully.
The process
Online Ability Testing
If you are successful through the application process, we will send you a link to a website where you will be able to complete the ability tests. For some schemes you will be asked to complete one test and if you successfully reach our benchmark, we will then invite you to complete the next test. For other schemes you will be asked to complete all the tests before you are informed if you are successful. All schemes require you to complete the numerical and verbal ability test, and some schemes will also ask you to complete an inductive reasoning test.
Numerical Tests are designed to measure your ability to make correct decisions or inferences from numerical or statistical data. The test is intended to measure the ability to work with numerical data in a realistic workplace context.
Verbal Tests are designed to measure your ability to evaluate the logic of various kinds of argument as presented in written form. The test measures your ability to determine the support for conclusions drawn using content that typifies a variety of work settings.
Inductive Reasoning Tests are designed to test your ability to draw inferences and understand the relationships between various concepts independent of acquired knowledge. Inductive reasoning tests are also sometimes known as abstract reasoning tests or diagrammatic style tests.
All these ability tests have been designed to help us understand whether you have some of the basic skills required to be successful on our graduate scheme.
You will have five days in which to complete the test, but once you've started you will need to complete them within the time given. Please complete them at a time and place that is convenient to you.
Before you start the test you will have an opportunity to familiarise yourself with what's required by looking at and completing some sample questions.
Visit the SHL website where you can complete a full length practice test
Please note: We may ask you to complete further tests at later stages in the selection process to ensure the validity of your online test results.
Hints and tips
Complete the practice test, as you are likely to feel more relaxed and perform better when it comes to taking the real test.
When completing the actual test, ensure you are in quiet room where there are no distractions and you won't be disturbed. You will only have one chance to complete the test and any distractions may cost you valuable seconds.
If you are unable to complete the tests before the deadline, get in contact with us as soon as possible and we might be able to give you an extension. Details of how to contact us will be provided in the invite email that will be sent to you.
Telephone interview
This will be carried out over the phone with a representative from TfL. We will always send you an invite in advance of the date of the interview so you can prepare for this. Some schemes may have a second stage telephone interview.
Hints and tips
Do some research. Knowing about the organisation and business area you're applying to can help you immensely during an interview.
Review your application form; in particular make sure you are clear on your reasons for wanting to be part of TfL.
Think ahead. Try to think about what type of questions the interviewer may ask. Transport for London uses 'competency-based' (sometimes also called 'behavioural') interviewing techniques. The theory behind competency-based interviewing is that past behaviour is a good predictor of future behaviour. When interviewers ask you competency-based questions they want you to talk about how you have actually tackled real problems in the past. Before the interview, it is important to:
- Think about real examples that actually happened to you, which best illustrates your capability
- Avoid talking in broad terms about how you generally tackle those sorts of situations. Provide us with specific information about what you did, how you went about it and the outcome to the particular example you are using.
Ensure that at the time of the interview you are in quiet area, where you will not be disturbed.
If you have provided your mobile as your primary contact number, ensure that it is fully charged and you are in an area with good reception.
Other questions may cover the technical and specialist aspects of the scheme you have applied for so prepare for this. Further information about the telephone interview will be provided in your invite letter.
Assessment
The final stage of our selection process will be held in London. You will complete:
- A presentation, and a competency based interview with business managers from the area where your scheme is based
- Other exercises you may need to take part in include:
- Group exercise
- Ability tests
- Written exercise
The exercises you take part in depend on the scheme you applied for. You will be given further information about the assessment exercises when we invite you to assessment.
Hints and tips
If you're invited to an assessment, you'll have a good chance of securing a place on the TfL scheme, so make sure you're ready and prepared. Remember, all other candidates are in the same situation as you.
Offer
We aim to give verbal offers as soon as possible after the assessment centres.
Once you accept the offer your contract and paperwork will be sent out within two weeks. We ask that you sign and get these back to us within ten days of receiving them.
Hints and tips
We understand that at this stage you may be interested in a variety of different graduate schemes on offer. Application to these will in no way prejudice your application for a place on our Graduate Programme. However, we do request that if you decide to accept an offer of a position with us or another organisation that you inform all the other potential interested parties as soon as possible.
Pre-induction
Following your acceptance of our offer we will ensure that everything is done to make your joining us as smooth as possible.
References from referees provided by you at the time of accepting your offer will be requested
We will arrange Occupational Health appointments for those who will be doing operational placements
We may invite you to an 'Insight day' before you start. Here you will get the opportunity to meet some of your colleagues and gain further understanding of the business
Your first three days are spent on an intensive induction programme before moving to your business area and first placement. Induction is designed to.
- Introduce you to your peers, and people at all levels across TfL
- Help you understand TfL's structure, its history and the objectives the organisation is working to deliver
- Explain how you will be supported during your time with a scheme, and in more detail how the schemes work
- Introduce you to the 'sites and sounds' of TfL by visiting and experiencing a number of key TfL activities
- Look for your first contribution to TfL's future through a presentation on opportunities that you and your colleagues have identified for TfL's future
Applications
