And the answer is...

[lionkingcmsl]

you'll know sometime in January. :=/

I went for the interview with Amtrak today.

I arrived early and the guy (not my friend) who was to interview me opened the door to the HR Dept. and left. It seems that the guy in Washington never confirmed my appointment. The woman behind the desk basically said, "Oops!" and contacted the guy to come back.

While I was waiting I had to take an 80 question test. I left some questions blank as I had no idea of the answers. I felt that I had lost my chance.

After tI finished the interviewer came back and we went to a private room to talk. I told him that I fretted about the test, saying, "I'm more in tune with the practical, not the theoretical." He looked at the test and said, "Don't worry about this. We use it to separate the people who took college courses from those that have been in the field for a number of years. Those that have the schooling know all the math, but those that have been in the field know the practical end, but not the math." Guess what type of questions I didn't answer. :=3

He said the test looked good and he asked me some general questions, like my strengths and weaknesses. I told him my greatest weakness was my inability to climb towers. He said that's not a concern as they use cherry-pickers or contractors for tower work. As for my strengths, I told him I feel my greatest strength was that I'm not afraid to pick up the manual to work on a radio. He smiled at that. He then asked what kind of radio systems I worked on. I started to rattle of the different systems and said, "I work for G&G Communications in Franklinville, NJ." His eyes lit up and he got a broad smile. He remarked that he knew Jerry, my boss, as he used to own a small shop nearby. Score one for me. :=3

He also mentioned that he knew that I knew my friend. He also asked if I would consider working in NYC, at Sunnyside Yard, not Penn Station as I thought. BTW, Panda Guy, the radio shop is in the Ivy City coach yard, not in Union Station. It seems they have a guy there that is 75 years old and could "pull the pin" (retire) at any time. He also told me some interesting facets of both areas. One fact that he mentioned is that most shops (there are only 7, mostly on the NEC) have only 1 or 2 guys staffing them. 8=0

I told him that I would prefer DC, but if they needed me in NYC I would go there.

He then told me that he had two others he had to interview and with the holidays and vacation time it would be at least January before I heard anything. He did tell me that he would love to bring me back for another interview with the possibility of going to NYC and/or DC to look at the sites. That is very encouraging. He then told me to follow him to his office so I could meet my friend.

We made our way to the "cubical farm" and told my friend, "I believe you know this guy." My friend just smiled and said yes. THe interviewer had me sit across the aisle, in his cubical, and he started to show me different aspects of the Amtrak system and told me more about the new engineering they're doing, like VOIP remote dispatching. More and more it seemed like he wanted me to start to get accustomed to what they were dealing with. He also told my friend to take me downstairs and buy me a cup of coffee. :=3

He did that and we sat and talked about working at Amtrak and what I could expect. I got the distinct impression that if there weren't two other applicants I would've been hired today. :=3

I had taken NJTransit's Alantic City Rail line into Philly (I wasn't about to drive into Philly today). I went to purchase a ticket for the return trip, but the line, at the sole ticket machine, was about 30 deep. I said to hell with it and I would buy the ticket on-board and pay any surcharge (5.50 + ~2). I went over to the staircase where the AC Line normally boards and I see people on the platform below (Philly's 30th St. Station has below grade platforms under the station concourse). What happened next surprised me. You have to realize that I'm in a suit and tie. I start to go down the steps and the stair attendant turns, with arm out, "Sir?" I look back and say simply "Transit." His reply was "Oh, ok." and lets me go. I'm thinking that he lets me go because people are waiting for the next AC train. That is not the case, as these people are waiting for an Amtrak train. It seems that when I said "Transit" matter-of-factly, and wearing a suit and tie, with a crossbuck tie tack, he thought I meant I worked for NJTransit. :=3

Amtrak has people holding the doors open for arriving passengers and I helped with that. Just because I'm not an employee doesn't mean I can't be of assistance. I mentioned to the woman in charge, who was training someone, that I worked for the CMSL. Her face beamed and said, "Neat. I'm going to Cape May next month. I want to ride your train." Score one for me pimping the CMSL.

After the AC Line train arrived, in push mode, the engineer stopped with his window right across from me. I went up to his window and stated chatting about his controls and how I operate RDC's and F-units. I then realize that people are starting to board and I told him to hold on as I got on the train.

I went to the cab and started chatting again. He got the signal to start and he asked if I was going with them. I said yes as I had to go to Hammonton. We left the station and he closed the door with me in the cab. We chatted and the conductor came up. She was surprised to see me and said, "I wondered where you got to." The engineer introduced me and told her I worked for the CMSL. Remember I still had no ticket. She smiled had the engineer sign a form and when the engineer and I started to talk shop again, she left. :=3

At Lindenwold another conductor got on. He was deadheading to Atlantic City to start his shift. He came into the cab, introductions were made, and we started talking about the history of the P-RSL. :=3

So, while I didn't get the job, I had a interesting day, though when I got back to Hammonton I found out I left my headlights on and it cost me $25 to get a jump-start. :={

Comments

[yaochi.livejournal.com]

Well a shame about the headlights and the cost of the jump.

But, considering everything else, I would say it was still a good day.

Too bad you have to wait until at least January, but if that's what it takes to get the job, then that is what it takes.

Patience and all.

Good luck to you still.

[katayamma.livejournal.com]

Best of all, you had FUN!

I hope you get the job! Sounds like you'd enjoy working for them. I do worry, though, as Amtrak has a LONG history if cash issues. :(

Cheers

[camstone.livejournal.com]

All in all... I'd have to say that you did alright from what you've said. Today, they have to go through formalities more than ever to work out job applicants and job offers.

Just hang tough, and things will work out.

[rrwolf.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you had an interesting trip. To bad you didn't get an answer on the job position right away but it sounds promissing for you. I hope you hear back from them and you get the position.