Got interview on Monday..

[Rhys-M]

Eyup folks.

I'm currently a self employed plasterer and decided I want a lifestyle career change. I'm fed up of the wear and tear of one of the hardest jobs in the building trade, and at 51 I'm wanting to hang my trowels up before this job cripples me.

I applied for a postie with driving job and didn't get it as other candidates scored more highly on the online test. Oh well.. Was advised to try again in different area as I won't need to take the online test again for 3 months.

Applied to another branch last night, which is 30 mins away - no biggie as used to traveling. Got a phonecall today to arrange an interview and we've arranged it for Monday. That was quick.
Now looking for info on what to expect and I've read through some threads on interview questions.

Nice chap on the phone advised me to swat up on what RM is all about etc, and about fitness. Rather looking forward to it (maybe naively).

There seams however a lot of negativity on here about contracts, managers and general morale?

Working weekends is part of the contract and Sundays at another bigger depot. I'm not particularly bothered about weekends as it's a 5 day week. Couple of weekdays off is fine by me, and quieter.

[malnuman]

I suspect if your at interview stage you will more than likely be offered the job, I had my interview and on same day got a call back bout two hours later saying I've got the job and given a start date two weeks later.. I didn't get asked many questions, a quick tour round the office, a quick explanation of what the job is. I've been at my office 3 wks now, and it's not what I expected, be prepared for spending more time in a van with someone delivering parcels than actual walking round delivering mail.. It's totally parcel focused.. Maybe your del office works in a different way.. Good luck with your interview..

[fb1969]

Its pretty unlikely that anyone would say on here which office they work at. For the same reason, I would advise you to edit your post and remove the locations of the offices that you are applying to work at.

[Rhys-M]

Its pretty unlikely that anyone would say on here which office they work at. For the same reason, I would advise you to edit your post and remove the locations of the offices that you are applying to work at.

I've edited it, although it's nothing derogatory. Was more to see if the rounds could be round villages etc.

[Rhys-M]

I suspect if your at interview stage you will more than likely be offered the job, I had my interview and on same day got a call back bout two hours later saying I've got the job and given a start date two weeks later.. I didn't get asked many questions, a quick tour round the office, a quick explanation of what the job is. I've been at my office 3 wks now, and it's not what I expected, be prepared for spending more time in a van with someone delivering parcels than actual walking round delivering mail.. It's totally parcel focused.. Maybe your del office works in a different way.. Good luck with your interview..

Thanks. Either walking or driving around is all good to me. It'll be better than flogging myself daft chasing drying plaster and breathing in all sorts of unhealthy stuff.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

One thing that might help if you don't live in the same area as the office you are going to work in would be to familiarize yourself with their local area.

Also, if you know the office, do a Google search for the office, and that will help identify if it's a mainly rural office or a town-based one.

[fb1969]

I've edited it, although it's nothing derogatory. Was more to see if the rounds could be round villages etc.

The problem could be someone replying and identifying that they work there. RM is the sort of company where a manager (or sh1t-stiring colleague) would then trawl through the user's previous posts and find something to use against them.

[BenacreNick]

Rhys, ask around about the van status, at your depot - diesel or electric.

You'll get the training opportunities, but the electric vans drive differently so it's something to think about.

Best of luck.

Come back and let us know how you get on please.

[Edward Hunter]

Good luck. You will get negativity from people, usually those who have done the job for donkeys years lol. Is it an easy job? It depends what you are used too i suppose.If you are on foot on a delivery round, you will take time to adapt to the relentless nature of the walking day after day.Just like plastering it will cripple you too Especially at 51. Delivering parcels from a van isnt so physical but has its challenges.As long as you are happy with your contract they offer you alls good, even though you will be working with people doing the same job on better terms and conditions. Its a bit of a marmite job. hopefully its what you are after

[SMS1969]

If you get in, after a while I’d ask for a transfer to an office nearer to where you live. 300 miles a week is a lot of fuel to pay for each week. I was offered a job 35 miles away to begin with, which I refused. I then got offered one less than 2 miles away.

[Rhys-M]

If you get in, after a while I’d ask for a transfer to an office nearer to where you live. 300 miles a week is a lot of fuel to pay for each week. I was offered a job 35 miles away to begin with, which I refused. I then got offered one less than 2 miles away.

I applied for one where I live, and there were two positions available (according to my local postie)

"We are pleased to confirm you passed the assessment, unfortunately, on this occasion we are unable to offer you the position as there were other higher scoring candidates."

So I applied to the next closest, which is the one I've got an interview for.

I think transferring after a while (if possible) would be the way to go if a suitable local office came up.

The one I've got an interview for is 24 miles/30 mins away. I've worked out fuel cost at £8/day as I've got a big car. I'm roughly paying £10/day in my van travelling to jobs.

[Rhys-M]

Just had interview.
Went quite well I hope. They've got 8 candidates for 3 positions so will know by the end of the week. Although I wouldn't be surprised if others did better than me as they asked if future positions came up would I want to on a waiting list.