BNSF Railway Conductor Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 18 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at BNSF Railway.
BNSF Railway
Conductor
Mid Average Positive experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Take home Technical screen Recruiter call Onsite Background check
Interview formats
Technical Coding Behavioral
The hiring process moved fast and efficiently as I received my first step in the process about a week after applying. It consisted of taking a test that consisted of technical and reading comprehension questions. It took only two or three days to receive notice that I was successful and would be contacted with a hiring session date which only took another week. During the interview an hour was devoted to discussing the company lifestyle and that of a conductor as well as company benefits and questions were answered. After that another reading comprehension test as administered for a total of 90 questions. When the results were posted those who passed were schedule for an interview later that afternoon and we went to the next step which was collection of a hair sample for drug testing should we be offered a position. The interview was brief was a heavy focus on safety and reliability as an employee due to the hazardous nature of the railroad.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Tell me about a time you had to deal with conflict with a coworker or supervisor, and how you handled it.
BNSF Railway
Conductor
Entry Easy Neutral experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Other
I was among the first of 33 applicants for the Conductor position in Centrailia, IL, and made it pretty far, though they only had 5 openings. After about an hour of discussing the job, the interviews started, along with a hair drug test. I was the third person interviewed. My interview was with one person while another typed my responses. I felt we really clicked, and I even got a laugh out of them. When it ended, they asked if I had questions, and I asked, 'What's the best thing about working for BNSF?' They both thought it was a great question and mentioned they'd been thinking about it that morning. The whole interview was just 15 minutes before I went for my drug test. I was there for a total of 4 hours. Sadly, even though I felt positive about it, I got an email within 48 hours saying I wasn't selected.
Confirmed questions4 questions
- Have you experience with shift work?
- Have you ever been tardy?
- In what ways is your current job similar to this one?
BNSF Railway
Conductor
Entry Average Negative experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Take home Background check Panel
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
it was a tough process. First, you had to take a test to see if you could even get an interview. If you passed that, you then had to do a hair drug screen before the actual interview. Then, there was a panel interview where they mainly asked about safety and how you handle being outdoors in different weather conditions. Just keep preaching safety and you should be good if you're not totally clueless.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Tell me about a time you disagreed with a manager and how you handled it.
- Describe how you cope with working outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Explain your approach to ensuring safety in your work.
BNSF Railway Conductor Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from BNSF Railway interview reports.
“Regarding accidents, what proportion are considered preventable?”
Read reports →“Are all accidents avoidable?”
Read reports →“Who is responsible for creating a safe environment?”
Read reports →“Have you ever been tardy?”
Read reports →“What is the greatest aspect of being employed by BNSF?”
Read report →“In five years, where do you envision yourself?”
Read report →“What is your biggest pet peeve about colleagues?”
Read report →“How would you respond if your supervisor told you to do something unsafe?”
Read report →“What would you do if your supervisor asked you to do something unsafe or unethical?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 18 BNSF Railway interview reports.