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FirstGroup Interview Questions
& Process

Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.

Based on 36 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

2.6 Rounds average
Average Typical difficulty
69.4% Positive experience

Which role are you interviewing for?

19 roles · 36 reports

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at FirstGroup.

Showing 4 of 36
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Bus Driver

Operations

Entry Easy Positive experience Accept offer 5 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Technical screen Take home Background check
Interview formats
Technical Other Other

Got an invite for an assessment about 2 weeks after applying. First, I did a quick maths and literature test, like figuring out change and picking the best solution from a few scenarios. Then, I had a pretty chill interview. After that, there was a driving assessment, surprisingly in a Ford Fiesta! When we got back, I was told to wait in the canteen. About 15 minutes later, they told me to apply for my D1 provisional license and to let them know when it arrived. A week later, I had a medical check-up with a doctor who tested my eyesight, blood pressure, and so on (I had to get undressed down to my underwear too).

Confirmed questions1 question
  • Can you share an instance where you had to communicate with someone and faced a language barrier?
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FirstGroup

Bus Driver

Operations

Entry Easy Neutral experience Decline offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Technical screen Background check Recruiter call Presentation
Interview formats
Technical Other Behavioral

The interview process was mainly paper-based tests covering routes, especially roundabouts and junctions, and road signs. There was also a minibus driving test, a medical check-up with a doctor, and drug/alcohol tests using a swab and breathalyser. Finally, there was a face-to-face chat where they mainly confirmed your agreement with the working hours. If you get through the initial stages, you'll attend a six-week driving school and become a bus driver if you pass the final driving test. Just a heads-up, if you leave within two years of passing, you'll have to cover the driving school costs.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • Would you be willing to work a three-week rotation that includes early mornings (starting as early as 3 am), late nights (finishing after midnight), and split shifts during rush hour with an unpaid break in between?
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FirstGroup

Enterprise Solutions Architect

Engineering

Senior Easy Neutral experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation

So I had two interviews, first one was with the hiring manager and a peer, it was online and lasted about 45 mins. The second one was with the hiring manager and a programme manager, this was face-to-face and lasted an hour. They had a few questions they asked, not super strict. We went over the intro, setting the scene, what the role is about, challenges, ways I can add value, some behavioural questions, and then I asked my questions.

Confirmed questions6 questions
  • What is your motivation for joining our company?
  • Can you describe your process for identifying the current technology landscape?
  • What strategies do you employ when dealing with multiple CRM systems?
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FirstGroup

Rail Operations Graduate

Operations

Entry Average Positive experience No offer 5 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Group Presentation Onsite
Interview formats
Technical Group Behavioral Presentation

After applying online, you have to do some online tests. They were pretty easy compared to other grad applications. Then, you do a video interview, after which you'll get invited to the assessment centre. The assessment centre starts the evening before with dinner, a hotel stay, and drink vouchers, all paid for by FirstGroup. This is a good chance to chat with staff and ask questions. The next morning is the main part of the assessment centre, which includes group tasks, individual tasks, and an interview.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • What makes you want to work for First Group?

FirstGroup Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from FirstGroup interview reports.

Can you estimate the number of lattes sold annually in the UK?

Read reports

In your opinion, how crucial is safety within the bus industry?

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What's the most annoying trait your partner would say you have?

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How do you effectively manage and implement change within an organization?

Read report

Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 36 FirstGroup interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 34.6%
Technical 28.4%
Other 14.8%
Presentation 12.3%
Group 4.9%

Interview difficulty

Easy 25%
Average 66.7%
Difficult 8.3%

Candidate experience

Positive 69.4%
Neutral 27.8%
Negative 2.8%

Reports by job function

Operations 15
Analytics 5
Engineering 4
Finance 4
Other 3
Marketing 2