Transport for London (TfL) Interview Questions

Below provides a general overview of the application and assessment process for the various TfL graduate schemes.

The TfL graduate scheme assessment process consists of:

• Online application
• SHL test
• Telephone interview
• First assessment centre
• Second assessment centre

Transport for London (TfL) - Online Application

The online application is based on the usual competencies, i.e. “Why would you be suited to a position with TfL”?

When completing your application consider what experiences would be most relevant to the questions asked and provide specific details of what you did, why you took that particular approach and what the outcome was.

Transport for London (TfL) - SHL Test

If successful through the application form, you will be invited to complete SHL tests. These will vary depending on the scheme you have applied for. The tests have been designed to assess a specific ability that is relevant to the scheme you have applied for.

Further information about the SHL test can be found on the SHL website where you are able to complete a practice test. This will enable you to familarise yourself with the types of test you will be asked to complete.

Transport for London (TfL) - Telephone Interview

This is a standard telephone interview. It may be conducted by a third-party organisation, or in-house, by TfL assessors.

You can prepare by thinking about the types of experiences you have had both in a work or non-work capacity.

The interview lasts 10-15 minutes and is an opportunity for TfL to have a more detailed understanding of your experiences to date, identifying the skills and capability you would bring to the graduate scheme.

Transport for London (TfL) - First Assessment Centre

If you are successful at the Telephone Interview stage, you’ll be invited to the first assessment centre.

The assessment centre is split into two sessions.

During the morning assessment centre, the main tasks are:

• Fast Track test
• Group exercise

Fast Track Test

This is an SHL test. You will be given a series of cards (roughly 20 per question). The cards each contain certain details and you have to ascertain the connection between the cards.

A crude example of what you are expected to do would be of a deck of cards, with the Ace of spades taken out and replaced with a blank card. By looking at the rest of the deck, you would ascertain that each suite has a certain number of cards, with there being 4 suites.

From here, you could ascertain that since the heart, diamond and club suites all have an ace card; the spade suite is missing this card. Hence, you could assume that the missing card is an ace of spades.

The test is similar to this, but more complex – i.e. using driver profiles in a taxi firm (each card has a name, position of driver, experience, car, engine size, etc.)

Group Exercise

Your group exercise will consist of six members. You will be provided with some background information about the project you have been brought together for along with some additional information.

As a group, you will need to come to a decision of the actions you will take. The exercise has been designed to assess how you would work within a team, as while on the graduate scheme you will have the opportunity to work with a number of different teams and projects.

The assessment centre should be a fun and productive day, enjoy it and do your best. You are not competing with anyone, but make sure you stand out. Give a firm handshake, speak with confidence. Show passion for the role.

Transport for London (TfL) - Second Assessment Centre

If you are successful through the morning assessment, you will be asked to stay for the second part of the assessment.

This second assessment centre is an opportunity for the managers of the particular scheme you have applied for to meet you and assess your technical capability.

This assessment centre consists of:

• Competency-based interview
• Presentation
• Technical Q&A session

Competency-Based Interview

There is a competency-based interview with a panel that will be assessing the skills and experience you have gained.

Presentation

One of the key tasks on this assessment centre is the 10-minute presentation that you are asked to prepare for, before the day of the assessment itself. This presentation will be assessed by a member of the HR team, and a senior line manager.

TfL will send you details of your presentation seven days in advance, so there is plenty of time to prepare.

This is followed by a brief technical Q&A session about your ideas from the presentation, and some general questions (mostly from the line manager). Some key points:

• Ten minutes goes very quickly when giving a presentation so ensure you have prepared and done a dry run of the presentation before you come to the assessment day.
• You will be asked to provide paper copies of your presentation handouts. Ensure you don’t leave printing this off till the last minute.
• The assessor will reserve any questions around your presentation until after you have completed your presentation.

Technical Q&A Session

The technical Q&A is said to be the hardest part of the assessment day.

However, if you have researched your area and the material you are sent thoroughly, this should be easily manageable and a chance to put across your opinions and ideas.

Transport for London (TfL) - Offer

After your final assessment centre, TfL should contact you within 5 working days with a response.

TfL Graduate Scheme

Transport for London (TfL) is the organization responsible for the transport system in Greater London.

TfL has been known to offer a Graduate Scheme, which is designed to provide recent university graduates with the opportunity to start their careers in various aspects of transportation and infrastructure management.

Here are some key points about the TfL Graduate Scheme based on the information available at that time:

Duration

The TfL Graduate Scheme typically spans for one to two years, depending on the specific role and department within the organization.

Roles and Departments

TfL offers a range of graduate roles across various departments, including but not limited to, Engineering, Finance, Marketing, Project Management, Human Resources and Technology.

The specific roles available can vary from year to year.

Training and Development

Graduates in the program receive training and development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.

This may include formal training programs, on-the-job learning and exposure to different aspects of the transportation industry.

Projects and Responsibilities

Graduates are often assigned to projects and responsibilities that align with their skills and career interests.

They may work on initiatives related to improving London's public transportation network, infrastructure development, customer service and more.

Networking and Support

TfL typically provides a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Graduates have the opportunity to network with professionals within the organization, connect with fellow graduates and gain insights into the public transportation sector.

Career Progression

Successful completion of the graduate program may lead to permanent employment with TfL.

Graduates may have the opportunity to advance within the organization and take on more specialized roles.

Application Process

To join the TfL Graduate Scheme, candidates typically need to go through a competitive application process, which may include submitting an online application, participating in interviews and possibly attending assessment centers.