Wheel Trans Update

Not my photo

A couple of weeks ago I wrote that I attended a Wheel Trans information session because I was looking for a job there as a driver. I mentioned they gave us a brief overview of that the job entails and that we had a 40-minute written "City Knowledge Test". As I thought, I did well enough on it to get a call back only a couple business days later (the information session was on a Thursday and I got a phone call Monday morning). It was a lot sooner than I expected. I spoke with the gentleman on the phone for about 5-10 minutes. Perhaps that was another stage of the interview process. He booked me for a face-to-face interview on April 9th.

The interview took place at the TTC employment office on Bathurst north of Dupont. It was conducted by a lady who was in her mid-40's and a fellow who was, perhaps, in his mid-30's. I have to say I found it rather odd. There was no friendly small talk to give us time to warm up to one another as I'd expect at the beginning. The lady was rather rigid and business-like reading a list of questions they ask all interviewees I suspect. I don't even think they had a copy of my résumé on hand. I was asked to bring two copies with me which I gave to them. So, neither of them had any prior knowledge to any of my work or volunteer experience. They pretty much read through it after the interview or thereabouts. As well, neither of them asked what I'd considered the first question anyone would ask - Why do you want to work for us? or Why do you feel you'd be right for the job? I never got to answer any of the questions I had prepared for. Instead they wanted very specific instances of certain things that I either did at work or while volunteering.

I had to admit I was thrown off at the beginning. I began to relax more after the gentleman started asking questions. At the end they were much more cordial and we chatted a little about the sudden cold snap and nonsense like that. I was discussing the interview with another friend of mine and she surmised that it could have been a test to see how I'd react under stress. That idea did cross my mind as I was walking home. Because this job does have the potential to be stressful at times. I'm glad I'm not the only person to think of the possibility of this happening.

Anyway, I'll find out the results in 2 or 3 weeks. Either by phone or mail. Wish me luck.