Careers at TFL
Transport for London (TfL) is a local government body founded in 2000, taking over its predecessor, London Regional Transport. TfL is responsible for running the operations of London's transport services, including the tube network, buses, cycling provision, trams and the DLR.
The organisation has around 28,000 employees. Due to its size, there is plenty of scope for career progression within TfL.
Employees at TfL are expected to uphold the Nolan Principles, which are a set of seven principles that applies to those working in the public sector. These include:
- Selflessness
- Integrity
- Objectivity
- Accountability
- Openness
- Honesty
- Leadership
Types of TFL Jobs
TfL offers a range of opportunities for those at all stages of their career, from students and graduates to experienced professionals.
TfL are well known for their apprenticeship and graduate schemes, which allow successful candidates to earn while they learn. These are available in a range of business areas including but not limited to:
- Quantity Surveying
- Finance
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Development
- Business Analyst
TFL Application Process
The TfL application process consists of multiple stages including an online application, some online tests, a video interview, and an assessment day. Positions at TfL are highly sought after, so expect the application process to be competitive.
When you submit your application varies depending on what you are applying for. Apprenticeships and graduate schemes open in March, whereas, other positions are open year-round.
TfL Online Application
You can only apply for one apprenticeship or graduate scheme, so it is important to make sure you know which position you want to apply for.
Once you know which TfL position you want to apply for, you will need to submit an online application. This will involve entering some personal details, as well as your education and work experience.
Ensure you fill out all the sections thoroughly and proofread your answers before submitting them.
TfL Aptitude Tests
If your application is successful, you will be asked to take one or more online assessments.
TfL Situational Strengths Test
If your application is successful, you will be invited to complete an online situational strength test. This test will evaluate how you respond to situations in the workplace by presenting you with hypothetical scenarios that you might encounter in the day-to-day job as a TfL employee.
You will then need to decide which is the most effective course of action to take from a list of multiple-choice responses. This test is not timed.
This is used to assess how you are likely to cope in various situations and determine if you are the right candidate for the programme. Read every question carefully to ensure you fully understand the situation.
Prepare for the test by familiarising yourself with the Nolan Principles and ensure you keep these in mind during the test. Practising some sample situational judgement questions will also help you better understand the format and style of questions in an SJT.
TfL G+ Test
If you are applying to a graduate programme, you will also need to take the G+ test, which consists of numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and inductive reasoning tests.
TfL Numerical Reasoning Test
Numerical reasoning tests assess your ability to work with numerical data to solve problems. Information is presented in the form of graphs, charts, or tables. You will need to analyse and interpret the data and use basic mathematical calculations to answer the question. The questions are in a multiple-choice format, giving you four possible answers.
The test is timed, so you will need to be comfortable working quickly and accurately. Practicing some numerical reasoning tests will help you get used to the pace at which you must work.
TfL Verbal Reasoning Test
The verbal reasoning test assesses your reading comprehension abilities. You will be presented with a passage of text that you must read and analyse to determine if a statement relating to the passage is true, false, or you cannot say.
Due to the test being timed, you will need to read the passage quickly but thoroughly to answer the questions in the allotted time. Prepare for the test by brushing up on your verbal analysis skills using sample questions.
TfL Inductive Reasoning Test
Inductive reasoning tests are non-verbal assessments used to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The test will present you with shapes or diagrams, from which you must identify the underlying relationship and apply this to find the correct answer.
If you haven't taken an inductive reasoning test before, practising some sample questions will help get you accustomed to the question style and format, as well as the timings.
TfL Video Interview
If you successfully pass the online tests, you will be invited to take a video interview. This involves a series of pre-recorded questions that you will have a few minutes to answer.
You will only get one attempt at answering each question, so it's a good idea to complete the practice section beforehand.
Make sure you treat this as any other interview. This means dressing professionally, maintaining eye contact with the camera, and showing enthusiasm.
TfL Assessment Day
If the hiring team likes your video interview, you will be invited to meet the team in-person at an assessment day (which is the final stage of the application process). You will be sent a provisional date between March and May, with 48 hours to confirm your attendance.
The assessment centre will consist of the following assessment activities:
- Group task
- One-to-one interview
TfL Group task
Here you will be placed in groups with other candidates and will have to solve a task or problem. You will usually be given a brief that you will have to read through alone and then discuss as a team. Make sure to voice your opinion, whilst also allowing others to give input as well. The hiring managers will be assessing your communication skills, teamwork, and how you tackle the problem at hand.
TfL One-to-one Interview
You will also participate in a one-to-one interview at the assessment centre. Make sure to research TfL and the role beforehand, and prepare for common interview questions using the STAR (situation, task, action, and result) method.
Tips To Get Hired At TfL
Be able to explain your motivations
Throughout the application process, TfL will be assessing your reasons for applying to TfL and the specific role. TfL wants someone who is passionate, so have a good think about your motivations.
Do your research
It's important to do your research on TfL beforehand so you are prepared for any questions you might be asked. Having a good understanding of the role, the organisation, and the challenges it may be facing currently will help put you ahead of other candidates.
Practice Tests
The best way to prepare for the online assessments is to take practice tests. This will help you become familiar with the format and question style of the test, as well as help you identify areas of weakness that you need to focus on.
