I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Union Pacific (Denver, CO) in Nov 2017
Interview
Applied online in the morning, received an email that afternoon to take an English comprehension/personality type test, passed. Next day received an email with an invite to attend hiring event. Attended the event 3 weeks later, received an overview of all the railroad perks and of course the parts that are rough. Two biggest takeaways are safety and work-life balance. Was the first one to interview which took about 5 minutes. Overall start to finish time was 65 minutes and I was out the door at 9:05, received an offer by lunch. From there the process is simple. Fill out some stuff on the portal, take a physical abilities test (about an hour) and then a physical, which is when you complete the urinalysis. Cleared to start in approximately a month, I knew the start date when I applied so no real rush. Easy and pleasant experience and looking forward to start on 1/8/18.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What jobs have you held where safety was paramount?
Recorded interview. 10-12 questions. All pretty comprehensive but over all prepared me for complicated questions in the future. I think they have employees that get furloughed so ultimately didn’t go through with the process.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell us how you will adjust to an open schedule like on call and any type of shift
I applied through other source. I interviewed at Union Pacific (Cheyenne, WY) in Jan 2026
Interview
It is a Unique process unlike any other I’ve experienced. Lots of background and tests. You’re answering prompts without a face to look at. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I hope this is now thirty words thirty words were minimum.
Interview process was very professional and comfortable with most of the process completed online. The interview was recorded with prefilled in questions. I was able to do the interview at my leisure which made me feel very comfortable completing.