Big, (for me) Interview on Monday, help appreciated.

[chilistrucker]

As per title, the role is for the position of Chauffeur/Fleet Manager. Because of the nature of the industry I'll have to skirt around this a little bit and hope that makes sense.
The role will be split approx 70% Chauffeur duties and 30% Fleet duties.
Fleet equates to 5 vehicles used on a daily basis, plus all other estate and grounds vehicles both on and off the main estate and also a private car collection. The description states the fleet primarily needs maintaining, cleaning, taxing, servicing and general daily upkeep.

The job description also states you must be personable and professional, eager to help out and go the extra mile and work really well within a team, (I.E. coordinating/communicating with the Nannies, house staff, Principles and the PA.)
It is primarily a Monday-Friday role with set hours, but as is the norm in this field I would be required to be flexible on start and finish times and be available for weekend duties and some international travel.
It also states I must have a good knowledge of London routes and the area of ..... where the families residence is. I am comfortable driving anywhere in London, and luckily for me I have an excellent knowledge of the area where the family are based.

I am more than happy with all of the above as it is very similar to my previous role in this field although there is more responsibility with this potential job as the fleet is bigger in the new role than in my previous one. I have no problem with this as I like a challenge and like to think I could excel. At the moment I don't know how the fleet has been maintained and by whom, and what the exact specifics are that they have in place. I'm sure this will all become clear at a later stage should I be successful. I have a few ideas of my own, but some of these may already be in place.

I am happy that I fit in with all their requirements, (I hope that doesn't come across big headed, I'm not) and am pleased that I have made it to the interview stage as on paper this sounds like a fantastic job for me that I am very, very interested in.

My only concern is the actual interview itself. It is in central London and I will be meeting with 3 people.
The Principles PA
Head of Operations and HR
COO

This type of interview is something I'm not really used to and puts me a little out of my comfort zone.

I have done some, (a lot) of research on the business and now have an understanding of what it is exactly they do, where and how they started and where the business is at today.
I will also be spending a lot of time over the weekend doing some more detailed research on maintaining and looking after a car collection, both sports and classics.
I will obviously turn up for the interview in my freshly dry cleaned suit and polished shoes and will try and come across as confident and knowledgeable , but definitely not cocky.

Does anyone have any tips in general, or any ideas on what sorts of questions I may be asked or curve balls I may be thrown?
Any help greatly appreciated.

[chilistrucker]

krisdelta said:

It may seem a bit daunting to meet three people, but only one can talk to you at once My advice would be (having conducted many interviews both 1:1 and panel style):

1) Take time to introduce yourself to each of them with a handshake, eye contact and a smile - repeat their name back "nice to meet you Bob" (so you hopefully remember who is who)
2) If you're offered a drink - get a glass of water, if you get a tricky question - taking a sip for your "dry throat" gives you a moment or two to think.
3) Make sure you have a question for them - I always enjoy asking people how long they've worked there and why the still enjoy working there - it makes them try and sell the role / employer to you and can give you a hint is there are some downsides to working there.
4) If you don't know something - be straight, but explain how you have approached a similar problem in a previous job.

More than anything else, just be you - nothing is worse than getting a job (or not getting it!) based on a false impression trying to be who you imagine they want. If you're really interested in the role, let that come across. At the end of the interview, no matter how good / bad - thank them for their time with a smile.

Good luck and I hope it goes well, confidence is king

Thank you all for the replies it is greatly appreciated.

If you don't mind I will nick your question, I like that.
I will indeed follow the advice of all, go in confident, a good handshake and nice to meet you Dave, Bob, etc with eye contact and from there I will just be myself and be 100% honest.

I do have a couple of questions of my own to ask if they don't come up during the interview. How do I best conduct myself here, should the questions just be in my head, or is it acceptable for me to have a few notes?
I just want to get it right, this could be a big deal for me.

I have a friend who has a shipping company, moving freight worldwide and luckily his specialty is prestige cars so I had a good chat with him earlier. I will spend most of the weekend doing more research.
To be honest, my biggest concern after the interview was/is the car collection. There will obviously be vehicles in it that I have not dealt with before, but as has been pointed out to me you can't know everything. My old estate manager said, did you know the cars here before you started? I didn't, but I do now.

[chilistrucker]

The Mad Monk said:

Would they possibly prefer to be called Mr Smith etc? Not impossible, even nowadays, perhaps more so, if Middle or Far Eastern principals are involved.

Good point. My first year with the family from the Middle East the two elders, their grown up children and partners were all called Sir and Madam. Grand kids aged 8-20 were all on a first name terms. This year all the individuals told me to call them by their first name, which was nice. The head of the family though was always Sir. Even if I was told otherwise, I would have still called him Sir.

If I'm honest I do prefer a more relaxed and informal approach but am more than happy to be formal if required.

[chilistrucker]

Gargamel said:

Chilli if you do want to ask questions, then that is fine. However it depends on what.

Some questions may reveal your ignorance of a subject and come across as a gap in knowledge. others might reveal your interest only in working conditions pay and holiday.

I am not suggesting you would do either of these. but just think about what else is being communicated.

EG, So how do I have to work weekends.... probably not a great question.

What expectations do you have of me in the first six months ? is better

Try to avoid to much detail, like where do the cars currently get serviced, you can work all that out when get the role.

will I have autonomy to find the correct suppliers for the maintence of the vehicles, if they meet the requirements on quality of work and price ? - again could be a good question.

Good luck. !

Thanks Gargamel.
I was definitely going to avoid the weekend type questions. Based on previous experience I know that flexibility is key in this sort of role. I definitely want to avoid the ignorance to the role questions and although it is a question in my head with regards to current vehicle maintenance, I agree with you 100% that I will avoid this at interview stage as it will soon become apparent should I get the job.

I like the, 6 month expectation and autonomy points, very handy and noted

[chilistrucker]

GCH said:

I may have missed a post, but what happened with the role with the previous family you had where you were potentially in line for a different role?

Purely salary, the money man said they wouldn't pay more than X amount for the role they wanted me to do. It was way under industry average especially for the hours and commitment I gave.
This job is offering 20% more salary wise, plus perks!

Thanks to everyone who has posted on here and the super car page I feel a lot better prepared now for the interview tomorrow with the tips, advice and expert knowledge I have been given.

[chilistrucker]

elanfan said:

Got time for a proper wet shave at a barbers shop? Probably won't help much but might relax you and make you feel great!

Is this a native British family this time? Hopefully that alone should remove a few pitfalls.

Shave and haircut done

British family this time.

[chilistrucker]

I'm happy, I gave it my best shot.
The interview was with the 3 people, but they each saw me individually which I wasn't expecting. They all seemed nice people and it all felt very relaxed. I'd spent most of the weekend just researching everything I could think of that would be of relevance, and that really worked in my favour today. I had an answer and explanation for every question they asked and tried to be as clear and concise as possible. I also gave examples of ideas I had when asked in relation to the fleet and the collection and clearly set out the major differences between Private and Corporate Chauffeurs.
I didn't get asked the, 'What would you bring to the job/company?' question.

I walked out of there happy with my performance but won't get over excited yet, lucky is not my middle name

Just the waiting game now.

Thanks to everyone on here for the help and tips, it really is appreciated. Special thanks to the PHer who spoke on the phone with me yesterday in relation to the Collection. That could be a winner for me

[chilistrucker]

Thanks all. Will certainly keep you updated. I really want it.

[chilistrucker]

elanfan said:

Was the overall package more inline with your expectations, extra for weekends, get to drive the Ferrari home for the weekend?

Any idea when they'll let you know we are on tenterhooks too?

The package does indeed appeal, no Ferrari, but talk of a personal vehicle to use.

Update. Got an email back from the recruitment consultant who put me forward for the role. The PA has contacted her and said that I was very well liked, friendly and professional. The only issue that all 3 of them have, is my commute. I understand this, but have done it before and can easily do it again for the right role.
The PA is meeting the boss this week, with CV's and notes from the interviews and all three recommend that if the boss is OK with my commute then I should be put forward for a 2nd interview and trial.

I am very happy with how I was received so I am hopeful. Just have to see now, I'd be gutted if the commute was the only issue that stopped me moving forward.

What do you think?

[chilistrucker]

Berlinetta said:

Sounds good, well done. What is the commute? From where to where? Hopefully it wouldn't be an issue.

Is the use of a personal car to be paid for? If not that is a great perk!

No, so it would indeed be a great perk. The problem is though I only think this would be available if I lived within a reasonable distance. I fear mine would go against me for this perk.

Sadly it is a pretty nasty commute, it would be Junction 29 of the M25, too junction 13 of the M25


I can imagine many eyes being raised now. However, I do have a couple of good friends who live very, very close to the principles house and so have access to room and shower a couple of times a week if required. I made this very clear at the interview.
All down to the boss man now.

[chilistrucker]

Just had email, I've made final 3.
Delighted.

[chilistrucker]

elanfan said:

That's a nightmare commute IMHO and one that is bound to bring you timekeeping problems at sometime or other.

If the job is a game changer for you could you consider relocating or is there a possibility of a flat above the garage for weekdays?

Its not a nice commute, I remember it well from last year. I used to leave at silly o'clock everyday but was never late.
No on site accommodation has been mentioned, but I have friends that live VERY close and could crash there 2 or 3 days a week. Own room, shower etc that's why I'm prepared to give it a go.
Sadly not possible to relocate at the mo.

I can certainly see that some people would just not consider me because of my commute and I fully understand that. All depends on the decision of the boss man now.

[chilistrucker]

Received an email 5 minutes ago, it appears the commute is indeed too much.
Absolutely gutted

[chilistrucker]

Fer said:

Good luck to have made it so far, CT. Onward and upward.

Never stop trying.

Thanks all.
Never stop trying.
Well I haven't After much thinking I have just sent an email to their recruitment lady with an idea, it has to be worth a try. I'm pretty sick of the last couple of years tbh, but not giving up just yet. Sooner or later things will come good.

[chilistrucker]

4x4Tyke said:

chilistrucker said:

Sadly not possible to relocate at the mo.

I can certainly see that some people would just not consider me because of my commute and I fully understand that. All depends on the decision of the boss man now.

Well done, sounds like an interest role.

Consider what makes it 'not possible', and what would make it possible. Come up with a response, a longer term plan. This will come up at a second interview so be prepared.

After the initial bad news on the day, I did exactly what you mention. It may seem odd to some, and I could see how some would respond with, 'I wouldn't do that for any job', quality of life etc, etc but this is what I came up with.

I spent all night searching online and found a few websites where you can rent a room on a Monday-Friday only basis which for me would be ideal. A tidy en-suite room within 5 miles of the required address available for £100 per week, with off street parking.
The reason I didn't get the 2nd interview, (even though i was in the final 3 and the PA's favorite) was not only the distance of my commute, but the fact the family didn't want the company car i'd have use of, on their estate overnight. So I thought I had come up with a possible solution to the issues raised.
It would cost me £110 per week to commute daily in fuel and running costs for this job with my own car, plus that rather annoying commute from a time perspective for myself.

I thought what I had come up with was a possible reasonable solution for everyone, both the principle and his family, and a bit of an easier position for myself to try and get a job I really fancied and think I could of been quite good at. I'd avoid the crazy commute and daily wear and tear on my own vehicle, and the principle would have a decent candidate for the role, and not have said vehicle on their grounds every night. I'd then use their vehicle on a Friday night for my commute home, and then back again very early on a Monday morning both suiting their needs and my own.

I ran this idea by the recruitment consultant who said it may be viable and she passed it on to the PA. The PA agreed that it could be viable, but she would obviously have to run this by the Boss and his decision would be final. I understand that. The PA was due to be seeing the boss today or Monday. I don't expect that final interview, but at least I tried to solve a problem and at the same time showed a decent level of forward thinking and commitment.

I really did fancy the job as it would have been a step in the right direction but it's out of my hands now.

On a brighter note, (for those that know the story) I received a very out of the blue phone call today from the DVLA
Apparently the very helpful lady told me they are sending me my LGV licence forms again, so that I can re apply to get my LGV licences back. Hmmmmm, how bizarre. After 2 years of ruining my life, (I genuinely mean that) now they want to be my friend.
How interesting. I wonder if this is perhaps related in any way to the recent Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsmans report?


As challenging as the the last 2 years have been, they certainly haven't been dull.

Edited by chilistrucker on Friday 25th November 20:56

[chilistrucker]

Shaw Tarse said:

Just go on the dole & claim

The thing I'd least like to do. Sadly 2 years ago I had to, thats how desperate I was. I couldn't work, we didn't have a penny and the bills were mounting fast. I had to swallow my pride and go ahead and claim, what a farce that was
It turns out that after 25 odd years of paying full tax and N.I i was told I was entitled to £22 per week. I was miffed, but had to take it as things had got that bad. 10 weeks in the Mrs got a phone call from the benefit people saying they had overpaid us by 5 weeks and demanded £110 on the spot. My Mrs bless her, panicked and payed it there and then with the very last bit of money we had.
A few weeks later we got a demanding letter threatening court action because we owed them £110

I was livid, I immediately phoned them to tell them that against my will we had already payed this. They informed me that payment was for the 2nd 5 weeks, but we still owed them for the first 5 weeks of benefit we had received!!!
It turns out that they had re evaluated our situation, (without ever informing us) and in their opinion as our son was living at home he should be paying us £27 more per week than he already was. That meant that we were, (in their opinion) never entitled to the benefit that they had payed us, so we now owed it back to them
They were now threatening court action, as we hadn't payed the outstanding £110, that would be the £110 that they had never previously informed us that we now owed them.

I KNOW, I KNOW, YOU REALLY COULDN'T MAKE THIS st UP

When I look back over the last 2 and a half years I often wonder why? Several times I've nearly thrown the towel in, I've been at rock bottom, sold most decent things I owned just to put food on the table and done some horrendous jobs, for peanuts but I just wasn't going to quit.

I sat here last night feeling really low again after what now looks like just missing out on this job that could have made a difference. I was for some unknown reason dreading today, (my birthday) nothing to celebrate, no real prospects and just staring at the wall having run out of ideas and the will to carry on. My mood swings are terrible at times.
I'm not after sympathy or pity but I do feel a little bit wronged and that is aimed entirely at the DVLA/DMG.

I would just like some justice for the monumental cock ups the DMG have made, and for them to realize the impact this has had on so many peoples lives that they have ruined. Fortunately for these people and myself its now out there in black and white thanks to the excellent PHSO report.

I'm sure a lot of people must think, 'fk me, is he still going on about this?'
Yes I am, but at times the ranting works for me. Sorry.

Woo hoo, happy birthday

[chilistrucker]

Thanks.
DMG=Drivers Medical Group. Probably boring to most but not to those who have suffered, the PHSO, (Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman)report on the failings of the DMG/DVLA makes for very interesting reading. Its approx 57 pages long and is the first thing in 2 and a half years that backs me up and shows that I was, like many others well and truly wronged.

Nice of the DVLA to phone me today, and inform me they were sending me the forms for me to re-apply for my LGV licences back. They even hinted they'd pay for the medical charge I may incur from my GP, hmmmm, friendly bunch all of a sudden.

Hate is a strong word, but this is genuinely what I feel when I remember all of my dealings with the incompetent idiots at the DMG. They have no idea of the damage they have caused, and according to the PHSO are still failing today on so many levels and try and ignore their past failings. Luckily for me the PHSO have given me some very good advice on how to now move things forward in my case, and I have recently been contacted by one of the big truck magazines who are running a story on all of this.

I hope heads roll for this. I know that is quite a strong thing to say but for those that ruled on my life for the last 2 years, I hope you feel my pain and frustration.

[chilistrucker]

Thanks mrtwisty, very kind

CDG, I fully understand, and you're right

The thing is they have already taken everything from me and tried to brush me under the carpet for the last 2 years. They deliberately went out of their way to make it as awkward as they possibly could. At times it almost felt like victimisation. The PHSO report shows that at times it wasn't even qualified medical professionals that were making these decisions, it was unqualified case managers. The thought of an under qualified case manager ruling on my case over that of my neuro consultant drives me insane. I have nothing to lose anymore, everything to gain. I tried to do everything by their book, it didn't work.

[chilistrucker]

The Mad Monk said:

I have followed your story with some interest. A couple of points, if I may. Unfortunately they are not very positive.

The DVLA didn't ruin your life. They refused to renew your licence.

You have referred a number of times to "the principle and his family". May I suggest you research the different spellings and meanings of the words 'principal and principle'.

Oh, just one more thing, you are overdosing on the emoticons.

Thanks and duly noted, indeed my error. I went by the spelling on the job description that was sent to me and I did not pick up on this. I should have.

We are all entitled to our opinions. I feel they have ruined my life, that is my opinion. Had you lived my life for the last 2 years you may, possibly, have some understanding of where I am coming from.
If you get a chance, read the full PHSO report. It's 57 pages long but it may give you a better understanding of quite how badly the DMG/DVLA have failed people like myself with their incompetence and it's all there in black and white.

All opinions welcome but surely you have to have a full understanding of a story before you comment on it.
I'll leave out any emoticons, as it appears you prefer to have no emotions.

The last sentence is in context, so those specific 2 words are correct.

[chilistrucker]

The Mad Monk said:

chilistrucker said:

The Mad Monk said:

I have followed your story with some interest. A couple of points, if I may. Unfortunately they are not very positive.

The DVLA didn't ruin your life. They refused to renew your licence.

You have referred a number of times to "the principle and his family". May I suggest you research the different spellings and meanings of the words 'principal and principle'.

Oh, just one more thing, you are overdosing on the emoticons.

Thanks and duly noted, indeed my error. I went by the spelling on the job description that was sent to me and I did not pick up on this. I should have.

We are all entitled to our opinions. I feel they have ruined my life, that is my opinion. Had you lived my life for the last 2 years you may, possibly, have some understanding of where I am coming from.
If you get a chance, read the full PHSO report. It's 57 pages long but it may give you a better understanding of quite how badly the DMG/DVLA have failed people like myself with their incompetence and it's all there in black and white.

All opinions welcome but surely you have to have a full understanding of a story before you comment on it.
I'll leave out any emoticons, as it appears you prefer to have no emotions.

The last sentence is in context, so those specific 2 words are correct.

Very generous of you to take my comments in that spirit.

Well, sorry about my pedantry in pointing out the spelling mistake.

I don't have time to read a 57 page report. I think sometimes stuff happens and the only thing to do is to keep going.

I wish you and everyone who has taken up the cudgels on your behalf, all the best.

Emoticons? well. obviously you like them. I don't. I can't - and shouldn't control the style of your posts.

I hope you find a position that suits you soon.

The report does take a while to get through and is obviously of more interest to some than others.
Indeed sometimes, "stuff" does happen and people do keep going. Unfortunately the "stuff" that happened took away my career and when you've only been in one career your entire working life, it can be quite a challenge to find another especially when you're mid 40's and have no other career experience. Trust me I really have tried. Unfortunately the other careers I may have been ideal for, I could not do and here is why.

I looked at corporate type chauffeur roles and private hire driver roles. The thing is most require either a PCO licence or a private hire licence from the relevant local authority. Now here is the problem these now require a medical with the relevant doctors, this medical is a GROUP 2 medical the exact same medical that is required for the LGV licence. That is the problem, its always been about the GROUP 2 licence and due to the DVLA/DMG rulings I can't in THEIR opinions pass this medical. This is not the opinion of my then neuro consultant and my GP but the DMG continually overruled them. The somewhat mysterious DMG have always stated that in their opinion due to the head injuries I received I am a seizure risk and until I can prove I am less than a 2% seizure risk my licences remain revoked. It's worth noting here that I have never at any stage in my life suffered from any form of seizure but the DMG have always chosen to ignore this, and have never called me in for any form of medical investigation relevant to my case.

Working as a private chauffeur for a private family does not require a group 2 medical hence the reason, thanks to a fellow PH'er that I got my first break in the private chauffeur industry. This was only a summer role but it was a start and great for the experience. When that finished I immediately looked for more of this type of work as I'm reasonably good at it, I like the challenge and the wage is OK. Sadly none of the decent relevant recruitment agencies will touch you until you have 3-5 years experience in the private family sector, so yet another brick wall.

They don't call me Lucky for nothing.

I know I have waffled on yet again, but it is for clarity really to try and show just what you are up against with the DMG/DVLA. That is why the PHSO report is of such importance to me, because now all of a sudden the DVLA/DMG do seem to have an interest in my case, funny that eh?

Mind you a Truck magazine also has an interest in the DVLA/DMG story and have contacted me about this. I'm very much looking forward to the Truck magazines story/findings going to press.

I also hope I find a position that suits me soon, as the thought of remaining in the current rut of van driving for £7.50ph doesn't really appeal that much. I worked bloody hard over the years to get to the top of my game and loved every minute of the rock'n'roll job and the wage and perks that went with it.

If I got my LGV licence back tomorrow there are 3 really nice jobs waiting for me that I could walk straight back into.

It may only be MY opinion, but I'm entitled to it and I will always say that for the last 2 years the DMG/DVLA have indeed ruined my life.
I have after all, lived it.