20 First Transit Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to public transportation, First Transit is one of the most trusted names in the business. From buses and trains to shuttles and paratransit services, First Transit has a long history of providing safe and reliable transportation for both passengers and clients.

If you’re interviewing for a position with First Transit, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and knowledge of the transportation industry. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common interview questions for First Transit.

First Transit Interview Process

The interview process at First Transit is generally pretty straightforward. Most applicants will go through a phone screen interview with a member of the HR team, followed by an in-person interview with their potential supervisor. Some positions may require additional interviews or testing, but overall the process is relatively quick and easy.

1. Do you have experience working as a bus driver?

Employers ask this question to see if you have the necessary skills and experience for the job. If you do, they may be more likely to hire you because you can hit the ground running. If you don’t, they may still consider hiring you if you have other relevant experience.

Example: “I’ve worked as a bus driver for five years now. I started out driving school buses in my hometown, but I moved here to drive public transit. I love working with people and helping them get where they need to go.”

2. Describe your driving record to us (no DUIs, accidents, etc.).

Employers want to know that you have a clean driving record. They also want to make sure you can drive safely and responsibly, so they may ask this question to see if you are familiar with the rules of the road. If you do not have a clean driving record, be honest about it and explain what happened.

Example: “I have never had an accident or been pulled over for speeding. I have received two tickets in my life, both for running red lights. I paid the fines and learned from my mistakes.”

3. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when transporting passengers?

This question is a great way to assess your customer service skills and ability to work with others. It also helps the interviewer determine if you have experience working in this type of role before. Your answer should show that you understand how important it is to keep passengers safe, comfortable and on time.

Example: “Safety is definitely the most important thing when transporting passengers. I always make sure to follow all safety protocols and procedures so that my passengers feel secure at all times. Comfort is another big factor for me because I want everyone to enjoy their trip. If they’re having a good time, then they’ll be more likely to use our services again.”

4. Do you have any professional customer service experience?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know if you have experience working with the public and how you handled any challenges that came up during those experiences. If you do, share a specific example of how you helped a customer or client. If you don’t, explain what kind of training you’ve had in customer service and how you would apply it to this role.

Example: “I worked as a cashier at a grocery store for three years while I was going to school. During my time there, I learned how important it is to be friendly and helpful when interacting with customers. When someone asked me a question, I always made sure to answer them thoroughly and politely. I also tried to anticipate their needs so they could get through checkout quickly.”

5. If hired, what would be your approach to interacting with our customers?

This question is an opportunity to show your customer service skills and how you would interact with First Transit’s customers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about a time when you interacted with a customer or client and they were happy with the experience.

Example: “I believe that every interaction I have with a customer should be positive. If I am hired for this position, I will make sure to greet everyone I speak with in a friendly manner and answer any questions they may have as quickly as possible. I also plan on being honest with our customers at all times so they know what to expect from us.”

6. How would you handle an angry customer who was upset about their ride?

This question can help an interviewer assess your customer service skills and ability to diffuse a tense situation. Use examples from past experiences where you helped customers with their concerns or complaints, and highlight how you used your problem-solving skills to resolve the issue.

Example: “In my last position as a driver for a private transportation company, I had a customer who was upset about her ride because she thought it took too long. When she called in to complain, I listened to her concerns and apologized for any inconvenience. Then, I explained that there were several factors that contributed to the length of her trip, including traffic and construction. She seemed satisfied with my explanation and thanked me for being so understanding.”

7. First Transit is committed to safety and efficiency. How do you think you can contribute to these areas?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your commitment to safety and efficiency. They want to know that you understand the importance of these values in their organization. In your answer, explain how you can contribute to First Transit’s mission of providing safe and efficient transportation services.

Example: “I am a strong advocate for public safety. I believe that my experience as a driver has given me valuable insight into what makes driving conditions unsafe. For example, if I see an icy patch on the road or a pothole, I will report it so that maintenance crews can address it before someone gets hurt. I also think that drivers should always obey speed limits and traffic signals. These are important ways we can ensure the safety of everyone on the road.”

8. Provide an example of a time where you had to make a quick decision in order to prevent an accident or potential harm to others.

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to make quick decisions. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide a specific example of how you used your critical thinking skills to solve a problem or challenge in the past.

Example: “In my last position as a bus driver, I had to make a decision on whether or not to continue driving through a storm. The roads were icy, but there was no sign of snowfall. If I continued driving, I could potentially cause harm to myself and other drivers on the road. However, if I pulled over, I would have to wait for another bus to arrive before continuing my route. I decided to continue driving, however, I slowed down considerably so that I could maneuver around any obstacles.”

9. Why do you want to work at First Transit?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of First Transit that appeal to you or how your skills and experience align with the job description.

Example: “I want to work at First Transit because I am passionate about helping people get where they need to go safely and efficiently. I have extensive customer service experience and enjoy working in a team environment. I also appreciate the fact that First Transit is an environmentally-friendly transportation provider.”

10. What are some of the things you like to keep in mind when dealing with difficult people?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you handle conflict and challenging situations. In your answer, try to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm in tense situations.

Example: “I find that it’s important to listen carefully to what people are saying when they’re upset or angry. I also think it’s helpful to acknowledge their feelings and validate them. For example, if someone is frustrated because they missed their bus, I might say something like ‘I understand why you’re upset about missing your bus. It must be frustrating to have to wait for another one.’ This helps diffuse the situation and shows the person that I’m listening.”

11. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation. How did you handle it?

This question can help an interviewer get a better sense of how you handle conflict and stress. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “In my previous role as a bus driver, I had a customer who was very upset with me because they missed their stop. They were yelling at me and demanding that I take them back to the original stop. I remained calm and explained to them that we couldn’t turn around since it would disrupt the entire route. Eventually, they understood and apologized for raising their voice.”

12. How do you prioritize your daily tasks?

First Transit is looking for candidates who can manage their time and tasks effectively. This question helps the interviewer assess your ability to prioritize your work and achieve goals on a daily basis. Use examples from previous experiences where you had to balance multiple projects or assignments at once.

Example: “I have always been good at managing my time, but I’ve learned some valuable tips along the way that help me stay organized and focused. For example, I use an online calendar to keep track of all my appointments and deadlines. I also make sure to set reminders so I don’t forget any important meetings or events. Another tip I use is creating lists in my planner to organize my thoughts and ideas.”

13. How would you handle an emergency situation on one of our buses?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to handle a crisis and make quick decisions. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you can think clearly under pressure and act quickly to solve problems.

Example: “If I encountered an emergency situation on one of First Transit’s buses, I would first assess the situation and determine what resources are available to me. If there were passengers on board, I would ensure their safety before taking any further action. Then, I would call my dispatcher for help if necessary. Finally, I would use my training and experience to take appropriate action.”

14. What steps do you take before getting into a vehicle to drive?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your safety practices. They want to know that you are aware of your surroundings and take precautions before driving. Your answer should include specific steps you take, such as checking mirrors and blind spots, ensuring seatbelts are fastened and all doors are locked.

Example: “Before I get into my vehicle, I check my mirrors and blind spots to ensure there’s no one in my immediate vicinity. Then, I make sure my seatbelt is securely fastened and all doors are locked. Finally, I pull out of the parking lot or bus stop and begin my route.”

15. First Transit is committed to hiring individuals from different backgrounds. Can you tell us about how you would interact with someone that has a different cultural background than yourself?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work with people from different backgrounds. It’s important to be respectful of others’ cultures and beliefs, so it’s helpful to share a story about how you’ve done this in the past.

Example: “I have worked with many individuals that come from different cultural backgrounds than myself. I always make sure to ask questions if I don’t understand something or want to learn more. In my last position, I had a coworker who was originally from Mexico. When she spoke Spanish, I would politely ask her to translate what she said into English. She appreciated that I made an effort to learn more about her culture.”

16. Have you ever worked for a company that emphasizes teamwork? Tell us about your experience.

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential coworkers and how they work together. If you have worked with a team before, describe what it was like and if you enjoyed the experience. If you haven’t had this opportunity yet, talk about how you enjoy working in groups and are looking forward to joining a team of professionals.

Example: “I’ve always been passionate about teamwork. I think that when everyone works together toward a common goal, amazing things can happen. At my last job, we were a small team but still managed to accomplish so much. We all got along really well and would help each other out whenever needed. It’s definitely something I miss.”

17. We strive to provide exceptional customer service here at First Transit. How have you demonstrated excellent customer service in the past?

Customer service is a vital part of the transit industry, and employers want to make sure you have experience providing excellent customer service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of how you helped a customer or client in the past.

Example: “In my last position as a bus driver, I had a passenger who was having trouble getting on the bus. They were using a walker and couldn’t get up the stairs by themselves. I offered to help them onto the bus and made sure they were comfortable for their ride. This person rode with me every day after that, and we became friends.”

18. Provide an example of a time where you were able to use your communication skills to get a point across effectively.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you had to communicate with someone who was not as knowledgeable about the subject matter as you were. This can help show your ability to explain complex ideas in an easy-to-understand way.

Example: “When I first started working for my current employer, there was a lot that I didn’t know about how our system worked and what each department did. One day, I was asked to give a presentation on the company’s transportation services at a conference. I was nervous because I wasn’t sure if I knew enough information to present effectively. However, I used some of the communication skills I learned in school to ask questions and get clarification from other employees until I felt confident in my knowledge.”

19. Are you comfortable operating large vehicles?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to operate a variety of vehicles. First Transit drivers may need to drive buses, vans and other large vehicles. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific types of vehicles you have operated in the past.

Example: “I am comfortable driving all kinds of vehicles. In my last position as a driver, I drove both standard-sized cars and larger SUVs. I also regularly drove school buses for field trips with my previous employer.”

20. Provide an example of a time where you displayed strong leadership abilities.

Leadership skills are an important part of the transit driver job description. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience leading a team or group and how well you can communicate with others. Use your answer to highlight some of your best leadership qualities, such as communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Example: “In my previous role as a bus driver, I was responsible for managing a large group of drivers. We had weekly meetings where we discussed any issues that may have been affecting our routes. During one meeting, another driver brought up a concern about a new policy that required us to drive faster than usual. I explained why the company implemented the change and reassured everyone that it would benefit them in the long run.”