Careers at TfL
Transport for London (TfL) is a local government body founded in 2000, which took over most of the functions of 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.
TfL employs more than 25,000 people, so there is scope to move between roles and business areas as your career develops.
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 runs 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
- Civil Engineering
- Software Development
- Business Analysis
TfL Application Process
TfL's apprentice and graduate process has three steps: an online application, a two-stage online strengths assessment (which includes some video-recorded answers), and an assessment day.
Opening dates vary by programme. Graduate roles have launched in early October, and TfL lets you register your interest to hear when apprenticeships and graduate schemes open. Other vacancies are listed on TfL's careers job boards.
TfL Online Application
You can only apply for one programme per recruitment campaign, so decide which one suits you best before you apply.
Once you know which TfL position you want to apply for, you will need to submit an online application. You will enter your personal details, choose your programme and list your qualifications, uploading any certificates you already hold.
Ensure you fill out all the sections thoroughly and proofread your answers before submitting them.
TfL Online Assessment
If your application is successful, TfL invites you to a two-stage online assessment. It is strengths-based rather than an aptitude test, and the second stage includes some video-recorded answers.
TfL Online Strengths Assessment
The assessment works much like a situational judgement test. It presents scenarios you might meet on a TfL programme and asks how you would respond.
In the first stage you rank possible responses to each scenario in order of preference. In the second stage you answer scenarios linked to your chosen programme, ranking some options and recording video answers to others.
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.
Numerical Reasoning Practice
TfL does not list a numerical reasoning test in its apprentice and graduate process. Practice is still useful general preparation, because many other employers use these tests. Numerical reasoning tests ask you to interpret data in graphs, charts or tables and use basic calculations to answer multiple-choice questions.
Most are timed, so practising helps you work quickly and accurately.
Verbal Reasoning Practice
TfL does not name a verbal reasoning test in its process either, but practice builds careful reading that helps with scenario questions too. A verbal reasoning test gives you a passage and asks whether a statement about it is true, false, or cannot be decided from the text.
These tests are usually timed, so work on reading quickly but thoroughly using sample questions.
Inductive Reasoning Practice
Inductive reasoning tests are non-verbal. You look at a series of shapes or diagrams, work out the rule that links them and apply it to find the answer. TfL does not name this test in its process, so treat sample questions as general practice for assessments you may meet elsewhere.
TfL Video Answers
Some questions in the second stage of the online assessment ask you to record a video answer. TfL recommends spending no more than five minutes preparing for each one.
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 you pass the online assessment, you will be invited to an assessment centre, the final stage. You will also be invited to an optional briefing with the recruitment lead beforehand. Dates are fixed for each programme and cannot be moved, and you have 48 hours to confirm that you will attend.
The activities vary by programme. You will usually have an interview plus a group exercise, a presentation or a technical task, and TfL tells you in advance what you will be assessed on.
TfL Group Exercise
If your programme includes a group exercise, you will work with other candidates on a task or problem. Give your view clearly, leave room for others to contribute and help keep the group focused on the task.
TfL Interview
You will also have an 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, expect to be asked why you want to join TfL and this programme. Think your reasons through before you apply.
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 you give informed answers.
Practice Tests
Practising situational judgement questions helps you get used to ranking responses to workplace scenarios, and shows you which kinds of situation you find harder to judge.
