I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Union Pacific in Feb 2010
Interview
First I received a phone call from an automated teller scheduling the interview a week later. They scheduled it at a hotel. Its a huge cattle call of other applicants. Once I arrived they sat us down in a meeting room with a HR representative giving us the big railroad lifestyle speech trying to weed out the non-willing. After their presentation they administer a simple (8th grade) reading comprehension test to see if you can read and interpret information. Once I passed the test we breaked for lunch. After lunch we all had our 1on 1 session with very common interview questions. Conflict with another co-worker, have you ever been late or fired from another job etc. They aren't looking for honest abes, they are looking for people who want the job and will show up on time!
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Union Pacific (Reno, NV) in Mar 2011
Interview
It can be a lengthy process. Leave nothing off of your application. You will need to pass a reading comprehension, physical ability and drug screen. Dress is business casual for interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Questions will range from how you would personally deal with a safety issue presented to you, willingness to follow rules. Questions will also be asked about your ability to work shift work and holidays.