FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Applying with Union Pacific

  • Do I need an account to apply for a position? Yes, to apply for an open position you must have a UP.jobs account. 
    • Creating an account: From the UP.jobs homepage, click on "Sign Up / Login" located in the upper-right corner of the page and click "Create an account" on the bottom of the page. Fill out all required fields to complete the account creation process. 
       
  • Current Openings: Browse current openings online. Only apply to positions in which you meet the minimum required qualifications, and to locations where you wish to live and work. You must fill out a separate application for each position you are interested in. Emailed resumes are not accepted as a form of application. You will never have to pay to apply. 
     
  • Job and Event Notifications: If you do not see an opportunity that matches your interests at this time, you can create a job alert. This is an automated notification system that sends emails and/or text messages when job opportunities or events that match your interests become available. Job alerts can be set up by clicking the “Create Alert” button on a specific job posting or through specific search criteria on any jobs page. 
     
  • Job Requirements: Each job posting lists an overview of the position, position accountabilities, minimum required qualifications and preferred qualifications, if applicable. Pay or salary requirements will be listed on the posting. If pay or salary information is not listed, it is not currently available and will become available at a later point in the hiring process for applicants selected for further consideration.
     
  • Rehire eligibility:
    • Management roles: It is Union Pacific's policy not to rehire management employees who were terminated for cause; who were laid off through a Reduction of Force; who received a settlement or severance package in which the individual waived rights to continued or future employment at Union Pacific; or who voluntarily elect to start their retirement benefits. There may be other scenarios not defined that would make one ineligible for rehire.
    • Craft Professional roles: It is Union Pacific's policy not to rehire craft professional employees who were terminated for cause and the termination was upheld under the provisions of the Railway Labor Act; who received a severance package in which the individual waived rights to continued or future employment at Union Pacific; or who voluntarily elected to start their retirement benefits. There may be other scenarios not defined that would make one ineligible for rehire.  

 

Applying with Union Pacific

  • Do I need an account to apply for a position? Yes, to apply for an open position you must have a UP.jobs account. 
    • Creating an account: From the UP.jobs homepage, click on "Sign Up / Login" located in the upper-right corner of the page and click "Create an account" on the bottom of the page. Fill out all required fields to complete the account creation process. 
       
  • Current Openings: Browse current openings online. Only apply to positions in which you meet the minimum required qualifications, and to locations where you wish to live and work. You must fill out a separate application for each position you are interested in. Emailed resumes are not accepted as a form of application. You will never have to apply. 
     
  • Job and Event Notifications: If you do not see an opportunity that matches your interests at this time, you can create a job alert. This is an automated notification system that can send emails and/or text messages when job opportunities or events that match your interests become available. Job alerts can be set up by clicking the “Create Alert” button on a specific job posting, or through specific search criteria on any jobs page. 
     
  • Job Requirements: Each job posting lists an overview of the position, position accountabilities, minimum required qualifications, and preferred qualifications, if applicable. Pay or salary requirements will be listed on the posting. If pay or salary information is not listed, it is not currently available and will become available at a later point in the hiring process for applicants selected for further consideration.
     
  • Rehire eligibility:
    • Management roles: It is Union Pacific's policy not to rehire management employees who were terminated for cause; who laid off through a Reduction of Force; who received a settlement or severance package in which the individual waived rights to continued or future employment at Union Pacific; or who voluntarily elect to start their retirement benefits. There may be other scenarios not defined that would make one ineligible for rehire.
    • Craft professional roles: It is Union Pacific's policy not to rehire craft professional employees who were terminated for cause and the termination was upheld under the provisions of the Railway Labor Act; received a severance package in which the individual waived rights to continued or future employment at Union Pacific; or who voluntarily elected to start their retirement benefits. There may be other scenarios not defined that would make one ineligible for rehire.  

 

UP.jobs Account Management and Troubleshooting Tips

  • Reset Password: You can reset your own UP.jobs password from our homepage by clicking on "Careers Sign Up/Login" and then clicking "Forgot Password". Enter the email address currently associated to your account and click “Send Recovery Email.” 
    • Look for an email from UP JOBS with a link to reset your password. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive the email within 10 minutes. The reset link expires after 24 hours. If the link expires, request a new reset link following the same instructions.
       
  • Update Email Address: If you have access to the e-mail address currently associated to your UP.jobs account:
    • Log in and navigate to "My Account."
    • Click on the pencil icon for the "Contact Information" section.
    • Click the edit button for your email.
    • Enter the new email address you would like associated to your UP.jobs account.
    • If you no longer have access to the e-mail address currently associated to your UP.jobs account and you do not remember the password and were unable to use the Recovery Questions, submit a ticket for assistance here.
       
  • Cannot Remember Which Email Was Used: If you applied with Union Pacific before July 6, 2023, you will need to create a new account on UP.jobs. If you applied after July 6, 2023, search for your previous account using our "forgot email" functionality. If after various searches you cannot locate your account, please submit a ticket for assistance here.
     
  • Uploading Documents to Application:
    • For submitted applications: If you have already submitted your application, additional documentation cannot be uploaded. Once an application is submitted, it cannot be changed or updated. If invited to an interview, you can tell the hiring team member of any changes at that time or ensure that any changes are updated on future applications.
    • For applications not yet submitted: Supporting documentation such as a resume, cover letter, work sample, etc. can be uploaded to your application in the "Document Upload" section. Documents must be in PDF format, in portrait orientation, and no larger than 10 MB. Documents should be reviewed after upload before proceeding to the next part of your application. 

UP.jobs Account Management and Troubleshooting Tips

 

  • Reset Password: You can reset your own UP.jobs password from our homepage by clicking on "Careers Sign Up/Login" and then clicking "Forgot Password". Enter the email address currently associated to your account and click “Send Recovery Email.” 
    • Look for an email from UP JOBS with a link to reset your password. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive the email within 10 minutes. The reset link expires after 24 hours. If the link expires, request a new reset link following the same instructions.
       
  • Update Email Address: If you have access to the e-mail address currently associated to your UP.jobs account:
    • Log in and navigate to "My Account."
    • Click on the pencil icon for the "Contact Information" section.
    • Click the edit button for your email.
    • Enter the new email address you would like associated to your UP.jobs account.
    • If you no longer have access to the e-mail address currently associated to your UP.jobs account and you do not remember the password and were unable to use the Recovery Questions, submit a ticket for assistance here.
       
  • Cannot Remember Which Email Was Used: If you applied with Union Pacific before July 6, 2023, you will need to create a new account on UP.jobs. If you applied after July 6, 2023, search for your previous account using our "forgot email" functionality. If after various searches you cannot locate your account, please submit a ticket for assistance here.
     
  • Uploading Documents to Application:
    • For submitted applications: If you have already submitted your application, additional documentation cannot be uploaded. Once an application is submitted, it cannot be changed or updated. If invited to an interview, you can tell the hiring team member of any changes at that time or ensure that any changes are updated on future applications.
    • For applications not yet submitted: Supporting documentation such as a resume, cover letter, work sample, etc. can be uploaded to your application in the "Document Upload" section. Documents must be in PDF format, in portrait orientation, and no larger than 10 MB. Documents should be reviewed after upload before proceeding to the next part of your application. 

Application Status

  • Application Status: The latest status to your application will always be available by logging into your UP.jobs account and clicking on "My Applications." Applications can remain in the same status for up to six months. Regularly check your online application status and email for updates.
     
  • No Longer in Consideration: Due to the volume of applications received, individual feedback is not available. The latest status to your application will always be available by logging into your UP.jobs account and clicking on "My Applications."
     
  • Reinstate Withdrawn Application: There is no option for candidates to reinstate applications. When you withdrew your application, you confirmed that the action could not be reversed. Feel free to apply to other positions or reapply to the position the next time it is posted.
     
  • Change Answer to a Posting Question: There is no option for candidates to reverse their application answers. Applications will not be reset under any circumstance for external applicants or internal employees. No exceptions will be made. When you submitted your application, you confirmed that the application was submitted as complete to the best of your knowledge and could not be changed once submitted. Feel free to apply to other positions or reapply to the position the next time it is posted.
     
  • Edit a Submitted Application: Once an application is submitted, it cannot be changed or updated. Applications will not be reset under any circumstance for external applicants or internal employees. No exceptions will be made. When you submitted your application, you confirmed that the application was submitted as complete to the best of your knowledge and could not be changed once submitted. If invited to an interview, you may tell the hiring team of any changes; otherwise, ensure changes are updated on future applications. 

Application Status

 

  • Application Status: The latest status to your application will always be available by logging into your UP.jobs account and clicking on "My Applications." Applications can remain in the same status for up to six months. Regularly check your online application status and email for updates.
     
  • No Longer in Consideration: Due to the volume of applications received, individual feedback is not available. The latest status to your application will always be available by logging into your UP.jobs account and clicking on "My Applications."
     
  • Reinstate Withdrawn Application: There is no option for candidates to reinstate applications. When you withdrew your application, you confirmed that the action could not be reversed. Feel free to apply to other positions or reapply to the position the next time it is posted.
     
  • Change Answer to a Posting Question: There is no option for candidates to reverse their application answers. Applications will not be reset under any circumstance for external applicants or internal employees. No exceptions will be made. When you submitted your application, you confirmed that the application was submitted as complete to the best of your knowledge and could not be changed once submitted. Feel free to apply to other positions or reapply to the position the next time it is posted.
     
  • Edit a Submitted Application: Once an application is submitted, it cannot be changed or updated. Applications will not be reset under any circumstance for external applicants or internal employees. No exceptions will be made. When you submitted your application, you confirmed that the application was submitted as complete to the best of your knowledge and could not be changed once submitted. If invited to an interview, you may tell the hiring team of any changes; otherwise, ensure changes are updated on future applications. 

Pre-Employment Testing

Union Pacific partners with third party vendors to ensure consistent assessment processes are in place, helping measure the skills, abilities, and necessary aspects of our roles to successfully perform the required responsibilities of the job. Should the position you are applying for require an assessment, a passing result is required prior to being invited to interview.   

What to expect when you are invited to take an assessment:  

Assessments are online, unproctored tests.  Candidates invited to test will receive a link specific to their applicant profile – you cannot share test links, nor can you take a test without an invitation.  Your individual test link is accessed from the 'Jobs Applied' section on your UP.jobs account. When you click on the test link you are redirected to our third party's website.  Prior to taking the assessment, you will read and agree to the Terms prior to proceeding.  

Click here for more information on the test and process.

Pre-Employment Testing

Union Pacific partners with third party vendors to ensure consistent assessment processes are in place, helping measure the skills, abilities, and necessary aspects of our roles to successfully perform the required responsibilities of the job. Should the position you are applying for require an assessment, a passing result is required prior to being invited to interview.   

What to expect when you are invited to take an assessment:  

Assessments are online, unproctored tests.  Candidates invited to test will receive a link specific to their applicant profile – you cannot share test links, nor can you take a test without an invitation.  Your individual test link is accessed from the 'Jobs Applied' section on your UP.jobs account. When you click on the test link you are redirected to our third party's website.  Prior to taking the assessment, you will read and agree to the Terms prior to proceeding.  

Click here for more information on the test and process.

Invited to Interview

  • Reasonable Accommodation Request: Union Pacific is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to its employees and applicants for employment to ensure that individuals with disabilities enjoy equal access to all employment opportunities. If you think you qualify for a reasonable accommodation, please review our Reasonable Accommodation Policy. 
     
  • Invited to Interview in a Different Location Than the Job Posting: For reasons such as facility reservation or resource availability, interviews can take place in a location different than the work location listed on the job posting.
     
  • Invited to an Interview, But Cannot Attend: If you were invited to an interview but can no longer attend, update availability through your online invitation.
     
  • Accepted an Invitation, Looking for More details: Details of your scheduled interview are available through your online invitation. Find the interview scheduling email sent to your UP.jobs account email to locate the invitation instructions.
     
  • Travel Expenses for an Interview: Candidates are responsible for their own travel expenses. If you had been told your travel would be covered, please contact your HR Representative.
     
  • Status After an Interview: The latest status to your application will always be available by logging into your UP.jobs account and clicking on "My Applications". 
     
  • Not Invited to Interview: Due to the volume of applications received, individual feedback is not available. Increase your chances of success by filling out your application completely, applying to positions soon after their posting dates, and gain or highlight related experience to the job requirements as much as possible.

Invited to Interview

  • Reasonable Accommodation Request: Union Pacific is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to its employees and applicants for employment to ensure that individuals with disabilities enjoy equal access to all employment opportunities. If you think you qualify for a reasonable accommodation, please review our Reasonable Accommodation Policy. 
     
  • Invited to Interview in a Different Location Than the Job Posting: For reasons such as facility reservation or resource availability, interviews can take place in a location different than the work location listed on the job posting.
     
  • Invited to an Interview, But Cannot Attend: If you were invited to an interview but can no longer attend, update availability through your online invitation.
     
  • Accepted an Invitation, Looking for More details: Details of your scheduled interview are available through your online invitation. Find the interview scheduling email sent to your UP.jobs account email to locate the invitation instructions.
     
  • Travel Expenses for an Interview: Candidates are responsible for their own travel expenses. If you had been told your travel would be covered, please contact your HR Representative.
     
  • Status After an Interview: The latest status to your application will always be available by logging into your UP.jobs account and clicking on "My Applications". 
     
  • Not Invited to Interview: Due to the volume of applications received, individual feedback is not available. Increase your chances of success by filling out your application completely, applying to positions soon after their posting dates, and gain or highlight related experience to the job requirements as much as possible.

Job Offer Process

Congratulations on being extended a job offer! We’re looking forward to you joining the Union Pacific team. In this section, you will find information about accepting a job offer and the post job offer process. Once the job offer is accepted and you have provided all the necessary preemployment information, there are critical tasks that must be completed for you to be cleared to start work. These tasks include a medical assessment, a background investigation, and a physical ability test (if applicable). The post job offer processes generally take around 30 days to complete. The quicker you take action on these tasks, the quicker you will be cleared to start work.

  • Trouble Accepting Job Offer: If you are having trouble accepting your job offer, create a ticket explaining the error message received and the situation you are experiencing so we may assist you. In the ticket, be sure to provide your Employee ID, Candidate ID, and/or the email address associated to your candidate profile so we can handle your inquiry as soon as possible.
     
  • Providing Pre-employment Information: Once you accept your job offer, you will be prompted to provide additional information to kick off the post job offer process.
    • If your tentative start date is greater than 90 days from today, you will not be able to start completing the post job offer steps, such as getting scheduled for the medical exam. We will send you an e-mail once you are within 90 days of your tentative start date and can begin the post job offer process.
       
  • Completing Onboarding Steps: External candidates will receive access to our Onboarding portal to welcome you to the company and to complete important information that will help complete your employee profile with us. You will receive an email welcoming you to the portal shortly after you accept your offer which will include your login information. It’s important you take action to complete all required steps in the Onboarding portal as you will need to complete all the steps before you will be able to start work at Union Pacific.
     
  • Clearance Status in Post-Offer Process: 
    • External candidates: The latest statuses for your post offer clearances will be available by logging into your UP.jobs account and clicking on your application. Additional information can be found under the Job-Specific Information heading, which lists the latest statuses for each step of the post-offer clearances.
    • Internal employees: The latest statuses for your post offer clearances will be available by logging into SuccessFactors and accessing the Careers tab. From the Career tab, click the “Job Applications” button and scroll down to the applicable application. In the Actions column, click the drop down and select the “View/Edit Applications and Attachments” option. From there, you can view the statuses for each step of the post-offer clearances.
       
  • Start Date:
    • Train Crew Candidates: When you are extended a job offer, you will receive a tentative start date. This date is contingent on you clearing all onboarding and post job offer process steps. When you have completed all onboarding and post job offer process steps, you will receive a confirmed start date and information regarding your training class. Only candidates who have completed all required steps and received a confirmed start date will be able to attend class. If you have not been cleared for all steps of the post job offer process by the class start time, do not show up to class as you will be asked to leave.
    • All Other Positions: Once you have completed all onboarding and post job offer process steps, you will be contacted within the next 30 days to determine a firm start date. 
       
  • Background Policy: The background investigation takes place after you have accepted your job offer and completed the background authorization, with employment contingent upon satisfactory results. Falsification of any information provided in the employment application is grounds for immediate dismissal. Review our policy for additional information.
     
  • Medical Assessment: The pre-employment medical assessment includes a health history questionnaire, a drug screen and if applicable, additional exams for a medical determination regarding your ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
     
  • Physical Ability Test (PAT): The following contains information regarding the Physical Ability Test (PAT), including Union Pacific policies and procedures, invitation information, preparation reminders and testing components. Links to these pages are included throughout; you are strongly encouraged to read through all of this information helping ensure you are fully prepared for this important step in the hiring process.
    • The Physical Ability Test (PAT) assesses a person's ability to safely complete the required physical tasks performed on the job. The test measures a candidate's range of motion and includes components such as pushing, pulling and lifting various weights simulating job tasks. To ensure the safety of our candidates during the PAT, resting heart rate, and resting blood pressure must be within safe limits set by Union Pacific guidelines.  
    • There are various PAT protocols for the different positions UP offers. If you are applying for multiple positions or you have tested in the past, you may need to take multiple tests depending on the positions. A complete list of the PAT protocols and component examples can be found here.  
    • You must pass the PAT as a condition of your job offer. The test is administered by Briotix BTE Testing, a vendor of UP.  
      • Qualified Results are good for six months prior to starting your job and once an UP employee, are good for the lifetime of your career.  
      • Not-Qualified Results will remove you from the hiring process and require you to wait a minimum of 60 days (approximately two months) from the date you tested to apply for new positions requiring the same PAT protocol.  
    • Click here for more information on the PAT and the process.

 

  • I-9 Documentation: On your first day of employment with Union Pacific, you are required to bring I-9 documentation that proves your identity and authority to work in the United States. For more information on what qualifies as proper identification, please visit the U S citizenship and immigration services website.

 

Job Offer Process

Congratulations on being extended a job offer! We’re looking forward to you joining the Union Pacific team. In this section, you will find information about accepting a job offer and the post job offer process. Once the job offer is accepted and you have provided all the necessary preemployment information, there are critical tasks that must be completed for you to be cleared to start work. These tasks include a medical assessment, a background investigation, and a physical ability test (if applicable). The post job offer processes generally take around 30 days to complete. The quicker you take action on these tasks, the quicker you will be cleared to start work.

  • Trouble Accepting Job Offer: If you are having trouble accepting your job offer, create a ticket explaining the error message received and the situation you are experiencing so we may assist you. In the ticket, be sure to provide your Employee ID, Candidate ID, and/or the email address associated to your candidate profile so we can handle your inquiry as soon as possible.
     
  • Providing Pre-employment Information: Once you accept your job offer, you will be prompted to provide additional information to kick off the post job offer process.
    • If your tentative start date is greater than 90 days from today, you will not be able to start completing the post job offer steps, such as getting scheduled for the medical exam. We will send you an e-mail once you are within 90 days of your tentative start date and can begin the post job offer process.
       
  • Completing Onboarding Steps: External candidates will receive access to our Onboarding portal to welcome you to the company and to complete important information that will help complete your employee profile with us. You will receive an email welcoming you to the portal shortly after you accept your offer which will include your login information. It’s important you take action to complete all required steps in the Onboarding portal as you will need to complete all the steps before you will be able to start work at Union Pacific.
     
  • Clearance Status in Post-Offer Process: 
    • External candidates: The latest statuses for your post offer clearances will be available by logging into your UP.jobs account and clicking on your application. Additional information can be found under the Job-Specific Information heading, which lists the latest statuses for each step of the post-offer clearances.
    • Internal employees: The latest statuses for your post offer clearances will be available by logging into SuccessFactors and accessing the Careers tab. From the Career tab, click the “Job Applications” button and scroll down to the applicable application. In the Actions column, click the drop down and select the “View/Edit Applications and Attachments” option. From there, you can view the statuses for each step of the post-offer clearances.
       
  • Start Date:
    • Train Crew Candidates: When you are extended a job offer, you will receive a tentative start date. This date is contingent on you clearing all onboarding and post job offer process steps. When you have completed all onboarding and post job offer process steps, you will receive a confirmed start date and information regarding your training class. Only candidates who have completed all required steps and received a confirmed start date will be able to attend class. If you have not been cleared for all steps of the post job offer process by the class start time, do not show up to class as you will be asked to leave.
    • All Other Positions: Once you have completed all onboarding and post job offer process steps, you will be contacted within the next 30 days to determine a firm start date. 
       
  • Background Policy: The background investigation takes place after you have accepted your job offer and completed the background authorization, with employment contingent upon satisfactory results. Falsification of any information provided in the employment application is grounds for immediate dismissal. Review our policy for additional information.
     
  • Medical Assessment: The pre-employment medical assessment includes a health history questionnaire, a drug screen and if applicable, additional exams for a medical determination regarding your ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
     
  • Physical Ability Test (PAT): The following contains information regarding the Physical Ability Test (PAT), including Union Pacific policies and procedures, invitation information, preparation reminders and testing components. Links to these pages are included throughout; you are strongly encouraged to read through all of this information helping ensure you are fully prepared for this important step in the hiring process.
    • The Physical Ability Test (PAT) assesses a person's ability to safely complete the required physical tasks performed on the job. The test measures a candidate's range of motion and includes components such as pushing, pulling and lifting various weights simulating job tasks. To ensure the safety of our candidates during the PAT, resting heart rate, and resting blood pressure must be within safe limits set by Union Pacific guidelines.  
    • There are various PAT protocols for the different positions UP offers. If you are applying for multiple positions or you have tested in the past, you may need to take multiple tests depending on the positions. A complete list of the PAT protocols and component examples can be found here.  
    • You must pass the PAT as a condition of your job offer. The test is administered by Briotix BTE Testing, a vendor of UP.  
      • Qualified Results are good for six months prior to starting your job and once an UP employee, are good for the lifetime of your career.  
      • Not-Qualified Results will remove you from the hiring process and require you to wait a minimum of 60 days (approximately two months) from the date you tested to apply for new positions requiring the same PAT protocol.  
    • Click here for more information on the PAT and the process.

 

  • I-9 Documentation: On your first day of employment with Union Pacific, you are required to bring I-9 documentation that proves your identity and authority to work in the United States. For more information on what qualifies as proper identification, please visit the U S citizenship and immigration services website.

 

Train Crew Questions

Answers to Train Crew-specific questions can be found on the Train Crew FAQs page.

 

Train Crew Questions

Answers to Train Crew-specific questions can be found on the Train Crew FAQs page.