Your signalling

recruitment journey

Thanks for considering a career with Network Rail! 

We understand that applying for a new job can feel daunting so we've put together this short guide to give you more information on what to expect and how to to prepare.

Your recruitment journey

Application

As part of your application we'll ask you to complete a set of questions online, you'll need 20 minutes in a safe, quiet spot where you’re comfortable typing answers to a handful of questions about your interest and understanding of the Signaller role.

To apply for the signalling position you'll need to complete an application on our career's portal and upload the most recent version of your CV.

Application tips

● Research the signaller role you're applying for

● Find a safe, quiet spot where you’re comfortable typing answers to a handful of questions about your interest in the role

● Make sure your CV is up to date​.

Assessment

The signaller assessments include:

● 1 hour Scenario assessment

●1 hour (including practise time) Psychometric test

●1 hour Live competency interview

If your application is successful we'll invite you to take three different assessments.

We use these methods because we know they do a better job at selecting the right people for the job than ordinary interviews and they also help us to select people as fairly as possible.

Assessment tips

● Check your internet connectivity, and confirm your camera and microphone are working

● Carefully read the invite and follow any pre-joining instructions

● Get a good night’s sleep, eat beforehand and use calming techniques.

Scenario assessment

You'll receive a brief before the assessment containing some specific information about the scenario you are in for the assessments including: the role you are playing, the location that you ‘work in’ and your responsibilities as a signaller. You'll have one hour to answer a set of pre-recorded questions using your computer webcam and microphone.

● Let us know in advance If you require any adjustments that will make you feel more comfortable and confident

● Have the assessment brief, a scrap of paper and a pen to hand

● Before starting the test, take a deep breath, focus and check that you are ready to begin.

Tips

Psychometric test

The SHL test will measure your logical thinking skills and you'll be required to answer around 20 questions within the allocated time.

A test typically take 15-20 minutes to complete, plus time for practise questions.

● Let us know in advance If you require any adjustments that will make you feel more comfortable and confident

● Read through the instructions carefully and complete all practice and example questions

● Have a pen and paper to hand

● Manage your time carefully and stay calm.

Tips

Live interview

A one hour live interview to explore your understanding of the signaller role and to assess your suitability to perform aspects of the signaller job. Two Network Rail employees, with lots of knowledge and experience, will ask a number of questions for you to answer using your computer webcam and microphone.

● Dress as you would for an in-person interview and tidy up your surroundings so it looks presentable

● Make eye contact with the interviewer by looking at the camera, not the screen, and make sure you’re expressive when answering the questions

● Use the STARR method to answer interview questions and show case your competencies and accomplishments.

Tips

Interview tips

Be a STARR

1. Situation
2. Task
3. Action
4. Result
5. Reflect

Offer

Once our candidate assessment centres are complete we'll collate all the assessment scores and work with the local operations managers to allocate successful candidates into the positions we currently have available.

If you're successful you'll then receive a provisional offer. If you've not been successful you can request detailed feedback by clicking the 'feedback' link provided in the assessment centre email you received.

Reserve candidates

You may be within the pool of top scoring candidates but we may not be able to offer you a position in the cohort you applied for, if this is the case please don’t be disheartened.

We'll ask for your permission to add your details to our reserve list in case a position does become available. For example, if someone withdraws their application we’ll contact you to make an offer and you won’t be required to re take the assessments. We'll keep your details for 6 months.

Onboarding

You’ll receive emails from us requesting some important information that will help us to process your offer and we'll need to carry out some pre employment checks.

● Medical assessment - we'll work with you to check you meet the required medical standards for the Signaller position you've applied for and our health care provider will be in touch to schedule your medical assessment.

● Basic Disclosure check

● Employment history verification

● Right to work and identity check - this was completed during the assessment you attended but we'll need you to confirm this again with your line manager on your first day.

Once we've completed all the checks, we'll confirm your offer arrange your initial signaller training and start date ready to welcome you to your first day at Network Rail!