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A career as a signaller

Saracen_83

Member
Joined
22 Oct 2017
Messages
475
Lots of confusion here! What is the current process? Links on NR own site is still mentioning assessment centre and web-based interviews, but others are saying straight to face-to-face interview. Which is true?

Plus, where can I get a copy of the core competencies?

As previously mentioned it depends on the LOM. Some LOMs just go for the face to face interview and others want paper based assessments in addition to the face to face interview.

As for the core competencies, are you talking about the 8 NTS? If so, a search of this forum will bring up lots of threads on them including each NTS and a description on them.. in fact I know this posted on this thread very recently....
 
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Rigchick

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5 May 2019
Messages
49
As previously mentioned it depends on the LOM. Some LOMs just go for the face to face interview and others want paper based assessments in addition to the face to face interview.

As for the core competencies, are you talking about the 8 NTS? If so, a search of this forum will bring up lots of threads on them including each NTS and a description on them.. in fact I know this posted on this thread very recently....

So wait and see on the interview front then.

I'm after the signaller core competencies/job spec not the NTS if anyone can help.
 
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nikibee

Member
Joined
4 Oct 2018
Messages
14
Lots of confusion here! What is the current process? Links on NR own site is still mentioning assessment centre and web-based interviews, but others are saying straight to face-to-face interview. Which is true?

Plus, where can I get a copy of the core competencies?


I ended up at an assessment day and had my interview the same day. I guess it is different everywhere.
 

Rigchick

Member
Joined
5 May 2019
Messages
49
I ended up at an assessment day and had my interview the same day. I guess it is different everywhere.
I just wish there was some consistency about this! i don't know if I'm waiting for an actual interview or having to go to an assessment centre. Frustrating doesn't cover it!
 

Saracen_83

Member
Joined
22 Oct 2017
Messages
475
I just wish there was some consistency about this! i don't know if I'm waiting for an actual interview or having to go to an assessment centre. Frustrating doesn't cover it!

Have you been updated to invite for assessment 2 then??? If so an email should be on its way to you shortly detailing the next step or interview or assessment day etc
 

Rockhopper

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Joined
29 Apr 2019
Messages
736
This is what the carer portal says when i log on.

"If you are successful at application you will receive an invitation within 72hrs via email to complete an online tests including a situational judgment test, a verbal reasoning test and a numerical reasoning test. You are required to complete the online tests within a 5 day timescale (if you have completed the tests within the last 6 months your previous test scores will be used). You will be notified if you have met the online selection test benchmark.


Applicants that meet the online benchmark will be will be shortlisted to attend interview, you will be notified of the outcome of your application and if you have been selected to attend an interview."
 
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Saracen_83

Member
Joined
22 Oct 2017
Messages
475
You’ve completed assessment 2????
If you mean your 3 tests, maths sat and English, this is not the assessment 2.

What is your status on the website?
 

Tom Quinne

On Moderation
Joined
8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
I just wish there was some consistency about this! i don't know if I'm waiting for an actual interview or having to go to an assessment centre. Frustrating doesn't cover it!

Welcome to the railway, the job isn’t much better either !
 

Chumba

Member
Joined
13 May 2019
Messages
164
Hi I was wondering if anyone could explain why Bognor Regis is a grade 5 box and Haslemere is a grade 3 box?

Have applied for both and just curious as to the differences. Haslemere looks on the face of it busier and on a mainline, whereas Bognor is a branch line?

Thanks .
 

Rockhopper

Member
Joined
29 Apr 2019
Messages
736
I’m not sure it’s related to how busy it is, it’s more to do with how much you’ve got to control.
 

Danc87

Member
Joined
16 Oct 2018
Messages
87
Can anyone fill me in on the feltham box ie what sort of shifts it is what the box is like etc please
 

High Dyke

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1 Jan 2013
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4,267
Location
Yellabelly Country
Can anyone fill me in on the feltham box ie what sort of shifts it is what the box is like etc please
I don't know if there's any change to the information posted below. (Posted in Feb 2019)

Feltham work the usual Wessex 8hr Monday to Saturday and 12hr Sunday. Is this the Feltham relief job that was advertised recently? If it is then you will not know the specific shifts you are working until the Thursday before the week in question (you will know the days you are in but not the shift) and I believe with 48hr notice they can change a relief shift if needed?
 

Pcb1980

Member
Joined
20 Jul 2018
Messages
36
Hi, could someone clear something up please,
Where and how long is signaller school?

Many thanks.
 

Tom Quinne

On Moderation
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8 Jul 2017
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2,225
York, Westwood (Coventry) or Basingstoke.

Duration 12 week, Monday to Friday - paid Sunday travelling time (5hrs standard rate).
 

DanH

Member
Joined
7 Feb 2019
Messages
11
Out of curiosity... what’s the longest anybody has waited for comms from HR/Hire managers?

Got a fair few applications with the hire managers and the furthest one down the line is 10 weeks today, followed by 8 weeks tomorrow.

From what I’ve read through this forum is some lucky folks have had interview dates after waiting 3-4 weeks! Another fortnight and this one will be 3 months haha!
 

Judochop

Member
Joined
28 Nov 2018
Messages
29
Its completely random. 2 friends of mine from signalling school both applied for separate jobs. 1 heard back within a week of his interview letting him know he had the job. The other waited 4 months! To be offered the job.
 

Rockhopper

Member
Joined
29 Apr 2019
Messages
736
They are shooting themselves in the foot though as I’ve got other applications in at the moment. I really want the signaller job but if I get offered another position tomorrow then I’d be daft not to take it given the uncertainty the whole Network Rail recruitment process seems to suffer from.
 

Saracen_83

Member
Joined
22 Oct 2017
Messages
475
They are shooting themselves in the foot though as I’ve got other applications in at the moment. I really want the signaller job but if I get offered another position tomorrow then I’d be daft not to take it given the uncertainty the whole Network Rail recruitment process seems to suffer from.

No offence but why would they be shooting themselves in the foot???

And what uncertainty!?? You will hear one way or another, you just need to be patient.... if you want the signaller job that bad, then you will wait and keep applying, just like every other signaller has had too....
 

Judochop

Member
Joined
28 Nov 2018
Messages
29
They are shooting themselves in the foot though as I’ve got other applications in at the moment. I really want the signaller job but if I get offered another position tomorrow then I’d be daft not to take it given the uncertainty the whole Network Rail recruitment process seems to suffer from.

We are just a number buddy. If you dont accept a role someone else will.

I've had 2 internal interviews for signaller positions and both times I've been the reserve candidate. There is always someone who will step up.
 

R.Quintero

Member
Joined
6 Dec 2018
Messages
20
Out of curiosity... what’s the longest anybody has waited for comms from HR/Hire managers?

Got a fair few applications with the hire managers and the furthest one down the line is 10 weeks today, followed by 8 weeks tomorrow.

From what I’ve read through this forum is some lucky folks have had interview dates after waiting 3-4 weeks! Another fortnight and this one will be 3 months haha!

Personally it was:

May '17 - Applied (went through all the tests etc within a fortnight then radio silence until...),
Sep '17 - Invited to interview
Oct '17 - Interview and got the thumbs up a few days later
Feb '18 - First day on the job

Vis a vis your 3 month wait isn't too unusual matey. Furthermore I'd be tempted to say it's the norm :)
 

DanH

Member
Joined
7 Feb 2019
Messages
11
Personally it was:

May '17 - Applied (went through all the tests etc within a fortnight then radio silence until...),
Sep '17 - Invited to interview
Oct '17 - Interview and got the thumbs up a few days later
Feb '18 - First day on the job

Vis a vis your 3 month wait isn't too unusual matey. Furthermore I'd be tempted to say it's the norm :)
Ouch, 9 month from start to finish!

The wait for the invite to interview strongly backs up judo chops mates 4 month wait then haha!

I’m currently with hire managers for 10 different roles, was starting to feel a little deflated after getting to the 10 week mark - coming from the most impatient person alive, however.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated
 

R.Quintero

Member
Joined
6 Dec 2018
Messages
20
Thanks for the info, much appreciated

No worries. All I would say is the job is absolutely worth the wait, so whilst I appreciate that for different people personal circumstances may dictate they have to grab something which comes along sooner, if you've the means to hold out I'd fully recommend doing so :). All the best!
 

TRain87

Member
Joined
1 Sep 2016
Messages
311
Location
England
To all those complaining about length of time waiting, or worried if the job is worth it...

I came from off the street into a grade 3 relief role - 2 years later, I am now a mobile ops manager, and couldn't be happier! Patience is key and the job is definitely worth it. Good luck to all those still applying
 

GingerRH

Member
Joined
21 Apr 2015
Messages
176
To all those complaining about length of time waiting, or worried if the job is worth it...

I came from off the street into a grade 3 relief role - 2 years later, I am now a mobile ops manager, and couldn't be happier! Patience is key and the job is definitely worth it. Good luck to all those still applying

F**k off!

You’re a right grumpy c***!

I’m kidding, well done mate!
 

TRain87

Member
Joined
1 Sep 2016
Messages
311
Location
England
Haha, only around you ginge!

And by the way, to all those wanting to get onto network rail asap...there are no signalling school vacancies left for this year, so earliest training will be 2020
 

Judochop

Member
Joined
28 Nov 2018
Messages
29
Haha, only around you ginge!

And by the way, to all those wanting to get onto network rail asap...there are no signalling school vacancies left for this year, so earliest training will be 2020

Bloody hell!! I heard a few WDS's have left York. 2020 is crazy. Bet their crying out for new WDS's!
 

galaxynew

Member
Joined
1 Sep 2017
Messages
128
Haha, only around you ginge!

And by the way, to all those wanting to get onto network rail asap...there are no signalling school vacancies left for this year, so earliest training will be 2020
Just wondering what happens to anyone that gets offered a job from now then (plenty still listed), surely they can't be expected to wait until next year and not got a clue how anyone plays that with their present employee.........imagine telling them "i am leaving but it won't be for 8 months" :rolleyes:
 

nom de guerre

Member
Joined
24 Nov 2015
Messages
774
To all those complaining about length of time waiting, or worried if the job is worth it...

I came from off the street into a grade 3 relief role - 2 years later, I am now a mobile ops manager, and couldn't be happier! Patience is key and the job is definitely worth it. Good luck to all those still applying

Nice one!

Please tell me Matt B didn’t apply for this one... :lol:
 

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