A career as a signaller

[HamSandwich]

If you want to make the most of it, do what’s been suggested - read/search this thread. There’s no substitute for putting time and effort in, especially for such a competitive role, unfortunately. People (including me) put hours and hours into our application and interview prep, and I doubt I would’ve got my offer if I didn’t.

There are many examples of questions and suggestions on how to answer them in the thread.
Best of luck!

Absolutely this. This thread is absolute gold with help for interviews - either read it from start to finish (which is what I did, it was a mere 297 pages when I found this forum) or use the search function for specific topics (like the NTS). I spent hours and hours on my application, I had examples for each of the NTS, I researched the company, local lines etc etc. There's no such thing as too prepared. I still had a question that threw me but I asked for a minute to gather my thoughts so I didn't just blurt out an answer immediately for the sake of speaking.

There's a lot of advice if you read over previous posts, people are kind enough to take the time to answer and it's kind of annoying to keep having the same things asked over...

 

[bouff34]

Yep, it's getting a bit boring with the same questions being asked over and over... When I applied for the role I had read the whole of the then 200 pages. Yes, there are bits that deviate from the main topic but if you read it all the way through you will have very few questions left to ask.

As I read through it if there was anything I found especially useful I copied it and pasted onto a word document. That way, when it came to interview prep etc I had all the really useful stuff in one place. If you've run out of time and are trying to cut corners...well, probably not best suited to a safety critical signaller role. If you really want the job you'll do as much prep as you possibly can to give yourself the best possible chance...

Believe me, once you have that first role it is all worth it.

 

[Roadster 7]

I'm on my 2nd read through of this awesome thread, currently at page 287! The first time it was about 60 pages when I first applied for a signaller role.
I've taken screen shots of many relevant posts, have starting a note book and printed some bits off to read up on just in case my current " invite for assessment 2 pending" means I'm lucky enough to get an interview.
The search function has helped a lot, what is even better is that a poster has recently got a job at Oakham as relief, which is what I've applied for, so that has been helpful in answering my worries and questions!

 

[Tom Quinne]

What kind of questions were you asked at your interview? I'm working full time so limited time to study so want to make the most of it.

It’s probably not a good idea to post even “something like this...” type responses to this question.

You only need to think about the role, then about what kind of skill you may need - you don’t need to put in degree levels of time to figure the type to things you may be asked.

 

[Saracen_83]

It’s probably not a good idea to post even “something like this...” type responses to this question.

You only need to think about the role, then about what kind of skill you may need - you don’t need to put in degree levels of time to figure the type to things you may be asked.

and goes back to your other post about using the search function, there plenty of people asking this question and people advising them of examples etc....

Just use the search function. I think there is even a post (not within the signaller careers section that gives an example question and exemplar answer with reason for why it is a good answer!!!!

As Tom say, do some research, the role itself is much the similar, you may not have all the Informtion At a given time and need to go and find out more and make a decision....!!

 

[Thebullet]

Yep, it's getting a bit boring with the same questions being asked over and over... When I applied for the role I had read the whole of the then 200 pages. Yes, there are bits that deviate from the main topic but if you read it all the way through you will have very few questions left to ask.

As I read through it if there was anything I found especially useful I copied it and pasted onto a word document. That way, when it came to interview prep etc I had all the really useful stuff in one place. If you've run out of time and are trying to cut corners...well, probably not best suited to a safety critical signaller role. If you really want the job you'll do as much prep as you possibly can to give yourself the best possible chance...

Believe me, once you have that first role it is all worth it.

Couldn’t agree more, I have seen other forums have stickies/notes that newcomers should read before posting. This would point them in the relevant direction for searching what they’re looking for that has usually been covered previously in this thread and would greatly reduce repetitive questions, maybe Admin has the option to do this.

My first post on the thread was after I read over 260 pages to try and soak up some of the great comments posted. If I thought a post would be of use (NTS most definitely) I would take a screenshot with an interview in mind whether it be after 6 months or 6 years of applications (hoping for for the former).

 

[Tom Quinne]

I think I’ve come across as a missable bugger, I’m not (mostly) honestly.

However, you really need a certain set of skills to be a signaller. PatienCS, ability to find information yourself, work independently, more patience, self motivation, drive to succeed and most importantly patience.

Signallers never leave a man or women come to that behind, but you have to earn your crust first to show you've the will and determination to stand on your own two feet.

 

[olilee2]

For my applications to Liv St and Feltham I’ve just been told that I’ve reached the benchmark on the SHL tests. Can anyone suggest a ballpark timescale for when I’ll find out if I’ve got interviews or not (bearing in mind the application closes on the 7th July)?
Also, in the description for Feltham it says that the position will be migrating to Basingstoke ROC around May next year. It surprises me that they would therefore recruit and train someone at feltham when they’d only be there for such a short time. For a G7 position such as Feltham how long would the on the job training be (after signalling school)? Because the timing of the job advert suggests that NWR think it’s worth hiring and training someone for only a short time working at Feltham before moving and re-training them at Basingstoke. Then at Basingstoke, is it likely that feltham signallers would just be doing the same area as before but from a different place or learning other panels too?

 

[Prerail]

For my applications to Liv St and Feltham I’ve just been told that I’ve reached the benchmark on the SHL tests. Can anyone suggest a ballpark timescale for when I’ll find out if I’ve got interviews or not (bearing in mind the application closes on the 7th July)?

Not sure what it’s been like for everybody else, but I had my SHL test on the 25th of may. My scenario video interview was the 27th. I had a video interview on the 29th, made it to the allocation stage on the 1st June, was phoned on the 8th to offer me the job. Received the detailed email offer And contract on the 16th.
It was a very quick process.

 

[MrsP2010]

Thankyou MrsP2010. So good to hear there are plenty of females already doing the job. You definitely have very good inside information there and he obviously likes the job if he his encouraging you too? Is your new role going to be 12 hour shifts?

At the moment it's 8hrs but I believe that may change. I'd probably prefer 12 hrs as I've always worked long days in previous roles but anything would be fine. Just can't wait to get a start date and on that ladder now! Good luck with your applications too

 

[MostlyHarmless]

For my applications to Liv St and Feltham I’ve just been told that I’ve reached the benchmark on the SHL tests. Can anyone suggest a ballpark timescale for when I’ll find out if I’ve got interviews or not (bearing in mind the application closes on the 7th July)?
Also, in the description for Feltham it says that the position will be migrating to Basingstoke ROC around May next year. It surprises me that they would therefore recruit and train someone at feltham when they’d only be there for such a short time. For a G7 position such as Feltham how long would the on the job training be (after signalling school)? Because the timing of the job advert suggests that NWR think it’s worth hiring and training someone for only a short time working at Feltham before moving and re-training them at Basingstoke. Then at Basingstoke, is it likely that feltham signallers would just be doing the same area as before but from a different place or learning other panels too?

The timescales can vary enormously so it's not even worth guessing I'm afraid. You'll just have to sit back and wait .

The migration from Feltham is due to happen over an extended period of time rather than all in one go (as was explained to me) so theres a chance you could be at Feltham for while before the move. There are people already on a course and others waiting (including myself) for one, that are going to be working at Feltham so I wouldn't worry about it unless getting to Basingstoke is going to be an issue

 

[olilee2]

Not sure what it’s been like for everybody else, but I had my SHL test on the 25th of may. My scenario video interview was the 27th. I had a video interview on the 29th, made it to the allocation stage on the 1st June, was phoned on the 8th to offer me the job. Received the detailed email offer And contract on the 16th.
It was a very quick process.

Wow that’s a very quick turnaround! Does that mean that even before the application had closed you’d had your interview etc?

 

[Rover77]

I think it must be man week or something but I’m personally getting increasingly frustrated at the amount of people who moan about having to wait, or asking if anyone else has heard, or even consider throwing the towel in after a handful of apps being unsuccessful.

5 years, probably close to 100 apps, 3 paper assessment centres and 3 interviews before I got my job.

If you have the ability to just wait then the job isn’t for you. It’s been said 1001 times Railway recruitment is slow, very very slow.

It doesn’t get any better once your on the inside either so don’t think it’ll all be better once your in.

My fellow signallers and I come on here to help the people who have the drive to succeed get into the best job on the railway.

But lately I’m seeing more and more wining and moaning from applicants, if you don’t like the process then there’s plenty more jobs out there with far easier recruitment processes.

A massive congratulations to those ladies and gentlemen who have recently secured jobs, their the ones who make me want to come back to help out, not the moaners who find it all to hard, or not worth the hassle of simply waiting.

Hang on a second.Bit harsh there dont you think. I am not asking for answers, I have read through this thread twice now. I do my research. I had a moment of frustration as I am getting nowhere with NR recruitment on the phone or email. I attempted the test on Thursday morning and started trying to sort it immediately. My frustration is that I see a dream opportunity slipping away.
I will continue to apply and never give up. I dont think for one minute I am entitled to anything.
My concern is that I will not be considered in the short listing process because of this delay. Perhaps I should have asked the direct question "Do you think this will affect my chances with this position."

 

[Tom Quinne]

Hang on a second.Bit harsh there dont you think. I am not asking for answers, I have read through this thread twice now. I do my research. I had a moment of frustration as I am getting nowhere with NR recruitment on the phone or email. I attempted the test on Thursday morning and started trying to sort it immediately. My frustration is that I see a dream opportunity slipping away.
I will continue to apply and never give up. I dont think for one minute I am entitled to anything.
My concern is that I will not be considered in the short listing process because of this delay. Perhaps I should have asked the direct question "Do you think this will affect my chances with this position."

I quoted your post, but didn’t mean to aim my post at you personally - apologies that it’s come across as such.

The number and email you’ll get for recruitment is basically a call centre, they’ll read off a screen with only a few more details (mainly internal info) you can't see on your own portal.

You wont get to speak to the people who really know what their doing until your at the offer stage of the process.

It can takes many weeks, even months for the basic initial stages to be completed so I wouldn’t worry about it - easy for me to say I know.

 

[High Dyke]

It doesn’t get any better once your on the inside either so don’t think it’ll all be better once your in.

Tom's right. I recently did my latest 6 month online assessment. 33 pages of questions. There's repetition of some subjects, but asked in a slightly different manner - as though to try and trick you. And then there's the questions it asks that you can't find the answer to or have to put the wrong answer to get the question right. Oh and the pass mark is 80%.

My fellow signallers and I come on here to help the people who have the drive to succeed get into the best job on the railway.

But lately I’m seeing more and more wining and moaning from applicants, if you don’t like the process then there’s plenty more jobs out there with far easier recruitment processes.

A massive congratulations to those ladies and gentlemen who have recently secured jobs, their the ones who make me want to come back to help out, not the moaners who find it all to hard, or not worth the hassle of simply waiting.

In fairness, I don't think Tom was singling out any particular person; more a comment on how it may come across.

I'm like Tom, I'll help anyone that shows the willingness to learn, but they also have to find their own feet and learn from their errors.

When I did my signalling course we had a chap on there that had caused some disharmony within the group. So much so that when you went into a group exercise nobody would partner him. I took pity on him, but merely just fed him the proverbial rope. In the end he was sacked for harassment in the hotel the group were stopping in, but nevertheless he was also hopeless as a signaller.

 

[Billyc87]

Hang on a second.Bit harsh there dont you think. I am not asking for answers, I have read through this thread twice now. I do my research. I had a moment of frustration as I am getting nowhere with NR recruitment on the phone or email. I attempted the test on Thursday morning and started trying to sort it immediately. My frustration is that I see a dream opportunity slipping away.
I will continue to apply and never give up. I dont think for one minute I am entitled to anything.
My concern is that I will not be considered in the short listing process because of this delay. Perhaps I should have asked the direct question "Do you think this will affect my chances with this position."

Totally agree, page is designed for helping people not belittling them

 

[Rover77]

I quoted your post, but didn’t mean to aim my post at you personally - apologies that it’s come across as such.

The number and email you’ll get for recruitment is basically a call centre, they’ll read off a screen with only a few more details (mainly internal info) you can't see on your own portal.

You wont get to speak to the people who really know what their doing until your at the offer stage of the process.

It can takes many weeks, even months for the basic initial stages to be completed so I wouldn’t worry about it - easy for me to say I know.

Thanks for this. That has eased my worry somewhat. It was the timescales that was concerning me. No worries perhaps I was a bit precocious and allowed my frustration to get the better of me. All forgotten now.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Totally agree, page is designed for helping people not belittling them

Belittling?

If you think what I’ve said is in any way belittling then you really aren’t cut out to work in a multi manned large signalling location.

 

[Billyc87]

Thanks for this. That has eased my worry somewhat. It was the timescales that was concerning me. No worries perhaps I was a bit precocious and allowed my frustration to get the better of me. All forgotten now.

I have been rejected quite a few times, some that were very quick some took a while longer, it doesn’t get any easier but like a few others have said, patience and persistence will hopefully get me there in the end. Good luck

 

[Billyc87]

Belittling?

If you think what I’ve said is in any way belittling then you really aren’t cut out to work in a multi manned large signalling location.

Maybe wrong choice of words. But I will try and find out for myself, thank you for your word of encouragement.

 

[Tom Quinne]

What I’m saving is, it’s rough and tumble in a large box 16 blokes on shift together for 12hrs. You need to give as good as you take, if what I put causes offence then you’ll struggle.

Best of luck to you however.

 

[Billyc87]

What I’m saving is, it’s rough and tumble in a large box 16 blokes on shift together for 12hrs. You need to give as good as you take, if what I put causes offence then you’ll struggle.

Best of luck to you however.

I feel I am very good with people, better in person as somethings can get misunderstood over text.

Thank you and sorry for coming across spikey

 

[Tom Quinne]

I’ve a very thick skin, and skull

 

[Questiontime]

I have my medical tomorrow, any idea what I need to wear? It's not on the paperwork I haven't been sent.

It's at Doncaster (Ten Pound Walk), does anyone know if it's free parking?

Thanks

 

[nom de guerre]

Couldn’t agree more, I have seen other forums have stickies/notes that newcomers should read before posting. This would point them in the relevant direction for searching what they’re looking for that has usually been covered previously in this thread and would greatly reduce repetitive questions, maybe Admin has the option to do this.

+1

We could really do with a sticky accompanying this thread, explaining thread etiquette, the typical recruitment process, a copy of the latest pay matrix, possibly some sample rosters etc.

 

[Tom Quinne]

I have my medical tomorrow, any idea what I need to wear? It's not on the paperwork I haven't been sent.

It's at Doncaster (Ten Pound Walk), does anyone know if it's free parking?

Thanks

Casual smart, you’ll be bending over so don’t wear anything to constricting.
Also have a bottle of water prior for the urine sample lol

 

[Questiontime]

Casual smart, you’ll be bending over so don’t wear anything to constricting.
Also have a bottle of water prior for the urine sample lol

Thanks Tom.

 

[Thebullet]

I have searched the thread to no avail, does anyone know what shift patterns are on the Cumbrian coast boxes?

 

[High Dyke]

I have my medical tomorrow, any idea what I need to wear? It's not on the paperwork I haven't been sent.

It's at Doncaster (Ten Pound Walk), does anyone know if it's free parking?

Thanks

Unless, they've changed it recently. There is limited (free) parking near the entrance to the depot.

 

[WL113]

Are there any ROCs/pseudo-ROCs that don’t work 12s?

WMSC. 8hr shifts, 12s on Sundays.