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A career as a signaller

RedMum77

Member
Joined
13 Nov 2019
Messages
55
Location
Alfreton
Yeah thats what was said in the subsequent email, so I'm not sure if they'd then upload the application at their end so it appears on my job portal? Just had another email confirming unsuccesful, wording below. I guess I should take the positives being as I have been self employed for almost 20 years and no interviews for all that time!

"It was a pleasure to e-meet you!



Thanks for your commitment to our Signalling Recruitment campaign - IRC2189511



The competition for this role was high and you’re within the pool of top scoring candidates. It was a tough decision to make as your skills and experience make you a good fit for the role, however we’re not going to be able to offer you a position for this particular cohort.



Please don’t be disheartened, we’ve been so impressed by your overall performance!



We’d really like 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."
 
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RailUK Forums

cpn

Member
Joined
1 Jun 2020
Messages
11
Location
London
It's in the essential criteria part of the job advert that Network Rail require applicants with their own transport, so I'd imagine you not having a car/driving license would put you at a disadvantage. Bear in mind that they are relying on you to get to a signal box at all hours of the day in order to relieve the person on the previous shift.

Just to chip in that I don't drive (and have no intention of learning!), and I know at least two other working signallers who don't have licences either. So long as you've considered how you will be able to "reach your base day and night" (in my case - public transport, and minicabs when needed, paid for by myself; in your case - learning to drive as soon as you can afford to), then I should think most LOMs would be accommodating.

Good luck with future applications, @bruebunny!
 

TLM

Member
Joined
31 Aug 2020
Messages
10
Location
United Kingdom
Yeah I got fast track feedback, nice not to have to go through the early parts of interviews if I do get fast tracked. Good to have, but not gonna hold my breath and if anything pops up in the vacancies I'll apply anyway.

Good luck all!
 

Davieo

Member
Joined
5 Sep 2017
Messages
9
Just to chip in that I don't drive (and have no intention of learning!), and I know at least two other working signallers who don't have licences either. So long as you've considered how you will be able to "reach your base day and night" (in my case - public transport, and minicabs when needed, paid for by myself; in your case - learning to drive as soon as you can afford to), then I should think most LOMs would be accommodating.

Good luck with future applications, @bruebunny!

I know signallers who don't drive too. The point I was making is that if bruebunny is struggling to get to the interview stage, in answer to their question, it could well be a factor for them not getting through the papersift as its an essential criteria to have "your own transport". I can imagine when LOMs and recruitment are sifting the dozens of applications that they have for vacant roles at the moment, its an easy criteria to filter down applicants with.
 

amanda08

Guest
Joined
19 Oct 2019
Messages
304
Yeah thats what was said in the subsequent email, so I'm not sure if they'd then upload the application at their end so it appears on my job portal? Just had another email confirming unsuccesful, wording below. I guess I should take the positives being as I have been self employed for almost 20 years and no interviews for all that time!

"It was a pleasure to e-meet you!



Thanks for your commitment to our Signalling Recruitment campaign - IRC2189511



The competition for this role was high and you’re within the pool of top scoring candidates. It was a tough decision to make as your skills and experience make you a good fit for the role, however we’re not going to be able to offer you a position for this particular cohort.



Please don’t be disheartened, we’ve been so impressed by your overall performance!



We’d really like 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."
Just to say I’m currently week 9 of IST at York after initially being reserve candidate, so don’t give up hope yet x
 

RedMum77

Member
Joined
13 Nov 2019
Messages
55
Location
Alfreton
Oh well done Amanda! I just have to hope that someone decides against taking a place I guess. Really want to do this after a really ****ty year (run a pub lol, enough said!)
 

craig1992

Member
Joined
22 May 2020
Messages
12
Location
Darlington
I was part of the North East future ops couple of months ago. Intially I got the reserve email on the Wednesday then 2 days later on the Friday afternoon I recieved a call from recruitment offering me a role. So being a reserve isn't just a brush off like I thought intially. I'm due to start my role on 5th October. So fingers crossed for you all on the reserve list!
 

RedMum77

Member
Joined
13 Nov 2019
Messages
55
Location
Alfreton
Thanks Craig. I am not going to get my hopes up, and I did initially think it was a brush off but with others saying they didnt get the reserve email it seems not, but will keep fingers toes and everything else crossed!
 

jossh78

Member
Joined
3 Aug 2020
Messages
32
Location
Uttoxeter
It’s a no for me also on the future opportunities, absolutely gutted but will persevere and get there eventually.
Competiton must of been pretty fierce in the current climate.
 

TC1

Member
Joined
19 Aug 2020
Messages
5
Location
Nottingham
Reserve for me also, interview was slightly tougher than expected.

Can somebody confirm the obvious - X is a bot?
 
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RedMum77

Member
Joined
13 Nov 2019
Messages
55
Location
Alfreton
Reserve for me also, interview was slightly tougher than expected.

Can somebody confirm the obvious - X is a bot?

I don't think he is :D, I got quite a personal reply to my email back thanking him for feedback and confirming that I would like to be notified of future vacancies for fast track. A specific thing that I mentioned was replied to in a very specific way
 
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SignallerJohn

Member
Joined
19 Dec 2017
Messages
160
Reserve for me also, interview was slightly tougher than expected.

Can somebody confirm the obvious - REDACTED is a bot?
If that’s a HR member I wouldn’t be posting their name on a public forum mate.

It’s another note for people to be careful what you post on public forums or socials about the company. Professionalism is very important in this line of work.
 

R22snapper

New Member
Joined
30 Sep 2020
Messages
1
Location
Peterborough
Hello all. Unfortunately I got the dreaded email from East Mids future opportunities today. I asked for feedback and they indicated that I had Good transferable skills but could have given more detail on my own role within the situations I described, rather than just the overall situation and results. I found that very useful as I thought my examples were strong but I obviously didn't stress my own part enough.

I'm on the reserve list and got the fast track email as well so the process has been useful. I will keep going as I am still really keen and hopefully better prepared for another trip through the process.

Finally, thanks to everyone who has taken the time to provide such valuable information on this thread, Tom Quinne, LOM, Kraken and many others. It has been very helpful and much appreciated.
 

7Paul7

Member
Joined
10 Feb 2020
Messages
96
Location
Billingham
I really don't know where I'm going wrong. I've just received application rejection number 9. I got to do the recorded video interview once, but nothing further beyond that. Will the fact I don't have a driving license be being a detriment? It's something I will rectify the very second I got the role, I just haven't the funds to get me over that line just yet. I feel like my 69 questions are relatable, but I'm going to pull it apart and write it again for the next application. All just feels so nebulous and hard to grasp, as I just don't know where I stand and what the problem is with my application compared to others.

There is no mention of do you have a current license in the 69 questions, (as far as I remember) so that shouldn't be hindering you to get to interview I assume you haven't said you don't have a license on your CV?
 

TC1

Member
Joined
19 Aug 2020
Messages
5
Location
Nottingham
I don't think he is :D, I got quite a personal reply to my email back thanking him for feedback and confirming that I would like to be notified of future vacancies for fast track. A specific thing that I mentioned was replied to in a very specific way

Responses are so quick and friendly, I would've never assumed it was a human being ... seriously!
 

bruebunny

Member
Joined
11 Dec 2013
Messages
88
There is no mention of do you have a current license in the 69 questions, (as far as I remember) so that shouldn't be hindering you to get to interview I assume you haven't said you don't have a license on your CV?
It's in the pre 69 questions part, it asks the question:
Have you had a full, clean and valid UK driving licence for more than 12 months? Just wondering how important that is, if that is an automatic disqualifier before they even look at the questions submitted.

It's in the essential criteria part of the job advert that Network Rail require applicants with their own transport, so I'd imagine you not having a car/driving license would put you at a disadvantage. Bear in mind that they are relying on you to get to a signal box at all hours of the day in order to relieve the person on the previous shift. The risk is that signaller being relieved can only work beyond their shift for a certain amount of time due to health and safety, so the signal box becomes unmanned.. the trains stop running.. Network Rail pick up a huge fine. It has happened.
Good luck with your applications, there is a wealth of information in this forum regarding non-technical skills, life saving rules etc. Perseverance is key to getting your foot through the door.
It's definitely a role I want to do, and I would take whatever means necessary to get there (minicabs, public transport, a bike and my own two legs) but I do also believe I need to pick apart and rebuild that application as well. It's a long slog through those questions, for sure.
 

Defenestrate

Member
Joined
6 Aug 2019
Messages
130
"Have you had a full clean and valid UK driving licence for more than 12 months? Just wondering how important that is if that is an automatic disqualifier before they even look at the questions submitted"

I have a car, driving licence etc and had to answer that question as "No" because I have some points, i.e. it's not clean...but I think I highlighted the ability to travel to work on time on the CV. Always worth making it obvious there if you have any concerns.
There is the option of submitting a cover letter too, although I don't think that is necessary. But, it's potentially a couple of pages to sell yourself more, and/or remove concerns.
 

Tom Quinne

On Moderation
Joined
8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
I don’t think a driving license is critical, however it certainly makes life a lot easier after 12 hour shift waiting for the taxi bus or train.
 

Rockhopper

Member
Joined
29 Apr 2019
Messages
736
A cover letter is vital as highlighted by LOM way back in this thread.

Also regarding travel, many locations are isolated and not served by public transport. Your shifts might not fit in with bus or train times even if they did serve the location. What if you live an hours drive away, are you really going to pay for a taxi? Motorbike in the depths of winter - I’ve done that - never again.
 

MaxGreyhound

New Member
Joined
26 Sep 2020
Messages
3
Location
Cumbria
Did you get the permanent position, or are you one of the Fixed term? Anyway that aside the spreadsheet you have been linked to is a little bit out of date. For Workington No 2 (There's also a Workington No 3, don't ask what happened to Workington No 1!)

SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
OffRest DayRest DayEarlyEarlyLateLate
LateLateLateRest DayRest DayEarlyEarly
EarlyEarlyEarlyLateLateRest DayRest Day

05:15 starts on earlies, 13:00 handover between shifts, 00:00 finish on lates.

There are some "random" extra rest days in a 27 week cycle to balance it down to 35 hours a week but that's the basic pattern.
This is great. Thanks for the help. Its for the permanent position but in the interview the LOM said they may move me to different boxes as and when needed. So not 100% it's going to be Workington No2 but that's what on the contract.
 
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headshot119

Established Member
Joined
31 Dec 2010
Messages
2,052
Location
Dubai
This is great. Thanks for the help. Its for the permanent position but in the interview the LOM said they may move me to different boxes as and when needed. So not 100% it's going to be Workington No2 but that's what on the contract.

Wherever you end up (Except Workington No 3) the basic pattern is the same, so it'll give you a good idea of what you can expect.

Did you have a confirmed start date?
 

jossh78

Member
Joined
3 Aug 2020
Messages
32
Location
Uttoxeter
Not to dwell too much on the disappointment of my “future opportunities“ rejection but my status has changed to “Active application” on my career portal.
Does anyone know if this is in relation to being “fast tracked” for any future positions ?
Thanks all.
 

Tigerned371

Member
Joined
8 Jul 2020
Messages
34
Location
Lincolnshire
"Have you had a full clean and valid UK driving licence for more than 12 months? Just wondering how important that is if that is an automatic disqualifier before they even look at the questions submitted"

I have a car, driving licence etc and had to answer that question as "No" because I have some points, i.e. it's not clean...but I think I highlighted the ability to travel to work on time on the CV. Always worth making it obvious there if you have any concerns.
There is the option of submitting a cover letter too, although I don't think that is necessary. But, it's potentially a couple of pages to sell yourself more, and/or remove concerns.

I’m no CV expert but highlighting the ability of being able to get to work on time is surely a massive waste of a sentence on a document with such limited valuable space to sell yourself.
 

Rockhopper

Member
Joined
29 Apr 2019
Messages
736
A couple of pages is too much, one side only for your covering letter and your CV should be two pages max.
When you’ve got hundreds to go through you can be bothered wading through pages of information.
 

Defenestrate

Member
Joined
6 Aug 2019
Messages
130
I’m no CV expert but highlighting the ability of being able to get to work on time is surely a massive waste of a sentence on a document with such limited valuable space to sell yourself.

I'm no expert either. However, if you are using your CV to sell yourself, then ticking off what you have to offer against the essential criteria seems like a good way to go.
Transport is one of ten criteria mentioned in current adverts.
Pretty sure I also mentioned having decent hearing and eyesight, to tick off another one.
 

Rockhopper

Member
Joined
29 Apr 2019
Messages
736
Many companies are using software to narrow down applications to manageable levels - its vital that your CV addresses all the key criteria in the advert as the computer will scan it for those key words.
 

Amy1090

Member
Joined
11 Jun 2020
Messages
34
Location
Knottingley
Hey everyone, I’m considering applying for a relief role (already secured a FTC on a grade 2) which is a grade 5 GPR 24%. Does anyone know roughly what salary this equates to? Also is it worth doing a relief role? What are the pros and cons? Do you also get allowances on top? Or is it all covered in the 24%? Any advice would be really helpful! thank you :)
 
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Qball

Member
Joined
5 Sep 2018
Messages
105
Hey everyone, I’m considering applying for a relief role (already secured a FTC on a grade 2) which is a grade 5 GPR 24%. Does anyone know roughly what salary this equates to? Also is it worth doing a relief role? What are the pros and cons? Any advice would be really helpful! thank you :)
£47557 basic but easily earn 10k-15k extra with overtime and sundays
 

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