Network Rail - MK office

Art1983 · 6 Jan 2018

Have tried a few times to get a job, most recently as an operational planner, at network rail in MK but time and time again get knocked back, all I want is a foot on the ladder to a career in the rail industry but clearly my CV and application isn't strong enough, any tips or ideas how I can progress and at least get an interview......am in my 30's and have a general office based background fyi.

RailUK Forums

Islineclear3_1 · 7 Jan 2018

Were you ever invited for interview? Did you research the job thoroughly and try and match your current skills to the requirements of the Network Rail JD?

Art1983 · 7 Jan 2018

No never get to the interview phase, always try to align my CV and cover letter to the role I'm applying for but never get any joy. The HR dept are probably sick of me applying so Im probably black marked lol.

Southernsig · 8 Jan 2018

Just keep applying for anything and everything, something will come up eventually!

pdeaves · 8 Jan 2018

Art1983 said:
The HR dept are probably sick of me applying so Im probably black marked lol.

Whilst that may be what it feels like, I would be amazed if that was actually the case. A few years ago I was in a similar position to you (and with another company as well as NR). I just kept applying for appropriate jobs, taking care with the application. Eventually something came up and it was worth the wait!

mitch.swiggins · 8 Jan 2018

pdeaves said:
Whilst that may be what it feels like, I would be amazed if that was actually the case. A few years ago I was in a similar position to you (and with another company as well as NR). I just kept applying for appropriate jobs, taking care with the application. Eventually something came up and it was worth the wait!

I’d like to echo this sentiment. I applied for dozens of NR jobs over a period of a approx a year and a half. I took a lot of assessments(online as well as seated) and I even managed to get as far as the interview stage a few times before I finally landed a job offer. But before I received an offer I was starting to feel like maybe HR was starting to get sick of seeing my applications come through! In short - keep applying, you’ll get there eventually!

Simon11 · 8 Jan 2018

If your struggling to get to the interview stage, it shows that the quality of your application isn't up to scratch or you are applying for roles for which you don't meet/ or fail to show clearly in the application that you meet their criteria.

Have you asked friends and family to check your applications? I'm always happy to review applications.

Art1983 · 8 Jan 2018

cheers for the responses gives me hope, at the end of the day my CV doesn't stack up against what i'm applying for, im looking for a career change into the industry and i guess the roles just don't seem suitable, ill keep trying.

tiptoptaff · 8 Jan 2018

From personal experience, I found it very difficult to get in to the industry when my background was purely office based.

Spartacus · 8 Jan 2018

Talking about your interest in railways would likely be a good thing, showing you've already got a headstart on things like geography, terminology and procedures to one extent or another.

whhistle · 9 Jan 2018

But don't come across geeky...
It will look like you're someone who is more interested in trains than the job.

Art1983 · 23 Jan 2018

so my application status has updated to "invite to assessment pending"........which is nice but im thinking the assessment will be the verbal reasoning and complete checker online tasks that i've taken before and seemingly not done well enough at as was rejected before due my results from these so im not hopeful.

pdeaves · 23 Jan 2018

Art1983 said:
so my application status has updated to "invite to assessment pending"........which is nice but im thinking the assessment will be the verbal reasoning and complete checker online tasks that i've taken before and seemingly not done well enough at as was rejected before due my results from these so im not hopeful.

If that is the process, then be hopeful. You've got through the first sift, now get through the second sift. Do it with a positive attitude!

Art1983 · 24 Jan 2018

Trying to be positive and doing some mock assessments to prepare but it isn't my strong point give me an interview and I'll do really well but a timed assessment and I'll always struggle unfortunately

Art1983 · 24 Jan 2018

Off to the quadrant mk on Wednesday 31st for an assessment day.

Art1983 · 24 Jan 2018

Can anyone offer insight into the make up of an assessment day at NR?

Art1983 · 27 Jan 2018

Anyone? Any assistance or advice much appreciated

EastMidsMatt · 27 Jan 2018

Art1983 said:
Trying to be positive and doing some mock assessments to prepare but it isn't my strong point give me an interview and I'll do really well but a timed assessment and I'll always struggle unfortunately

Maybe you've not got the basic skills needed for a job on the railway, sorry to be a bit harsh but that's why they have these assessments.

Art1983 · 27 Jan 2018

Not taken as harsh, comments like that just gives me the extra motivation to prove people wrong.

Art1983 · 2 Feb 2018

Been informed I was successful at assessment centre and been offered a role at the quadrant..... absolutely buzzing thanks guys for your good words previously.

EastMidsMatt · 2 Feb 2018

Art1983 said:
Been informed I was successful at assessment centre and been offered a role at the quadrant..... absolutely buzzing thanks guys for your good words previously.

Well done! You've done better than I, and you, thought

mitch.swiggins · 2 Feb 2018

Art1983 said:
Been informed I was successful at assessment centre and been offered a role at the quadrant..... absolutely buzzing thanks guys for your good words previously.

congratulations, well done you! I'd like to add that I'm well impressed with the notification time - you only sat the assessment this past Wednesday?!

Art1983 · 2 Feb 2018

Correct....have to say the HR team involved on the day were v good and informative and I wasn't expecting to hear until next week.....my contract and start date will come much later though I'd imagine.

Jonfun · 2 Feb 2018

MattVick said:
Maybe you've not got the basic skills needed for a job on the railway, sorry to be a bit harsh but that's why they have these assessments.

There's a job on the railway for everyone if they really want it, it's just that the more popular jobs have a lot of competition so they have to whittle down more. Indeed, the people who really want to work on the railway generally do a better job than those who are doing it for the money. Each different role has it's own skillset, and you can have all the qualifications and experience in the world but if the interviewer doesn't like you, wants someone else, or perhaps there was someone better than you on the day, you won't be successful on that occasion. Just don't be deterred and keep on trying would be my advice to anyone who thinks they "don't have the skills to work on the railway".

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