A career as a signaller

[DC36]

I was looking forward to my interview this coming week and potentially a new career. Has anybody else had a meltdown while doing the online pre interview assessment? What annoys me is my current role I speak to customers, managers and other colleagues and work in a potentially stressful environment having to solve problems and issues on a daily basis but recording myself doing a scenario I just couldn't do it. My mind went blank and the nerves kicked in. I couldn't string any sentencs together from my notes. Iv never used or been in a position to need to use video calls so haven't got used to the thought of it. This is obviously what they're looking for to sift out those who can't deal with pressure and a general insight before an interview but I don't feel like I was able to show myself exactly who I am. I'm disappointed in myself and not blaming their recruitment strategy. Unfortunately the end of the road for me now but maybe I should work on video call confidence and maybe reapply in the future.

Have you had your rejection email already? If not keep hope, I felt mine was horrendous and I'm used to doing video calls. My mind went blank and I just kept repeating myself. It's just a small part of the application process so don't give up yet, I got through and did much better at my video interview, found it easier talking to actual people rather than just recording myself saying stuff

 

[Goggins]

Take the date they give you with a pinch of salt for when you hear back by. No news is good news usually

I can second this.. I applied in March, interview in May, Got the job in August, started Signalling School in October. It can be a long wait, but worth it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Nov 2023 ==

For the benefit of those people wondering about how challenging IST can be, my take is that if you have passed the assessments and got to interview then you already have the capabilities required to pass IST.
The figure I was told by an OM is that it costs Network Rail around £60,000 each to put every candidate through the course, so they’re not going to select people they weren’t sure would pass.

That said, people do fail. Me being one of them. People don’t really admit it on here either, but I failed my final exam falling just short of getting a talk up, and as such I had to rejoin another course from Week 7, and subsequently went on to pass very comfortably. Having been in my box and meeting other signallers there are quite a lot that fell short and went on to pass too.
There was one person on my course that had failed previously who came back and passed. When I joined the other group there was one in that group who had failed previously and had to come back.

Make vital use of the sim group sessions, go through rules and quizzes together etc over evening meal. Take time for yourself too, that’s important. Have your cut off point.
For flash card revision I used the StudySmarter app, and basically put every question from the ‘quizzes‘ in there. If I’d done that from Week 1, I’d have passed first time I’m sure.

Love your honesty.. I'm about to start Week 5 and extremely concerned about the test i have coming up this week, but i can only do my best and hope its enough.
All very good advice and have found myself doing a lot of the same. Thank you for the insight

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Nov 2023 ==

I’m not sure there’s much I’d change about the way our group worked together. I went with the attitude of knowing that there is a possibility of failure but that NR will support those who show the right initiative to get through. So I threw myself into it with as much energy as I could. I suppose the thing I found most challenging was getting up on the SIM in front of the full group to run a new scenario. It took me probably 6 weeks to get comfortable with it and maybe I shied away from getting that initial hands on learning. It was the total silence or quiet murmurs behind me that I found really hard. I’d add that we didn’t have an unsupportive group at all, it was purely my personal struggles.

So what I’d do differently would be to throw myself forward into those scenarios (or possibly better- agree a rotation with the group so that everyone gets a fair crack on the SIM with the WDS leading something new)

SIM groups are another thought. Our course stuck with the same official sim groups from day one to the end of the course. The course behind us mixed this up on almost a weekly basis. Maybe that could have worked out well for us giving a bit of alternative input but we probably learned to trust our groups as a safe place to fail and explore.

I can agree with this.. Personally struggling to get up infront of the class for the first few weeks, but getting more comfortable as the weeks go on.. And now feeling the benefit of just doing it and pretending no one is behind me.

 

[Lynx]

I just got call with the conditional offer so now they starting the on boarding process which will take a few weeks now.

I also got a conditional offer for the anglia routes, they were very vague with the dates but I’m guessing we will likely be on the same course all things going well!

 

[BG1983]

I can second this.. I applied in March, interview in May, Got the job in August, started Signalling School in October. It can be a long wait, but worth it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Nov 2023 ==


Love your honesty.. I'm about to start Week 5 and extremely concerned about the test i have coming up this week, but i can only do my best and hope its enough.
All very good advice and have found myself doing a lot of the same. Thank you for the insight

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Nov 2023 ==


I can agree with this.. Personally struggling to get up infront of the class for the first few weeks, but getting more comfortable as the weeks go on.. And now feeling the benefit of just doing it and pretending no one is behind me.

Out of interest what are the class sizes?

 

[Goggins]

Out of interest what are the class sizes?

They vary.. We have 8 in our class, i know another course that has 10, and then I've heard of courses running as low as 3-4.

 

[lambo79]

I was looking forward to my interview this coming week and potentially a new career. Has anybody else had a meltdown while doing the online pre interview assessment? What annoys me is my current role I speak to customers, managers and other colleagues and work in a potentially stressful environment having to solve problems and issues on a daily basis but recording myself doing a scenario I just couldn't do it. My mind went blank and the nerves kicked in. I couldn't string any sentencs together from my notes. Iv never used or been in a position to need to use video calls so haven't got used to the thought of it. This is obviously what they're looking for to sift out those who can't deal with pressure and a general insight before an interview but I don't feel like I was able to show myself exactly who I am. I'm disappointed in myself and not blaming their recruitment strategy. Unfortunately the end of the road for me now but maybe I should work on video call confidence and maybe reapply in the future.

Hi Kabin, Don't sweat too much (unless you've had already received a rejection email) as I had an absolute shocker in this part of the application process and I still got through to an interview. In fact I completely messed up the scenarios as I misread the instructions and answered from the wrong point of view. My answers weren't great either. But I still passed the stage so please don't lose hope. Feel free to shout if you need any advice.

 

[Equalizer]

I was looking forward to my interview this coming week and potentially a new career. Has anybody else had a meltdown while doing the online pre interview assessment? What annoys me is my current role I speak to customers, managers and other colleagues and work in a potentially stressful environment having to solve problems and issues on a daily basis but recording myself doing a scenario I just couldn't do it. My mind went blank and the nerves kicked in. I couldn't string any sentencs together from my notes. Iv never used or been in a position to need to use video calls so haven't got used to the thought of it. This is obviously what they're looking for to sift out those who can't deal with pressure and a general insight before an interview but I don't feel like I was able to show myself exactly who I am. I'm disappointed in myself and not blaming their recruitment strategy. Unfortunately the end of the road for me now but maybe I should work on video call confidence and maybe reapply in the future.

Thanks for sharing

I felt the pressure too before and during video scenerio assessment.

It can catch you off guard as really they are giving you scenerios for a job you haven't been trained to do but only know what it Intails from the job description.

Its not a natural condition to answer under a video recording session where you have like a minute to think of a response then 4 minutes to record and submit whilst staring at yourself.

Looking at myself and my facial expressions was enough to put me off. Lolz

Don't beat urself up too much as you still don't know if you have been rejected and even if so try again and this time you know what to expect.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Nov 2023 ==

I also got a conditional offer for the anglia routes, they were very vague with the dates but I’m guessing we will likely be on the same course all things going well!

Ahh nice. Yeah I got a vague response on start dates too.

Well hopefully I see you on the course.

Hopefully with what we learnt from here can be study buddies

I know I need to start getting in shape before start date as I know I'm gonna put on weight on the course

 

[heavyjack]

Am I right in thinking that all external vacancies have already been advertised internally?

It can be a bit of a lottery when and where the external vacancy opportunities will pop up so would it be better 'getting in' first doing anything then attempt to sideways transfer to signalling when they are advertised internally?

 

[Lynx]

Thanks for sharing

I felt the pressure too before and during video scenerio assessment.

It can catch you off guard as really they are giving you scenerios for a job you haven't been trained to do but only know what it Intails from the job description.

Its not a natural condition to answer under a video recording session where you have like a minute to think of a response then 4 minutes to record and submit whilst staring at yourself.

Looking at myself and my facial expressions was enough to put me off. Lolz

Don't beat urself up too much as you still don't know if you have been rejected and even if so try again and this time you know what to expect.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Nov 2023 ==


Ahh nice. Yeah I got a vague response on start dates too.

Well hopefully I see you on the course.

Hopefully with what we learnt from here can be study buddies

I know I need to start getting in shape before start date as I know I'm gonna put on weight on the course

I was give the start date of the course of 8th Jan, but they don’t know where haha

I’m hoping this onboarding process goes quickly!

 

[Seanywarny]

I was give the start date of the course of 8th Jan, but they don’t know where haha

I’m hoping this onboarding process goes quickly!

I got the phone call too on Friday afternoon and was given soo much information and don’t think I took it all in! Due to being out in a noisy area and the excitement! I was offered Willesden area but was told it was going to be on a grade 2 money for at least a year! Which is not how I understood the advert or the questions I asked at the end of the interview! What were you guys told if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[chrislfc]

I got the phone call too on Friday afternoon and was given soo much information and don’t think I took it all in! Due to being out in a noisy area and the excitement! I was offered Willesden area but was told it was going to be on a grade 2 money for at least a year! Which is not how I understood the advert or the questions I asked at the end of the interview! What were you guys told if you don’t mind me asking?

I start in Chester area in Jan. I was told £32,210 until passed out and fully competent in a particular box, at which point the salary will move to the relevant pay grade for the box I end up in.

 

[Lynx]

I got the phone call too on Friday afternoon and was given soo much information and don’t think I took it all in! Due to being out in a noisy area and the excitement! I was offered Willesden area but was told it was going to be on a grade 2 money for at least a year! Which is not how I understood the advert or the questions I asked at the end of the interview! What were you guys told if you don’t mind me asking?

I was told once we complete IST, we then apply internally to a position in the area you are based and then once passed out in your box we are then at the given grade we would be! Hope this helps, Although I was also given quite unclear instructions!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Nov 2023 ==

I got the phone call too on Friday afternoon and was given soo much information and don’t think I took it all in! Due to being out in a noisy area and the excitement! I was offered Willesden area but was told it was going to be on a grade 2 money for at least a year! Which is not how I understood the advert or the questions I asked at the end of the interview! What were you guys told if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[Buckshee]

loads of information on here but regards to my interview on Friday for a signallers position has anyone on here taken notes into the interview is this allowed

 

[Equalizer]

loads of information on here but regards to my interview on Friday for a signallers position has anyone on here taken notes into the interview is this allowed

Yeah they even tell you to in the email preparing you for interview to take notes that you can occasionally reference like bullet points

Also you can take notes yourself during interview if you want raise questions after

 

[Buckshee]

Yeah they even tell you to in the email preparing you for interview to take notes that you can occasionally reference like bullet points

Also you can take notes yourself during interview if you want raise questions after

Brilliant thanks for the reply got my interview at barrow MDU on Friday looking forward to it

 

[Equalizer]

Yeah you are conditionally given the area and grade you applied for as a resident but you haven't secured a position until you have done the ist training and then you officially apply for the box which was my understanding too.

 

[bhabloke]

loads of information on here but regards to my interview on Friday for a signallers position has anyone on here taken notes into the interview is this allowed

In my experience, this would probably be frowned upon. Whilst I had my interview fairly recently I cannot recall NR stating that notes are not allowed. Personally I wouldn't bring them as it may be considered as an advantage. The only way to be sure, would be to ask them before the day. If they say ' Of course, no problem' then its all good!

 

[Equalizer]

Good luck

 

[bhabloke]

Brilliant thanks for the reply got my interview at barrow MDU on Friday looking forward to it

Ah, I stand corrected!!

 

[Equalizer]

In my experience, this would probably be frowned upon. Whilst I had my interview fairly recently I cannot recall NR stating that notes are not allowed. Personally I wouldn't bring them as it may be considered as an advantage. The only way to be sure, would be to ask them before the day. If they say ' Of course, no problem' then its all good!

"Sometimes it helps to have notes written down to help support you on your interview, though you cannot read directly off a notes sheet, it is a great idea to make key points relating to the role of a signaller, the skills needed, and more specifically, what the interviewers are looking for. “

Direct qoute from my email before interview

So occasionally looking at them to remind you to help trigger your memory is perfectly fine. Just not blantently reading off them like a newsreader with no eye contact with interviewer is a big no

Just go in remembering they want you to do well and it's not a interrogation but treat it like a meeting and more casual friendly chat if your right for the role and you understand what the job is and requirements

 

[Seanywarny]

I start in Chester area in Jan. I was told £32,210 until passed out and fully competent in a particular box, at which point the salary will move to the relevant pay grade for the box I end up

I was told once we complete IST, we then apply internally to a position in the area you are based and then once passed out in your box we are then at the given grade we would be! Hope this helps, Although I was also given quite unclear instructions!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Nov 2023 ==

I was told once we complete IST, we then apply internally to a position in the area you are based and then once passed out in your box we are then at the given grade we would be! Hope this helps, Although I was also given quite unclear instructions!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Nov 2023 ==

That’s how I understood the process but was told different on Friday on the phone… but received my first email about on boarding and the contract has cleared it up!
Thanks

 

[Brett55]

Hi guys,

I've still not heard back on the interview decision, will be 2 weeks Wednesday. If it is a rejection, is there a time restriction for reapplying?

Cheers

 

[Jet]

Hi guys,

I've still not heard back on the interview decision, will be 2 weeks Wednesday. If it is a rejection, is there a time restriction for reapplying?

Cheers

I waited 7 weeks before I was told I was successful! I actually applied for a higher grade post during this time so waiting to see if I get shortlisted for that!

 

[Jordan4321]

Hi guys,

I've still not heard back on the interview decision, will be 2 weeks Wednesday. If it is a rejection, is there a time restriction for reapplying?

Cheers

Hi mate no news is usually good news, it’s just a waiting game, some people wait months for a reply and no there isn’t a limit on re applying, just out of curiosity what box is it if you don’t mind me asking

 

[Equalizer]

If anyone has successfully completed the basic dbs check recently please send me a dm

 

[Jordan4321]

If anyone has successfully completed the basic dbs check recently please send me a dm

Hi not a clue how to dm on here but if you send me a message I completed one last month

 

[Equalizer]

Hi not a clue how to dm on here but if you send me a message I completed one last month

Hi thanks sending now

 

[NXFlyer]

If anyone has successfully completed the basic dbs check recently please send me a dm

Had my DBS come through yesterday, feel free to DM - I had an address fail on mine but NR cleared it up pretty quickly.

 

[Dread Pirate]

Had my DBS come through yesterday, feel free to DM - I had an address fail on mine but NR cleared it up pretty quickly.

How long did it take? I sent mine off 3 weeks ago and not had any word back yet.

 

[Open_G]

How long did it take? I sent mine off 3 weeks ago and not had any word back yet.

That’s one of those “how long is a piece of string?” questions. It varies and can often take longer if you’ve moved around a bit as I think they check with each local force.