Apologies for the long post, but hopefully some people may find this 2023/2024 job application to confirmed start date useful. I'm sure all application timelines will be drastically different but here is mine.
Grade 7 Signaller at York ROC:
careershub.networkrail.co.uk
21st November 2023
Initial application:
-Basic questions; do you have the right to work in the UK etc.
-Multiple choice questions such as: your friends are drinking the night before the shift, what do you do? You list the 1st, 2nd and 3rd preference. I found this quite strange and difficult, but it does make you think and choose a decision.
-Application questions: Questions to be answered in around 200–300 words. For example, why do you want to be a signaler?
This took a few hours to do. Take your time, read the questions and come back to it. You do not have to finish it in one go.
8th December 2023 (2 weeks and 3 days since application)
Aptitude test email:
-Aptitude test/signaler ability: This was totally different to what I expected but basically just different scenarios - for example, remembering where the shapes on screen were.
-I cannot help a great deal with this because I had already passed the signaler ability test within the last 6 months, this email was just to let me know that my application had moved to the assessment stage.
19th December 2023 (4 weeks since application)
Interview email:
-Asked to attend a virtual interview on Thursday 18th January.
-Had to confirm attendance by email.
-Hade to upload documents to an ID portal; ID, proof of DOB, proof of address.
-A PDF is also supplied with interview tips such as the S.T.A.R method.
16th January 2024 (8 weeks since application)
-Informal visit to York ROC to have a look around and ask questions.
18th January 2024 (8 weeks and 2 days since application)
-Virtual interview that lasted 45 minutes with 2 people on screen, 1 asking questions and the other typing my answers. It was honestly very relaxed, they were friendly and professional.
-I wore a white shirt and a black tie. Simple but smart.
-I was asked expected questions regarding what you know about Network Rail and its role, asked about signaller training etc.
-Non technical skills; use the STAR (Situation/Task/Action/Result) method and sell yourself. For example: Provide an example of when you worked in a high pressure situation.
-There was also a signaller assessment/roleplay questions relating a simulated scenario. For example, this has happened - what would you do first?
-Tips: Be yourself, be confident, research Network Rail, research the role, prepare to talk about scenarios where you have worked in a high pressure situation, research the safety culture at NR.
19th January 2024 (8 weeks and 3 days since application)
Phone call the next day to offer me the job!
-Call and an email to offer the job subject to conditions.
-Proposed start date 25th March 2024, proposed IST date 8th April 2024
-Sent a PDF with information and medical requirements etc.
24th January 2024: (9 weeks and 1 day since application)
Onboarding emails (3 emails)
-Email 1 (Contract/offer pack)
-Email 2 (DBS checks)
-Email 3 (Employment history)
I completed the DBS portal and sent all relevant signed documents back the same day.
25th January 2024: (9 weeks and 2 days since application)
-Email asking me to submit ID documents for criminal record check
6th February 2024: (11 weeks since application)
-DBS Arrived by post
9th February 2024: (11 weeks and 3 days since application)
Email for booked medical
-Appointment date: Thursday 15th February 2024
15th February 2024: (12 weeks and 2 days since application)
Appointment Duration: 90 minutes
Appointment Date & Time: Thursday, 15th February 2024 at 1:30 pm
Appointment Type: Pre Placement HSW Medical Level 5
- Questions: Asking various questions about any previous or current medical issues. Standard stuff like have you ever had TB etc.
- Current medication: Went through my current medication, physically took the prescribed medication with me to show. (Sertraline in my case, was no problem)
- BMI: Weight and height checks. I am overweight but wasn't an issue.
- Blood pressure: First test high but ok, second test was perfect.
- Breath test: Blow test to check for alcohol.
- Urine test: Wee sample in a tube to check for drugs, this was quite awkward as she stood right outside the cubicle. If you're a shy p*sser then you might struggle
- Hearing test: A lengthy test whilst sat in a small sound proof cubicle with headphones on pressing a button when you hear a sound.
- Eye sight test: I was surprised at how simple this was. Colorblind test, reading out numbers from a book. Covering one eye at a time and reading out letters on a board.
- Mobility test: Moving you head left to right and touching toes etc. I cannot touch my toes was no issue.
20th February 2024: (13 weeks since application)
Pre-employment checks are complete!
-Confirmed start date (25th March)
-Employee number.
-Line manager to get in touch.
I hope this helps. If anyone else is starting at York ROC on 25th March get in touch!