Train Delay Attributor - interview prep?

[jb5000]

Hello,

I've landed myself an interview for a Train Delay Attributor next week at the York ROC. I'm hoping I might be able to get some advice for the interview.

I've found some useful files online:

• This page on the NR site which goes into a lot of detail (https://www.networkrail.co.uk/indus...erators/network-code/delay-attribution-board/)
• The guide to how some delays are attributed (https://sacuksprodnrdigital0001.blo...laining Attribution Principles (informal).pdf)

I'm assuming that a lot of this would be covered in training, but is this something I could usefully familiarise myself with before the interview?

Also, are there any other questions that I should look out and prepare for? I've already had to send in a written answer to a safety question. I previously worked for Network Rail in more of a public relations role so feel I know the geography particularly of the North East route, but is knowledge like that expected to cover which signal boxes are where and about freight operations, or should I be ok knowing roughly where towns are and which TOCs run which services?

The original JD is here if that's any use: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/train-delay-attributor-york-at-network-rail-4189290954/

All thanks for any help!

 

[jon0844]

Turn up late and be sure to know who to pass the blame on to....



Oh, and good luck!

 

[WAB]

Hello,

I've landed myself an interview for a Train Delay Attributor next week at the York ROC. I'm hoping I might be able to get some advice for the interview.

I've found some useful files online:

• This page on the NR site which goes into a lot of detail (https://www.networkrail.co.uk/indus...erators/network-code/delay-attribution-board/)
• The guide to how some delays are attributed (https://sacuksprodnrdigital0001.blob.core.windows.net/delay-attribution-board/Delay Attribution Board/Other Useful Documents/02 Explaining Attribution Principles (informal).pdf)

I'm assuming that a lot of this would be covered in training, but is this something I could usefully familiarise myself with before the interview?

Also, are there any other questions that I should look out and prepare for? I've already had to send in a written answer to a safety question. I previously worked for Network Rail in more of a public relations role so feel I know the geography particularly of the North East route, but is knowledge like that expected to cover which signal boxes are where and about freight operations, or should I be ok knowing roughly where towns are and which TOCs run which services?

The original JD is here if that's any use: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/train-delay-attributor-york-at-network-rail-4189290954/

All thanks for any help!

I think your geographical knowledge is pretty sound, and of course you will be trained on the relevant details of your route. Having a knowledge of the operators and routes of the NR routes controlled from York (but not down to a signal box level) would be helpful.

For a TDA, you'll need to be focusing on demonstrating communication skills (i.e., to demonstrate you can get delay info off of controllers/signallers in a timely manner without pissing them off), analytical skills (to spot info from the various data), working accurately and at pace under pressure (you'll be backlogged some of the time and the company needs the delay incidents logged quickly to meet its obligations), IT skills (you'll need to demonstrate you can pick up new software quickly as it is very IT-based), etc.

Good luck!

 

[Horizon22]

Looks like you've done the right amount of prep.

Just think about the skills that might be required (@WAB has explained these quite well) and how they will build them into a competency-based (e.g. STAR format) questions.