Network Rail Aptitude Tests, SJT, Assessment Centre, Recruitment Process and Interviews Preparation – 2024
What Is Network Rail?
Network Rail owns and manages the majority of railroad infrastructure in Great Britain. They are responsible for running the 20 largest train stations and maintain the 20,000 miles of track along with the bridges and tunnels along the rail system. To effectively manage and maintain the massive railway system in Great Britain, Network Rail is divided into five regions Eastern, Northwest and Central, Southern, Wales and Western, and Scotland’s railway. Employment with Network Rail includes a number of benefits such as:
28 days of annual leave
Online shopping site discounts
Pensions
Two weeks paid reserve leave for Armed Forces members
Health and childcare vouchers
Subsidies on rail and underground tickets
Their recruitment process is based on identifying potential employees who possess their key values, of determination, pride, respect, and teamwork. Network Rail plans to spend £45 billion in the next five years, to modernise and expand the railway. This means there are opportunities with Network Rail beyond engineering.
What Is the Network Rail Hiring Process?
The Application
The first step in the Network Rail recruitment process is an online application, some positions will require that you submit your CV. Open positions are advertised on their website, with the application instructions. When you submit your online application, you will be required to take several assessment tests.
What Are the Network Rail Online Assessment Tests?
Situational Judgment Test (SJT) The situational judgment test is used to see how the applicant will respond in a few different workplace scenarios. You will be given a few lines outlining a situation, and decide what the best response would be. The test is multiple choice and has no time limit.
Numerical Reasoning Test Numerical reasoning aptitude tests are used to test the applicant’s skill at understanding and using the information presented in tables and graphs. This test is timed, and you must complete as many questions as you can in the time provided. You will have about 30 minutes to complete the test.
Verbal Reasoning Test The verbal reasoning exam assesses the job seeker’s ability to infer information from a paragraph. You will be presented with several paragraphs and will have to answer questions based on what you read. The questions are multiple-choice and the test is timed. You will need to correctly answer as many questions as you can in the time provided. This test reduces the time to 15 minutes.
Inductive Reasoning Test (Graduate Scheme Engineering Track Only) The inductive reasoning test measures the applicant’s ability to identify patterns. You will be presented with a series of numbers or shapes and must finish the pattern. You will need to be able to recognise the shapes from different angles. The test is multiple-choice, and you will be presented with five choices per question.
Network Rail uses these psychometric tests to screen their candidates carefully. Each test is dependant on the previous one. If you do not pass a test, you will not be given the next one, and you will receive notification that your application was not accepted. These aptitude tests are often provided by SHL.
The Network Rail Online Interview
If you successfully pass the Network Rail online exams, you will move onto the next step, the online interview. You will be sent a link and the questions they would like you to answer. The interview will last about 20 minutes and will focus on any related experience, your CV, and your knowledge of the company and its key values. Expect questions such as:
What are some challenges you may face in this position?
Why do you want to work for Network Rail?
Do you think you embody the Network Rail core values?
You will have seven days from receiving the link to record the interview. Once you start, you will only have one opportunity to record and submit your finished interview.
Online testing plays a large role in the Network Rail recruitment process, so applicants may be looking for tips to help prepare. Practising the skills you will be tested on is key. The assessments are tailored to Network Rail’s preferences, so a firm knowledge of the company and its practices is important. These tests are used to help management form an opinion of your level of competency, your skill level, and how well you will fit into the corporate culture. Always carefully read the directions to ensure you are choosing the correct answers. Make sure you set aside time to focus on the tests instead of trying to rush. Have a quiet area with no distractions. On the timed tests focus on your accuracy instead of quantity.
How to Prepare for the Network Rail Interviews?
Whether interviewing online or in person, confidence is key when trying to make a good impression. Practice answering the questions so you feel secure in your answers. Mock interviews can make you feel more comfortable with the interview process, and help you have answers prepared. Have scenarios ready that you can link back to the topic at hand, to provide examples for questions such as “name a time you had to step into a leadership role.” Prior to the interviews research the company so you can knowledgeably answer questions they may have about why you would be a good fit, or if you are aware of their core values.
How to Prepare for the Network Rail Assessment Centre?
To prepare for the assessment centre, make certain you have your resume and CV with you so you’re ready if you make it to the face to face interview. Be prepared to work in a group, you will want to be able to show that you can function as part of a team and contribute to its success. If you made it this far, you should be prepared for the online tests. Take time to refresh yourself on those skills before attending the assessment centre to make sure your results stay consistent. You will be making a case-study presentation, consider practising before the assessment centre so you can approach the presentation with confidence. As with all steps in the hiring process, make sure you keep the Network Rail mission and values in mind since this is the metric against which they will be judging their job candidates.
