General Manager
Interview process
At this stage of the process there was no formal interview with one candidate at a time, but there were some individual and group tasks to complete. We were given about ten minutes to do the first individual task before moving on to discuss it in a group of about five people. This stage lasted about 40 minutes, and there were members of staff in the room watching each of us, taking notes on our interaction. They were not able to speak or give guidance during that stage. After that, we were each asked to prepare a presentation individually, then deliver it to one member of staff.
Most difficult question
There were no questions asked directly in the normal interview format.
Interview tips
There are several positions available around the country, and Network Rail hires a fresh intake every year so there are always new graduates. It is worth getting to know something about your local rail networks and stations, such as by observing whatever you can about difficulties or potential challenges. This will help you with examples when dealing with some of the questions that are asked.
Experiences at the assessment centre
About 60 graduates were invited to the new Network Rail building in Milton Keynes. We were welcomed very well, and required to do a few assessments. The first was to think about as many solutions as possible to a potential railway problem. Then we had to discuss them in a group and come up with a strategy for solving them. The second half of the day was preparing for and delivering a presentation on one of those issues to one assessor.
Interview steps
Interviews:
- Phone
- 1:1
- Group / Panel
- Senior Management
- Video
Tests:
- Numerical
- Personality
- Verbal reasoning
- Psychometric
Other:
- Assessment centre
- Group exercise
- Background check
- Presentation
- Competency based questions