Network Rail Interview Questions & Answers

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.

There were no questions asked directly in the normal interview format.

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.

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.

I was interviewed by two ladies. Both within the industry, but not specific within the role I was applying for.
Questions about me and what I've done (great opportunity to fill in some points about how your skills match up to skills relevant/needed for the role)
Usual competency based questions were included - example of team work, time you demonstrated leadership, How do you manage your time well?
General questions about role - Why Network Rail, What interests you about the project management scheme, how will you cope with the University course in the first year?

Interview lasted around 40 minutes.

Very comfortable interview. The questions didn't try and catch you out - they tried to make you feel comfortable and if you looked stuck on a question/didn't answer question fully, they asked a follow up question to get the points out.

Industry based questions - can't remember them all - I checked after and they were general Project management jobs - such as describing risk management. Put me on the spot as I wasn't expecting that at all.

Be prepared. Prepare knowledge of what challenges the company may be facing, on the projects they are currently working on.

For assessment day - read the finance section of a finance section on an a-level revision website (basic understanding will help you)
Fell confident during it - it isn't as intense and scary as it may seem, everyone is very friendly. You also get a great lunch at the staff canteen!

Assessment centre was based in Warwick.

It consisted of:
one to one interview
group exercise
presentation exercise


Presentation exercise - I would recommend brushing up on knowledge of break even/ revenue/ profit/ loss - as you will need to work out lots of data and compare.
- It is a fun exercise - important to read through all documents first, to ensure you get an overall understanding of all the information (this will make more sense once you're there)