Network Rail Interview Questions & Answers

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Difficulty rating 6 / 10

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  • General Manager

    5.0/5 | Interview date: March 2014 | Job offer? Not yet |

    Was this helpful? Yes 99

    Sectors: Management

    Difficulty rating 60.0 / 100

    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 excercise
    • Background check
    • Presentation
    • Competency based questions

    Rating the interview

    • How would you rate the pre-attendance information? 5/5
    • How well was the interview organised? 5/5
    • What was your overall impression of the organisation? 5/5
    • What was your overall impression of the selection process? 5/5
    • Did the interview reflect the overall values / culture of the organisation? 5/5
    • Would you recommend this company to a friend? 5/5
    • Did you want the role following your interview? 5/5
    • 

  • Project Management

    4.0/5 | Interview date: September 2013 | Job offer? No |

    Was this helpful? Yes 10

    Sectors: Public Sector

    Difficulty rating 60.0 / 100

    Interview process

    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.

    Most difficult question

    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.

    Interview tips

    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!

    Experiences at the assessment centre

    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)

    Interview steps

    Interviews

    • Phone
    • 1:1
    • Group / Panel
    • Senior Management
    • Video

    Tests

    • Numerical
    • Personality
    • Verbal reasoning
    • Psychometric

    Other

    • Assessment centre
    • Group excercise
    • Background check
    • Presentation
    • Competency based questions

    Rating the interview

    • How would you rate the pre-attendance information? 4/5
    • How well was the interview organised? 4/5
    • What was your overall impression of the organisation? 5/5
    • What was your overall impression of the selection process? 4/5
    • Did the interview reflect the overall values / culture of the organisation? 4/5
    • Would you recommend this company to a friend? 4/5
    • Did you want the role following your interview? 3/5
    • 

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