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Northern Rail Trainee Conductor Manchester Piccadily

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kelv

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20 Feb 2015
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My application is in, previously got through the sift so have deemed that information to be adequate enough to hopefully progress again & have sat the online tests (valid for 6 months apparently) so just need to wait and see again. Just contacted them asking about the Saville Test thing that you do after the SHL ones and the guy is going to let me know whatever he can about those 'results' as they create a profile of the person it seems so I have asked the question of if it has created a profile of me that means that this job will never happen for me, as the previous rejection email only stated that there were more suitable candidates for the position and at no point said that I had failed.

There's a good chance as well that if this selection 'drags on' then the Franchise may have changed over by the start date, if not then not long after.... The Saville Test was a fairly new thing to Northern Rail & Arriva don't use it.
Starting to get finger cramps from the amount of time I have them crossed now.


I'd submitted my application before my 'Alert' came through as well btw.
 

1571238

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4 Jan 2016
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Good luck Kelv -

Im taking my SHL test tonight after doing a few practise ones. Im looking for vacancies in the yorkshire area.
The biggest shock for me was getting the email to make me aware of these SHL tests, but they said i had to complete the test more or less within 48 hours - but i had never done any practise tests before so basically ive had 1 night of practising and tonight will be doing the actual test.

If this one doesnt go too well i at least now am aware of these SHL tests and can get alot more thorough practising as im not confident i will fare too well in my first attempt at these tests.

My application is in, previously got through the sift so have deemed that information to be adequate enough to hopefully progress again & have sat the online tests (valid for 6 months apparently) so just need to wait and see again. Just contacted them asking about the Saville Test thing that you do after the SHL ones and the guy is going to let me know whatever he can about those 'results' as they create a profile of the person it seems so I have asked the question of if it has created a profile of me that means that this job will never happen for me, as the previous rejection email only stated that there were more suitable candidates for the position and at no point said that I had failed.

There's a good chance as well that if this selection 'drags on' then the Franchise may have changed over by the start date, if not then not long after.... The Saville Test was a fairly new thing to Northern Rail & Arriva don't use it.
Starting to get finger cramps from the amount of time I have them crossed now.


I'd submitted my application before my 'Alert' came through as well btw.
 

kelv

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20 Feb 2015
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249
Location
cheshire
Good luck Kelv -

Im taking my SHL test tonight after doing a few practise ones. Im looking for vacancies in the yorkshire area.
The biggest shock for me was getting the email to make me aware of these SHL tests, but they said i had to complete the test more or less within 48 hours - but i had never done any practise tests before so basically ive had 1 night of practising and tonight will be doing the actual test.

If this one doesnt go too well i at least now am aware of these SHL tests and can get alot more thorough practising as im not confident i will fare too well in my first attempt at these tests.

Yeah, thats the situation for the majority really the 1st time they get to that stage.
The Saville 1 was a completely new one though that folk hadn't had to sit before & as I recall it only gave you 3 or 4 practice/example questions, they didnt have a full practice section like shl, also the link they send you links direct into the login page so as soon as you login it directs you to the test they want you to do, so hard to give any advice regarding it.

Good Luck though.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just had an email to do the SHL tests, I'd spoken to recruitment yesterday and they seemed to think that I must have passed the ones in December (for them) to be then asked to do the Saville Test. They are finding out for me if I need to resit them or they transfer the scores over to this application. She did however think that I'd possibly be asked to do the Saville 1 again if I get through although wasn't completely certain.

I had also done the SHL for ATW about a month before that but they obviously don't transfer between TOC's, does anyone know if the online test results for NR will remain valid for a period of time ?

*Update : NR say I don't need to resit the SHL tests & confirmed that I passed them.
 
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kelv

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20 Feb 2015
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cheshire
Anyone heard anything after doing the Verbal & Numerical tests (from January ad) ?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just had email & haven't progressed.

I'm sure they read on here and know who each of us is because it's not the 1st time I've had an email straight after asking the question I asked above.
 

donpoku

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26 May 2015
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Anyone heard anything after doing the Verbal & Numerical tests (from January ad) ?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just had email & haven't progressed.

I'm sure they read on here and know who each of us is because it's not the 1st time I've had an email straight after asking the question I asked above.
Even if you are identifiable, your participation on this forum should not alone be used to disqualify candidates.

However TOC employers do visit here occasionally so a little bit of self aware should be employed.
 

JonseyT23

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5 Feb 2016
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Morning All

I to applied for this position, put application in, got the SHL test links, but got an email back yesterday saying I was unsuccessful. So I presume I failed the SHL tests?

No with the franchise coming to an end in March, will I still have to wait 6 months before I can apply again?
 
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donpoku

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26 May 2015
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359
Morning All

I to applied for this position, put application in, got the SHL test links, but got an email back yesterday saying I was unsuccessful. So I presume I failed the SHL tests?

No with the franchise coming to an end in March, will I still have to wait 6 months before I can apply again?
If you did not meet the SHL test standards, then yes the 6 month wait is procedural for jobs with this test requirements.

But you need to get clarification from recruitment if is indeed the SHL you did not pass.
 

JonseyT23

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If you did not meet the SHL test standards, then yes the 6 month wait is procedural for jobs with this test requirements.

But you need to get clarification from recruitment if is indeed the SHL you did not pass.

Would the HR dept give me the result of the tests, as the email said they were unable to give feedback.

I presume the below is the standard response

"Dear David

Thank you for taking the time to apply to us here at Northern. We are pleased to have received your application for the role.

Unfortunately we will not be progressing your application to the next stage. There were other candidates who were able to demonstrate skills and experience that better matched the requirements of the role.

As we have received such a high number of applications for this role we are unable to give individual feedback at this stage.

We appreciate how disappointing this will be and recommend that the best way for you to find out more about alternative opportunities here is to visit our careers page at www.northernrail.org and update your job alert criteria, so that we can get back in touch as soon as a suitable opportunity is here for you to apply for.

Thank you again for your interest in working with us.

Kind regards

The Recruitment Team"
 

kelv

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I was told when I enquired that as i had passed the SHL tests in December I didn't need to sit them again this time, so not progressing does not necessarily mean that you have failed them but just that you haven't made the cut-off, which could be above a certain test score or number of candidates to progress.

As an example Network Rail when I'd applied for a signaller position told me that I shouldn't be put off applying for similar positions because they had only put 10 through for interview, but in most cases my score would have seen me progress.
 

JonseyT23

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I was told when I enquired that as i had passed the SHL tests in December I didn't need to sit them again this time, so not progressing does not necessarily mean that you have failed them but just that you haven't made the cut-off, which could be above a certain test score or number of candidates to progress.

As an example Network Rail when I'd applied for a signaller position told me that I shouldn't be put off applying for similar positions because they had only put 10 through for interview, but in most cases my score would have seen me progress.

Did you just email the HR department for this?

I would like to know if I had passed or failed them, as I have never done these types of tests before, but spent nearly half a day online doing mock tests before I did the Real test.
 

kelv

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Location
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Did you just email the HR department for this?

I would like to know if I had passed or failed them, as I have never done these types of tests before, but spent nearly half a day online doing mock tests before I did the Real test.

I rang them regarding it, did you finds that the mock tests were harder than the actual test ? I did & found that it stressed me out a bit because it kind of put me in an oh no I'm not doing very well sort of situation. It's worth ringing them at their HR Contact Centre in York just to ask (not sure if its ok to post the number or not but found easily on google) I asked by saying that although they don't offer feedback I'm wanting to know if I'm way off the mark and wondering if I am wasting both mine & their time by keep applying, they were very friendly and helpful tbh.
 

JonseyT23

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I rang them regarding it, did you finds that the mock tests were harder than the actual test ? I did & found that it stressed me out a bit because it kind of put me in an oh no I'm not doing very well sort of situation. It's worth ringing them at their HR Contact Centre in York just to ask (not sure if its ok to post the number or not but found easily on google) I asked by saying that although they don't offer feedback I'm wanting to know if I'm way off the mark and wondering if I am wasting both mine & their time by keep applying, they were very friendly and helpful tbh.

Yeah the mock ones were harder than the actual ones and got me about stressed to. I wonder what the recruitment process for ATN will be once they take over in April, I might email them as I am not in any dire rush to find out as I cant apply for another 6 months for the conductor roll.
 

donpoku

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26 May 2015
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359
Yeah the mock ones were harder than the actual ones and got me about stressed to. I wonder what the recruitment process for ATN will be once they take over in April, I might email them as I am not in any dire rush to find out as I cant apply for another 6 months for the conductor roll.
But I will still suggest you try and find out as soon as whether it is the SHL.

Then you know if you need to work on the SHL or other aspect of your application. After all It can only benefit you to know and be ready when another vacancy comes up.

Regards
 

JonseyT23

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But I will still suggest you try and find out as soon as whether it is the SHL.

Then you know if you need to work on the SHL or other aspect of your application. After all It can only benefit you to know and be ready when another vacancy comes up.

Regards


I have, I sent them the email about an hour ago. I worded it honestly by asking what I failed on so I can improve the area/s where I failed on for any future application.

So can I not apply for any role for 6 months or just the conductor roles?
 

kelv

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I have, I sent them the email about an hour ago. I worded it honestly by asking what I failed on so I can improve the area/s where I failed on for any future application.

So can I not apply for any role for 6 months or just the conductor roles?


I've never had that said to me tbh, I'd keep applying if & when any are advertised (I will) unless it says any different on the ad because the email doesn't say that you have failed just that there were people deemed more suitable, there could well have been some internals who have some of the experience required & also that they already know their reliability etc & if your referee in your application is a NR manager then it's definitely going to be an advantage. They would still need to pass the tests but there will be a point in the recruitment where they go into pole position.
 

JonseyT23

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I've never had that said to me tbh, I'd keep applying if & when any are advertised (I will) unless it says any different on the ad because the email doesn't say that you have failed just that there were people deemed more suitable, there could well have been some internals who have some of the experience required & also that they already know their reliability etc & if your referee in your application is a NR manager then it's definitely going to be an advantage. They would still need to pass the tests but there will be a point in the recruitment where they go into pole position.

No I realize that, as it was advertised internally a couple of days before it went externally, thats where I saw it first and emailed HR about if this will go externally.

Yeah I can only see what they come back with, they may tell me I had not failed any part of the process which would be a massive bonus, but I would know if I had failed the Tests that I would have to resit them again next time, as I gather there are valid for 6 months if passed?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
ahh well Guess I will never know what I did/not fail on


Dear Candidate
Thank you for your email.
Unfortunately we are unable to offer candidates feedback after the application process. We receive high volumes of applications for each role and it is impracticable for us to respond to each person who has been unsuccessful at this stage.
We do, however, provide feedback for candidates after the interview process as the volumes are manageable and we have detailed information to feed back.
Regards
HR Team


Many Thanks

The HR Contact Centre Team
 
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KLMc1827

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1 Mar 2016
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Hello!
I just completed my SHL tests 3 days ago, just wondering how long I should expect to hear back from NR whether it be good news or bad news?

Many thanks!
 

davedjc84

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Hi Klmc. Which post you applied for? I did my SHL tests three days ago but deadline was only yesterday so imagine there'll be a while to wait... Cheers
 

KLMc1827

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Hi Dave,
A position in Hull
I actually just got a mail inviting me to take the next assessment in the process so oak assuming I passed them, I am surprised!
Thanks, wishing you luck too!
 

davedjc84

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29 Feb 2016
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Looks like I'm in exactly same position as you, as applied Hull also, and just got email requesting to do next part - just looks a bit like a questionnaire.

Good luck - hopefully fingers crossed make it to the interview stage!
 

kelv

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20 Feb 2015
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Location
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Looks like I'm in exactly same position as you, as applied Hull also, and just got email requesting to do next part - just looks a bit like a questionnaire.

Good luck - hopefully fingers crossed make it to the interview stage!

Saville ?

we discussed it in another thread as it's a bit of a weird 1-- Northern HR said they thought the same when 1 of them sat it, the result it produces is based on consistency as much as anything else, try to find the thread because there were some links in there that give you a guide as to how it is scored (prob a manc conductor thread).
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
some stuff in here ...
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=124077
 

davedjc84

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Thanks for that - Yeah it is the Saville, I had a look through the forum before filling it in, thanks - fingers crossed now...
 

KLMc1827

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Looks like I'm in exactly same position as you, as applied Hull also, and just got email requesting to do next part - just looks a bit like a questionnaire.

Good luck - hopefully fingers crossed make it to the interview stage!



Thank you! Same to you :)
 

davedjc84

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Hi KLM, you had any news yet? I've not had anything yet - think the deadline for the Saville was last Friday so expect may be a while waiting...?
 

KLMc1827

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Hi KLM, you had any news yet? I've not had anything yet - think the deadline for the Saville was last Friday so expect may be a while waiting...?

Hello!
Sorry for the wait, I didn't get a notification and only saw you'd replied when I came on here to ask you the same question!
No I haven't heard anything yet either! I've been checking my email everyday, driving me mad.
Hope to hear back soon. They say no news is good news...
 

davedjc84

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No worries KLM - just a waiting game eh :)

Erm, the Saville was interesting, just tried to answer honestly as it is building a profile of you, and I guess there is no point in trying to trick the system and be something your not.

Whether that is right or wrong, who knows, but we'll see if it gets me through to the next stage when they let us know.

Regards
 

KLMc1827

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No worries KLM - just a waiting game eh :)

Erm, the Saville was interesting, just tried to answer honestly as it is building a profile of you, and I guess there is no point in trying to trick the system and be something your not.

Whether that is right or wrong, who knows, but we'll see if it gets me through to the next stage when they let us know.

Regards

Yes, I did the same, was a weird questionairre, but figured answering honestly was the best option!
Hope to hear from them soon!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
How did you all find the Saville ?

It wasn't too bad, was slightly odd, but just answered as honestly as possible!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
No worries KLM - just a waiting game eh :)

Erm, the Saville was interesting, just tried to answer honestly as it is building a profile of you, and I guess there is no point in trying to trick the system and be something your not.

Whether that is right or wrong, who knows, but we'll see if it gets me through to the next stage when they let us know.

Regards

Hello :)
Any news yet?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Yes, I did the same, was a weird questionairre, but figured answering honestly was the best option!
Hope to hear from them soon!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


It wasn't too bad, was slightly odd, but just answered as honestly as possible!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Hello :)
Any news yet?

I actually just received a mail with bad news!
Thy must not like me as a person haha
Never mind, good luck to you!
 
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