Query with Northern Rail Recruitment

[wigantrainman]

Hi,

Just a quick query really. Applied for a post with Northern Rail a few weeks ago. Filled in online form. Few days later received email to do numerical and verbal tests so did them. Day after closing date for those tests have received an email to do a Saville Consulting Work Strengths test which I have just done.
Do all these steps indicate I have passed through some stages or are they standard for all applicants?

Thanks

 

[8J]

As far as I know they are trialling a new system of selection out. Not sure how it will go tbh.

 

[kelv]

I've just done the same for Manchester, I'm presuming that you will still have had to get through the sift and then score highly enough on the shl tests to do that Saville questionnaire thing that builds some kind of profile of you.

Bit weird that one I thought, you pick 'strengths' then it asks you to put one of them in the negative i.e. least like you. Guy at Saville was very helpful on phone though before I did it.

 

[wigantrainman]

Yeah, I thought the same, it was strange having to pick the one thats least like you out of two strengths.

 

[kelv]

Yeah, I thought the same, it was strange having to pick the one thats least like you out of two strengths.

almost like having to say "ok maybe I'm not as good at that as I have just said"

how did you get on ? did you progress to an interview ?

 

[wigantrainman]

Not heard anything yet, you?

 

[kelv]

Not heard anything yet, you?

no, but the deadline for the Saville thing is only tonight.

I suppose like me you are also wondering what is going to happen due to them losing the franchise ?

I think Arriva's training lasts longer as well than Northerns

 

[wigantrainman]

Any news from yourself yet, I've had an email saying I've got through to the interview stage so presuming I did OK on theall the online testing......it says competency based interview and group based assessment......anyone any knowledge of what the group based assessment involves?

 

[kelv]

Any news from yourself yet, I've had an email saying I've got through to the interview stage so presuming I did OK on theall the online testing......it says competency based interview and group based assessment......anyone any knowledge of what the group based assessment involves?

well done, & good luck. Interview/ assessment day for the manc roles are on Monday & they told me I will hear something latter part of this week. I remember reading some things on here about the assessment days but have avoided looking them up until I actually get an interview.

from a quick search it looks like some tests
Verbal reasoning
Scaat (letters not symbols or dots)
Ticket Checking
Ticket Selling

One of the threads says Verbal Customer service - ticket checking & selling

hopefully 1 of the guys/gals that has done it all recently can give us a bit of advice in case it has changed ?

 

[wigantrainman]

Not sure if with the new system that they are trialling of doing the online tests we still would do the other tests at interview etc....mine is just starting at 1pm rather than a full selection day and the pack just says a examples based interview and a group assessment with information provided on the day.

Email says:
The assessment day will consist of the following:

- Competency Based interview
- Group assessment - The information for this will be provided on the day

 

[kelv]

Not sure if with the new system that they are trialling of doing the online tests we still would do the other tests at interview etc....mine is just starting at 1pm rather than a full selection day and the pack just says a examples based interview and a group assessment with information provided on the day.

Email says:
The assessment day will consist of the following:

- Competency Based interview
- Group assessment - The information for this will be provided on the day

Interesting.

The only Group thing I've done before involved seeing how you worked together as a team. It was 1 of these "You land on the moon far from the base, select in which order you would take these items" we then went through our answers and came to a joint decision putting cases forward if different, it was to see how we interacted with each other in considering other views and putting our reasons forward.

I cant help thinking that this 'new system' is taking the test results and the interview day is more to confirm suitability than to test.

I think important things will be to be smartly presented, confident, pleasant and to provide answers to scenarios based firstly on safety and if involving passengers to show excellent customer service skills.


Again, if anyone knows differently then please give us whatever advice you can.

 

[wigantrainman]

Going to keep practicing the SCAAT test anyway just in case. First time I've ever been on it so any feedback on how I'm doing appreciated (probably rubbish for my first one lol), results were -

Overall Statistics:
-------------------

Perception & Attention:

Targets Omitted ------------ 20
Marked Incorrect ----------- 4


Speed:

Total Cells ---------------- 1590
Mean Cell Time ------------- 0.216
Median Cell Time ----------- 0.140

Completed Rows ------------- 60
Mean Row Time -------------- 5.222
Median Row Time ------------ 4.545


Vigilance:

Row Fluctuation ------------ 7.23



---------------------------------------------

 

[kelv]

Going to keep practicing the SCAAT test anyway just in case. First time I've ever been on it so any feedback on how I'm doing appreciated (probably rubbish for my first one lol), results were -

Overall Statistics:
-------------------

Perception & Attention:

Targets Omitted ------------ 20
Marked Incorrect ----------- 4


Speed:

Total Cells ---------------- 1590
Mean Cell Time ------------- 0.216
Median Cell Time ----------- 0.140

Completed Rows ------------- 60
Mean Row Time -------------- 5.222
Median Row Time ------------ 4.545


Vigilance:

Row Fluctuation ------------ 7.23



---------------------------------------------

if it's any help I did the ATW 1 online that was letters and what I found easier was that we all know what the letter are (upper & lower case) so you didnt need to give them a name in your head.

That said though I wasnt given a score so may have bombed out completely. All I know is I didnt score high enough to progress i.e. finish above the cut off of candidates for interview.

I'd give them a call if I were you to ask because you could spend a great deal of time practicing something you dont need.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Gutted.. I haven't got through.

All the best with your assessment day though and anyone else that will be going.

On the plus side I progressed further than previously, don't know if these results will stand for any further applications for a period of time ? or if I'll do them again ?

Maybe I'll need to look at other roles, a great many will say that if your deemed not suitable then you just arent the man for the job but there's a steep learning curve regarding putting in the applications these days as well as when you actually get the job.
As many have said before it's a shame that feedback cant be given due to the number of applicants because if you have fallen way short then it would give you an idea of if you are chasing an impossible dream.
At least they always get back to you though to let you know either way, I always feel aggrieved a bit when companies just dont get back... common courtesy imo, but I had 2 interviews at a place that have never got back which is plain rude as far I'm concerned.

 

[wigantrainman]

Sorry to hear that mate, I'm sure you will get there at some point. I've just spoke to HR and they said no more tests so no need to revise SCAAT etc.....just interview and group assessment.

 

[kelv]

Sorry to hear that mate, I'm sure you will get there at some point. I've just spoke to HR and they said no more tests so no need to revise SCAAT etc.....just interview and group assessment.

I've just noticed that a couple of other vacancies that have gone up are only temp until end of March as well, hr are going to call me back so that I can find out if I'm wasting mine & their time by keep applying due to falling way short.

Temp isnt ideal like especially with the franchise handover being then.

 

[wigantrainman]

Let m eknow how you get on when you've heard back

 

[kelv]

Let m eknow how you get on when you've heard back

said I passed the verbal & numerical reasoning but failed the questionnaire 1, he said they dont get a score from the company just a pass or fail notification, I'll probably ring them tomorrow to see if I can find anything out regarding the test.

 

[wigantrainman]

Another thing I need to ask somebody who knows, is it likely to be a bar or detriment if I do not have a driving licence at present?

 

[Red18]

Another thing I need to ask somebody who knows, is it likely to be a bar or detriment if I do not have a driving licence at present?

Yes, if you're applying for a train crew position.
How are you going to get to/from work in the early hours when there is no public transport?

 

[185]

Spoke to Saville (SCL) on Weds afternoon re test results. Then spoke to a contracts manager at SCL. From the outset, it sounds like SCL have been told by Northern not to release the results to anyone other than them under any circumstances.

Northern Rail hold these results and therefore, as custodian of data must by law release them to candidates who wish to know what their result was under standard Subject Access Request rules.

Bit stupid, as SHL at least notified candidates if they were successful rather than all this cloak and dagger ___. :P

 

[kelv]

Spoke to Saville (SCL) on Weds afternoon re test results. Then spoke to a contracts manager at SCL. From the outset, it sounds like SCL have been told by Northern not to release the results to anyone other than them under any circumstances.

Northern Rail hold these results and therefore, as custodian of data must by law release them to candidates who wish to know what their result was under standard Subject Access Request rules.

Bit stupid, as SHL at least notified candidates if they were successful rather than all this cloak and dagger ___. :P

Northern told me that the result comes through to them as only either Pass or Fail,

I would like to see how far out I was tbh, to see what the 'profile' of me is that the 'test' formulated.

As you say we are all entitled to view any data like that and anyone that holds any should be compelled to release the data unrequested really because if it is Northern then would you want to be calling and kicking a stink up to get it ? even though in theory you are showing that you can follow rules and regs.

Seems from reading on the forum that this saville thing hasnt been in place for that long as well, did anyone else do it and find it a bit of a strange one ?


I accept my result fell short btw, I previously struggled to get through the sift but by researching what to put in there on the initial application (via this forum and some helpful members) I managed to take on board what was required to get through that, Northern told me I passed the 2 SHL tests so if there's some knowledge that I can gleam from the Saville test then maybe next time I'll be more successful.
There may of course not be any more opportunities before the franchise handover and Arriva may not use it, they didnt for ATW recently.

It's a whole different ballgame these days applying for jobs & some of us have been a touch unfortunate with this Saville test compared to if we'd applied previously. Maybe some of the more esteemed and experienced members could look into the test and see what they think about it ?
It could be called The Saville Inquiry..... What Have We Got Here.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Saville Consulting was started by a Mr Saville that was 1 of the founders of SHL btw, here's a bit of info relating to the test that we had to take....

Saville’s Personality Test
Saville Consulting developed the “Wave Personality Test”. The Wave has 108 items and is used by employers to assess job candidates’ behavioural style.
The Wave Personality Test includes normative and ipsative sections:
The normative section, presents behavioural statements which candidates need to express the extent of their agreement or disagreement on a scale of 1 to 5. For example, “My daily life is full of things that keep me interested”.
The ipsative section includes quads (as questions). Each quad contains 4 statements from which an individual is required to choose two. One that is most like them and one that is least like them. The ipsative aspect of this personality test uses a forced choice format where candidates have to choose two statements from a quad of equally attractive statements.
For example, please state which is the most and least like you:
I enjoy working with others
I like to plan and organise my work
I enjoy meeting people
I respect and open to others’ opinions
The Wave personality test is untimed.

I got that info via http://www.psychometricinstitute.co...ty_Tests_developed_by_Saville_Consulting.html

 

[Dnwllndjames]

Hi guys, new to the forum so thanks in advance for any assistance.

I too, like Wigantrainman attended the Selection Event on Monday the 21st December.

My question is, has anyone who attended the Selection Event heard anything about if they were successful or not yet? It was mentioned the we would hear before Christmas but I appreciate this is a busy time of year and that not too many people work throughtout this period that are in recruitment.

I wasn't sure if I might be expecting a reply too quick or if I would even be notified if I was to be unsuccessful.

Thanks guys and girls..

 

[LCC106]

Red18, it doesn't matter whether or not you have a driving licencce, if you can get to work for the starting time that's good enough be it you walking, taxi, lift from a friend. Don't try to scaremonger!

 

[Red18]

Red18, it doesn't matter whether or not you have a driving licencce, if you can get to work for the starting time that's good enough be it you walking, taxi, lift from a friend. Don't try to scaremonger!

Fair enough, not trying to 'scaremonger' as you put it, at all.
But if it doesn't matter then why is there a question about this on the initial application form?
If you tick 'no' then I would assume you seriously reduce your chances of making it through the sift.
wigantrainman asked if it would be a detriment. My opinion is yes it would.
All you will need to say at the interview when they ask how you intend to get to work for 3am in the middle of January is 'it's ok, my friend will give me a lift' :roll:

 

[kelv]

It doesn't ask if you have a driving licence it asks if you are able to get there without the use of public transport as shifts may start or finish when none is running.

The op may well be within a bicycle ride or walking distance from the depot.

 

[1571238]

Hi Guys (sorry for all my recent posts ive asked a few questions of alate),

Id like to ask a question about Northerns policy on only being allowed to have 1 live application in at any 1 time.

I have mentioned it on a previous post, but i applied for the trainee conductor post that was advertised a few weeks ago at Leeds. I made it past the interview stage, and the numeric and verbal reasoning stages. I completed the "work strengths" test, but since completing that i have had no contact at all.
Last week i noticed on another post that other applicants had been invited to attend an assessment day in the next few week (so if figured i had not made it to this stage as i had not had an email to be invited).
Yesterday i rang Northern just for an update and to try and find out the status of my application and was told they run applications off in batches and my results from the work strengths hadn't come back yet - so technically i might still be in the running (which i'm starting to think is harder to believe if the assessment day is upcoming).

The problem i now have is that a new vacancy has come up at Sheffield (which is closer to home for me) - so i actually want to apply for that - the closing date is tomorrow night, but im unsure if im eligible to apply or not.

I rang Northern rail to try and explain and they said i need to email H/R - i emailed H/R but have had no response!! I feel the clock is ticking and im concerned if H/R don't reply by tomorrow i wont be able to apply for Sheffield, as it asks you on the first page do you currently have a live application.

 

[Louby]

Hi Guys (sorry for all my recent posts ive asked a few questions of alate),

Id like to ask a question about Northerns policy on only being allowed to have 1 live application in at any 1 time.

I have mentioned it on a previous post, but i applied for the trainee conductor post that was advertised a few weeks ago at Leeds. I made it past the interview stage, and the numeric and verbal reasoning stages. I completed the "work strengths" test, but since completing that i have had no contact at all.
Last week i noticed on another post that other applicants had been invited to attend an assessment day in the next few week (so if figured i had not made it to this stage as i had not had an email to be invited).
Yesterday i rang Northern just for an update and to try and find out the status of my application and was told they run applications off in batches and my results from the work strengths hadn't come back yet - so technically i might still be in the running (which i'm starting to think is harder to believe if the assessment day is upcoming).

The problem i now have is that a new vacancy has come up at Sheffield (which is closer to home for me) - so i actually want to apply for that - the closing date is tomorrow night, but im unsure if im eligible to apply or not.

I rang Northern rail to try and explain and they said i need to email H/R - i emailed H/R but have had no response!! I feel the clock is ticking and im concerned if H/R don't reply by tomorrow i wont be able to apply for Sheffield, as it asks you on the first page do you currently have a live application.

I know you can't go for conductor if you have a live driver app in but if your within distance of both depots why should it make a difference but I know that's not a definite answer

 

[kelv]

I wonder how the recruitment will operate when it becomes Arriva ? seems that Northern have changed the way they are doing thing in the last 6 months of the franchise i.e. bringing in the Saville test and also changing the way they do the assessment day. Both of which are different to the way that ATW do things ... I'm presuming that ATW & the rest of the Arriva group all do it the same way ? if that's the case then I wonder if the way that NR are now doing it will be consigned to the bin in April in favour of the ATW way ?