Train Delay Attributor

[jmacp]

Hi
Long time lurker here. I've managed to bag myself an Interview for a TDA. I've been out of the interview game for quite a while 10 years whilst raising a family. I've got a good idea about the Job and what it entails. I previously worked in IT so i should have the PC skills. I am also up to date with the safety culture within Network Rail.

Where i need help with is the likely Interview format does anyone here have a TDA post and have some tips they could share?

Thanks

John

 

[Andy Pacer]

What TOC is it with?

 

[jmacp]

Network Rail

John

 

[Kaltias]

Don’t do it, that’s my tip

Now I’ve got that out the way... Think about times you’ve had to follow rules and protocols, investigate issues whilst communicating with multiple parties with varying interests to come to an agreeable resolution... Brush up on Network Rail’s life saving rules and values/mission statement. Have a wee gander of the DAG and associated works to give yourself an idea of what you’re in for, although that isn’t prerequisite knowledge for interview iirc. http://www.delayattributionboard.co.uk/

Feel free to DM me if you need anymore info on the role, although I can’t remember much about the interview, it was certainly more HR led than railway orientated.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Remember the signaller is your friend, they can make your job easier or harder....

Probably not the best idea to call about a 90 second delay between two green signals when they are dealing with multiple incidents on the patch (true story).

 

[jmacp]

Hi

With the TOC being Network Rail would the interview be concentrating on the 8 non technical skills the same as a signaller or is it a completely different approach?

John

 

[Kaltias]

Hi

With the TOC being Network Rail would the interview be concentrating on the 8 non technical skills the same as a signaller or is it a completely different approach?

John

Different approach. As I said above, it’s more about your skills and attributes that relate to the job. They do however want to know you’re aware of the life saving rules and the whole ‘home safe everyday’ thing.

The job involves a lot of conflict situations, so think about any examples of resolving conflicts in your experience in case that comes up. I’m sure I had a question about following the rules when it wasn’t in everyone’s best interests, and giving an example of a time I had to do it instead of bending to someone else’s will.

Network Rail isn’t technically a TOC. They own and manage the UK rail infrastructure. They will ask what you know about Network Rail and what you think the role of a TDA is.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Passing the buck is what its all about, or apportioning blame on the easiest party who won’t kick up a fuss.

Cynical....

 

[Kaltias]

Passing the buck is what its all about, or apportioning blame on the easiest party who won’t kick up a fuss.

Cynical....

Or following the delay attribution guide which is available for all parties to read, and you’re even able to follow the nice simple flowcharts to get to the same conclusion as the TDA!! Not all decisions are popular but what’s why there’s a dispute process.

Everyone has a job to do. No one goes to work to upset other people on purpose, the TDA’s job is to investigate and they are meant to be impartial in their investigation. Signallers sometimes get annoyed and frustrated, which I completely empathise with, but the TOCs also get annoyed when you don’t investigate properly. It’s a **** sandwich. Really not a job I’d ever go back to, despite the great operational knowledge I gained from it.

 

[BMoore]

Hi
Long time lurker here. I've managed to bag myself an Interview for a TDA. I've been out of the interview game for quite a while 10 years whilst raising a family. I've got a good idea about the Job and what it entails. I previously worked in IT so i should have the PC skills. I am also up to date with the safety culture within Network Rail.

Where i need help with is the likely Interview format does anyone here have a TDA post and have some tips they could share?

Thanks

John

Hey I’ve recently had the interview for TDA here’s some things you will get asked:

You need to know about DAPR
What are the main stations on the route
What routes do you border
What TOCs operate on the route
What’s your motivational fit for the job
What is network rails safety vision
Plus all the usual non technical questions

Network rail love you to answer non technical questions using the STAR method

GOOD LUCK

 

[jmacp]

Hey I’ve recently had the interview for TDA here’s some things you will get asked:

You need to know about DAPR
What are the main stations on the route
What routes do you border
What TOCs operate on the route
What’s your motivational fit for the job
What is network rails safety vision
Plus all the usual non technical questions

Network rail love you to answer non technical questions using the STAR method

GOOD LUCK

Hi

Got an interview date in now. It's time to do the final prep any chance you can elaborate on the type of non tech questions they ask?

Just a general idea would be good.

John

 

[galaxynew]

Hi John

How did you get on and what location was it if don't mind me asking?

I'm considering an application for a similar role

Thanks