Where can I find out more information about roles within Northern?
Read more about Northern on our company website: www.northernrail.org. Here you will find lots of useful information about careers at Northern, including:
• Further information on different types of roles that we recruit for
• Working hours
• Our benefits package
• Real life experiences of working for Northern
How do I complete the online application form?
To make applying for a role easier, you can complete our application form section by section, with the freedom to return to it later, using your log in details and password. Once you have completed all the sections you can submit your application. It is critical that your form is submitted once it has been completed, otherwise this could result in your application not being considered. Your application status will read ‘New Submitted Application’ once this has been done.
Will the system log me out automatically?
As you are completing your online application form, please bear in mind that our system has automatic time-outs built in. You will be logged out of the system after 30 minutes of inactivity (ie not clicking on links or 'save and exit' buttons on the sections of the application form) and you may lose information, which has not been saved. Therefore, please save your information regularly by clicking 'save and exit'.
What is my User ID and password?
Your e-mail address will be your user ID and you will be asked to supply a password. It is important that you do not lose or forget these as you will need them to access your application form.
Can I change my Password?
If, at any time, you want to change your password click on the link at the bottom of the screen.
What do I do if I forget my Password?
Click on the link ‘Forgot Password’ on the log in screen.
How do I make my application stand out?
First impressions count, this is your opportunity to sell yourself. The person reading your application does not know you, so please provide as much information as possible which you feel is relevant to the position you are applying for. Your application form will determine whether you will be progressed to the next stage in the recruitment process.
Please invest time in your application form. Before you submit your application form please:
• Proof read your application
• Put yourself in the role of Recruiting Manager and consider if you have answered the questions in full
• Spell check your application
• Check you have answered all the questions
• At the end of each section of the form you need to click the 'save and exit' button to save your details.
Please note that once your form is submitted you can only amend your contact details.
What happens to my application once it has been submitted?
Once you have submitted your application you will receive an email confirming that it has been received.
Once the vacancy has closed the Recruiting Manager will carry out a shortlisting exercise for the role. This may take up to three to four weeks.
We will contact you by email regarding your application every step of the way to advise whether you have progressed to the next stage. Rest assured you will be contacted even if your application has not been successful.
If your application is successful you will be invited to attend one of our Recruitment Events.
Can I obtain feedback on my application if I am unsuccessful?
We regret that due to the volume of interest that our roles generate, we are unable to provide feedback on your application.
What’s involved in the Recruitment Event?
Northern has a very strict alcohol and drugs policy which must be adhered to at all times. All applicants must go through this process before an offer of employment can be given.
Roles which are of a safety critical nature will need to have a thorough examination to ensure that they are fit enough to do their job as well as their eyesight and hearing is to the relevant standard.
Approaching the Recruitment Event:
Putting your best foot forward
Good preparation is by far the best way to eliminate interview nerves. We want to see what you are capable of and whether you would be suited to the position. Following these simple guidelines will help you give the best possible account of yourself on the day:
• Research the position and list the skills and experiences being sought. Review your own background and think of specific examples that match them.
• Learn as much as you can about the company. Our website is a good place to start.
• Prepare a list of questions. You should think about these carefully as they will help you to assess whether the role, and our company, is right for you.
• Remember to engage with the interviewer. Take your time if needed to answer questions fully and pay attention throughout.
• Practice talking through your examples before the day. It will give you confidence and make you feel more at ease.
• Try and relax and finally, be yourself!
What happens after the Recruitment Event?
If you are successful at a recruitment event you will be contacted within seven days and invited to the next stage of the recruitment process. For some roles this may involve a series of psychometric assessments. For most other roles you would be invited to a medical (including a drugs and alcohol test) and we will approach your previous employers for a reference before any offer of employment.
If you are unsuccessful at a recruitment event you will be contacted via email within seven days and unfortunately this will be the end of your application.
Why do I need a medical?
Northern has a very strict alcohol and drugs policy which must be adhered to at all times. All applicants must go through this process before an offer of employment can be given.
Roles which are of a safety critical nature will need to have a thorough examination to ensure that they are fit enough to do their job as well as their eyesight and hearing is to the relevant standard.
I wear glasses. Can I still apply?
Yes. Although you must attain the relevant standard for the role with and without your glasses.
Are their any accessibility tools that can be used on this site?
At the bottom of every page you will find icons that allow you to change the size of the text on the site, as well as the colour contract of each page. In addition to these controls, this site is compatible with BrowseAloud, which reads web pages aloud for people who find it difficult to read online.
Correspondence
All correspondence will be sent to the e-mail address you have supplied.
Finally, good luck!