Recruitment Policy

We aim to recruit the right people into the right jobs at the right time.

As well as helping us meet our immediate needs, we believe it is an approach which encourages people to stay and develop within Network Rail.

Equal opportunities policy

Anyone who meets the requirements of the job is eligible for employment within Network Rail - irrespective of age, disability, employment status, gender, health, marital status, membership or non-membership of a trade union, nationality, race, religion, sexual preference, social class or other non job-relevant personal characteristics.

Network Rail makes every effort to eliminate discrimination – direct and indirect – from the recruitment and selection process.

How to Apply

We use a standard recruitment process for all our jobs

Getting a job at Network Rail

We only accept applications for advertised job vacancies. We do not accept speculative CVs. All our jobs are advertised in the job vacancies section of this website.

Recruitment process

We have a rigorous recruitment process that involves:

  • Job advertisement – we advertise all jobs in the job vacancies section of this website
  • Application – depending on the job, you will be asked to either complete an application or submit a CV. The directions on how to apply for a specific position will be on the job advertisement. When we have news, we will contact you to let you know about the status of your application. If you are selected for interview, we will arrange a time & place for us to meet. If you are not selected for interview, we will send you a letter telling you this. If the job is put on hold or is withdrawn, we will write to you to explain the change in circumstances.
  • Interview – the interview and interview questions will be designed around the role for which you are applying. You will be asked ‘critera based’ questions which will help us to assess your skills, behaviours & capabilities
  • Assessments – if required for the job, we will ask you to come to one of our assessment centres. We tailor our assessment methods to each role and may use self-assessment tests, verbal & numerical tests and psychometric tests.
  • Medicals & references - All employees must comply with our drugs and alcohol policy. Anyone who refuses to comply will not be considered for employment with Network Rail. 
    • People applying for safety-critical posts or jobs that require a Sentinel Competence Card will be required to undergo a pre-appointment drugs & alcohol test 
    • All other applicants are required to sign a statement to confirm that they understand the drugs & alcohol policy and personally intend to comply 
  • Pre-Employment Screening - As part of our recruitment process prospective employees may be subject to background checking prior to joining Network Rail.
  • References – all job offers are made on the condition that we receive two satisfactory references for you
  • Job offer – if you are the successful candidate, then we will make a job offer to you. The offer will specify the salary, benefits & location for the job.

You can be confident your details will be treated as confidential during the recruitment process.

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