HIRING PROCESS

Step 1: Application

Initial Step

To be considered for any position, you must create a profile through the NS Careers page. The profile serves as your resume and includes contact information and work experience. Mailed and emailed resumes will not be considered.

To create a profile, register as a first-time applicant here. The system will prompt you to create a new profile by entering your desired user name, password, and email address. The email address will be used as the main method of contact. If you do not have an email address, free email accounts are available through Google, Hotmail, and Yahoo. As a returning applicant, you will be prompted to sign in with your user name and password.

Once your profile is complete, you can submit an online application through the website. The Human Resources department reviews applications and contacts selected applicants for the next steps.  You will receive a confirmation email after you apply. All correspondence regarding application status is sent via email.

The profile and application take approximately 45 minutes to complete.

One application per job is sufficient; however, you can submit an application for any number of jobs. With the “Add Favorite” option, you can add job postings to your list of favorites. 

Based upon the position the total application process might take several weeks to months to complete. Applicants can log in to the Careers website to monitor application status and update profiles.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Norfolk Southern has a policy of non-discrimination for all applicants. If an individual has a disability that interferes with his or her ability to complete our employment application, he or she may contact our EEO team at EEO office toll free at 1-888-TALKEEO (825-5336) or by email at eeo@nscorp.com. .

Step 2: Assessment

The Assessment Process

After initial screening by the Human Resources Department competitive candidates will receive an email containing a link to the Norfolk Southern Management Assessment (NSMA) or the Norfolk Southern Agreement Assessment (NSAA).  If you are interested in continuing the hiring process, you must complete the assessment by the deadline outlined in the email. The assessments typically take one to one and a half hours to complete. 

First-time users of the NSMA must complete the registration process by creating a username and password to enter the testing. Candidates can reopen and complete the assessment at a later time, if necessary. You will need your username and password to log back in.

If you have applied to multiple jobs you may receive multiple assessment links.  You will only need to complete one assessment. 

The Human Resources department will review the results and notify candidates of their progress via email within several weeks.

If you are having technical difficulty with the assessment, contact technical support line at 1-800-966-0943 .

Step 2: Interview

Interview Process

Norfolk Southern’s interview process is comprehensive and varies by position. We use various interview methods, including telephone, on-campus interviews, pre-recorded video, live video, telepresence, departmental interviews, and on-site interviews. As you move through the process, a Human Resources representative will contact you via email with status updates. Most notifications are sent to your email account on file. Depending on the position, the length of the interview process can vary from a few weeks to several months. 

If you are not successful during this process, you can apply for other positions in which you might be interested.

Step 3: Offer

Final Steps

Congratulations! You have received a conditional offer with Norfolk Southern. There are a few more steps in the process before you can become a NS employee.

After the initial offer, you will receive a series of emails requesting additional information.  These requests include any criminal history and a complete driving record. NS will conduct a background check. Additionally a physical exam and drug test, which includes hair testing, may be required. 

You will receive notification when all steps are completed successfully and a start date will be established. 

If you have questions during the process, check out our Hiring Frequently Asked Questions.