ATC IssuesA place where pilots may enter the 'lions den' that is Air Traffic Control in complete safety and find out the answers to all those obscure topics which you always wanted to know the answer to but were afraid to ask.
I recently had stage 2 and interpreted that question in the same way. I also answered that I didn't mind changing my plans and got through to stage 3. If you are planning to write to NATS' HR then I'd have a few more examples available before submitting the letter, especially as the policy is not to give any feedback. I know how disappointing it is, especially when you were successful at the other components of stage 2. Best of luck!
There was of course more misunderstandings, because I just really found a lot of things they asked about inherently natural and I just wouldn't have thought they ask it for "that" reason -which reasons I figured just now- so I answered something completely irrelevant in a few cases, which cases were probably the most important ones, at least it seems. To tell you the truth I honestly thought that this interview was going to be just a complementer/cross reference part of the on line personality test and that it was going to be the same multi choice fashion as well. I also thought this kind of interview when I have to come up with the answers, explanations and examples would be on stage 3. So the whole thing was absolutely unexpected and naturally because of the utter lack of preparation my examples to my answers left a lot to desire for, even by very low standards I think. Afterwards at home I had in mind a zillion ideas what I could have said, instead of that lot of "....erm...", and "...sooo....", and even "...???..." . hmm, so I have to agree, my overall performance on the interview wasn't too impressive and probably that "long term plan" thing was just one bit which helped to decide against me. And you must have displayed generally better characteristics to be an ATCO than me, so this "plan" thing didn't count. I just really don't know if it will worth to try next time, I mean I'd have a year to prepare, but how can I guide myself to change or improve, when I don't even know which direction and at which points exactly? its confusing really...
So I even bought this book "Brilliant Interview Answers", but I didn't read it, because I thought I'd need it only later at stage 3. So what now, I will prepare myself to be a top ace interview answerer by using this book, this really is just an ability, not a talent or personality perk or something. So why would this be better for NATS, would it prove for example that I'm determined enough and I'm able to learn new things and I'm mature and I take the interview seriously to prepare properly before I go to sit it?
Last edited by Edvin76 : 4th August 2007 at 00:39.
Do you mind changing your plans? I guess that's a toughie as it could go either way. If you say yes then negatively that shows you can be indecisive, but positively it shows that you are flexible with where and when you work for NATS, and it shows that you can tell pilots alternative routes if a situation arises, so I would guess this would be the answer they would want. But then I didn't even get past stage one so what do I know!
Any other questions that stumped you?
By the way RO13ERTS thanks for the recommendations of books, I've already got two of them on order, I'll get the big fat ATC one when I've looked through the others. Thanks again.
I wouldn't have thought "Do you mind changing your plans?" had anything to do with working for the company in the long term.
It would have more to do with being flexible and having the ability to quickly assess the situation you are faced with, accept that the perfect traffic plan in your head has gone to rats@@t, and come up with another one. Happens to me all the time.
Plans in ATC mean how to sort out the traffic you are presented with in the best possible way.
The one piece of advise I can give to all who are going through the interview process is know yourself, answer questions honestly and don't try and give answers just because you think that is what they are looking for (you will only come unstuck later).
On the question of flexibility, you have to be to move to the collage and then accept placement at which ever unit you are sent to, aswell as in the job, you will need to have a plan A, B and C for everyday situations.
I went through the Interview process earlier this year and I am now happily skint and at the collge work my butt off.
If you make it through the process I can confirm that it is all worth it and if you don't rethink and if it is still what you want to do then try again.
Maybe stop thinking about what the reason is why you've been asked the question and just be honest...... you might think you can give the answers "they" are looking for but on the other hand you could be trying too hard..... in my view honesty is the best option. With many similar questions its too easy to give 2 totally different answers to almost the same question. If on the other hand you're being honest, you will at least be consistant. It's not rocket science just basic psychology! "They" ask these things for a reason and it might not be to get the answers someone on here thinks is right! This might not be what you want to hear but trying to beat the system might not be an option when you're talking about personality traits! Most people who have done any post school study are made aware that body language and personality are very difficult things to hide. When I applied I did everything in my power to be myself.
Most of those questions can be answered several ways which are still remain true, don't you think? Body language? I never look into people's eye when I talk to them, does that make me a liar? Who said anyone wants to break the system? I even asked the interviewer person, if he thinks this is the right job for me so I'm not someone who wants a job which is not for him, you can believe me. Talking about personality traits on the interview? A job interview is a sales job. You have to sell youself, nothing more nothing less. Generally talking I'm the crappest crap in selling, I even dislike the common idea of selling something for more than to buy it. However I didn't find your assumptions and style nice at all, although I know you didn't interpret my intentions correctly, that still doesn't give you the right to educate me like this.
Yet more talk of mis understandings...... the point is... to sell yourself(?) you must paint a clear and concise and consistant picture of you. If you are inconsistant in your responses then the interviewer is forced to make assumptions or make a negative judgement.
My point was merely that you are trying too hard, the questions are there to give an indication of whether you... your personality and your skills lend to the harsh training environment af ATC. As you said they want to know whether you can stick it out but they also want to know that when a plan is going wrong you will change it. As someone said to you earlier it is a no brainer. So surely the HONEST answer would be that depends, I like to see things through but when things are going wrong I change it.
Take some advice from someone who's been though the whole she-bang twice. Most job interviews are very much a self-sales pitch where you present an image which is compatible with the position you're applying for.
On my first attempt this is exactly what I did - lots of smiling and nodding in the right places, second guessing the personality questionnaires - guess what? Failed the personnel interview as it was called then - the bit with the 60 questions. As has previously been mentioned it is impossible to keep up the 'profile' you've decided best fits across all interviews/forms etc
Second time around I didn't have pre planned answers for all the usual questions (why do you want this job etc) and was completely honest the entire way through. If your motivation is good then this will be self evident in the way you conduct yourself. You'll never guess what happened 2nd time around...
Please don't think I'm having a pop at you. As I said at the beginning, just some advice
You are absolutely right Fullfacts when you said:
"the point is... to sell yourself(?) you must paint a clear and concise and consistant picture of you. If you are inconsistant in your responses then the interviewer is forced to make assumptions or make a negative judgement. "
This is exactly what I said. These are all requirements of any sales purposes, which I've got non at all. I've been working nights for three years, most of the time I don't even practice social skills, I'm like a hermit. (i.e. I work when others socialize... ) But do not worry, this is only a matter of a bit of practice.
Now what you guys both forget to consider that I really was totally honest, so there is only two thing I can possibly think of, one is a little bit of sales skills I miss (at the moment!) or simply I'm just not the one to be an ATCO. Anyway, I will stop being a pain so I won't pester here with my theories anymore, good luck to all the applicants and congrats to all the trainees!
Last edited by Edvin76 : 8th August 2007 at 17:25.
Hi... I know this topic must have been brought up already,but couldnt seem to find much details about it...
Just wondering if anyone could shed some light regarding the medical examinations carried out by NATS? I understand they do one before you enroll into college, and one after at Gatwick for a Class 1... but i mean what tests are there literally??? I mean i found the requirements on the CAA websites, but what kinda things to they do, blood tests? any needles, and procedures?
When I applied I only had the one medical so I am not too sure about the CAA medical @ Gatwick.
The NATS medical is apparently more stringent than the CAA one.
What it involved: A hearing test A Cardiogram A Urine (drug and alcohol) test A vision test A general look over for good health
NO NEEDLES!!
If the time is there before you start at the college then a medical should be carried out, if it is not then it can be arranged in your first lot of hols after the basic course.
ATCOs now have to pass a UK class 1 medical at Gatwick (not JAA class 1). The Swanwick one is more a pre-employment medical, and gives them a good idea that they won't be wasting their money sending you to the CAA later! When I went for my medical in Swanwick, the NATS medical folks were concerned that the CAA may have an issue with some medication I had been off since Feb, they were unsure if I had to have longer off them, so rather than waiting till I was at CATC, they got me straight to CAA to get it cleared, which they did!
Thanks!!!!! SOOOO MUCH!!! the information was great help... Do i need to provide my own MEd history, or will they dig it up??? And how thorough do they exam and look into your history???
And I heard that they're gonna check your privates??? is that true???
Yes they do check you privates, which is always a good idea. I passed my CAA class 1 medical, then a few weeks later noticed a lump and was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
So even though my tumor wasn't picked up on my medical, I would always advise you to have your testicles checked by a doc at any available occasion.
This is a copy of an earlier edit of my post, I just bring it forward, to make sure you guys will read it!
"For a sale to draw a consistent picture you have to know the product, maybe I don't know myself enough. Or rather something which is consistent for me, its not sure that it will be consistent to others who don't know me and they don't know why I say something. I never got use to be judged by my words, I always expected people to decide me based on what I do. Also a person with the minimum of sales skills has to know what it means to be consistent to people who they meet with at the first time. Unfortunately there are completely general ideas, if they are communicated in a "funny"/personal way or relation, even if they are true, can be appearing as completely "whack job" and inconsistent stuff. It doesn't mean you have to be the wittiest person to be able to communicate things about yourself unambiguously to strangers, you just maybe need a bit of practice. Sorry, but its not that easy for everyone for the first time. Especially not on a government level interview. )"
(i.e. I work when others socialize... ) But do not worry, this is only a matter of a bit of practice.
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