Mother & Country
14th Apr 2007, 02:58
Well after a long and thoroughly enjoyable GA career I am proud to say that I have recently been accepted into Jetstar. I was fortunate to have a number of people help me through the interview process so I thought i would post my experiences here in the hope that it may benefit the countless others guys and gals who will be called up for an interview in the near future.
Before I begin i would like to make 2 points:-
1. I realise that similar threads have been posted in the past however this information is based on recent experiences and hopefully can be added to by others in a similar situation to myself.
2. If you are the sought of person who has a negative attitude toward JQ, please take your comments elsewhere. I am intending this to be a positive thread to benefit anyone who may be interested..:hmm:
OK, lets get started.
Psychometric testing.
I realise this aspect holds fears for some people but it is quiet manageable if you put in the preparation. The test consists of six sections, Verbal reasoning, Numerical reasoning, Diagrammatic reasoning, Spatial reasoning, a motivation questionaire and a personality questionaire. The QANTAS website has a practise leaflet on their website which gives basic examples of all these tests.
JQ do not use the coordination or instrument interpretation tests which are used by other members of the QANTAS group.
In the verbal reasoning test you will be given a paragraph to read then given a series of statements. You must say whether these statements are 'true' or 'false' or you 'cannot say' based only on the information provided in the paragraph. Do not make assumptions, we all know apples grow on trees but if this is not clearly stated in the paragraph then you must answer 'cannot say'.
The numerical tests are of a similar format. You will be shown a table or graph and you must work answers based on the information provided. For example, a graph may show the number of apples produced by 3 farms over a one year period, (3 seperate lines on the one graph).The questions will be something like, which two farms produced 5230 aplles combined in the month of June or which farm produced twice as many apples in December as it did in May. If math is not your strong point i suggest you google these type of problems and work through as many as you can.
There are two forms of Diagrammatic questions. You will only be asked one type in your test. The practise leaflet on the QF website gives examples of both types. The test is designed to get harder as you progress so be thorough and dont get stuck on a single question for to long.
Spatial reasoning consists of the infamous cubes. These get very hard toward the end but there are a few simple tricks to make them easier. Unfortunately these are a bit hard to explain without diagrams. Google these tests and you will find plenty of information.
It is worth noting that all these tests are designed to be almost impossible to complete. The best approach is not to rush or guess. The examiners have a ball park figure of how much they expect to be completed. (I believe 70-80%) They want to see that you can work under pressure without panicking or making rash decisions.
The motivation and personality questionaire is untimed. The best approach is to answer honestly. These tests are structured to catch out people who lie by asking the same question many times with different wording. This becomes obvious as you work through the test. Given that there is around 140 questions you will not be able to remember which answer you have given for every question.. Remember, this is a test of your personality. If you are a reasonably normal, level headed person you will be ok here. Treat it as a bit of fun to finish off the day without taking taking the test, or yourself to seriously.
I did the PATS course a while back when it only cost 250 odd dollars, I found it to be extremly beneficial and would recommend it strongly. The only catch is that the course now costs 2 or 3000 dollars. Alot of money but probably well worth it if you feel nervous about psych tests. I believe there is also someone in Sydney who does this sought of training. Maybe someone could post details here.
Panel Interview.
This is a behavioural interview, meaning they want to see how you have dealt with situations which have occured during your career rather than how you think you would deal with situations in the future. Google 'behavioural interview questions' and you will find an unlimited number of good questions. Work through as many as you can, even if you think they will not relate to your interview. Try to dig up situations from your past. I found most of the questions were looking at your ability to communicate and deal with other peolpe, both in positive and negative situations. I think they are looking for your ability to fit into a team environment. Also remember that admitting you have been wrong can be a good thing as it shows you are genuine.
You will also be asked a few Questions about yourself, tell us how you got to where you are, why do you want to work for JQ, what plans do you have for the future, that kind of thing.
I have not heard of anyone being asked technical questions, however I made sure I was up to speed on the ATC and Terminal sections of the Jepp's as well as the aeroplane I am presently flying.
I found the people on the panel to be very friendly, they make every effort to relax you and get to know you as a person.
Flight planning exam.
I was told before that I would not be able to prepare for this section and on the surface that is correct. I do however believe that if you are able to find any tips or practise problem solving scenarios they would be beneficial.
The scenario is as follows. You takeoff from a particular airport and realise that your gear wont come up. You have to make a series of choices in order to get the aircraft through its full days flying with the minimum delay. You will be given all the neccesary figures such as fuel burn (gear up and gear dn) time intervals turn around time etc. All numbers are round figures so the math will not be a problem. You are told to fly everywhere with min fuel. Each airport has restrictions on it, some do not have fuel available, some do not have repair facilities available, one has the runway closed for a long period of the day. I believe the scenario can be set in a variety of places around the world. The location is inconsequential as no knowledge of the area is neccessary.
You will be asked to show 3 different scenarios to prove you did not make a lucky guess. This is ok because chances are you will work your way to a few dead ends before finding the right result.
As with the psych testing, this is designed to test your problem solving skills under pressure. Work quickly and accurately but do not allow yourself to panic or rush.
Sim ride.
If nothing else, the sim ride was alot of fun. Especially for someone who hasnt flown anything bigger than a B1900. It is conducted in a 74 Classic with all engines operating, no wind and no turbulence. I have heard of people doing practise rides before their test date. This is a good idea if you are not used to sim flying. QANTAS do practise sim sessions as do the Ansett sim centre and Alteon (though neither of these have a 74 sim. If you could fly a 76 or something similar im sure it would be more help than distraction.)
Before the day of your sim ride you will be sent an information sheet which gives speeds, power settings and pitch angles for the various aspects of the flight. The aircraft is flown with 20 degrees flap and the max spped you will do is 180 knots so it is manageable for somenone coming from GA. If, like me, you are unfimiliar with the ML terminal area it would be wise to study up on the plates before your test.
The test itself goes something like this- Takeoff from RWY 16 at ML. climb to 4000 at 160 knots. After levelling off you will make a left turn onto a heading given by the instructor and climb to 6000. Next comes steep turns, then you will be asked to intercept a bearing of 360 in to EPP locator, once outbound you will track 330 and descend to 4000 at 180 knots using idle thrust then track to BOL locator and do a sector entry for the 16 NDB approach. From the minima on the approach you will go around and receive vectors back for the 16 ILS.
The best way to prepare if cannot do a sim ride is to ensure your IF scan is up to speed. Try hand flying intsead of using the the autopilot or take a run in the sim at a local flying school. I found this helped me immensely as i am very fond of my autopilot. :}
Well this has been a marathon post and I apologise if I have bored anyone. :zzz: Hopefully this info is helpful to future applicants.
If anyone would like to add to this or correct any mistakes I have made, please feel free. Also if you have any questions you are more than welcome to post them here or PM me if you would prefer.
Good luck,
Mother & Country. :ok:
Before I begin i would like to make 2 points:-
1. I realise that similar threads have been posted in the past however this information is based on recent experiences and hopefully can be added to by others in a similar situation to myself.
2. If you are the sought of person who has a negative attitude toward JQ, please take your comments elsewhere. I am intending this to be a positive thread to benefit anyone who may be interested..:hmm:
OK, lets get started.
Psychometric testing.
I realise this aspect holds fears for some people but it is quiet manageable if you put in the preparation. The test consists of six sections, Verbal reasoning, Numerical reasoning, Diagrammatic reasoning, Spatial reasoning, a motivation questionaire and a personality questionaire. The QANTAS website has a practise leaflet on their website which gives basic examples of all these tests.
JQ do not use the coordination or instrument interpretation tests which are used by other members of the QANTAS group.
In the verbal reasoning test you will be given a paragraph to read then given a series of statements. You must say whether these statements are 'true' or 'false' or you 'cannot say' based only on the information provided in the paragraph. Do not make assumptions, we all know apples grow on trees but if this is not clearly stated in the paragraph then you must answer 'cannot say'.
The numerical tests are of a similar format. You will be shown a table or graph and you must work answers based on the information provided. For example, a graph may show the number of apples produced by 3 farms over a one year period, (3 seperate lines on the one graph).The questions will be something like, which two farms produced 5230 aplles combined in the month of June or which farm produced twice as many apples in December as it did in May. If math is not your strong point i suggest you google these type of problems and work through as many as you can.
There are two forms of Diagrammatic questions. You will only be asked one type in your test. The practise leaflet on the QF website gives examples of both types. The test is designed to get harder as you progress so be thorough and dont get stuck on a single question for to long.
Spatial reasoning consists of the infamous cubes. These get very hard toward the end but there are a few simple tricks to make them easier. Unfortunately these are a bit hard to explain without diagrams. Google these tests and you will find plenty of information.
It is worth noting that all these tests are designed to be almost impossible to complete. The best approach is not to rush or guess. The examiners have a ball park figure of how much they expect to be completed. (I believe 70-80%) They want to see that you can work under pressure without panicking or making rash decisions.
The motivation and personality questionaire is untimed. The best approach is to answer honestly. These tests are structured to catch out people who lie by asking the same question many times with different wording. This becomes obvious as you work through the test. Given that there is around 140 questions you will not be able to remember which answer you have given for every question.. Remember, this is a test of your personality. If you are a reasonably normal, level headed person you will be ok here. Treat it as a bit of fun to finish off the day without taking taking the test, or yourself to seriously.
I did the PATS course a while back when it only cost 250 odd dollars, I found it to be extremly beneficial and would recommend it strongly. The only catch is that the course now costs 2 or 3000 dollars. Alot of money but probably well worth it if you feel nervous about psych tests. I believe there is also someone in Sydney who does this sought of training. Maybe someone could post details here.
Panel Interview.
This is a behavioural interview, meaning they want to see how you have dealt with situations which have occured during your career rather than how you think you would deal with situations in the future. Google 'behavioural interview questions' and you will find an unlimited number of good questions. Work through as many as you can, even if you think they will not relate to your interview. Try to dig up situations from your past. I found most of the questions were looking at your ability to communicate and deal with other peolpe, both in positive and negative situations. I think they are looking for your ability to fit into a team environment. Also remember that admitting you have been wrong can be a good thing as it shows you are genuine.
You will also be asked a few Questions about yourself, tell us how you got to where you are, why do you want to work for JQ, what plans do you have for the future, that kind of thing.
I have not heard of anyone being asked technical questions, however I made sure I was up to speed on the ATC and Terminal sections of the Jepp's as well as the aeroplane I am presently flying.
I found the people on the panel to be very friendly, they make every effort to relax you and get to know you as a person.
Flight planning exam.
I was told before that I would not be able to prepare for this section and on the surface that is correct. I do however believe that if you are able to find any tips or practise problem solving scenarios they would be beneficial.
The scenario is as follows. You takeoff from a particular airport and realise that your gear wont come up. You have to make a series of choices in order to get the aircraft through its full days flying with the minimum delay. You will be given all the neccesary figures such as fuel burn (gear up and gear dn) time intervals turn around time etc. All numbers are round figures so the math will not be a problem. You are told to fly everywhere with min fuel. Each airport has restrictions on it, some do not have fuel available, some do not have repair facilities available, one has the runway closed for a long period of the day. I believe the scenario can be set in a variety of places around the world. The location is inconsequential as no knowledge of the area is neccessary.
You will be asked to show 3 different scenarios to prove you did not make a lucky guess. This is ok because chances are you will work your way to a few dead ends before finding the right result.
As with the psych testing, this is designed to test your problem solving skills under pressure. Work quickly and accurately but do not allow yourself to panic or rush.
Sim ride.
If nothing else, the sim ride was alot of fun. Especially for someone who hasnt flown anything bigger than a B1900. It is conducted in a 74 Classic with all engines operating, no wind and no turbulence. I have heard of people doing practise rides before their test date. This is a good idea if you are not used to sim flying. QANTAS do practise sim sessions as do the Ansett sim centre and Alteon (though neither of these have a 74 sim. If you could fly a 76 or something similar im sure it would be more help than distraction.)
Before the day of your sim ride you will be sent an information sheet which gives speeds, power settings and pitch angles for the various aspects of the flight. The aircraft is flown with 20 degrees flap and the max spped you will do is 180 knots so it is manageable for somenone coming from GA. If, like me, you are unfimiliar with the ML terminal area it would be wise to study up on the plates before your test.
The test itself goes something like this- Takeoff from RWY 16 at ML. climb to 4000 at 160 knots. After levelling off you will make a left turn onto a heading given by the instructor and climb to 6000. Next comes steep turns, then you will be asked to intercept a bearing of 360 in to EPP locator, once outbound you will track 330 and descend to 4000 at 180 knots using idle thrust then track to BOL locator and do a sector entry for the 16 NDB approach. From the minima on the approach you will go around and receive vectors back for the 16 ILS.
The best way to prepare if cannot do a sim ride is to ensure your IF scan is up to speed. Try hand flying intsead of using the the autopilot or take a run in the sim at a local flying school. I found this helped me immensely as i am very fond of my autopilot. :}
Well this has been a marathon post and I apologise if I have bored anyone. :zzz: Hopefully this info is helpful to future applicants.
If anyone would like to add to this or correct any mistakes I have made, please feel free. Also if you have any questions you are more than welcome to post them here or PM me if you would prefer.
Good luck,
Mother & Country. :ok: