NATS Interview Process - Stage 1

[Amenhotep]

The "NATS interview process" thread has become so huge that I thought it might help to have separate threads dealing with the separate stages on top of the generalised threads. Do you think it will help? If not I'll delete this one! :hmm:
_____________________________________________

I attended my first stage yesterday. Not what I expected. There must have been about 25 of us there. Because, like others, I got there an hour early, I got a decent sofa seat in the waiting room. I strongly advise others going for their stage one to get there early to get a comfy seat. :ok:

I'd travelled there the previous day (sunday) and asked reception where I was expected to present myself on the day. The receptionist had never heard of NATS :} so I assumed she was a weekender. The next day they sounded more informed and directed me to the second floor. Each floor, it turns out, has a little reception desk, and waiting area where we all were.

We were split into two groups. Mine attended a small talk by Steve and Mike, both experienced ATCOs where you have the opportunity to listen to what ATC is like from the horse’s mouth and ask as many questions as you wish within 45mins. This isn’t assessed as goes a lot quicker than I would have liked. But then again, had it been left up to me, I’d have talked to them all day. Besides, since I had already visited Heathrow tower and Swanwick centre and had read through MATS part-1 50 times, I pretty much knew everything that had been said :8 . They even showed us a tabulated printout of the salary we can expect to get throughout our careers. Turns out, I already have this too, LOL :E . You’ll need to subtly steer the conversation that way and ask for it when you visit Swanwick if you want a copy.

I’m thankful I did this part before the tests as it helped me to relax. The most important thing you could do to help yourself, I found, was to relax. That’s why you need to get there early and talk to the other applicants to help ease the tension. Also, drink lots (of water, cheeky) and don’t expect to finish the tests. You won’t. Not only is it difficult, but I’m pretty sure it’s impossible. :uhoh:

Next I did the motivation test followed by the personality questionnaire (don’t want to call it a test). I have to say, I was very disappointed with the test. I had learned the motivation paper given to us back to front, including the data about the aircraft IN ITS ENTIRETY. And it turns out it is only there to give us the gist about aircraft. Never mind, I don’t regret having prepared so thoroughly. Unfortunately, I read in previous threads that all the answers are in the motivation paper. This isn’t entirely true. You’ll need to prepare for speed/distance/time questions and distance estimation questions on top of the preparation material. Nowhere in the text did it say what the distance between London and New-York is. I’m sorry, I’m ranting. If you must know, it’s because I know I’ve got that question wrong, lol :ugh: ! This part is timed (40 questions/18 minutes). I finish with plenty of time to spare. PREPARE!

Next came the personality questionnaire. 40 questions, not timed. I was the last to finish. Not very pleasant. Questions repeat themselves and you’re expected to be black or white. Either you are obsessed with past mistakes unable to move on, or you can’t stop looking ahead, never focussing on the task at hand. And if you choose a balance, you can then be accused of lying. They ask you to be as honest “as possible”. I’m sure that is because they know it’s not possible to be honest given the options you’re given. :oh:

A short coffee break. :zzz:

Then comes the REAL testing tests by a psychologist. First a basic checking test. Find which numbers on the left matches the one on the right. (40 questions/5 minutes). Speed and accuracy conflict here. Sounds easy but as the test goes on the numbers get longer and longer. Then another identical test but with letters instead of numbers. I’m a physics graduate and I got through 75% of it. The banking guy next to me did just as badly. Or just as well. Half full or half empty? Lol. :D

Then that diagram test shown in the preparation material. Except all the “commands” were different and there were about ten of them. Again, the test start easy and progressively becomes your worst nightmare. If you don’t hear from me again, I’m pretty sure it’s because of this part.
Finally, the cube thing. Three cubes laid out flat. Each one laid out differently and each one comes with a set of 20 questions with examples of other 3D cubes. You have to say which, if any, of the choices correspond to the flat cube. Not only are the two last cubes not laid out in the traditional cross shape but one cube had two identical sides and the 3D cubes towards the end were also rotated so you had to (in your head) rotate the entire flat cube in your head before (in your head) folding it together. Only to work out that none of the cubes correspond. :{

Then you go home. You get the results in about 15 working days. It’s tough. I suggest taking the following day off work as well, like I did. And drink a mug of hot chocolate. ;)

Any questions?

Sorry for such a long post but I like being thorough and I thought it needed updating. :ok:

[mikeb19]

Im worried now, I cant remeber there being a question for the distance from london to new york!!!

[timelapse]

Nice post - very useful for those who are to go through the same thing! I hope you do well - it sounds like you have the right attitude and have prepared very thoroughly so best of luck :)

[Amenhotep]

Well I did change the question slightly. I didn't know whether I would be reprimanded for giving out actual questions. And besides, I'm sure they have a selection of different tests used on different days to avoid people cheating.

I also forgot to add, wear comfortable clothes. Smart/casual does not mean a suit. If you wear a suit, to me, all it means is that you do not pay attention to detail on the invitation letter, you will not be as relaxed and so will not perform as well as you could and as well as they want you to; and you will also demontrate that you have not visited an ATC environment before. The ATCO's doing the talk looked like they were on holiday, and on my tour of Swanwick, one of the things I learned was how laid back the dress code was. Not a room of suits but T-shirts and ripped jeans. (well at least one ripped jean, lol) :}

Sorry, yet another edit...
I was also told on the day that the people on this recruitment drive were scheduled to go on the april intake. That means a short time between stages can be expected (if successful). :ooh:

[watch_the_birdie]

I wore a suit at stage 1, and I'm off in April. I like suits, they make me feel intelligent....

[Gonzo]

I also forgot to add, wear comfortable clothes. Smart/casual does not mean a suit. If you wear a suit, to me, all it means is that you do not pay attention to detail on the invitation letter, you will not be as relaxed and so will not perform as well as you could and as well as they want you to; and you will also demonstrate that you have not visited an ATC environment before.

Whoa, hold on there!

Some of us wear suits at work....I certainly wouldn't think that someone coming to an interview wearing a suit obviously hadn't visited a unit. Although what you wear to an interview doesn't matter, as it says, I like to see a professional appearance. To me, wearing a suit would imply a high attention to detail.

[Amenhotep]

I never wear suits if I can help it. In fact, the only suit I have, has only ever been worn at job interviews (3 actually). What a waste of money. I'm too sexy for my suit. If you are used to wearing suits everyday, then I could understand. I just feel like being judged on my suit seems a little daft considering I don't like it. I still dress smart casual though. Never hoodies or trainers. I'd rather they focus on who I am. I suppose making everyone wear suits creates a level playing field.

Also, I don't need a suit to feel intelligent. I wear glasses instead!! :p :cool:

[watch_the_birdie]

Indeed. Although in today's world it has reached a sad state of affairs that suits represent well turned out people who like to make an effort. Sad I know to judge a person on their suit, but that's the way it is these days, and probably will be. But suits AREN'T boring - in fact when I used to interview people (ok, not for air traffic), but I used to be able to tell a lot about the person just by colour and type of shirt, and choice of tie. Sounds crazy I know and prejudiced, but it's very very true.

Who cares what you wear when you actually get the job (well, there's a limit), but first impressions always count.

[NeoDude]

My choice of shirt and tie is usually up to the wife :)

[watch_the_birdie]

Women have a good eye for those kind of things. :ok:

But maybe I'm biased.....

[mikeb19]

Wow it only took three days to get the results!!! And it was good news!

[watch_the_birdie]

Wearing a suit doesn't make you look intelligent

Sorry, my earlier post was supposed to be "taking the piss". I apologise for my weird sense of humour not coming across well. I'm eccentric. What can I say.:)

[TATC99]

OK, just to clarify for those going through this process now - from my experience....

Stage 1 - you are a number, you can wear whatever you like and no-one will ever know. I (and most) were wearing jeans and t-shirt for stage 1.

Stages 2 and 3 - you are being interviewed so dress accordingly - ie not jeans and t-shirt!

Also - there is no negative marking in the tests - if you get the answer right, you get a mark, if you get the answer wrong, you don't, simple. So just a suggestion, make sure there are no blank answers on your sheet when the time runs out, as they'll definitely be marked wrong - a non-blank answer has a 1 in 4 chance of being right!.....

[RadarRambler]

Although I would argue that even on first day, you could be seen by somone that might be at the second stage, so if you look not so good that day, they might remember you the next time. Why run the risk?

What you wear isnt as important as what you say, but it does help create a better impression about the type of person you "May" be

[kimmy-57]

The information you gave for stage 1 really helped me as I was getting wooried about it, I don't do mine till Monday so heres hoping all goes well :)

[Loxley]

As someone has already mentioned earlier in the thread, there are a lot of people on the Stage 1 Selection Days and it is very easy to be lost in the crowd. However, it's better to be lost in the crowd than sticking out like a sore thumb.

If you're serious about ATC as a career though, then it will stand you in good stead to start as you mean to go on through the college and your validation.

For Stage 1 I would definately say, smart trousers and shirt at the very least. I'll be honest, it does irritate me when I see people dressed in jeans/trainers/t-shirts for their initial tests as it gives off the impression they aren't too bothered about the job.

When you're valid and a shop floor controller you can start dressing down and wearing what you want (within reason obviously!) but until then keep it smart. :ok:

[littlemisstinker]

I received my info via email today for the motivational test and that hasn't scared me to much nor do the example tests !! (I have my test on March 20th to give me enough time to prepare)

Although ........... the numerical reasoning that has been mentioned on here scares the living crap out of me (excuse my French) could anybody else shed any more light on the type of ques involved in this part of the test ??? just so I can get some books out and super swat on this !!

If a physician and banker have struggled I'm only a trolley dolly and am literally following my dream ........ as they say 'now or never' !!


Ek !!!! :sad:

Tinker

[AJ7]

tinker...

its got nothing to do what you did, or your previous life, its what you can do and your perceived future ability. if its a dream of yours follow it, prepare thoroughly and fingers crossed it will become a reality.

as i remember it the only numerical reasoning is basic checking, as in matching sets of numbers in a short period of time... e.g.

167245 is on the left side of the page

167425, 167345, 167245, 176245, 167254 are on the right.

You select the exact match... think 50 q's 5 minutes to do it. varies between 4 and 8 digits

stand to be corrected if this has changed since my experience though, any other q's fire away :}

[baby737]

I'm exactly the same as you littlemisstinker, really want to be in ATC and currently pushing a trolley!! I've got my 1st stage on the 10th March. I don't think I've ever been so scared that I won't be good enough as I am now. I just worry I'm not clever enough. :confused:

baby737

[PaulM]

Just to let you know that there are 2 or 3 soon to be ex-cabin crew starting on the April course.

Good luck.

[JonG]

^^And there's two on the current January course. I wonder if that's a trend?

[littlemisstinker]

Well,

That does make me feel a million times better !!

I'm starting to feel slightly less queasy about the whole thing now ..... I have to admit I expected to walk into a room full of complete boffins !! who would breeze through the whole process and there would be little 'ol me chewing my pencil struggling through the whole thing !!

(please tell me im not the only 1 with this pre conception !!!)

tinker !! x

[AJ7]

had the same pre-conception... even thought it while i was there with all the people who were already set up in careers etc, whereas i was wasnt. yet now im the one at the college... oh and i was one of those who turned up in t-shirt, jeans, and trainers so maybe it doesnt matter! :}

not sure you really have all that much time for pencil chewing though :hmm:

[Ivor_Novello]

I wouldn't really get too worked up about those tests. I think they are designed to test the natural aptitude, not the studying and preparation.

I remember going in very relaxed, without expectations. Half way through I was tempted to leave the room since I thought I was doing so bad I was just wasting my time. Everybody else always seems to be doing better and quicker, but then again they could be picking wrong answers.
So I stayed and finished the tests ad here I am off to the college.

I wouldn't worry too much about the dress either. I did my tests in casual and my interview in ASDA George gear. Worked fine. Your skills and personality say a lot more about you than what you are wearing !

I've visited 3 NATS units and haven't seen a big deal of dress code. In fact one of the ATCOs I sat next to was wearing shorts :) (and yes it was winter. In the North ;))

good luck

Ivor

[bgabka]

Hello to all,

I'd like to ask how the test day is organized from the technical point of view. I mean, do you get the tests one by one with the time limit for each, or you rather get them all at once and the time limit is a sum?

And for diagramming, can you familarize with the 'commands' in advance or you get the test and you have to spend the actual test time also on analyzing how the 'commands' work?

Thanks for your response.

[watch_the_birdie]

The 3 "aptitude" tests (i.e. basic checking, spatial/cubes, and the diagramming/code) are done individually with a separate time limit each. So basically, when it comes to that part of the day, you go into the room, there are 3 booklets on the table, and the person in charge will stand up at the front, tell you what book to open, what paper to use, explain everything, go through a mini practice and then start the clock. They will tell you when to stop, and then you open the next test booklet, they tell you what to do, practice....and so on.

You will be told when to do everything and where and how to do it. So no need to worry. They guide you through it all like you were back in primary school. The only thing they won't do is tell you the answers in the proper test!

As for the diagramming, I believe the commands were the same as in the practice tests you get emailed, or can find on the website. Although, I think in the proper test, there were a few extras thrown in. No need to fill your head with the commands before you go - there's a little flip out "code card" to keep beside you when you do the test.

[hatemyjob]

I didnt make it through the first stage :{

I thought I had done so well.

Its a shame they cant give you feedback as to which area you failed in.

[Amenhotep]

They say they don't give feedback, but if you're very very polite... ;) you may catch them in a good mood. I know I did. I got my actual test results by phoning them up. I got 93% in the motivation test.

Also, I have given the impression to some of you that because I, a phyics graduate failled at the basic checking, it must be really hard. It isn't. It isn't anything to do with maths, but is all about speed and accuracy.

Lastly, the motivation test does require a bit of maths. Just remember the space-time-distance maths and don't worry, they are all do-able. If you end up with decimal 21.78 minutes, I'd guess you made a mistake somewhere. They can all be done in your head with a bit of practice. Anyhow, their are only a few questions like that, so even if you can't do them easily, you may still pass by doing well in the rest.

[Vic154]

When I did stage one I'm sure I didn't get emailed any practice tests for the diagrammatic bit or anything. :sad: I got emailed the motivation paper material but that's it.

No wonder I failed! Did well in the motivation test though!

[bgabka]

watch_the_birdie - thanks for your reply, it makes everything clear.

[djnick007]

Hi to all,

I have my 'first stage selection test' on Tuesday! thats in 2 days.

I've had a thorough look at the Motivation paper NATS send you via email... all the info about NATS and how ATC works is fine, but the thing I'm wondering about is, the last 5 pages are nothing but all airliners (with their model number), number of passengers, typicall routes, airlines which run them, etc etc... (ie... lots of small details)

When you all took your first stage test, were these questions in the paper itself? Are we expected to memorize all these flight details? (I mean...it's a LOT!) :=)
What was the motivation paper question like in general?

I'm more than grateful for any last minute advice!!

Thanks in advance everyone,
Nick

[djnick007]

Hi again,

Just in case I get a prompt answer, was wondering if any of you remember any of the questions regarding the (speed/distance/time questions and distance estimation questions) that "Amenhotep" was talking about?

An example or two would be apreciated as I have no clue what they might look like and might be a good idea to practice a couple of those before the test!

Thanks very much,
Nick

[rdk1979]

You'll probably get one or two questions re the last five pages. Just use common sense re speeds, altitudes and destinations really. E.g. Would a 747 fly between manchester and leeds? It might but more likely are the smaller planes.

See you tomorrow!

:ok:

[prowle4763]

Hi everyone,

Just applied, booking my Stage 1 as I speak.

I've been trawling the internet looking for more examples of the cube net spacial awareness tests.

Just looked at the one NATS sends through and they look nails!

Anyone found any?

Cheers.

[djnick007]

Hi everybody!
Well…seeing as reading what other people posted regarding their “first stage interview” at NATS helped me so much, I thought I would write about my experience in case it helpes guide anybody through their first stage test!
This is how the day evolved:
I arrived at the Hilton Hotel (London Bridge) ’30 minutes prior to the 13.30 beginning of examination dressed in a Suite and ****, no tie… which to be honest, doest NOT make you feel unconfortable, and NOR does it make you “not perform” as well as you would do in tracksuit trousers. Most lads were wearing a suit in fact.
Registration upon arrival, and straight into the examination room, no messing about! We were informed that our day would be structured in two. Firstly taking the “psychometric tests”, followed by a 15minute brake, watch an informative NATS DVD and ask a proffessional ATCO any sort of related questions and finally the motivation paper examination with the “personal questionnaire”.
-For this intial psychometrics test we were handed a multiple choice answer sheet and question booklet. The rules are explained to us as if we were 5 years old, so nothing can go wrong!
First up was the “Basic Checking”, which had nothing to do with being BASIC! Answer as many of the 40 tags in the question in 5 minutes. Starting off with the simple (4 digit) or (4 letters) down to some COMPLEX combinations of up to 8 or even 10 (had no time to count!). I think I got through 30 or so… as I tried to establish a safe speed/accuracy ratio, which I hope worked for me.
Second up, was the “Spacial Reasoning test” ie. CUBES! With a new blank question sheet and booklet.
We were given 3 cubes, with 20 questions per cube, each question had 5 options to select from, the fifth – E if none of the cubes apply. Answer as many as you can in 20 minutes.
The first cube was like the ones supplied to us by NATS example, simple and straightforward, but the second and third cube were quite hard. Not all options per cube were shown from the same face! Which means every possible cube per question had to be checked. I don’t even remember reaching the third cube which had been cut out in a different (odd) way.
And then the final “Diagramming” test, ie…figures and commands.
Not only were there way too many for any human being to resolve, but instead of having 4 commands, there were 7 simple commands, and 3 complex commands (by complex I mean either reversing the final presentation order, or re-ordering the boxes into a different numerical pattern).
Therere were 50 questions; the first 20’odd were straightforward, as of there the combinations start to get mind-boggling. Answer as many as posible in 20 minutes.
- 15 minute break with tea/coffee, and breathe!
We were then sorted in to two groups, one of which went on to taking the motivation paper exam straight away. But I cleverly hid behind the column to get some extra brain power back and went with the second group to watch the DVD and speak to the ATCO. :)
-Once we finished watching the DVD and speaking to the Controller, which helped loosen up a little, we went back into the examination room for the “motivation paper” test.
I had read and learnt the paper pretty well I must admit, which I don’t regret what so ever. Thanks to this I managed to fly through 25 (theory questions) of the total 30 questions (hoping they are correct!) :-S The other 5 were basic velocity/space/time calculations. We are also expected to have a vague idea of main city distances by the looks of things. And the most popular routes flown by each type of aircraft (more or less). Answer as many as possible in 18 minutes.
And last but not least, an non-timed personal questionnaire of 30 questions. Select which you are most likely to be out of option A or B… not much to choose from; you’re either clever or an idiot – keep calm or go crazy. A little pointless if you ask me.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the NATS first stage examination.
I hope this will help you as much as your comments, hints and tips helped me!
All I can suggest is take it seriously, and prepare well for it. With psychometrics remember that practice makes perfect!
If you want to know anything else, or some of the velocity/space/time examples, ask me while I still remember them! :)

Nick

[nickibcss]

Hi

Do you know of where to find practice tests for this part of the recruitment process??

[djnick007]

http://www.shl.com

Many books at WHSmith's and Waterstone's

[Tordan]

I´ve actually seen the fold-out cube type of test at a swedish military recruitment site. Go to www.officer.nu put on headphones or a speaker and click away. Ya, it´s in swedish but if you´re going to be an almighty ATCO that shouldn´t be much of a problem, eh? ;)

One hint "Starta testet" means "Start the test". Wait for the tests to load, I belive the cube test is the fourth and final. Have fun kids.

BTW, I got through the first stage tests in Sweden, will do part two in late april.

[737cap2b]

Hi,

Got my stage 1 on the 11th June in Manchester. I was wondering should i use my time revising mental maths - need a bit of practice or should i be reading through the motivation paper and doing spatial tests? How much mental maths is required in stage 1?

Thanks

[SACrIGGER]

Think you should try doing both.

[workman01]

As Has been mentioned before there are only a few questions in the motiviation paper that involve mental maths and it is really just speed distance time stuff.

e.g

A B738 at 36000ft descending at 1500 ft per min has a speed of 420knts and has to divert, which of the following airports could it divert to?

Then it will give you 4 different options all different distances away and you have to choose the one it could divert to given all the information.
I reckon i failed the spatial reasoning even although I was fine with the practice questions, I think you either have that or you don't.

Best advice for that and the diagramming stuff is just think through it logically and don't panic if you can't get it just move onto the next.

[737cap2b]

Thank you :)!

[Gonzo]

As Has been mentioned before there are only a few questions in the motiviation paper that involve mental maths and it is really just speed distance time stuff.

On the test paper you took............

[workman01]

Yes the test paper I took..

However Gonzo I reckon it would go against the point of half the tests given on the day, to give speed time distance questions to some and different maths questions to others. The whole point as far as I am aware is to make it fair to all applicants.

[anotherthing]

Workman01

There could be several variants of the initial tests - that does not mean that someone might get an unfair advantage - the papers will all be of a similar level of difficulty.

You can either do it or you cannot - what someone else may or may not have been asked does not have any bearing on your individual effort.

If you are succesful and commence ATC training, be prepared for many exams (especially Oral boards) where people at the same stage as you get asked totally different questions... the point is that the standard required from the examiners and the examinees will be the same across the board.

Amentohep et al have been gracious in their bid to enlighten people as to the format they can expect, but I have a top tip for applicants - possibly the best tip you will receive.

Read the paperwork you print off i.e. the motivation paper and learn it. and read the other information you are given.

A neighbour returned from stage one testing in London yesterday and they were incredulous that 4 or 5 of the candidates had not even done that.

Learning that paperwork aside - you can either do the tests or you can't... training your brain (or jump starting it) by doing IQ books, puzzles etc is a good idea IMHO, but it only serves to get your brain back up to speed if you have not used it that way for a while.

If you have never had the aptitude to do these sorts of tests, then you probably never will.

As long as you give it your best shot, thats all you can ask of yourself and its all NATS can ask of you (and that stays true throughout your training)

[elanaar]

Hi Amen.What happen with you?Hopefully you have some good news.The last thing Im bothered about is what to wear.Cant believe some people spend time on this when actually they apply for ATCO.Its about how much brain luggage you have and how you can use it I think.Anyway I just have very dissapointing day.I was suposed to have Stage1 in the morning but get late so I missed it:{ Still cant believe.
Have a chat with a lady from NATS and try to explaine the situation but she was having her own problems so she says that I need to re-book.Anyway can we discuss a bit more all the stages at the first test,please?TY

[encounter150]

Are these the type of time, distance, speed questions ?

Speed Distance Time | OASC: RAF Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (http://www.speeddistancetime.info/)

cheers