NATS Interview (Changes) - [Merged]
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Examiners not showing up.
Originally Posted by Aiguilleur du ciel
had my selection tests today but none of the normal examiners shown up even though NATS HR had pre-booked this date and hotel 
therefore we started 3 hrs late!!!!!
therefore we started 3 hrs late!!!!!
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Keystone Cops!
I also attended the Euston test day on monday, all I can say is I hope NATS aren't paying too much for the services of Centrica. Every test was delayed so they could photocopy more answer sheets, timings were way off on more than one test (usually in our favour, but will screw up accurate comparisons of candidates). The answer sheets are supposed to be machine readable but the copied ones were wonky at best. First test started at about 1145! and we were still finished by about 1630?? All credit to the ATCO from Manchester who battled through all this and gave a great talk on what it is to be an ATCO. Hopefully be joining you soon.
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Originally Posted by G-UNIT
I also attended the Euston test day on monday, all I can say is I hope NATS aren't paying too much for the services of Centrica. Every test was delayed so they could photocopy more answer sheets, timings were way off on more than one test (usually in our favour, but will screw up accurate comparisons of candidates). The answer sheets are supposed to be machine readable but the copied ones were wonky at best. First test started at about 1145! and we were still finished by about 1630?? All credit to the ATCO from Manchester who battled through all this and gave a great talk on what it is to be an ATCO. Hopefully be joining you soon.
discussion with ATCO has spurred me on even if that means taking a pay cut
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Originally Posted by Aiguilleur du ciel
couldn't agree more, how can you keep your concentration going when you had mentally prepared yourself that morning!!
discussion with ATCO has spurred me on even if that means taking a pay cut
discussion with ATCO has spurred me on even if that means taking a pay cut
. I admit the situation wasn't ideal, but as an air traffic controller you have to be able to respond flexible to changes in every situation and stay focused and calm at all time. Look at the ATCO that was there: he managed to keep his head cool and took care of things, while he had to inform +/- 50 applicants about the fact that testtakers did not show up. Thanks to him I was still able to catch my flight in time.But that is all off topic stuff. I want to know more about the changed interviews, especially about the group exercise.
Join Date: Dec 1999
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If you feel moved to comment on the performance of the recruitment company (I believe they're called 'Capita'), please let HR know your thoughts. I've had my own 'experiences' with them when I've been the ATCO present on the test day, and any feedback you can give NATS HR might be acted upon.
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Hi guys, I was also another candidate there on the monday, and have to say it was a bit of a shambles by 'Capita' or 'Centrica'??. As you've read, not only were the examiners late due to a mess up with booking them, but when they did arrive they appeared rude and slighty sharp with people. They came across very unprofessional and whilst I was taking my exam in the small room in the second part of the afternoon, there were people looking at their question books before the exam had started whilst the examiner left the room!!! On her return she continued to type throughout the exam even after a candiate asked her to stop as it was distracting him - it didnt bother me as I just got on with it and took it in my stride, (infact I thought it was slightly amusing) but I think it was unfair to expect people to come all this way, spending their time and money for things to then be in chaos.
I was also very suprised that the ATCO just started with a question/answer session as I thought there was going to be a formal presentation, however I actually found this to be a much better way of getting information across, he was friendly and put everyone at ease, and described what Air Traffic Control was really like - infact he really sold it to me, and I just hope I get through the rounds.
I totally agree with the guy above saying if you cant deal with being messed around then why are you applying to be an ATCO, from what i understand things can be a bit unpredictable and you should just get on with it. All I hope is that it hasn't impeded on my results... Would be nice to know if anyone does get through just so we know the results aren't fudged in anyway!
I was also very suprised that the ATCO just started with a question/answer session as I thought there was going to be a formal presentation, however I actually found this to be a much better way of getting information across, he was friendly and put everyone at ease, and described what Air Traffic Control was really like - infact he really sold it to me, and I just hope I get through the rounds.
I totally agree with the guy above saying if you cant deal with being messed around then why are you applying to be an ATCO, from what i understand things can be a bit unpredictable and you should just get on with it. All I hope is that it hasn't impeded on my results... Would be nice to know if anyone does get through just so we know the results aren't fudged in anyway!
Last edited by FlightDeckDave; 10th Feb 2006 at 17:09.
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Originally Posted by G-UNIT
I know they said 'within 15 days' but i'm checking my e-mails every couple of hours already! Anyone from the monday 6th Feb assessment day heard anything yet??
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atco tests
I've just read all the stuff relating to the tests. I'm a well-scared ATSA looking to withdraw her application I think.....I'll take the redundancy in 10 years when IFACTS comes in.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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NATS interviews
Hello, with all due respect to the large post just under this one, which is really a great source of information -thanks to all who contributed to it. However, I wanted to start a new post to talk about more recent experiences with the NATS test/interview. I have one coming up soon in Bournemouth, and was hoping to discuss. Cheers!
Join Date: Mar 2005
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interview
just been informed that i have made it through to the interview stage 
this is where the hard graft starts from now i suppose!!!
not sure whether to book it for March or June!!
this is where the hard graft starts from now i suppose!!!
not sure whether to book it for March or June!!
Last edited by Aiguilleur du ciel; 14th Feb 2006 at 17:07.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Interview Monday 6th
Hi Guys
I attended the interview on Monday the 6th i heard on the Thursday that i had been successful due to go for my medical on the 3rd of March. As for the comments regarding the testing day i had no problem with it what so ever everyone there was pleasent and informative. The group excersie was of particular interest as you get an understanding of the various skills each individual can offer. Im interested to know how you get on guys let me know.
Can anyone recently through college give me a steer on living arrangements/ costs ? Is there any particular area recommended.
I attended the interview on Monday the 6th i heard on the Thursday that i had been successful due to go for my medical on the 3rd of March. As for the comments regarding the testing day i had no problem with it what so ever everyone there was pleasent and informative. The group excersie was of particular interest as you get an understanding of the various skills each individual can offer. Im interested to know how you get on guys let me know.
Can anyone recently through college give me a steer on living arrangements/ costs ? Is there any particular area recommended.
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Weh hey i'm through to the 2nd stage of ATC interviews, just gonna make my booking now but now quite sure which. Was just reading above that G-Unit was saying check your PM's, can someone clarify what could be in that info, and why can't someone PM me???
Join Date: Jan 2006
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I didn't make it through! 
Whats the crack with waiting 12 months before you can apply again??? I thought you could apply whenever???
I have also been told that NATS don't give feedback....I thought they did???
Whats the crack with waiting 12 months before you can apply again??? I thought you could apply whenever???
I have also been told that NATS don't give feedback....I thought they did???
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Originally Posted by tiger_bob
I didn't make it through!
Whats the crack with waiting 12 months before you can apply again??? I thought you could apply whenever???
I have also been told that NATS don't give feedback....I thought they did???
Whats the crack with waiting 12 months before you can apply again??? I thought you could apply whenever???
I have also been told that NATS don't give feedback....I thought they did???
I'm disapointed with the lack of feedback but most big companies are the same now.
I thought that it was 6 months before you could re-apply again, but I guess, I have 12 months to sort myself out, work out where I went wrong, improve, and do it again.
Shame really I didnt think that it went too badly.
For everyone asking about the group interview with the ATCO, the lady that did ours was really helpful its nothing to worry about. She didnt (seem to) mind talking to me more informally waiting for the train either. Typically cant remember her name though!
Matt
Join Date: Jan 2006
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There's a little law called the DATA PROTECTION ACT that makes it illegal for companies not to disclose any info they hold about you. They are at libertly to charge a fee for providing the info (i believe a max of £10, but don't take that as gospel), but it might prove a useful route for those (including myself) who want tho know where they went wrong.
I cant say whether you'd be better off trying NATS itself or the HR company? And if the info has already been binned then it might prove a dead end, but if the info is there they have to tell you!
more info at http://www.ico.gov.uk/documentUpload...cess%20FAQ.pdf
Having said all of this i am no lawyer, and take no responsibility for the outcome!
I cant say whether you'd be better off trying NATS itself or the HR company? And if the info has already been binned then it might prove a dead end, but if the info is there they have to tell you!
more info at http://www.ico.gov.uk/documentUpload...cess%20FAQ.pdf
Having said all of this i am no lawyer, and take no responsibility for the outcome!
Join Date: Feb 2006
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DATA PROTECTION
Hello Darkhorse
you seem to be very aware of your rights however data protection DOES NOT cover national security "where deemed relavent" therefore i would strongly advise against any future ATCO fighting the system just get your finger out and do the best you can at final interview.
READ READ READ
you seem to be very aware of your rights however data protection DOES NOT cover national security "where deemed relavent" therefore i would strongly advise against any future ATCO fighting the system just get your finger out and do the best you can at final interview.
READ READ READ
Join Date: Aug 2005
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New Interview Format
Hi, I have my interview day coming up and was wondering if someone who has recently been through them can tell me if the old style interview of 60 HR style questions are still asked?? No feedback etc... Or if they are different as I understand the tech and HR interview are now combined. Also what do you do in the group exercise? Thanks for the help
BB
BB
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Roni f, couldn't agree more. i wouldn't suggest anyone cause a scene in trying to extract the info. and i imagine anyone who is refused on the basis of being a 'threat to national security' would probably have a good idea themselves as to what denied them the job. It does seem unfair tho that NATS wont tell ppl why they didn't make the grade. I fully intend on re-applying in 12 months and am just frustrated i cant spend the time concentrating on my weakest points. I imagine alot of ppl are in that boat with me?