NATS Interview (Changes) - [Merged]
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Flower pointed out somewhere that some of the information in the 'sticky' at the top of this Forum is out of date. She's absolutely spot on 
Hopefully we are about start working on providing individual threads for NATS which will highlight the relevant updated facts regarding the general application aspects, the tests, interview topics, etc, etc. These threads will then be linked via a 'sticky' FAQ at the top of the Forum. Once these are in place, there will be no need for anyone to post the same questions week after week (or month after month) - cutting down some of the trees so we can see the wood.
Watch this space
Hopefully we are about start working on providing individual threads for NATS which will highlight the relevant updated facts regarding the general application aspects, the tests, interview topics, etc, etc. These threads will then be linked via a 'sticky' FAQ at the top of the Forum. Once these are in place, there will be no need for anyone to post the same questions week after week (or month after month) - cutting down some of the trees so we can see the wood.
Watch this space
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261A:
Diagrammatic reasoning involves a set of 3 or more squares each containing a shape which may be shaded/unshaded or partially shaded. Next to each of the squares is a diagrammatic instruction which tells you to do something to the shape inside the square. Working downwards you have to complete all the instructions until you are finished with a new set of squares. The new set will match one of the answers you can choose from.
The diamgrammating instructions are as follows:
- Shade the whole shape in
- Alternate shade (i.e. if the shape is a square which has been divided in 2 and shaded on the left side, you would clear the left side and shade in the right side.
- Swap the shape with the shape in the square below
- The shape replaces the shape in the square above
Might sound a bit complicated but it gives you an idea. I'll try finding some practice examples online for you...
Kirk
Diagrammatic reasoning involves a set of 3 or more squares each containing a shape which may be shaded/unshaded or partially shaded. Next to each of the squares is a diagrammatic instruction which tells you to do something to the shape inside the square. Working downwards you have to complete all the instructions until you are finished with a new set of squares. The new set will match one of the answers you can choose from.
The diamgrammating instructions are as follows:
- Shade the whole shape in
- Alternate shade (i.e. if the shape is a square which has been divided in 2 and shaded on the left side, you would clear the left side and shade in the right side.
- Swap the shape with the shape in the square below
- The shape replaces the shape in the square above
Might sound a bit complicated but it gives you an idea. I'll try finding some practice examples online for you...
Kirk
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Tests.
I found the following book very useful:
'Psychometric Tests for Graduates' by Andrea Shavick
All the test examples within are by SHL Group, who are the company responsible for setting the NATS tests. A happy by product of this is the examples are identical in format to the ones given at the assessment day.
I'd be more than happy to let someone have the book free of charge as i've already done the test day. Anyone who wants it PM me with where you want it sent.
'Psychometric Tests for Graduates' by Andrea Shavick
All the test examples within are by SHL Group, who are the company responsible for setting the NATS tests. A happy by product of this is the examples are identical in format to the ones given at the assessment day.
I'd be more than happy to let someone have the book free of charge as i've already done the test day. Anyone who wants it PM me with where you want it sent.
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It is some 16 years since I did the tests, we didn't know what to expect or have samples to try out before hand. Knowing however that we would be doing paper and pencil tests I spent hours and hours doing the types of tests that MENSA give you plus lots of logic type problems crosswords etc. They get your brain thinking quickly in a certain way.
Although you need to do some prep for them what they are looking for is your type of reasoning, no amount of cramming will really change the way your brain works so don't get yourself so uptight about the tests.
Although you need to do some prep for them what they are looking for is your type of reasoning, no amount of cramming will really change the way your brain works so don't get yourself so uptight about the tests.
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Yes, it has examples of both the spatial and diagramatic tests. They are exactly as you see in the test proper.
The only caveat I would add is that the examples (for diagramatic test) have only four or five commands as opposed to seven or eight in the actual test. (the extra ones are evil e.g. reverse the order, position 1 put in position 3, 2 to 4, 3 to 1 etc) truely horrible. I'd also add that its only the last dozen or so on the test that use these more difficult commands.
The only caveat I would add is that the examples (for diagramatic test) have only four or five commands as opposed to seven or eight in the actual test. (the extra ones are evil e.g. reverse the order, position 1 put in position 3, 2 to 4, 3 to 1 etc) truely horrible. I'd also add that its only the last dozen or so on the test that use these more difficult commands.
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Books for the aptitude tests????
You don't need to buy books for the aptitude tests. These tests are designed to be made after a 5 minute explanation, and believe me... they are NOT that difficult. The stories of people that tell you the tests are extremely hard come from the people that made it through these tests and who like to believe (or make you believe) they made it because they are extremely good and talented.
Reading all these books just makes you extra nervous. Stick to studying the "introduction to" booklet. Apart from that look at the test examples on the website that is mentioned in the sticky interview thread, so you know what to expect. All I can say is... don't worry about these tests!!! If you have the talent to be an ATCO you will very easily pass the aptitude test.
Buying and reading all those books is a waste of money and a waste of time in my opinion!
Reading all these books just makes you extra nervous. Stick to studying the "introduction to" booklet. Apart from that look at the test examples on the website that is mentioned in the sticky interview thread, so you know what to expect. All I can say is... don't worry about these tests!!! If you have the talent to be an ATCO you will very easily pass the aptitude test.
Buying and reading all those books is a waste of money and a waste of time in my opinion!
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To be honest here, I never bought any books in regards to the selection tests but soley concentrated on the motivation paper
I simply brushed up on my basic mental arithmetic but that was about it, it's all about performing on the day under the time restriction and pressure, this will differentiate the potential candiates with suitable aptitudes to those who don't
I know it sounds silly, but don't over revise on the aptitude tests and keep a cool head......
I simply brushed up on my basic mental arithmetic but that was about it, it's all about performing on the day under the time restriction and pressure, this will differentiate the potential candiates with suitable aptitudes to those who don't
I know it sounds silly, but don't over revise on the aptitude tests and keep a cool head......
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selection tests manchester
Hi im new to the forum but found it very useful. Is anyone attending the sleection tests in manchester on the 5th of april. Even after reading all the posts i still dont know really what to expect. With me only been 18 also i just don't feel there is much chance
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russ148,
The aptitude tests and interviews are there to look for people who may have the right aptitude to become ATCOs. They are not there looking for people already qualified as ATCOs.
Although the tests are far from perfect they are looking for that certain something which you either have or not, age doesn't reflect that. You may be 40 and useless and 16 and perfect.
No doubt if you have been reading through all the threads of late then you will see the starting salary through the college is low, there is a good chance therefore that the age of many applicants will be a lot younger than in the past.
There seems to be way to much worrying and panic from people going in to the tests, you can prepare yourself for interview and if you didn't you would have to question your desire to do the job but the aptitude tests are there to judge one thing and one thing only, do you have the aptitude to train to become an ATCO. Go in do the tests and take from it what you can. There are plenty who are young who pass, and a good number told to come back a year later.
To everyone here stop getting so stressed out by it, if you are stressed by tests you wont go very far in ATC.
The aptitude tests and interviews are there to look for people who may have the right aptitude to become ATCOs. They are not there looking for people already qualified as ATCOs.
Although the tests are far from perfect they are looking for that certain something which you either have or not, age doesn't reflect that. You may be 40 and useless and 16 and perfect.
No doubt if you have been reading through all the threads of late then you will see the starting salary through the college is low, there is a good chance therefore that the age of many applicants will be a lot younger than in the past.
There seems to be way to much worrying and panic from people going in to the tests, you can prepare yourself for interview and if you didn't you would have to question your desire to do the job but the aptitude tests are there to judge one thing and one thing only, do you have the aptitude to train to become an ATCO. Go in do the tests and take from it what you can. There are plenty who are young who pass, and a good number told to come back a year later.
To everyone here stop getting so stressed out by it, if you are stressed by tests you wont go very far in ATC.
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FAO rikvanteinde & Flower
Thank you for the voices of reason, i was told to look at these forums for some advice and what i saw made me panic abit, i was only going to revise for the motivation paper and the maths paper, as a level psychology explains aptititude tests as something that can't be revised for, and therefore I was safe in the knowledge that I could only do my best! After reading the threads I panicked because of all the talk of books and crazy revising, as im sure many others are. However I'm back to my confident self now and I'm pretty sure I'll be fine on the assessment, well, maybe the maths will shake me abit, but we'll see!
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Hey, just wondering if anyone's at Novotel on the 28th? It's my final permitted attempt at the interview, I'm trying not to get too worked up! Just trying to remember as much as I can and to brush up my interview technique.
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Originally Posted by Rozzy
Thank you for the voices of reason, i was told to look at these forums for some advice and what i saw made me panic abit, i was only going to revise for the motivation paper and the maths paper, as a level psychology explains aptititude tests as something that can't be revised for, and therefore I was safe in the knowledge that I could only do my best! After reading the threads I panicked because of all the talk of books and crazy revising, as im sure many others are. However I'm back to my confident self now and I'm pretty sure I'll be fine on the assessment, well, maybe the maths will shake me abit, but we'll see!
The easiest question is: 37 - ... = 26 A.9 [B.11] C.12 D.8
or: 25 ... 5 = 5 A.- B.+ [C./] D.X (not kidding)
It doesn get much harder than: 1/3 X ... = 1/6 X 24 [A.12] B.etc...
Consequently you may have to do 1 or 2 multiplications or tail divisions (again, is this English??? I'm Dutch, so sorry if it sounds stupid
) on paper. Please correct me if I'm wrong!
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Originally Posted by mattcarus
@ Standard Noise:
That questionaire is still there, but it's 248 questions now, did it last friday...
What is the final word on wages? When I get into college (thinking positivly...) what'll I be on?
Cheers, Matt
That questionaire is still there, but it's 248 questions now, did it last friday...
What is the final word on wages? When I get into college (thinking positivly...) what'll I be on?
Cheers, Matt
Where is the questionaire? I couldn't find it.
I am new here and will have my one day test 1st March. Thanks!
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Feedback and Data Protection Act...
I've asked about feedback - NATS says it will now give feedback to candidates following the Assessment Centre Day, which great if they really mean it. They don't give feedback from test days because it would be pretty pointless - a computer scores the papers and a yes/no answer comes out.
It's a case of "computer says no!" - if you ask for more info under data protection act they will probably give you the figures to back up the answer but it will still be a "no".
The personality questionnaire is not used, as far as I know, to make the decsion about calling people for interview.
It's a case of "computer says no!" - if you ask for more info under data protection act they will probably give you the figures to back up the answer but it will still be a "no".
The personality questionnaire is not used, as far as I know, to make the decsion about calling people for interview.
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I have been following this thread with interest - I am only 15 and studying towards my GCSEs and am hopefully going to apply as soon as I am 18 to be a trainee ATCO with NATS.
I would like to ask 2 questions if I could about applying in the future - 2009 when I will be 18.
1. I would like to know whether the aptitude/selection tests will be the same or have the same tests as they do right now as in spatial, diagrammatic reasoning, numerical reasoning, checking, motivation papaer and personality questionnaire.
2. Will the College of Air Traffic Control still be next to Bournemouth Airport by 2009? I read somewhere on these forums that it would possibly move to Whiteley at the NATS technical and comms centre near to LACC, Swanwick - would this be before or after 2009?
Any answers will be most appreciated as I would like to start looking at the books recommended on here and preparing years in advance for the tests. A bit
I know!
Feel free to PM if you need.
I would like to ask 2 questions if I could about applying in the future - 2009 when I will be 18.
1. I would like to know whether the aptitude/selection tests will be the same or have the same tests as they do right now as in spatial, diagrammatic reasoning, numerical reasoning, checking, motivation papaer and personality questionnaire.
2. Will the College of Air Traffic Control still be next to Bournemouth Airport by 2009? I read somewhere on these forums that it would possibly move to Whiteley at the NATS technical and comms centre near to LACC, Swanwick - would this be before or after 2009?
Any answers will be most appreciated as I would like to start looking at the books recommended on here and preparing years in advance for the tests. A bit
I know!Feel free to PM if you need.
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Hi every one:
I want to ask are all these part of test on the day all multi choice or any of then needs write down the anwers, such as the question about the word document we had. Thanks!
I want to ask are all these part of test on the day all multi choice or any of then needs write down the anwers, such as the question about the word document we had. Thanks!