NATS interview process
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Stage 1, Manchester
Hi ajfaccini!
I was on the back row, far side of the room about 4/5 seats from the end. I'm glad I studied the manual however the damn cubes got me i think! Which group were you in? We did the diagramming and cubes first.
I was on the back row, far side of the room about 4/5 seats from the end. I'm glad I studied the manual however the damn cubes got me i think! Which group were you in? We did the diagramming and cubes first.
Join Date: Feb 2009
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I've done a foundation course at university.
The problem is - in the university section you have to put the date you graduated. You don't really graduate from a foundation course and you don't get a certificate either... So do I just not put it down? (even though foundation is in the scroll part for type of course)
I don't want to put it and then look a bit stupid when I have no certificate? I have exam results for it and proof I went onto another course. Struggling a bit with this one? Can anyone give some advice?
The problem is - in the university section you have to put the date you graduated. You don't really graduate from a foundation course and you don't get a certificate either... So do I just not put it down? (even though foundation is in the scroll part for type of course)
I don't want to put it and then look a bit stupid when I have no certificate? I have exam results for it and proof I went onto another course. Struggling a bit with this one? Can anyone give some advice?
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Hi. I've got my stage 3 in Manchester at the end of March and I'm trying to find some information about what it involves. I know it is a group exercise but I can't possibly think what this might be! Are there anymore tests or just the ATC interview? Also, I'm hoping to organise a visit to Manchester if possible. If anyone knows how I would go about this and wants to let me know, that would be great! Thanks
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Deferring start dates??
I'm not sure if this has been answered already but I've only read up to page 50 so far! I've got my stage three at the end of the month, I was wondering - if I was successful - would I be able to defer my start at the college until roughly May 2010? Or would it be better to go through the college and then possibly take a through months before starting the job? It's just that I've booked three months in the USA from Februaury next year and I don't really want to have to cancel my trip unless I really have to!
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I assume you mean take a few months off after college. You have no chance what so ever. The college isn't like further education. If you are lucky enough to get offered a place at the college, then NATS will be your employer from the day you start. They are not going to give you 3 months off. You will probably be able to defer your start date, but I would think carefully about it. People who have deferred in the past have regretted it(wage lowered,pension change).
Between now and May 2010, your T and Cs could be dramatically altered. What would worry me in this day and age is recruitment stopping. Until you start at the college you are not an employee.
Between now and May 2010, your T and Cs could be dramatically altered. What would worry me in this day and age is recruitment stopping. Until you start at the college you are not an employee.
Last edited by aaaabbbbcccc1111; 14th Feb 2009 at 17:02.
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Stage 1 Manchester
Nope. I'm called Darren. Wonder what life would be like if I was called Stuart? Hmm. Anyway I came in a bit later on when he asked about the racecourses.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Sportzbar, I think I may have been in the same group as you in that morning session, had the diagramming and cubes first then the video and discussion with Chris. If we were in the same group, I was the one who asked about transition altitudes in America! Hope you got on okay!! I think for me this will be the longest two weeks of my life now!

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Originally Posted by Sauceball
Hi. I've got my stage 3 in Manchester at the end of March and I'm trying to find some information about what it involves. I know it is a group exercise but I can't possibly think what this might be! Are there anymore tests or just the ATC interview? Also, I'm hoping to organise a visit to Manchester if possible. If anyone knows how I would go about this and wants to let me know, that would be great! Thanks
I'd recommend you contact Manchester if you haven't already as this could be invaluable to getting info on Stage 3 processes. I have my stage 3 in London on 20th Feb and I organised a visit to Prestwick. They were great there- they gave an introductory presentation to Scottish Area Control and Oceanic Control, a tour of the new centre for when Manc staff move up, buddying up with controller and a talk with an interviewer who gave a thorough outline of the stage 3 day. I'm not sure what I can disclose on this site but the group excercise is very much geared to looking at how you take in a lot of information in a short period of time and work with colleagues.
Good luck
Kristov
Last edited by Kristov; 15th Feb 2009 at 13:15.
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DunelmPilot + Sportz bar
yeh i think i remember you sortzbar. And you dunelmpilot. How do you think you did dunelm? Think the cubes got me to be honest but I suppose i will find out in a few weeks. Long
wait though!

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Ajfaccini,
The first diagramming test and the cubes test were the only two tests that I didn't complete. Although, from reading previous pages on this thread, I get the impression that they are not designed to be completed: it's more a measure of how many you get right against how many you did in the time available (hence why they stressed not to wild guess any). I think I did as well as I possibly could have done on the day, so we'll just see now if the standard I achieved was good enough. How do you think you got on? Apart from the cubes, did you get on okay with the other tests??
The first diagramming test and the cubes test were the only two tests that I didn't complete. Although, from reading previous pages on this thread, I get the impression that they are not designed to be completed: it's more a measure of how many you get right against how many you did in the time available (hence why they stressed not to wild guess any). I think I did as well as I possibly could have done on the day, so we'll just see now if the standard I achieved was good enough. How do you think you got on? Apart from the cubes, did you get on okay with the other tests??
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not sure yet to be honest. Don't think theres any real way to judge how I've done. Yeh same here, the other tests I completed but them 2 I struggled to complete them. Only time will tell how Ive done anyway, just a few weeks and then I'll know.
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it's more a measure of how many you get right against how many you did in the time available (hence why they stressed not to wild guess any)
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It said it on one of the papers, Gonzo... one of the mental spacial reasoning bits.
I have two questions that I can't seem to find an answer to:
- I've had 8 jobs since 1995 when I left uni prematurely... Should I put them all on the application? Even the barwork? Or do they just want the last 5 years or so?
- I have no idea what my visual acuity is, although my glasses are pretty weak (-1.5D) so I should be fine. Should I guess this, or write "unknown", or what.
Thanks in advance for any answers. Might call HR tomorrow if I can't work it out.
I have two questions that I can't seem to find an answer to:
- I've had 8 jobs since 1995 when I left uni prematurely... Should I put them all on the application? Even the barwork? Or do they just want the last 5 years or so?
- I have no idea what my visual acuity is, although my glasses are pretty weak (-1.5D) so I should be fine. Should I guess this, or write "unknown", or what.
Thanks in advance for any answers. Might call HR tomorrow if I can't work it out.
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Maggiesfarmer:
You don't HAVE to put down your previous jobs, especially if they aren't relevant to the position. I didn't put ANY of my previous jobs down on the application and I still got through fine.
You don't HAVE to put down your previous jobs, especially if they aren't relevant to the position. I didn't put ANY of my previous jobs down on the application and I still got through fine.
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I would advise putting all your previous jobs down. If there are any gaps the interviewers will ask you about them, from/until dates etc.
The form asks you for your past employment history, so why not?
If the interviewers have to spend the first ten to fifteen minutes on details that you were asked to put on the form, then it might not get the interview off to a bright start.
The form asks you for your past employment history, so why not?
If the interviewers have to spend the first ten to fifteen minutes on details that you were asked to put on the form, then it might not get the interview off to a bright start.

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