NATS interview process
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Guildford
Age: 48
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Gonzo! I've already sent it in... I've put the last 5 years - these are the 3 jobs that have led me to be in the position I'm in and certainly the most relevant(ish). Wish I'd read your reply first but too late now.
I guess a concern was that in my current industry (financial services), it's normal for good people to change company every year or two. In fact you wouldn't want someone who was so rubbish that they weren't poached at least every few years! This (NATS) is quite different for me and I hope I get the chance to explain that to an interviewer.
I guess a concern was that in my current industry (financial services), it's normal for good people to change company every year or two. In fact you wouldn't want someone who was so rubbish that they weren't poached at least every few years! This (NATS) is quite different for me and I hope I get the chance to explain that to an interviewer.
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Prestwick
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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)
hope iv not made a huuuge mistake! can someone clear this up? im hoping its just 'score a certain mark' pass and they dont look at this in great logic detail!
claire x
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Glasgow
Age: 36
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Clairey Fairy
i tried to look at it from the point of view as an ATCO, i followed a plan of answering quickly and precisely but when circumstances changed (i had minimal time left) my plan changed, to have a guess and take a 25% chance of getting each question right
I wish you the best of luck though. Don't panic yourself about it. Whats done is done. If you're through then you've done good, if not then just learn from it and make sure you get it right next time round.
As with all stages of the interview, just shove it to the back of your mind until you get word through. THEN panic for the next stage
(And in answer to your question, rumour has it on this forum that it is only the correct answers which are counted, not negatively marking your incorrect answers. Don't quote me on it though, it's just something I read whilst studying these posts)
Andy
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Outerspace
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gonzo:
True, I guess, but I thought I could portray my own skills better in the section asking me to describe relevant experience as none of my previous jobs had anything relating to ATC. As it wasn't a requirement I thought I would just give what was needed, but obviously it may differ for someone else who has different work experience.
MaggiesFarmer:
Good on you. I wish you all the luck. Just stay motivated and you will be fine!
I did mention my previous jobs in the interview and fortunately I have been at my current employer for almost 4 years now with no gaps. I guess that helped. I'm also in the financial services industry currently and I know what you mean regarding head hunting. I'm sure if you clearly give them reasons as to why you left then they will understand. Would you agree Gonzo?
True, I guess, but I thought I could portray my own skills better in the section asking me to describe relevant experience as none of my previous jobs had anything relating to ATC. As it wasn't a requirement I thought I would just give what was needed, but obviously it may differ for someone else who has different work experience.
MaggiesFarmer:
Good on you. I wish you all the luck. Just stay motivated and you will be fine!
I did mention my previous jobs in the interview and fortunately I have been at my current employer for almost 4 years now with no gaps. I guess that helped. I'm also in the financial services industry currently and I know what you mean regarding head hunting. I'm sure if you clearly give them reasons as to why you left then they will understand. Would you agree Gonzo?
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Medway
Age: 35
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Completed and sent off my online application. Being a 20 year old with no real employment history made trying to fill it in highly uncomfortable.
I don't know what I'll have to offer in the interview. Suddenly feeling highly pessimistic now. I'm going to have to put in a mighty performance (if Im even offered an interview) to have a remote chance.
How long do they typically consider your application before offering you to move onto stage 2?
I don't know what I'll have to offer in the interview. Suddenly feeling highly pessimistic now. I'm going to have to put in a mighty performance (if Im even offered an interview) to have a remote chance.
How long do they typically consider your application before offering you to move onto stage 2?
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: North West
Age: 39
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its computer marked isnt it? So I don't think a computer can negatively mark answers? Maybe it can. I guessed a few of the last questions when I was running out of time and I still managed to pass Stage 1. Im pretty sure on the questions I answered that I was 100%. Do you get the results for the Stages onces you've passed Stage 3?
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Outerspace
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Marco888:
I wouldn't worry about not having work experience. As long as you can answer what you would do in a given situation well then that's what they are looking for. You don't have to use examples of work, it could have been at Uni, or college or school or sport....whatever you can relate the question to (within reason). Everyone finds out at different times after their stages - some a few days, some a few weeks depending on how busy they are.
Russell Bell:
You don't get your results after passing stage 3, you must just assume you did well enough. Saying that, after the second time I applied and failed stage 3 I was given feedback on the day and was told about each of my aptitude tests - not the scores just if I had done well or not.
I wouldn't worry about not having work experience. As long as you can answer what you would do in a given situation well then that's what they are looking for. You don't have to use examples of work, it could have been at Uni, or college or school or sport....whatever you can relate the question to (within reason). Everyone finds out at different times after their stages - some a few days, some a few weeks depending on how busy they are.
Russell Bell:
You don't get your results after passing stage 3, you must just assume you did well enough. Saying that, after the second time I applied and failed stage 3 I was given feedback on the day and was told about each of my aptitude tests - not the scores just if I had done well or not.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Outerspace
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whitelighter:
Yes, it really was horrible getting that far and then being told, "No!". When I failed the first time they said, "You are were not flexible enough in your answers, and you were easily swayed in your decisions.". The second time I was told that I had not shown a passion for aviation that I explained I had in my application and there were one or two questions that I tripped up on in the interview - which was really down to lack of preparation. The third time, last month, I passed.
Yes, it really was horrible getting that far and then being told, "No!". When I failed the first time they said, "You are were not flexible enough in your answers, and you were easily swayed in your decisions.". The second time I was told that I had not shown a passion for aviation that I explained I had in my application and there were one or two questions that I tripped up on in the interview - which was really down to lack of preparation. The third time, last month, I passed.
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: best one
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
well done ATCnoob!
thatīs called tenacity, fighting for a target, that I guess they considered on the third attempt. (even though going second time, i think, was already evident your passion for aviation..)
congrat! now, enjoy it!
thatīs called tenacity, fighting for a target, that I guess they considered on the third attempt. (even though going second time, i think, was already evident your passion for aviation..)
congrat! now, enjoy it!
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Outerspace
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks aphelio and Marco888! Yes, I would never be able to live with myself if I didn't go for it again - you know, the whole 'what if...' would even eaten my from the inside out!!!!
Marco888: I would have been absolutely gutted if I didn't make it this time! One guy at my interview didn't make it and it was his 3rd time; I was even gutted for him! Yes, it's was definitely worth it! I'm still not counting my chickens though: I still have my medical coming up. I don't have anything in particular that I feel I should worry about but you never know...
I didn't mention PPrune. There are plenty of other sources of information other than forums that would be better to mention. Forums in general don't have a good reputation in my opinion as I guess they can been seen as a source for 'cheating' or taking short cuts.
Marco888: I would have been absolutely gutted if I didn't make it this time! One guy at my interview didn't make it and it was his 3rd time; I was even gutted for him! Yes, it's was definitely worth it! I'm still not counting my chickens though: I still have my medical coming up. I don't have anything in particular that I feel I should worry about but you never know...
I didn't mention PPrune. There are plenty of other sources of information other than forums that would be better to mention. Forums in general don't have a good reputation in my opinion as I guess they can been seen as a source for 'cheating' or taking short cuts.
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Scotland
Age: 40
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In contrast I did mention pprune (amongst several other sources of information). All I did was follow it up with that sometimes you need to take things on the internet with a pinch of salt, but there's lots of info on here - not just tips for the interviews/application process... see all the other threads in this particular forum, for example.
Say whatever you think is right at the time, but ultimately, be honest - the interviewers can (and will) catch you out if you're not.
Good luck!
Say whatever you think is right at the time, but ultimately, be honest - the interviewers can (and will) catch you out if you're not.
Good luck!
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: looking out of the window
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Was just posting to say I submitted the application form last night and got the invite email today, so there doesnt seem to be too much delay.
Does anyone know how often the dates are updated? I could do with a date in April, but the latest currently is March 27th. I work in the Motor Trade and getting time of in March is impossible so was hoping if I hold off a few days a couple of april dates might pop up.
DOnt want to delay too loing though in case they think I have gone off the idea.
Does anyone know how often the dates are updated? I could do with a date in April, but the latest currently is March 27th. I work in the Motor Trade and getting time of in March is impossible so was hoping if I hold off a few days a couple of april dates might pop up.
DOnt want to delay too loing though in case they think I have gone off the idea.
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Scotland
Age: 40
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
whitelighter,
Don't know when there will be more dates (HR can help you with that), but the rule with the system is that if you don't pick a date within 2 weeks of the invite email, your application is withdrawn. If it gets close to 2 weeks and there's still no dates you can do, just give HR a call and they can extend your application to let you wait.
My advice would be to wait a week (but keep checking in between), see if there's any more dates and if not, call HR.
Don't know when there will be more dates (HR can help you with that), but the rule with the system is that if you don't pick a date within 2 weeks of the invite email, your application is withdrawn. If it gets close to 2 weeks and there's still no dates you can do, just give HR a call and they can extend your application to let you wait.
My advice would be to wait a week (but keep checking in between), see if there's any more dates and if not, call HR.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: south ayrshire
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hi, claireyfairy, when you sat your stage 1 on the 12th in glasgow did you attend the morning or afternoon session. i was at the afternoon session and did the same regarding filling all the boxes when running out of time
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Age: 37
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i'm nervously awaiting my stage one results, first attempt.
Has anyone here got through to stage two having answered 35 out of the 40 basic checking questions? I answered 38/40 for the Numbers, 35/40 Letters.
The reassurance would be a good thing. I know it makes no difference as i could have got many wrong....but assuming accuracy isn't a problem it'd be nice knowing i did enough to pass if accuracy was 100%
Has anyone here got through to stage two having answered 35 out of the 40 basic checking questions? I answered 38/40 for the Numbers, 35/40 Letters.
The reassurance would be a good thing. I know it makes no difference as i could have got many wrong....but assuming accuracy isn't a problem it'd be nice knowing i did enough to pass if accuracy was 100%
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Medway
Age: 35
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The first basic checking I can't have gotten further than question 34. I think I was on 33 when time was called. And I've gotten to stage 2. Hope this helps. (I did all 40 with the second basic checking).
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Outerspace
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
marco888:
Forums can and are a good source of information, but if it's not conveyed that way in an interview then it can work against you. I decided beforehand not to mention it in case it came across the wrong way - better safe than sorry.
Forums can and are a good source of information, but if it's not conveyed that way in an interview then it can work against you. I decided beforehand not to mention it in case it came across the wrong way - better safe than sorry.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Guildford
Age: 48
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ewwww, my app's been sent to the medical people. I think I may have confused things with the visual acuity. I only wear weak specs but put down what the optician said. With hindsight, he was a bit wishy washy... shoulda called HR instead!