NATS interview process
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I should hope not that they fail people 1st time around who are 18!
And anyway, just do your best!
Are NATS good at spotting enthusiastic candidates and does this have a high postive effect on getting through each stage?
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rossbrereton18,
I don't think your enthusiasm is assessed directly at all in the first stage. There is no one to one at any point. There are too many people. For this stage I think the motivation paper is used to assess your enthusiasm. Ie, if you're enthusiastic you will learn the paper. I'm sure when you get to stages 2 and 3 and you start talking to people then it'll start to matter. I suspect that it won't be a case of you being chosen because you are enthusiastic, rather that you will be rejected for not being enthusiasic.
I don't think your enthusiasm is assessed directly at all in the first stage. There is no one to one at any point. There are too many people. For this stage I think the motivation paper is used to assess your enthusiasm. Ie, if you're enthusiastic you will learn the paper. I'm sure when you get to stages 2 and 3 and you start talking to people then it'll start to matter. I suspect that it won't be a case of you being chosen because you are enthusiastic, rather that you will be rejected for not being enthusiasic.
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Are NATS good at spotting enthusiastic candidates and does this have a high postive effect on getting through each stage?
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This myth of 18 year olds being turned away to assess how much they want the job (i.e. see if they return) is nothing short of illegal. It doesn't mean they don't do it, mind you, but I can only hope and assume that they do not.
I think that the main reason youngsters (like myself) get turned away is completely down to lack of experience for both the interviews and "life experience".
From my 18th birthday to my 21st birthday, my life has absorbed so much from varying jobs and new and lost relationships.
If I was subjected to a Stage 2 at 18, I can't think of how I could answer half the questions with any sort of substance. Hell, I even failed an interview for cabin crew with MyTravel first time round from lack of experience. The interviewer would love to pass you, but they need to get out of you (at S2 at least) *proof* that you can cope with certain situations. They cannot pass you unless you prove to them you possess certain qualities, and I am not sure "Well, one time in English class..." would cover it.
Also, chances are at 18, NATS is your first big interview. It will come as a shock to you how tough it is...Second time round you will be a lot more prepared for the types of questions that will be thrown your way. You should have already thought out the answers you need to have rolling off the tip of your tounge to impress the interviewer.
On the same note, any 18 year old who can present themselves well will get through. Just prepare, prepare, prepare. Not only from PPRUNE, but search Google for "Common Job Interview Questions" etc. These will be similar to HR "interrigation" and even if they are not related it won't do you any harm preparing the answer anyway.
Also, try and vary your answers from question to question. If one answer is suitable for multiple questions (eg. Give example of time you were in charge/Give example of time you adapted to changing circumstances) then link them, and assess different qualities you possesesd for both situations. Then find another seperate answer so that you can use both answers and tell the examiner "I have another example if you would like it..."
You can do it, other people have. But it isn't an easy ride, not for anyone.. It just seems that once you've had a couple of interviews you begin to understand how to prepare better.
Good luck!
Andy
I think that the main reason youngsters (like myself) get turned away is completely down to lack of experience for both the interviews and "life experience".
From my 18th birthday to my 21st birthday, my life has absorbed so much from varying jobs and new and lost relationships.
If I was subjected to a Stage 2 at 18, I can't think of how I could answer half the questions with any sort of substance. Hell, I even failed an interview for cabin crew with MyTravel first time round from lack of experience. The interviewer would love to pass you, but they need to get out of you (at S2 at least) *proof* that you can cope with certain situations. They cannot pass you unless you prove to them you possess certain qualities, and I am not sure "Well, one time in English class..." would cover it.
Also, chances are at 18, NATS is your first big interview. It will come as a shock to you how tough it is...Second time round you will be a lot more prepared for the types of questions that will be thrown your way. You should have already thought out the answers you need to have rolling off the tip of your tounge to impress the interviewer.
On the same note, any 18 year old who can present themselves well will get through. Just prepare, prepare, prepare. Not only from PPRUNE, but search Google for "Common Job Interview Questions" etc. These will be similar to HR "interrigation" and even if they are not related it won't do you any harm preparing the answer anyway.
Also, try and vary your answers from question to question. If one answer is suitable for multiple questions (eg. Give example of time you were in charge/Give example of time you adapted to changing circumstances) then link them, and assess different qualities you possesesd for both situations. Then find another seperate answer so that you can use both answers and tell the examiner "I have another example if you would like it..."
You can do it, other people have. But it isn't an easy ride, not for anyone.. It just seems that once you've had a couple of interviews you begin to understand how to prepare better.
Good luck!
Andy
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interviewer would love to pass you, but they need to get out of you (at S2 at least) *proof* that you can cope with certain situations.
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ajfaccini
don't give up on the computer tests, no matter how crap you think you're doing, and in the interview don't be afraid to wait a few seconds to think of a decent answer rather than blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.
good luck
don't give up on the computer tests, no matter how crap you think you're doing, and in the interview don't be afraid to wait a few seconds to think of a decent answer rather than blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.
good luck
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I got through all the stages first time at the age of 19. If you're good enough to get through or make them believe you are good enough they will pass you. There is nothing to any rumour about purposefully failing younger candidates.
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Hi all
A friend of mine is just studying for the Stage 1 selection tests.
Originally downloaded the studying material, the material was well out of date (and dated March 2003). However I have checked the usual download place for the reading material and it appears the file has been updated to more recent file. There is no date on the reading material but it does have the new NATS logo unlike the previous. Has anyone else noticed this that the reading material has changed?
Many Thanks
A friend of mine is just studying for the Stage 1 selection tests.
Originally downloaded the studying material, the material was well out of date (and dated March 2003). However I have checked the usual download place for the reading material and it appears the file has been updated to more recent file. There is no date on the reading material but it does have the new NATS logo unlike the previous. Has anyone else noticed this that the reading material has changed?
Many Thanks
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It hasn't really 'changed', to be honest if you've been studying the March 2003 materials you would be able to distinguish that there is only a little bit extra regarding airspace/recent developments! 
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Thanks for the reply T250, I'm well passed that part of studying.
I think it is very sneaky of NATS to make changes without atleast emailing applicants. My friend has found out only 3 days before their selection tests and although you are correct about the changes it would appear that there is alot of technical data for someone without a previous understanding of airspace stuctures etc to learn at such short notice let alone understanding what its all about.
I think it is very sneaky of NATS to make changes without atleast emailing applicants. My friend has found out only 3 days before their selection tests and although you are correct about the changes it would appear that there is alot of technical data for someone without a previous understanding of airspace stuctures etc to learn at such short notice let alone understanding what its all about.
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Thanks for mentioning the updated documents - I have my S1 on Monday so that will be useful!
NATS must have to take into account that if you are only 18 then you're not going to have done as much as an older person who would have had a chance to get a good job and work their way up to a senior level.
I've tried to do as much as I can in a short space of time - I started my PPL when I was 16 and obtained my PPL when I was 17 and have a share in a C150 but I only go to college and work in a shop (to pay for flying). I hope that will help get me through the interview, that is assuming I pass S1.
NATS must have to take into account that if you are only 18 then you're not going to have done as much as an older person who would have had a chance to get a good job and work their way up to a senior level.
I've tried to do as much as I can in a short space of time - I started my PPL when I was 16 and obtained my PPL when I was 17 and have a share in a C150 but I only go to college and work in a shop (to pay for flying). I hope that will help get me through the interview, that is assuming I pass S1.
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I think that clearly shows your passion for aviation, determination to acheive your goals, maturirty (how many sub 20 year olds can fly, never mind be responsible for their own aircraft) and the ability to study, learn and pass testing and examination (ppl isnt that easy).
Assuming you do ok in the basic aptitude testing, I think you probably have a lot to talk about - probably more that is directly relevant than a lot of candidates (myself included).
I wish you luck, but your passion will show through I am sure.
Assuming you do ok in the basic aptitude testing, I think you probably have a lot to talk about - probably more that is directly relevant than a lot of candidates (myself included).
I wish you luck, but your passion will show through I am sure.
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Wow! i feel like i have nothing to talk about when it comes to the interview! I want this career soooooo much! I have my stage 1 papers in front of me now, i am trying to decide on a place to do the testing as after Monday, i have to go down to Swanwick, which is one hell of a journey and a very costly one indeed!
Is there anyone else that is going to Manchester on the 30th? and is a suit without tie a good idea?
Thanks
Is there anyone else that is going to Manchester on the 30th? and is a suit without tie a good idea?
Thanks
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I will also be in Manchester on Monday....I am becoming very nervous but just trying to keep my head!!
I'll be in the PM sessions, looking nervous and stressed hehe
Does anyone have any good last minute pratice papers/websites??...anything would be greatly appreciated..
I'll be in the PM sessions, looking nervous and stressed hehe
Does anyone have any good last minute pratice papers/websites??...anything would be greatly appreciated..
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Well i only applied last wednesday, ive already read parts of MATS from the CAA website, have you looked at that? When reading the documents they sent me, it was basically a shorter and simplified version of that. I know alot about aviation so the airline stuff at the end isnt too difficult.
How have you found the cubes?
I think diagramming is the most difficult.
I sent a thread on gtios asking if they had any dates in manchester, luckily they have monday, im trying to get PM as i can go up with my mum as she works in Stretford which is only down the road from the hotel but i thought i was going to have to travel down to Swanwick, and my god! that is a journey and a half! it would cost me £150+!
How have you found the cubes?
I think diagramming is the most difficult.
I sent a thread on gtios asking if they had any dates in manchester, luckily they have monday, im trying to get PM as i can go up with my mum as she works in Stretford which is only down the road from the hotel but i thought i was going to have to travel down to Swanwick, and my god! that is a journey and a half! it would cost me £150+!
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Callum91.
Be very careful about telling them your whole life is about flying. If i were interviewing you, I would be thinking that if you got through and started to get ATCO pay... you would be straight down the route of CPL and adios nats to a flying job.
This happens plenty of times in the selection process. I remember one or 2 at my stage 1 many moons ago bringing their PPL's to the selection test..... never saw them again.
If you get grumpy ATCO man and he catches wind of this.... you will be screwed.
A background in aviation is always helpful for technical exams and some of the face to face ATCO staff, but it is always a double edged sword.
We dont want to have to bust a gut to get you vaild for you to then bugger off. May sound harsh but its what you will get in the interview so be prepared for that.
Best of luck.
Be very careful about telling them your whole life is about flying. If i were interviewing you, I would be thinking that if you got through and started to get ATCO pay... you would be straight down the route of CPL and adios nats to a flying job.
This happens plenty of times in the selection process. I remember one or 2 at my stage 1 many moons ago bringing their PPL's to the selection test..... never saw them again.
If you get grumpy ATCO man and he catches wind of this.... you will be screwed.
A background in aviation is always helpful for technical exams and some of the face to face ATCO staff, but it is always a double edged sword.
We dont want to have to bust a gut to get you vaild for you to then bugger off. May sound harsh but its what you will get in the interview so be prepared for that.
Best of luck.