NATS interview process
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
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From: Newcastle
Donners - It's 12 months from when you applied, not from when you failed, so you'll be fine to reapply quite soon by the sounds of things. What stage did you get to out of interest?
Though you say you've got another 4 goes, I thought you only got 3 goes to get through? But I'm not 100% sure on that one.
Though you say you've got another 4 goes, I thought you only got 3 goes to get through? But I'm not 100% sure on that one.
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 89
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From: Berkshire, UK
Did my Stage 1 in London on 31st March
Just received request to take OPQ
SO happy as I was reasonably sure that i had failed!
NOw i need to get up, showere and take the OPQ- anyone know how long it takes for the results of the OPQ to come back?
Just received request to take OPQ
SO happy as I was reasonably sure that i had failed!
NOw i need to get up, showere and take the OPQ- anyone know how long it takes for the results of the OPQ to come back?
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 159
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From: Woking, Surrey
I did my OPQ on Monday last week and got results yesterday... whether that's because I sent a message asking for confirmation that they'd received the questionnaire, I don't know! (The invite to take the questionnaire said that they would confirm receipt of it, but I got no confirmation).
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
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From: Newcastle
Tim - HR may allow you to edit your application, I really don't know. But even if they don't, it shouldn't be a worry. When I got to stage 3, I had a gap on my application form and the guys interviewing me noticed it and questioned me round it. I was able to satisfy their curiosity so all was well.
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: UK
Hi Chris R, only stage 1 mate, think I failed on the spatial awareness part of it, incidentially does anyone know a good way of doing this or would you actually be allowed to rip a bit of scrap paper apart, the only reason I ask this is i saw someone using a calculator in my test and the invigulator didnt say anything 
The ATC we had on our day said you could have 5 attempts so just assuming he was correct
The ATC we had on our day said you could have 5 attempts so just assuming he was correct
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
Multiple replies again so look out for your name....
Donners: You now only have two attempts left as I understand it - 3 attempts in total. I imagine people who have failed the 'old' stage 2 may have a case for having their application reset as it's no longer the same assessment, but I don't think that applies to you. And Chris R is right - it's 12 months from your date of application in the NATS Message Centre thing - I wouldn't suggest applying any earlier than that as you could get accused of being dishonest and having your application withdrawn....
Have you asked for feedback? I'm not sure about the ripping paper apart - I'm certain that it's allowed, but quite frankly, I don't think you'd have enough time to answer all of the questions if you did that. You might get more right, but answer less overall (if you get what I mean).
Tim91: You can try, but not sure they'll let you! If it's only one bit of work experience, I wouldn't worry too much about it - if you were like me and had 8 yeras work experience and didn't include any of it, I'd be more worried! I'm sure you can explain at the interview.
Pugwash - well done for getting through to the OPQ. Response times vary - mine came back within a day, and others take two weeks. It takes as long as it takes I'm afraid! Good luck.
Donners: You now only have two attempts left as I understand it - 3 attempts in total. I imagine people who have failed the 'old' stage 2 may have a case for having their application reset as it's no longer the same assessment, but I don't think that applies to you. And Chris R is right - it's 12 months from your date of application in the NATS Message Centre thing - I wouldn't suggest applying any earlier than that as you could get accused of being dishonest and having your application withdrawn....
Have you asked for feedback? I'm not sure about the ripping paper apart - I'm certain that it's allowed, but quite frankly, I don't think you'd have enough time to answer all of the questions if you did that. You might get more right, but answer less overall (if you get what I mean).
Tim91: You can try, but not sure they'll let you! If it's only one bit of work experience, I wouldn't worry too much about it - if you were like me and had 8 yeras work experience and didn't include any of it, I'd be more worried! I'm sure you can explain at the interview.
Pugwash - well done for getting through to the OPQ. Response times vary - mine came back within a day, and others take two weeks. It takes as long as it takes I'm afraid! Good luck.
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Plymouth
Congratulations Pugwash4x4. I did mine on the 31st as well and I'm waiting to hear. Should be soon then. Was yours the am or pm slot?
Last edited by speedbird182; 15th April 2009 at 09:33. Reason: Typo
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 89
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From: Berkshire, UK
hey speedbird- did mine in the afternoon
might be worth looking online to check he system- i happened to log on to check that they had the correct email address for me (which they did), only to find a test invitation- the email didn't come through for another few hours after that!
might be worth looking online to check he system- i happened to log on to check that they had the correct email address for me (which they did), only to find a test invitation- the email didn't come through for another few hours after that!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Berkshire, UK
sorry you didn't pass the first stage speedbird- good luck next time
just finished the OPQ- that's no fun - as far as i can see they are going to think that i am an over-confident arse that doesn't think about anyone else, lives purely in the present who makes decision too quickly!
tell me- are these useful attributes for an ATC
just finished the OPQ- that's no fun - as far as i can see they are going to think that i am an over-confident arse that doesn't think about anyone else, lives purely in the present who makes decision too quickly!
tell me- are these useful attributes for an ATC
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Peterborough
Pugwash, they let me in to stage 2 for being an unsociable, emotional, nervous person who hates to lead teams and can't stand monotonous work. 
I did put a strong emphasis on how much I love to help people and commit myself to extremeley tough challenges.
I did put a strong emphasis on how much I love to help people and commit myself to extremeley tough challenges.
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: UK
Cheers for the advise paperclip, much appreciated, I knew I hadn't got through, think my brain was well and truely out of gear due to not challenging it in the past 6 months, I know have 9 months to jump start it again! Think I'm looking at this as a better oppurtunity as I'm not going in with my eyes closed, as I did previously.
Anyone on here successfully after there 2/3 attempt at trying?
Anyone on here successfully after there 2/3 attempt at trying?
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
JonathanB: My referees still haven't been contacted even though I passed Stage 3 in January, have had NATS and CAA medical. I assume they'll probably do it before I get a contract in May/June though!
Donners46: I know shugs (who probably still lurks here) was successful on his second attempt, and there's plenty of other people too, but I just can't remember who... I'm sure they'll come out of the woodwork soon enough...
Donners46: I know shugs (who probably still lurks here) was successful on his second attempt, and there's plenty of other people too, but I just can't remember who... I'm sure they'll come out of the woodwork soon enough...
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: manchester
wow...you are so lucky to have found out so quickly...I have just completed my OPQ but knowing my luck they will make me wait and wait..and then wait some more!!! o well....i guess i will soon learn how patient i am as a person!!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: manchester
well after just writing that post....I also just found out that I passed the OPQ and now to fill out the application form!!! I was amazed at the speed, it literally only look them abou 20 mins from the time I completed the test to when I got the txt!!!
Best of luck to everyone else...and I hope that you all have the quick response that I did!!!
Best of luck to everyone else...and I hope that you all have the quick response that I did!!!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: hampshire
Hi all,
Just booked stage 2 on 1st May, anyone else on this day ??? I had to book it early as im on holiday the following 2 weeks !!!
Any info on the day from people who have taken it recently ???
Good luck everyone
Just booked stage 2 on 1st May, anyone else on this day ??? I had to book it early as im on holiday the following 2 weeks !!!
Any info on the day from people who have taken it recently ???
Good luck everyone