NATS interview process
I've just checked it out, another personality test 
Is this to check if i've gone insane after the 2 stages 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Manchester
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
fail ='(
I also found out today that i failed stage 3, and I'm shattered by it. I know I shouldn't be, but it was my dream job.
It annoys me that I've done 1500 miles worth of travelling for nothing, and they didn;t even grace me with a reason for failing.
It also annoys me that they allowed me to go trhough all that testing just to fail an interview where nerves more often than not take over. Why?? I have already proved I've got the mental capacity to at least cope in the college.
There, RANT OVER.
Now, does anybody know of any other companies that may have similar jobs going? I know NATS is the main, but they dont do all airports. So maybe there is somewhere else I could get in??
binbrain x
It annoys me that I've done 1500 miles worth of travelling for nothing, and they didn;t even grace me with a reason for failing.
It also annoys me that they allowed me to go trhough all that testing just to fail an interview where nerves more often than not take over. Why?? I have already proved I've got the mental capacity to at least cope in the college.
There, RANT OVER.
Now, does anybody know of any other companies that may have similar jobs going? I know NATS is the main, but they dont do all airports. So maybe there is somewhere else I could get in??
binbrain x
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Scotland
Age: 40
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry to hear some people are getting bad news at the moment. You can get feedback to find out why them didn't think you're suitable - wait until the news has sunk in a bit and arrange a time to speak to HR.
binbrain: Unfortunately it's not just about mental capacity to cope at the college (and if I'm being truly honest, nearly all of us at the college probably didn't really know how hard it is sometimes until we were there doing it). There's a lot more that they're looking for - for example, it can be about how you interact with people, how you've dealt with situations in the past, the way you assess risks (some people are generally risk-takers, others risk-averse, and not something you can change easily), etc etc.
There's quite a lot of people at the college who got through to Stage 3 on their first application, failed, got some more experience or just had a better idea of what was going to happen (for some, it's the first time they've had an interview like that), re-applied and were successful 2nd or 3rd time round.
Don't know how old you are, but if you're under 25 and willing to work overseas, you can apply to Eurocontrol. Alternatively it seems it's hard to get into the non-NATS airfields without at least some ATC training - there are two colleges where you can pay to train, but it's expensive, and unless you can make arrangements before you start, no guarantee of a job once you finish.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
binbrain: Unfortunately it's not just about mental capacity to cope at the college (and if I'm being truly honest, nearly all of us at the college probably didn't really know how hard it is sometimes until we were there doing it). There's a lot more that they're looking for - for example, it can be about how you interact with people, how you've dealt with situations in the past, the way you assess risks (some people are generally risk-takers, others risk-averse, and not something you can change easily), etc etc.
There's quite a lot of people at the college who got through to Stage 3 on their first application, failed, got some more experience or just had a better idea of what was going to happen (for some, it's the first time they've had an interview like that), re-applied and were successful 2nd or 3rd time round.
Don't know how old you are, but if you're under 25 and willing to work overseas, you can apply to Eurocontrol. Alternatively it seems it's hard to get into the non-NATS airfields without at least some ATC training - there are two colleges where you can pay to train, but it's expensive, and unless you can make arrangements before you start, no guarantee of a job once you finish.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Manchester
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thanks for the reply.
I am only 21 and it was my 1st ever interview and I had no idea what to expect. I will definately apply again, like you said, I'll know whats coming.
When I do reapply, will I have to go through all the stages again?
bb
I am only 21 and it was my 1st ever interview and I had no idea what to expect. I will definately apply again, like you said, I'll know whats coming.
When I do reapply, will I have to go through all the stages again?
bb
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: World
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Binbrain, you're only 21....don't be heart broken or give up. The first time I tried for ATC stuff I was 24 and did Eurocontrol. I got to the interview and they failed me...I believe it was because I had just moved to Europe two months before. At 24 I had no chance of attempting for Eurocontrol again....I moved on and found NATS. Now I am set to begin the college in Feb.
Keep you head up and stay positive. I truly believe that is the biggest factor in making it through all of this. Stay positive and you will find a way to achieve what you want.
Keep you head up and stay positive. I truly believe that is the biggest factor in making it through all of this. Stay positive and you will find a way to achieve what you want.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: birmingham
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey, I had my stage 1 shortly before it all changed over to swanwick and prestwick, I live in Birmingham so I was quite lucky. As for security checks, I got given a form at stage 3 to fill out, its like an enhanced disclosure I was told, but to be honest I could have been signing my life away and I wouldn't have known any different! But I thought that only went through if you were successful at stage 3 and have yet heard nothing about how I did, even though they are processing the security vetting now. I'm not sure about your personal circumstances, but if it was many years ago and was minor, I would be surprised if they said no because of that. Maybe ring hour and check. X
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: birmingham
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can't believe people have heard back from stage 3 and they had their interview a week after me! I'm really sorry for you guys not getting through, I feel I may be joining you on that wagon soon. Chin up guys, worst things have happened. You will find something for you, good luck! X
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Bourne End
Age: 38
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bloody hell that well scared me! Was worried I hadn't been emailed the personality test cuz I'd failed. Not that I feel like I've passed mind. Hope we find out soon. I'm going to Australia in a week so don't want to be finding out while I'm out there.
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: EGLL
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It seems like a fair few of us are currently going through the motions of the Stage 3 Assessment. I have mine on the 19th October at the Swanwick LACC. Anybody else attending the same date?
For those preparing for Stage 3, I find it really helps to take note of the fact that this assessment involves a competency interview. NATS will only make you an offer if you can talk about multiple examples of ways in which you have behaved well against the listed core competencies in the past. Being able to talk about these examples in detail is also key.
When thinking about preparing an example, it might help to break it down into different parts. For example, thinking about a tough decision you've had to make in the past; consider the situation. What was the problem? What obstacles did you have to overcome to make that decision? Follow through with information you collected, actions you took and the subsequent outcome of your actions. Remember to finish with what you learnt as a result of the example and how you might do things differently if you were to do them again.
Writing down your examples helps reinforce them in your brain. The more examples you can think of, preferably in varying situations [work/University/personal life], the better. Take a competency and write down questions you think NATS might ask you about it. Then write down 'probes' i.e. follow-on questions you might be asked as a result of your initial answer.
One example could be under the problem solving competency. An initial question might be:
'Describe a complex problem you have had to deal with.'
A 'probe' could be:
'What was your individual role in solving the problem?'
or:
'How did you communicate with members of your team to accomplish this?'
...and so on and so forth.
Hope this helps!
For those preparing for Stage 3, I find it really helps to take note of the fact that this assessment involves a competency interview. NATS will only make you an offer if you can talk about multiple examples of ways in which you have behaved well against the listed core competencies in the past. Being able to talk about these examples in detail is also key.
When thinking about preparing an example, it might help to break it down into different parts. For example, thinking about a tough decision you've had to make in the past; consider the situation. What was the problem? What obstacles did you have to overcome to make that decision? Follow through with information you collected, actions you took and the subsequent outcome of your actions. Remember to finish with what you learnt as a result of the example and how you might do things differently if you were to do them again.
Writing down your examples helps reinforce them in your brain. The more examples you can think of, preferably in varying situations [work/University/personal life], the better. Take a competency and write down questions you think NATS might ask you about it. Then write down 'probes' i.e. follow-on questions you might be asked as a result of your initial answer.
One example could be under the problem solving competency. An initial question might be:
'Describe a complex problem you have had to deal with.'
A 'probe' could be:
'What was your individual role in solving the problem?'
or:
'How did you communicate with members of your team to accomplish this?'
...and so on and so forth.
Hope this helps!
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Scotland
Age: 40
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There's plenty of books available in your local bookshops or libraries that cover competency-based interviews and how to tackle them. Can't remember what one I used the very first time I had this type of interview (it wasn't my NATS one) but I found them really helpful and definitely worth the time spent preparing and thinking about it!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: London
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
stage 3 interview
I wonder how one can demonstrate competence in 'emotional stability' and 'spatial awareness'. I mean, haven't they already tested us on cubes in spatial reasoning? How do you go on to demonstrate competence in 'spatial awareness'?
Do they test you on some mental arithmetic with the 'numerical awareness' competency in the interview?
Do they test you on some mental arithmetic with the 'numerical awareness' competency in the interview?
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: EGLL
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SKOS,
Be prepared to answer questions on any of the competencies listed, or possibly more!
Emotional stability; you could think of an example which relates to that at work. Let's say there was a time you dealt with an big client. Your business with them was important to your organisation but you couldn't help getting annoyed at their very personal remarks at your manner of business. Did you lose your cool, or remain composed and professional and concentrate on the task at hand?
Alternatively, deadlines could be another example. For example, getting a Dissertation together for University. In these stressful times when you may have been under a lot of time pressure to produce large amounts of work in short spaces of time, did you ever feel like having a mental breakdown and giving up, or did your resilience and the goal-driven side of you put emotions to one side and focus on what was important?
Take the time to prepare, it's well worth it!
Be prepared to answer questions on any of the competencies listed, or possibly more!
Emotional stability; you could think of an example which relates to that at work. Let's say there was a time you dealt with an big client. Your business with them was important to your organisation but you couldn't help getting annoyed at their very personal remarks at your manner of business. Did you lose your cool, or remain composed and professional and concentrate on the task at hand?
Alternatively, deadlines could be another example. For example, getting a Dissertation together for University. In these stressful times when you may have been under a lot of time pressure to produce large amounts of work in short spaces of time, did you ever feel like having a mental breakdown and giving up, or did your resilience and the goal-driven side of you put emotions to one side and focus on what was important?
Take the time to prepare, it's well worth it!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"One thing you said that I am not quite clear on is, you don't seem to know how many of the 11 maths question you answered was right. I mean with the answers, it is either you know how to work it out and get it right or not. Surely, you must have an idea as to how many of the 11 you got right."
I'd like to say with a 100% accuracy that I got all the 11 questions right (or was it 13?) I'm pretty sure I got all of them right but I know from advice and experience that answering a question isn't a black and white situation, especially on those SDT questions.
If I get feedback I will indeed share it with you all, of course I don't expect HR to give away success thresholds and such but I need answers here or I'll be forever wondering why.
Spare a thought though for the Stage 3 people who get knocked back at such a final stage that must be a right kick in the teeth ...and wallet....
I'd like to say with a 100% accuracy that I got all the 11 questions right (or was it 13?) I'm pretty sure I got all of them right but I know from advice and experience that answering a question isn't a black and white situation, especially on those SDT questions.
If I get feedback I will indeed share it with you all, of course I don't expect HR to give away success thresholds and such but I need answers here or I'll be forever wondering why.
Spare a thought though for the Stage 3 people who get knocked back at such a final stage that must be a right kick in the teeth ...and wallet....
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: EGLL
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's going alright, thanks! Just have to keep practising and going over stuff for it. Thankfully I'm going down the night before and staying in a B&B so will be a little less stressful on the day itself. I know I'll still be really nervous when the actual interview comes around though.
Best of luck with your outcome, really hope you make it!
Best of luck with your outcome, really hope you make it!