NATS interview process
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Fair point I suppose. What I was trying to say was that you should not be indecisive and the ATCO will try to put you off your original decision by adding in little snippets of info.
Thanks for picking up on that though, you must lead an exciting life, sifting through threads pulling people up for the content of their comments
I was only trying to give Greg an idea of what the interview is like, guess I'll think twice before leaving a post in future for fear of retribution.
Thanks for picking up on that though, you must lead an exciting life, sifting through threads pulling people up for the content of their comments
I was only trying to give Greg an idea of what the interview is like, guess I'll think twice before leaving a post in future for fear of retribution.
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All helpful stuff, in my interview though I was given scenario, told to make a decision and explain it, then given more and more information until it made sense to me to change my original plan. So use common sense and don't be afraid to change your mind if needed or stick to your guns as has been said before and you won't go far wrong.
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Its true though about some of the people on this forum...some people come on to just give it mouth while some of us are genuinely looking for info...like myself...yet someone on another thread actually came out with...'Why does your name contain ATCO when you clearly aren't'? I've since apologised to Surgeon (Not his real username, But accuracy was EVERYTHING to him)...my username was just a username, Greg was taken unfortunately...Had I pretended to be an ATCO I wouldn't be asking questions! I've now changed my name to 'Here2BroadenHorizon'...as usernames are so EVER important...I changed it to give a more accurate representation of myself for the picky bunch (you know who you are)!
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"when you post using a title with the term ATCO most respondents on here would initially assume that you are, in fact, an ATCO. However the content & manner of your posts reveals that you couldn't possibly be. i.e. Dash 8 not RVSM approved." ---- Your right in saying I am not an ATCO...as I have previously posted, I also posted that I wasn't aware you guys had usernames which signify your position, which is fair enough. However...you used the example about that Dash 8 as if I was wrong in what I was saying, so I'm sorry in advance for being a pain...but can I clarify the situation. Wether the Dash 8 was RVSM approved or not doesn't matter because it can't fly at such an altitude that it would ever need to be? Am I right? Reason I'm checking is because your post is addressed to someone who would understand all the abreviations and Acronyms. I'm not quite there yet! Thanks
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Misinterpretation NeoDude...I wasn't trying to be confrontational there...I was genuinely asking him to clarify the reasoning behind the scenario because I never understood fully what he meant. I'm very appreciative of the advice given and promise you it is being taken on board. I can't see what was confrontational about my last post as I'm listening to what vercingetorix is saying and asked him to elaborate. I'll take your comment on the chin as I don't want to be arguing about it. The bit at the end of my post about abreviations and acronyms did sound a bit cheeky...it was supposed to be a joke on my part because I don't understand them all as yet, but I never took into consideration it may be hard for someone reading the post to see that. Sorry...yet again! This forum is hard work...it seems anything confrontational sparks people into a keyboard FRENZY! I thought it was fun and games and a chance to get info!? Unless you have 40 years experience and know Nats inside out it seems being wrong or inaccurate is a definite No No! I'm chilled and Im having fun understanding bits and pieces from you guys...I think alot of others need to be more 'relaxed' about the forum and it's content. Lets be honest, if you read something on this which contradicted your working practice withing the workplace, would you change your working practice because of what you read in the forum? Thats why instead of beating the sh*t out of people with verbal punches, lets just laugh...then correct them! that includes me!
Last edited by Greg_ATCO; 19th Feb 2008 at 14:21.
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It's all good Neodude...I'm just having a bit of fun...!Where about in Edinburgh am I? What...like my address??? ha I live outside edinburgh. Yourself? And about the Dash 8...yeah that's what I said in my post...I was trying to find out if RVSM wasn't applicable because the Dash 8 can't fly high enough anyway...but you have just answered it (if your right)
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Post stage 3 medical
Can I ask anyone recently placed to the college - did any of you have your course date prior to the medical? If not, how long afterwards did you hear about courses?
I had my medical at the end of last week and it all went fine, but I'm on a very long notice period, so may end up having to give my notice before hearing whether I'm on the July course or not
(I want to have some time to get settled down south before starting at the college).
I spoke to HR and they said I'm in the pool, and they cannot tell me yet.
Any advice greatfully received.
Stu
I had my medical at the end of last week and it all went fine, but I'm on a very long notice period, so may end up having to give my notice before hearing whether I'm on the July course or not
(I want to have some time to get settled down south before starting at the college). I spoke to HR and they said I'm in the pool, and they cannot tell me yet.
Any advice greatfully received.
Stu
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Stu H,
I have been at the college since Sept. The medical has no bearing on whether, or when, they give you a start date; many people do not have their medical (CAA CL1) until they have already started college.
With regards to your notice period at work, I fell upon the same problems; which resulted with me handing in my resignation on the basis that I had passed the medical. There were a good few of us who resigned without the slightest whiff of an employment contract.
I can't offer any more insight than that I'm afraid, apart from to try HR again and explain your problem.
See you around.
I have been at the college since Sept. The medical has no bearing on whether, or when, they give you a start date; many people do not have their medical (CAA CL1) until they have already started college.
With regards to your notice period at work, I fell upon the same problems; which resulted with me handing in my resignation on the basis that I had passed the medical. There were a good few of us who resigned without the slightest whiff of an employment contract.
I can't offer any more insight than that I'm afraid, apart from to try HR again and explain your problem.
See you around.
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Post stage 3 medical
Stu H,
I'm in exactly same position as you - had medical v recently, not heard about start date yet and am on 3 months notice - argh! Am v tempted to give notice in soon though so can ensure have some time off before if it is July - if it's Oct I don't know what I'll do! Little nagging voice in my head keeps telling me to wait till employment contract surfaces - dilemma eh?
As for you, HR cannot tell me when I might start. Let me know how you get on!
I'm in exactly same position as you - had medical v recently, not heard about start date yet and am on 3 months notice - argh! Am v tempted to give notice in soon though so can ensure have some time off before if it is July - if it's Oct I don't know what I'll do! Little nagging voice in my head keeps telling me to wait till employment contract surfaces - dilemma eh?
As for you, HR cannot tell me when I might start. Let me know how you get on!
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Hi everyone,
Got some good news yesterday saying that I passed the stage 3 interview and I'll hopefully be starting the college in October!!!
I'm delighted, its been a long process though, I applied on September 4th 2007 and to be honest I'm glad all the interviews and testing are finished with!!! Roll on the college course...hehe
For anyone going through the process just now, read this thread back to front, there is some invaluable info on here which will stand you in good stead for every stage of the process.
If anyone has any questions just give me a shout
Got some good news yesterday saying that I passed the stage 3 interview and I'll hopefully be starting the college in October!!!
I'm delighted, its been a long process though, I applied on September 4th 2007 and to be honest I'm glad all the interviews and testing are finished with!!! Roll on the college course...hehe
For anyone going through the process just now, read this thread back to front, there is some invaluable info on here which will stand you in good stead for every stage of the process.
If anyone has any questions just give me a shout
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Hello all,
A quick google search has sent me over to this corner of the net, basically I’ve just been accepted to take part in stage 2 of the selection process for trainee ATC, and I’m trying to get my head round what to do next.
I have a couple of questions which I hope someone here will know the answers to, first off I’d like to apologise because I no doubt it’s been answered in this thread ten times already, I started reading through everything yesterday and got to about page 6 before I realised the posts were all 3years old!
1) Interview: Is this a case of dusting off a copy of “the 100 most common interview questions,” and planning an answer for every eventuality, or will the questions be something more specific/obscure than that?
2) Computer Tests – Is it just checking you can handle technology, or is it more horrible aptitude style tests as per stage 1, but on a computer? Can you revise for this section or not?
3) I skim read a lot of posts at the start of the thread suggesting people visit an ATC unit before the interview. Is this still a good idea/is it expected of me? And how would I go about it, is it a case of just grabbing the yellow pages and asking around till you find someone who can lend a hand?
4) What level of background knowledge should I aim to have? Of course I’ll look at what the job involves and the details surrounding it, but should I go away and learn things like aircraft type/specifications textbook style or is that not expected of me at this point?
Many thanks in advance.
EDIT: One last thing, whilst looking around online I've found no end of flashy books & software for sale, all of which claim to be a complete guide to the selection process, are any of these worth purchasing? Can anyone recommend any?
A quick google search has sent me over to this corner of the net, basically I’ve just been accepted to take part in stage 2 of the selection process for trainee ATC, and I’m trying to get my head round what to do next.
I have a couple of questions which I hope someone here will know the answers to, first off I’d like to apologise because I no doubt it’s been answered in this thread ten times already, I started reading through everything yesterday and got to about page 6 before I realised the posts were all 3years old!
1) Interview: Is this a case of dusting off a copy of “the 100 most common interview questions,” and planning an answer for every eventuality, or will the questions be something more specific/obscure than that?
2) Computer Tests – Is it just checking you can handle technology, or is it more horrible aptitude style tests as per stage 1, but on a computer? Can you revise for this section or not?
3) I skim read a lot of posts at the start of the thread suggesting people visit an ATC unit before the interview. Is this still a good idea/is it expected of me? And how would I go about it, is it a case of just grabbing the yellow pages and asking around till you find someone who can lend a hand?
4) What level of background knowledge should I aim to have? Of course I’ll look at what the job involves and the details surrounding it, but should I go away and learn things like aircraft type/specifications textbook style or is that not expected of me at this point?
Many thanks in advance.
EDIT: One last thing, whilst looking around online I've found no end of flashy books & software for sale, all of which claim to be a complete guide to the selection process, are any of these worth purchasing? Can anyone recommend any?
Last edited by Novas; 22nd Feb 2008 at 08:43.
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Novas,
You are absolutely correct, the answers to all your questions are on here at least 10 times !!
The fact that the threads are 3 years old and still used reflects the fact that all the information on the preceding 40 odd pages is still very relevant. My (obvious) advice would be to read through as much of it as you can and then fire off any unanswerred questions you still have.
In answer to the ones you asked though :
1. No ; Yes
2. No ; Yes ; Not Really
3. Yes ; No ; Read through the threads, identify people from units you want to visit and ask nicely !
4. " A level commensurate with your previous experience but that shows you have put some background work in". I.e work on improving your knowledge from where it currently is but don't waste your time learning the thrust to weight ratio of a 747s engines (don't laugh I've seen people who have! ) Because I (and most of my collegues) don't know the answer and am therefore unlikely to ask the question at interview.
None of the above is intended to be facetious or put you off asking questions. In fact is shows that you are keen to learn which already gives you the jump on some of the people I interview ! I mean simply to point out that the answers are already out there if you're prepared to look hard enough.
You are absolutely correct, the answers to all your questions are on here at least 10 times !!
The fact that the threads are 3 years old and still used reflects the fact that all the information on the preceding 40 odd pages is still very relevant. My (obvious) advice would be to read through as much of it as you can and then fire off any unanswerred questions you still have.
In answer to the ones you asked though :
1. No ; Yes
2. No ; Yes ; Not Really
3. Yes ; No ; Read through the threads, identify people from units you want to visit and ask nicely !
4. " A level commensurate with your previous experience but that shows you have put some background work in". I.e work on improving your knowledge from where it currently is but don't waste your time learning the thrust to weight ratio of a 747s engines (don't laugh I've seen people who have! ) Because I (and most of my collegues) don't know the answer and am therefore unlikely to ask the question at interview.
None of the above is intended to be facetious or put you off asking questions. In fact is shows that you are keen to learn which already gives you the jump on some of the people I interview ! I mean simply to point out that the answers are already out there if you're prepared to look hard enough.
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Argh!!
I have just failed the Personality test!! Does this mean i dont have one?.. haha. Was ridiculous!! But hey.. who am i to comment.
Looks like i'll have to re-apply next year. I just have 12 months to pass now
I have just failed the Personality test!! Does this mean i dont have one?.. haha. Was ridiculous!! But hey.. who am i to comment.
Looks like i'll have to re-apply next year. I just have 12 months to pass now
