NATS interview process
Join Date: Sep 2008
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Stage 2 failure rates
Just a heads up for those of you worrying about how many are getting through the first part of Stage 2. It's always been a high failure rate from Stage 2, it's just that before there were bigger groups so, while more people physically got through before, percentage wise the same amount got through then as seem to be getting through now.
Join Date: Jun 2015
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Thanks, Manusa. It helps a lot. I'll be arriving at Southampton in the early afternoon the day before, so I'll definitely take the time to get acquainted with the place then. It's not like I'll have much to do anyways 
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Hi all,
I start my final year at University in September and I am strongly considering applying to NATS.
Am I right in thinking that I could apply any time (i.e. now) and not have to wait until my degree is finished because the selection process takes so long?
Many thanks
I start my final year at University in September and I am strongly considering applying to NATS.
Am I right in thinking that I could apply any time (i.e. now) and not have to wait until my degree is finished because the selection process takes so long?
Many thanks
Join Date: Jul 2015
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Hey guys!
Went in for my stage 2 assessment today and ended up progressing to the DART section. Without giving away too much, it certainly seemed intended to dive the survivors into somewhat of a deep end! I was left feeling ambiguous about my performance.
With 30 working days to wait until my results, can anybody who passed/failed the DART section recall their performance?
I recall 6-8 missed checkpoints (most of those barely missed), probably 6-8 potential conflicts which were all immediately averted, no collisions, probably around 35-50% on audio sums and an acceptable (although, not efficient) time of completion. You can most likely see why I feel that if I pass, it could be by the skin of my teeth! I have no idea what the pass criteria is, of course.
I'd like to think the 30 days are given for human assessors to look for the training potential in candidates (i.e. sensible bearings, lack of collisions, response to conflict reports, etc.), hence I'd also like to think the pass mark is more relaxed in that sense. I know that if I were to retake the DART scenario there would be an instant improvement on my first time, so I really hope I did enough the first time!
Good luck to all taking their assessments soon!
Went in for my stage 2 assessment today and ended up progressing to the DART section. Without giving away too much, it certainly seemed intended to dive the survivors into somewhat of a deep end! I was left feeling ambiguous about my performance.
With 30 working days to wait until my results, can anybody who passed/failed the DART section recall their performance?
I recall 6-8 missed checkpoints (most of those barely missed), probably 6-8 potential conflicts which were all immediately averted, no collisions, probably around 35-50% on audio sums and an acceptable (although, not efficient) time of completion. You can most likely see why I feel that if I pass, it could be by the skin of my teeth! I have no idea what the pass criteria is, of course.
I'd like to think the 30 days are given for human assessors to look for the training potential in candidates (i.e. sensible bearings, lack of collisions, response to conflict reports, etc.), hence I'd also like to think the pass mark is more relaxed in that sense. I know that if I were to retake the DART scenario there would be an instant improvement on my first time, so I really hope I did enough the first time!
Good luck to all taking their assessments soon!
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I'd like to think the 30 days are given for human assessors to look for the training potential in candidates (i.e. sensible bearings, lack of collisions, response to conflict reports, etc.), hence I'd also like to think the pass mark is more relaxed in that sense!
There is nothing to do to prepare for the FEAST and DART tests. If you buy some sort of product that gives you some tasks to complete, they may be different to what you face in the actual tests and you'll hesitate and screw up. If you think about it too much going into it, you'll screw up. They want people who can naturally pass it, and quite frankly I wouldn't want to do the course if I couldn't have naturally passed it considering how difficult they are reassuring me the course will be. If you have the natural skills you'll be fine, and I imagine a lot of people would only have applied if they thought they could do the job on some level.
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In any case, I believe you can always apply and, if you pass, wait until you finish University to start.
Join Date: Oct 2007
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It took me 2 years from first applying online to passing Stage 3, so I'd say the sooner you apply the better!
In any case, I believe you can always apply and, if you pass, wait until you finish University to start.
In any case, I believe you can always apply and, if you pass, wait until you finish University to start.
Join Date: Jun 2015
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Stage 2
Finally went it for the dreaded day, to take the stage 2 assessments. To be honest, the morning was pretty nerve racking. In the end, 4 out of a total 9 moved on to the afternoon.
"I recall 6-8 missed checkpoints (most of those barely missed), probably 6-8 potential conflicts which were all immediately averted, no collisions, probably around 35-50% on audio sums and an acceptable (although, not efficient) time of completion."
CJWSTR93, my experience with DART was slightly different. On the 5th exercise (second scored one) I got a crash or two (silly mistake, really, but oh well). Other than that, got every checkpoint (most of them close to the red dot), no potential conflicts, and missed one audio sum. However, admittedly, I got those objectives at the cost of some efficiency (in number of instructions, not time of completion). I'm crossing my fingers now, on account of that crash in ex.5, but feeling optimistic.
Here's to a (hopefully) not very long wait for stage 3! Maybe I'll see some of you there
Btw, how is the situation for those who were waiting for new dates?
"I recall 6-8 missed checkpoints (most of those barely missed), probably 6-8 potential conflicts which were all immediately averted, no collisions, probably around 35-50% on audio sums and an acceptable (although, not efficient) time of completion."
CJWSTR93, my experience with DART was slightly different. On the 5th exercise (second scored one) I got a crash or two (silly mistake, really, but oh well). Other than that, got every checkpoint (most of them close to the red dot), no potential conflicts, and missed one audio sum. However, admittedly, I got those objectives at the cost of some efficiency (in number of instructions, not time of completion). I'm crossing my fingers now, on account of that crash in ex.5, but feeling optimistic.
Here's to a (hopefully) not very long wait for stage 3! Maybe I'll see some of you there
Btw, how is the situation for those who were waiting for new dates?
Join Date: Sep 2012
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Hi again KeyHolder,
I don't remember where Nats says what can you wear, Don't need a suit, only well dressed, and , "We respectfully advise that your attendance for the assessment process will be treated as a formal interview. Your conduct will be monitored and should you behaviour raise concerns; you will be asked to leave
the premises and withdrawn from the selection process 
. "
I don't remember where Nats says what can you wear, Don't need a suit, only well dressed, and , "We respectfully advise that your attendance for the assessment process will be treated as a formal interview. Your conduct will be monitored and should you behaviour raise concerns; you will be asked to leave
the premises and withdrawn from the selection process . "
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KeyHolder, they give you a set of instructions by email well in advance. Dressing code for the event is smart. You want to appear professional and capable.
Got my email last night saying I passed stage 2, only a day after the test. I'm so excited now!
In the message, they said: "We will be sending you an email soon so that you can book to attend a Stage 3 Assessment Centre." Something tells me I should not wait by the 'phone' though... :S
Does anyone have any idea of a possible time for a stage 3 assessment? I know they just had one.
Got my email last night saying I passed stage 2, only a day after the test. I'm so excited now!
In the message, they said: "We will be sending you an email soon so that you can book to attend a Stage 3 Assessment Centre." Something tells me I should not wait by the 'phone' though... :S
Does anyone have any idea of a possible time for a stage 3 assessment? I know they just had one.
Last edited by Hanima; 23rd Jul 2015 at 12:30. Reason: typo
Join Date: Jun 2015
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So i've just received an email from NATS saying my stage 2 date has been cancelled! After i've booked hotel and travelling arrangements! and will lose money! BANG OUT OF ORDER!!!
Join Date: Jul 2014
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Same thing KeyHolder. Booked hotel and everything for Friday 7th August. Absolutely gutted!! And no dates available now but they are arranging some for after September. Grrr!!