NATS interview process

[Bamboozle Woozle]

If you go back through this thread (yes, I know there are lots of pages, but there is lots of useful info in here!) you will find lots of different peoples views and experiences of both stage 2 and stage 3. This will give you a much better picture of what to expect than just one persons perspective.

Basically though, the computer tests comprise of three parts. One is all to do with shape/colour/number recognition and processing, the second tests your spatial orientation and the third your ability to crash little dots representing aircraft while doing some lovely mathematics!!! There are some practise tests on the NATS careers website which I hear are quite good.

Interviews - Stage 2 is a structured interview. The Interviewer asks you a question and you give the answer. It can be a simple yes or no sometimes, and they will stop you when they have the answer they require. For example; Would you say you are a confident person? Yes or No?
Stage 3 is more like a normal interview. It can be anywhere in the region of a couple of hours with HR and an ATCO. This is where you get to sell yourself and tell them what a brilliant ATCO you would make!

[alphamanic]

Finlay L, i passed my stage 3 back in May and had not visted a unit or tower beforehand, due to time issues etc. Basically, i went accross the net and video websites and checked out various videos and streams of ATCOs at work etc and absorbed all the opinions about life inside units and 360 views of units that i could.

[ar_ni]

Through to stage 2! When are you hoping to go feonagh?

[MrsD-S]

Thanks v much to JonG and Bamboozle Woozle for the advice... will get onto that then!

[angry_muppet]

Just got word through that I was successful at Stage 2, so I now have to book my Stage 3. This looks like being Oct 28th in Belfast... I would love to visit an Area Center, but am unsure which would be best. Ruinain fly to Prestwick, but there's only one flight a day, right at noon.

Now to find out more about the group exercises!

[feonagh]

Through to stage 2! When are you hoping to go feonagh?

Ah well done! I'm thinking of going anytime after the 23rd September as it's my mothers birthday. Not booked anything yet, when are you thinking of booking for?

[windneckin]

Well done angry muppet! We are going to see each other *again* on the 28th of October.

Regarding going to Prestwick, although it takes longer, you might want to consider Rail and Sail with Stena (Belfast-Stranraer-Prestwick). It will probably be cheaper and there are a few crossings per day. Plus, a few hours sitting on a ferry/train reviewing the motivation papers never hurt anyone .

[air39]

Hi everyone, I've passed my stage 1 & personality test and am waiting to receive a date for my stage 2.

Im a little worried now as I have just received an email saying that they have forwarded my details to their medical department for assesment.
Is this normal at this stage?

The only reason I can think of why is because I wear glasses. My perscription is -2.50 & -2.75 is this borderline acceptable or something?

Thanks in advance

[liamkirkham]

air39

Unless it's different to to a few days ago, you have to book your stage 2 on the application website. There should be a button to let you choose a date.....

Regards,

Liam

[ar_ni]

Will wait to see what dates come up next week? I'm home the week of the 22nd so later then would be good (avoid more flying!)

[air39]

thanks for the responses guys.
I was sure my perscription was ok from when I first applied, just got a little worried about them talking about medical assesment at this stage of the recruitment process.

[alphamanic]

Air39, nats can do this in a very bizarre way sometimes. They generally check out your prescription and then send you a link to book your stage two.

With me they made a slight mess up, they sent me a failure message in error and then realised two weeks later, retracted it and then sent me through .

[ctb_184]

hi,

I've been invited to stage two at the CTC in hampshire, does anyone know where is best to book into for the night before and best way of getting there please??

Im travelling down and know i can get a train to fareham but from there know nothing!!

any help is much much appreciated!

[alexcarr84]

Thanks for that, I was just about to ask as well! Also not sure if this has been covered before, I was wondering about the medical. How long after stage 3 (and before college) is this done? Is it a case of following the same NATS 15 day rule?

Thanks!
Alex

[air39]

Finally got my stage 2 booked now but unfortunately could only get a morning one.
Could someone tell me please if there are any minicab offices by Swanwick station or any buses that go from Swanwick station to the CTC and roughly how long will it take by cab/bus.

Thanks

[monkeyboy21]

Hi Air39,

There's always one or two hanging around and the station is only about 5 mins from ctc by car so shouldn't cost too much!

MB21

[watch_the_birdie]

Yep there's cabs usually hanging about, if not there's a number on the wall to ring.

If you are lucky on the way back and time it right, there's actually a shuttle mini-bus that runs from Swanwick to the station and back. I managed to hop on that free of charge when I finished my medical...

[alphamanic]

Alexcarr84

I was able to book my medical straght after i got confirmation of passing stage 3, they are easy with the dates basically as long as it is done before you start (quicker the better). You will find out on the day if you pass with the only delay to a complete pass being the drug test that is sent off.

[roar00]

timescales of the process

Assuming a no fuss, ideal application and success at all stages. If you apply now what would be the time scale on things, from stage one to starting at the college? ie time gap between stages and average waiting time between being accepted and starting at the college.

[SotonHemmers]

I did stage 1 on August 28th, doing stage 2 this friday, so that's 3 weeks. I'm guessing that results for stage 2 come out up to 15 working days after the test date, same as Stg 1?

I called up Human Resources to find this out and they couldn't really say. It depends on how many test days they are running, how long until the next one is (I waited 4 weeks for stage 1 from booking till the big day).
Once accepted, depends when the next course with spaces starts. They could have a course starting immediately after you are accepted. But if they're busy and have a lot of recruits such that the course is booked up, you'll have to wait a couple of months for another course to come around.

The ATCO I spoke to at stage 1 said he knew someone who'd done a stage 1 on a monday, they'd got their results back dead quick and were able to book stage 2 for the next week, then stage 3 the week after and started college 2 weeks later! Start to finish lasted 5 weeks! That is very much not the standard scenario though...think in terms of a few months.


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Incidentally, anyone else on the stage 2 morning session this coming friday? Air39 I'll see you there by the sounds of it