NATS interview process

[watch_the_birdie]

Having chatted at long lengths once about the recruitment process with HR (after I got accepted), I was informed that the test that most people fail with at stage one is the basic checking. When I say most, she was giving me numbers of like 70 to 80% of stage 1 candidates.

You must pass all tests indiviudally to pass, it's not a combined score. There is no pass mark published, the rumours of 70% you are probably hearing are the pass marks used at the college. I don't think on my basic checking test I got through 70% of the questions. But I'm pretty sure I got the ones I did all right.

So it's all about accuracy, not quantity. You can find tests like it on the internet, or you can get a friend or family member to make up a mock test for it? It's not too hard just get them to make up a 4, 5 or 6 group of letters or digits (I don't think it was mixed, either just all numbers or all letters), and then a selection of 5 very similar ones to pick from, one of which is correct.

Good luck.

[MCBennett]

Thanks watch_the_birdie, thats a real help.

I have been doing some mock tests already, answered about 31 /40 on each test and got 1 question wrong in four tests. Just hoping for no silly mistakes come test day.

[leftrightleft]

Streuth i've just read this all from page 1 and now I think I need a lie down!

This is the first time i've applied and I was just wondering if I should follow the 'Interview Booking' link on the application tracking page to book stage 1? I'm sure its a silly question but I was just worried as I didn't think there was an interview at stage 1!

Cheers!

[watch_the_birdie]

There is no interview as such at stage 1. Just the tests and a few presentations. The website just uses the word "interview".

Rather misleading I know.

[error1234]

Stage 1

I have read over a lot of these pages trying to get as much information as I can on stage 1 and I have managed to pull together a lot of useful information, however I was wondering if someone who has already completed the stage 1 process could give me (and anyone who wants to know) as much information as possible.

I understand that there are some tests involving basic maths and some cube 'thing'.

I also understand that there is a motivation paper based on the information sent out by NATS.

1. I was wondering if there is actually any form of interview at this first stage? If so, what does it involve?

2. I read somewhere that we will be asked questions about rough distances between major UK airports, airports across Europe and major airports across the world. Do they really expect us to know this at the first stage of application?

I'm heading down to London this Friday for the afternoon session, so any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[becki_]

Hey guys

Wow, I have read nearly all this post - my eyes, my eyes! Very helpful though!

I have my Stage 1 interview next Monday 26th Jan in Manchester. If anyone can PM details of what exactly is involved, I'd be so very grateful I wasn't so nervous before reading this thread and now I am!


*eta* also, in the booklet they send out for the motivation paper, are we expected to know it inside out? I mean, the plane details on the back pages, are they necessary for Stage 1?

[sirinx]

Don't be nervous, take it as a game, that's what works for me. In the end it is fun, isn't it? Setting up your mind for the kind of task you are going to do is also good - just thinking of numbers and letters, cubes or symbols for a minute or two before you start.

However, personally, it helped me the most to hear the others turning the papers at Stage 1, as I thus knew I am ahead of most of them :-)

(I passed but I failed the subsequent online personality test, which in my opinion is much more tricky and IMHO much less objective than the other Stage 1 parts.)

[error1234]

I'm sure this has been answered many times on this forum, but just wondering, for my stage 1 is it required that I learn all of the details for the planes at the back of the information pack? Or is that information mainly for use in later stages?

Thanks!

[Gonzo]

I'm sure this has been answered many times on this forum

Correct.

is it required that I learn all of the details for the planes at the back of the information pack?

Well, you might well be asked questions on that information, yes.

[error1234]

Thanks Gonzo.

So is there an interview at stage 1? Could you give me some more information about what happens, as I have mine this Friday, and trying to find out what to expect.

I understand there are these tests involving maths and cubes and stuff - the aptitude tests.

And there is the motivation paper, with questions taken from my answer booklet.

What else should I expect?

The questions about the details for the planes, will they be spoken questions, or just encorporated in the motivation paper?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Geoff Vader]

Multi choice test on the Motivation Paper
Multi choice test on Diagramatic Reasoning
Multi choice test on Spacial Awareness
Multi choice test on number / letter checking
A learning styles questionaire
Chance to speak to an ATCO

Also......

You may get food.... however you will need a tray as the food is hot!

[student88]

I am the web police and you're all under arrest.

[Geoff Vader]

Don't you know who I am...?

[Glamdring]

For anybody wanting some pre college learning materials I've scanned the quick reference guides handed out at the start of each course. Take the information on these cards with a pinch of salt as things are frequently revised at the college, but these will give you a rough idea...

Area

Aerodrome

Approach

[sportzbar]

Hey Guys,

Got my first stage in Manchester on Friday 13th, morning session. This thread is really helpful so far. Now just gotta learn that damn manual!!!

Good luck to everyone!

[paperclip810]

Stage 3 results

Hey everyone,

Just wondering roughly how long HR takes to get the Stage 3 results back to interviewees... the waiting is killing me!

Good luck to all those going through it soon...

[Rossoneri]

HR say 'within 15 working days' for Stage 3 results. I believe this depends on where your Stage 3 took place. I did mine at CTC and was sent the results the next day.

Good luck!

[watch_the_birdie]

From your location I imagine you did yours in Glasgow. So did I. Mine took about 4 days.

[imperial_monkfish]

I had 'the email' today saying I passed my stage 3 on Monday - hope to hear from the other 4 in Manchester soon!

[feonagh]

Hello. I have a quick question. After the NATS medical, do you also need to book a CAA medical or is it a case of do one or the other?

If so, do you have to do the NATS medical first before the CAA one? And also, how long is the waiting list on average for the CAA medical?