NATS Interview Process - Stage 1
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Well,
That does make me feel a million times better !!
I'm starting to feel slightly less queasy about the whole thing now ..... I have to admit I expected to walk into a room full of complete boffins !! who would breeze through the whole process and there would be little 'ol me chewing my pencil struggling through the whole thing !!
(please tell me im not the only 1 with this pre conception !!!)
tinker !! x
That does make me feel a million times better !!
I'm starting to feel slightly less queasy about the whole thing now ..... I have to admit I expected to walk into a room full of complete boffins !! who would breeze through the whole process and there would be little 'ol me chewing my pencil struggling through the whole thing !!
(please tell me im not the only 1 with this pre conception !!!)
tinker !! x
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had the same pre-conception... even thought it while i was there with all the people who were already set up in careers etc, whereas i was wasnt. yet now im the one at the college... oh and i was one of those who turned up in t-shirt, jeans, and trainers so maybe it doesnt matter! 
not sure you really have all that much time for pencil chewing though
not sure you really have all that much time for pencil chewing though
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I wouldn't really get too worked up about those tests. I think they are designed to test the natural aptitude, not the studying and preparation.
I remember going in very relaxed, without expectations. Half way through I was tempted to leave the room since I thought I was doing so bad I was just wasting my time. Everybody else always seems to be doing better and quicker, but then again they could be picking wrong answers.
So I stayed and finished the tests ad here I am off to the college.
I wouldn't worry too much about the dress either. I did my tests in casual and my interview in ASDA George gear. Worked fine. Your skills and personality say a lot more about you than what you are wearing !
I've visited 3 NATS units and haven't seen a big deal of dress code. In fact one of the ATCOs I sat next to was wearing shorts
(and yes it was winter. In the North 
)
good luck
Ivor
I remember going in very relaxed, without expectations. Half way through I was tempted to leave the room since I thought I was doing so bad I was just wasting my time. Everybody else always seems to be doing better and quicker, but then again they could be picking wrong answers.
So I stayed and finished the tests ad here I am off to the college.
I wouldn't worry too much about the dress either. I did my tests in casual and my interview in ASDA George gear. Worked fine. Your skills and personality say a lot more about you than what you are wearing !
I've visited 3 NATS units and haven't seen a big deal of dress code. In fact one of the ATCOs I sat next to was wearing shorts
(and yes it was winter. In the North )good luck
Ivor
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Hello to all,
I'd like to ask how the test day is organized from the technical point of view. I mean, do you get the tests one by one with the time limit for each, or you rather get them all at once and the time limit is a sum?
And for diagramming, can you familarize with the 'commands' in advance or you get the test and you have to spend the actual test time also on analyzing how the 'commands' work?
Thanks for your response.
I'd like to ask how the test day is organized from the technical point of view. I mean, do you get the tests one by one with the time limit for each, or you rather get them all at once and the time limit is a sum?
And for diagramming, can you familarize with the 'commands' in advance or you get the test and you have to spend the actual test time also on analyzing how the 'commands' work?
Thanks for your response.
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The 3 "aptitude" tests (i.e. basic checking, spatial/cubes, and the diagramming/code) are done individually with a separate time limit each. So basically, when it comes to that part of the day, you go into the room, there are 3 booklets on the table, and the person in charge will stand up at the front, tell you what book to open, what paper to use, explain everything, go through a mini practice and then start the clock. They will tell you when to stop, and then you open the next test booklet, they tell you what to do, practice....and so on.
You will be told when to do everything and where and how to do it. So no need to worry. They guide you through it all like you were back in primary school. The only thing they won't do is tell you the answers in the proper test!
As for the diagramming, I believe the commands were the same as in the practice tests you get emailed, or can find on the website. Although, I think in the proper test, there were a few extras thrown in. No need to fill your head with the commands before you go - there's a little flip out "code card" to keep beside you when you do the test.
You will be told when to do everything and where and how to do it. So no need to worry. They guide you through it all like you were back in primary school. The only thing they won't do is tell you the answers in the proper test!
As for the diagramming, I believe the commands were the same as in the practice tests you get emailed, or can find on the website. Although, I think in the proper test, there were a few extras thrown in. No need to fill your head with the commands before you go - there's a little flip out "code card" to keep beside you when you do the test.
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They say they don't give feedback, but if you're very very polite... you may catch them in a good mood. I know I did. I got my actual test results by phoning them up. I got 93% in the motivation test.
Also, I have given the impression to some of you that because I, a phyics graduate failled at the basic checking, it must be really hard. It isn't. It isn't anything to do with maths, but is all about speed and accuracy.
Lastly, the motivation test does require a bit of maths. Just remember the space-time-distance maths and don't worry, they are all do-able. If you end up with decimal 21.78 minutes, I'd guess you made a mistake somewhere. They can all be done in your head with a bit of practice. Anyhow, their are only a few questions like that, so even if you can't do them easily, you may still pass by doing well in the rest.
you may catch them in a good mood. I know I did. I got my actual test results by phoning them up. I got 93% in the motivation test. Also, I have given the impression to some of you that because I, a phyics graduate failled at the basic checking, it must be really hard. It isn't. It isn't anything to do with maths, but is all about speed and accuracy.
Lastly, the motivation test does require a bit of maths. Just remember the space-time-distance maths and don't worry, they are all do-able. If you end up with decimal 21.78 minutes, I'd guess you made a mistake somewhere. They can all be done in your head with a bit of practice. Anyhow, their are only a few questions like that, so even if you can't do them easily, you may still pass by doing well in the rest.
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When I did stage one I'm sure I didn't get emailed any practice tests for the diagrammatic bit or anything. 
I got emailed the motivation paper material but that's it.
No wonder I failed! Did well in the motivation test though!
I got emailed the motivation paper material but that's it.No wonder I failed! Did well in the motivation test though!
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Motivation Paper ???
Hi to all,
I have my 'first stage selection test' on Tuesday! thats in 2 days.
I've had a thorough look at the Motivation paper NATS send you via email... all the info about NATS and how ATC works is fine, but the thing I'm wondering about is, the last 5 pages are nothing but all airliners (with their model number), number of passengers, typicall routes, airlines which run them, etc etc... (ie... lots of small details)
When you all took your first stage test, were these questions in the paper itself? Are we expected to memorize all these flight details? (I mean...it's a LOT!)
)
What was the motivation paper question like in general?
I'm more than grateful for any last minute advice!!
Thanks in advance everyone,
Nick
I have my 'first stage selection test' on Tuesday! thats in 2 days.
I've had a thorough look at the Motivation paper NATS send you via email... all the info about NATS and how ATC works is fine, but the thing I'm wondering about is, the last 5 pages are nothing but all airliners (with their model number), number of passengers, typicall routes, airlines which run them, etc etc... (ie... lots of small details)
When you all took your first stage test, were these questions in the paper itself? Are we expected to memorize all these flight details? (I mean...it's a LOT!)
)What was the motivation paper question like in general?
I'm more than grateful for any last minute advice!!
Thanks in advance everyone,
Nick
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Motivation Paper ??? (2)
Hi again,
Just in case I get a prompt answer, was wondering if any of you remember any of the questions regarding the (speed/distance/time questions and distance estimation questions) that "Amenhotep" was talking about?
An example or two would be apreciated as I have no clue what they might look like and might be a good idea to practice a couple of those before the test!
Thanks very much,
Nick
Just in case I get a prompt answer, was wondering if any of you remember any of the questions regarding the (speed/distance/time questions and distance estimation questions) that "Amenhotep" was talking about?
An example or two would be apreciated as I have no clue what they might look like and might be a good idea to practice a couple of those before the test!
Thanks very much,
Nick
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You'll probably get one or two questions re the last five pages. Just use common sense re speeds, altitudes and destinations really. E.g. Would a 747 fly between manchester and leeds? It might but more likely are the smaller planes.
See you tomorrow!
See you tomorrow!
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Cubes!!!
Hi everyone,
Just applied, booking my Stage 1 as I speak.
I've been trawling the internet looking for more examples of the cube net spacial awareness tests.
Just looked at the one NATS sends through and they look nails!
Anyone found any?
Cheers.
Just applied, booking my Stage 1 as I speak.
I've been trawling the internet looking for more examples of the cube net spacial awareness tests.
Just looked at the one NATS sends through and they look nails!
Anyone found any?
Cheers.
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NATS interview process "Stage One"
Hi everybody!
Well…seeing as reading what other people posted regarding their “first stage interview” at NATS helped me so much, I thought I would write about my experience in case it helpes guide anybody through their first stage test!
This is how the day evolved:
I arrived at the Hilton Hotel (London Bridge) ’30 minutes prior to the 13.30 beginning of examination dressed in a Suite and ****, no tie… which to be honest, doest NOT make you feel unconfortable, and NOR does it make you “not perform” as well as you would do in tracksuit trousers. Most lads were wearing a suit in fact.
Registration upon arrival, and straight into the examination room, no messing about! We were informed that our day would be structured in two. Firstly taking the “psychometric tests”, followed by a 15minute brake, watch an informative NATS DVD and ask a proffessional ATCO any sort of related questions and finally the motivation paper examination with the “personal questionnaire”.
-For this intial psychometrics test we were handed a multiple choice answer sheet and question booklet. The rules are explained to us as if we were 5 years old, so nothing can go wrong!
First up was the “Basic Checking”, which had nothing to do with being BASIC! Answer as many of the 40 tags in the question in 5 minutes. Starting off with the simple (4 digit) or (4 letters) down to some COMPLEX combinations of up to 8 or even 10 (had no time to count!). I think I got through 30 or so… as I tried to establish a safe speed/accuracy ratio, which I hope worked for me.
Second up, was the “Spacial Reasoning test” ie. CUBES! With a new blank question sheet and booklet.
We were given 3 cubes, with 20 questions per cube, each question had 5 options to select from, the fifth – E if none of the cubes apply. Answer as many as you can in 20 minutes.
The first cube was like the ones supplied to us by NATS example, simple and straightforward, but the second and third cube were quite hard. Not all options per cube were shown from the same face! Which means every possible cube per question had to be checked. I don’t even remember reaching the third cube which had been cut out in a different (odd) way.
And then the final “Diagramming” test, ie…figures and commands.
Not only were there way too many for any human being to resolve, but instead of having 4 commands, there were 7 simple commands, and 3 complex commands (by complex I mean either reversing the final presentation order, or re-ordering the boxes into a different numerical pattern).
Therere were 50 questions; the first 20’odd were straightforward, as of there the combinations start to get mind-boggling. Answer as many as posible in 20 minutes.
- 15 minute break with tea/coffee, and breathe!
We were then sorted in to two groups, one of which went on to taking the motivation paper exam straight away. But I cleverly hid behind the column to get some extra brain power back and went with the second group to watch the DVD and speak to the ATCO.
-Once we finished watching the DVD and speaking to the Controller, which helped loosen up a little, we went back into the examination room for the “motivation paper” test.
I had read and learnt the paper pretty well I must admit, which I don’t regret what so ever. Thanks to this I managed to fly through 25 (theory questions) of the total 30 questions (hoping they are correct!) :-S The other 5 were basic velocity/space/time calculations. We are also expected to have a vague idea of main city distances by the looks of things. And the most popular routes flown by each type of aircraft (more or less). Answer as many as possible in 18 minutes.
And last but not least, an non-timed personal questionnaire of 30 questions. Select which you are most likely to be out of option A or B… not much to choose from; you’re either clever or an idiot – keep calm or go crazy. A little pointless if you ask me.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the NATS first stage examination.
I hope this will help you as much as your comments, hints and tips helped me!
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']All I can suggest is take it seriously, and prepare well for it. With psychometrics remember that practice makes perfect![/FONT]
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']If you want to know anything else, or some of the velocity/space/time examples, ask me while I still remember them! [/FONT]
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Nick[/FONT]
Well…seeing as reading what other people posted regarding their “first stage interview” at NATS helped me so much, I thought I would write about my experience in case it helpes guide anybody through their first stage test!
This is how the day evolved:
I arrived at the Hilton Hotel (London Bridge) ’30 minutes prior to the 13.30 beginning of examination dressed in a Suite and ****, no tie… which to be honest, doest NOT make you feel unconfortable, and NOR does it make you “not perform” as well as you would do in tracksuit trousers. Most lads were wearing a suit in fact.
Registration upon arrival, and straight into the examination room, no messing about! We were informed that our day would be structured in two. Firstly taking the “psychometric tests”, followed by a 15minute brake, watch an informative NATS DVD and ask a proffessional ATCO any sort of related questions and finally the motivation paper examination with the “personal questionnaire”.
-For this intial psychometrics test we were handed a multiple choice answer sheet and question booklet. The rules are explained to us as if we were 5 years old, so nothing can go wrong!
First up was the “Basic Checking”, which had nothing to do with being BASIC! Answer as many of the 40 tags in the question in 5 minutes. Starting off with the simple (4 digit) or (4 letters) down to some COMPLEX combinations of up to 8 or even 10 (had no time to count!). I think I got through 30 or so… as I tried to establish a safe speed/accuracy ratio, which I hope worked for me.
Second up, was the “Spacial Reasoning test” ie. CUBES! With a new blank question sheet and booklet.
We were given 3 cubes, with 20 questions per cube, each question had 5 options to select from, the fifth – E if none of the cubes apply. Answer as many as you can in 20 minutes.
The first cube was like the ones supplied to us by NATS example, simple and straightforward, but the second and third cube were quite hard. Not all options per cube were shown from the same face! Which means every possible cube per question had to be checked. I don’t even remember reaching the third cube which had been cut out in a different (odd) way.
And then the final “Diagramming” test, ie…figures and commands.
Not only were there way too many for any human being to resolve, but instead of having 4 commands, there were 7 simple commands, and 3 complex commands (by complex I mean either reversing the final presentation order, or re-ordering the boxes into a different numerical pattern).
Therere were 50 questions; the first 20’odd were straightforward, as of there the combinations start to get mind-boggling. Answer as many as posible in 20 minutes.
- 15 minute break with tea/coffee, and breathe!
We were then sorted in to two groups, one of which went on to taking the motivation paper exam straight away. But I cleverly hid behind the column to get some extra brain power back and went with the second group to watch the DVD and speak to the ATCO.
-Once we finished watching the DVD and speaking to the Controller, which helped loosen up a little, we went back into the examination room for the “motivation paper” test.
I had read and learnt the paper pretty well I must admit, which I don’t regret what so ever. Thanks to this I managed to fly through 25 (theory questions) of the total 30 questions (hoping they are correct!) :-S The other 5 were basic velocity/space/time calculations. We are also expected to have a vague idea of main city distances by the looks of things. And the most popular routes flown by each type of aircraft (more or less). Answer as many as possible in 18 minutes.
And last but not least, an non-timed personal questionnaire of 30 questions. Select which you are most likely to be out of option A or B… not much to choose from; you’re either clever or an idiot – keep calm or go crazy. A little pointless if you ask me.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the NATS first stage examination.
I hope this will help you as much as your comments, hints and tips helped me!
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']All I can suggest is take it seriously, and prepare well for it. With psychometrics remember that practice makes perfect![/FONT]
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']If you want to know anything else, or some of the velocity/space/time examples, ask me while I still remember them!
[/FONT][FONT='Calibri','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Nick[/FONT]
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Join Date: Dec 2003
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The cube thingy
I´ve actually seen the fold-out cube type of test at a swedish military recruitment site. Go to www.officer.nu put on headphones or a speaker and click away. Ya, it´s in swedish but if you´re going to be an almighty ATCO that shouldn´t be much of a problem, eh?
One hint "Starta testet" means "Start the test". Wait for the tests to load, I belive the cube test is the fourth and final. Have fun kids.
BTW, I got through the first stage tests in Sweden, will do part two in late april.
One hint "Starta testet" means "Start the test". Wait for the tests to load, I belive the cube test is the fourth and final. Have fun kids.
BTW, I got through the first stage tests in Sweden, will do part two in late april.
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Hi,
Got my stage 1 on the 11th June in Manchester. I was wondering should i use my time revising mental maths - need a bit of practice or should i be reading through the motivation paper and doing spatial tests? How much mental maths is required in stage 1?
Thanks
Got my stage 1 on the 11th June in Manchester. I was wondering should i use my time revising mental maths - need a bit of practice or should i be reading through the motivation paper and doing spatial tests? How much mental maths is required in stage 1?
Thanks