NATS Interview Process - Stage 1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: High Wycombe
Age: 40
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
NATS Interview Process - Stage 1
The "NATS interview process" thread has become so huge that I thought it might help to have separate threads dealing with the separate stages on top of the generalised threads. Do you think it will help? If not I'll delete this one! 
_____________________________________________
I attended my first stage yesterday. Not what I expected. There must have been about 25 of us there. Because, like others, I got there an hour early, I got a decent sofa seat in the waiting room. I strongly advise others going for their stage one to get there early to get a comfy seat.
I'd travelled there the previous day (sunday) and asked reception where I was expected to present myself on the day. The receptionist had never heard of NATS
so I assumed she was a weekender. The next day they sounded more informed and directed me to the second floor. Each floor, it turns out, has a little reception desk, and waiting area where we all were.
We were split into two groups. Mine attended a small talk by Steve and Mike, both experienced ATCOs where you have the opportunity to listen to what ATC is like from the horse’s mouth and ask as many questions as you wish within 45mins. This isn’t assessed as goes a lot quicker than I would have liked. But then again, had it been left up to me, I’d have talked to them all day. Besides, since I had already visited Heathrow tower and Swanwick centre and had read through MATS part-1 50 times, I pretty much knew everything that had been said
. They even showed us a tabulated printout of the salary we can expect to get throughout our careers. Turns out, I already have this too, LOL 
. You’ll need to subtly steer the conversation that way and ask for it when you visit Swanwick if you want a copy.
I’m thankful I did this part before the tests as it helped me to relax. The most important thing you could do to help yourself, I found, was to relax. That’s why you need to get there early and talk to the other applicants to help ease the tension. Also, drink lots (of water, cheeky) and don’t expect to finish the tests. You won’t. Not only is it difficult, but I’m pretty sure it’s impossible.
Next I did the motivation test followed by the personality questionnaire (don’t want to call it a test). I have to say, I was very disappointed with the test. I had learned the motivation paper given to us back to front, including the data about the aircraft IN ITS ENTIRETY. And it turns out it is only there to give us the gist about aircraft. Never mind, I don’t regret having prepared so thoroughly. Unfortunately, I read in previous threads that all the answers are in the motivation paper. This isn’t entirely true. You’ll need to prepare for speed/distance/time questions and distance estimation questions on top of the preparation material. Nowhere in the text did it say what the distance between London and New-York is. I’m sorry, I’m ranting. If you must know, it’s because I know I’ve got that question wrong, lol
! This part is timed (40 questions/18 minutes). I finish with plenty of time to spare. PREPARE!
Next came the personality questionnaire. 40 questions, not timed. I was the last to finish. Not very pleasant. Questions repeat themselves and you’re expected to be black or white. Either you are obsessed with past mistakes unable to move on, or you can’t stop looking ahead, never focussing on the task at hand. And if you choose a balance, you can then be accused of lying. They ask you to be as honest “as possible”. I’m sure that is because they know it’s not possible to be honest given the options you’re given.
A short coffee break.
Then comes the REAL testing tests by a psychologist. First a basic checking test. Find which numbers on the left matches the one on the right. (40 questions/5 minutes). Speed and accuracy conflict here. Sounds easy but as the test goes on the numbers get longer and longer. Then another identical test but with letters instead of numbers. I’m a physics graduate and I got through 75% of it. The banking guy next to me did just as badly. Or just as well. Half full or half empty? Lol.
Then that diagram test shown in the preparation material. Except all the “commands” were different and there were about ten of them. Again, the test start easy and progressively becomes your worst nightmare. If you don’t hear from me again, I’m pretty sure it’s because of this part.
Finally, the cube thing. Three cubes laid out flat. Each one laid out differently and each one comes with a set of 20 questions with examples of other 3D cubes. You have to say which, if any, of the choices correspond to the flat cube. Not only are the two last cubes not laid out in the traditional cross shape but one cube had two identical sides and the 3D cubes towards the end were also rotated so you had to (in your head) rotate the entire flat cube in your head before (in your head) folding it together. Only to work out that none of the cubes correspond.
Then you go home. You get the results in about 15 working days. It’s tough. I suggest taking the following day off work as well, like I did. And drink a mug of hot chocolate.
Any questions?
Sorry for such a long post but I like being thorough and I thought it needed updating.
_____________________________________________
I attended my first stage yesterday. Not what I expected. There must have been about 25 of us there. Because, like others, I got there an hour early, I got a decent sofa seat in the waiting room. I strongly advise others going for their stage one to get there early to get a comfy seat.
I'd travelled there the previous day (sunday) and asked reception where I was expected to present myself on the day. The receptionist had never heard of NATS
so I assumed she was a weekender. The next day they sounded more informed and directed me to the second floor. Each floor, it turns out, has a little reception desk, and waiting area where we all were. We were split into two groups. Mine attended a small talk by Steve and Mike, both experienced ATCOs where you have the opportunity to listen to what ATC is like from the horse’s mouth and ask as many questions as you wish within 45mins. This isn’t assessed as goes a lot quicker than I would have liked. But then again, had it been left up to me, I’d have talked to them all day. Besides, since I had already visited Heathrow tower and Swanwick centre and had read through MATS part-1 50 times, I pretty much knew everything that had been said
. They even showed us a tabulated printout of the salary we can expect to get throughout our careers. Turns out, I already have this too, LOL . You’ll need to subtly steer the conversation that way and ask for it when you visit Swanwick if you want a copy.I’m thankful I did this part before the tests as it helped me to relax. The most important thing you could do to help yourself, I found, was to relax. That’s why you need to get there early and talk to the other applicants to help ease the tension. Also, drink lots (of water, cheeky) and don’t expect to finish the tests. You won’t. Not only is it difficult, but I’m pretty sure it’s impossible.
Next I did the motivation test followed by the personality questionnaire (don’t want to call it a test). I have to say, I was very disappointed with the test. I had learned the motivation paper given to us back to front, including the data about the aircraft IN ITS ENTIRETY. And it turns out it is only there to give us the gist about aircraft. Never mind, I don’t regret having prepared so thoroughly. Unfortunately, I read in previous threads that all the answers are in the motivation paper. This isn’t entirely true. You’ll need to prepare for speed/distance/time questions and distance estimation questions on top of the preparation material. Nowhere in the text did it say what the distance between London and New-York is. I’m sorry, I’m ranting. If you must know, it’s because I know I’ve got that question wrong, lol
! This part is timed (40 questions/18 minutes). I finish with plenty of time to spare. PREPARE!Next came the personality questionnaire. 40 questions, not timed. I was the last to finish. Not very pleasant. Questions repeat themselves and you’re expected to be black or white. Either you are obsessed with past mistakes unable to move on, or you can’t stop looking ahead, never focussing on the task at hand. And if you choose a balance, you can then be accused of lying. They ask you to be as honest “as possible”. I’m sure that is because they know it’s not possible to be honest given the options you’re given.
A short coffee break.
Then comes the REAL testing tests by a psychologist. First a basic checking test. Find which numbers on the left matches the one on the right. (40 questions/5 minutes). Speed and accuracy conflict here. Sounds easy but as the test goes on the numbers get longer and longer. Then another identical test but with letters instead of numbers. I’m a physics graduate and I got through 75% of it. The banking guy next to me did just as badly. Or just as well. Half full or half empty? Lol.
Then that diagram test shown in the preparation material. Except all the “commands” were different and there were about ten of them. Again, the test start easy and progressively becomes your worst nightmare. If you don’t hear from me again, I’m pretty sure it’s because of this part.
Finally, the cube thing. Three cubes laid out flat. Each one laid out differently and each one comes with a set of 20 questions with examples of other 3D cubes. You have to say which, if any, of the choices correspond to the flat cube. Not only are the two last cubes not laid out in the traditional cross shape but one cube had two identical sides and the 3D cubes towards the end were also rotated so you had to (in your head) rotate the entire flat cube in your head before (in your head) folding it together. Only to work out that none of the cubes correspond.
Then you go home. You get the results in about 15 working days. It’s tough. I suggest taking the following day off work as well, like I did. And drink a mug of hot chocolate.
Any questions?
Sorry for such a long post but I like being thorough and I thought it needed updating.
Last edited by Amenhotep; 8th Jan 2008 at 14:19. Reason: Structure change
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LHR/Surrey
Age: 39
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nice post - very useful for those who are to go through the same thing! I hope you do well - it sounds like you have the right attitude and have prepared very thoroughly so best of luck 
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: High Wycombe
Age: 40
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't Panic Don't Panic
Well I did change the question slightly. I didn't know whether I would be reprimanded for giving out actual questions. And besides, I'm sure they have a selection of different tests used on different days to avoid people cheating.
I also forgot to add, wear comfortable clothes. Smart/casual does not mean a suit. If you wear a suit, to me, all it means is that you do not pay attention to detail on the invitation letter, you will not be as relaxed and so will not perform as well as you could and as well as they want you to; and you will also demontrate that you have not visited an ATC environment before. The ATCO's doing the talk looked like they were on holiday, and on my tour of Swanwick, one of the things I learned was how laid back the dress code was. Not a room of suits but T-shirts and ripped jeans. (well at least one ripped jean, lol)
Sorry, yet another edit...
I was also told on the day that the people on this recruitment drive were scheduled to go on the april intake. That means a short time between stages can be expected (if successful).
I also forgot to add, wear comfortable clothes. Smart/casual does not mean a suit. If you wear a suit, to me, all it means is that you do not pay attention to detail on the invitation letter, you will not be as relaxed and so will not perform as well as you could and as well as they want you to; and you will also demontrate that you have not visited an ATC environment before. The ATCO's doing the talk looked like they were on holiday, and on my tour of Swanwick, one of the things I learned was how laid back the dress code was. Not a room of suits but T-shirts and ripped jeans. (well at least one ripped jean, lol)
Sorry, yet another edit...
I was also told on the day that the people on this recruitment drive were scheduled to go on the april intake. That means a short time between stages can be expected (if successful).
Last edited by Amenhotep; 9th Jan 2008 at 21:37.
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: LHR/EGLL
Age: 45
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also forgot to add, wear comfortable clothes. Smart/casual does not mean a suit. If you wear a suit, to me, all it means is that you do not pay attention to detail on the invitation letter, you will not be as relaxed and so will not perform as well as you could and as well as they want you to; and you will also demonstrate that you have not visited an ATC environment before.
Some of us wear suits at work....I certainly wouldn't think that someone coming to an interview wearing a suit obviously hadn't visited a unit. Although what you wear to an interview doesn't matter, as it says, I like to see a professional appearance. To me, wearing a suit would imply a high attention to detail.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: High Wycombe
Age: 40
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Suit you sir!
I never wear suits if I can help it. In fact, the only suit I have, has only ever been worn at job interviews (3 actually). What a waste of money. I'm too sexy for my suit. If you are used to wearing suits everyday, then I could understand. I just feel like being judged on my suit seems a little daft considering I don't like it. I still dress smart casual though. Never hoodies or trainers. I'd rather they focus on who I am. I suppose making everyone wear suits creates a level playing field.
Also, I don't need a suit to feel intelligent. I wear glasses instead!!
Also, I don't need a suit to feel intelligent. I wear glasses instead!!
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Highlands
Age: 38
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Indeed. Although in today's world it has reached a sad state of affairs that suits represent well turned out people who like to make an effort. Sad I know to judge a person on their suit, but that's the way it is these days, and probably will be. But suits AREN'T boring - in fact when I used to interview people (ok, not for air traffic), but I used to be able to tell a lot about the person just by colour and type of shirt, and choice of tie. Sounds crazy I know and prejudiced, but it's very very true.
Who cares what you wear when you actually get the job (well, there's a limit), but first impressions always count.
Who cares what you wear when you actually get the job (well, there's a limit), but first impressions always count.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Highlands
Age: 38
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wearing a suit doesn't make you look intelligent
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK, just to clarify for those going through this process now - from my experience....
Stage 1 - you are a number, you can wear whatever you like and no-one will ever know. I (and most) were wearing jeans and t-shirt for stage 1.
Stages 2 and 3 - you are being interviewed so dress accordingly - ie not jeans and t-shirt!
Also - there is no negative marking in the tests - if you get the answer right, you get a mark, if you get the answer wrong, you don't, simple. So just a suggestion, make sure there are no blank answers on your sheet when the time runs out, as they'll definitely be marked wrong - a non-blank answer has a 1 in 4 chance of being right!.....
Stage 1 - you are a number, you can wear whatever you like and no-one will ever know. I (and most) were wearing jeans and t-shirt for stage 1.
Stages 2 and 3 - you are being interviewed so dress accordingly - ie not jeans and t-shirt!
Also - there is no negative marking in the tests - if you get the answer right, you get a mark, if you get the answer wrong, you don't, simple. So just a suggestion, make sure there are no blank answers on your sheet when the time runs out, as they'll definitely be marked wrong - a non-blank answer has a 1 in 4 chance of being right!.....
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: uk
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although I would argue that even on first day, you could be seen by somone that might be at the second stage, so if you look not so good that day, they might remember you the next time. Why run the risk?
What you wear isnt as important as what you say, but it does help create a better impression about the type of person you "May" be
What you wear isnt as important as what you say, but it does help create a better impression about the type of person you "May" be
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sherwood Forest
Age: 48
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Suits
As someone has already mentioned earlier in the thread, there are a lot of people on the Stage 1 Selection Days and it is very easy to be lost in the crowd. However, it's better to be lost in the crowd than sticking out like a sore thumb.
If you're serious about ATC as a career though, then it will stand you in good stead to start as you mean to go on through the college and your validation.
For Stage 1 I would definately say, smart trousers and shirt at the very least. I'll be honest, it does irritate me when I see people dressed in jeans/trainers/t-shirts for their initial tests as it gives off the impression they aren't too bothered about the job.
When you're valid and a shop floor controller you can start dressing down and wearing what you want (within reason obviously!) but until then keep it smart.
If you're serious about ATC as a career though, then it will stand you in good stead to start as you mean to go on through the college and your validation.
For Stage 1 I would definately say, smart trousers and shirt at the very least. I'll be honest, it does irritate me when I see people dressed in jeans/trainers/t-shirts for their initial tests as it gives off the impression they aren't too bothered about the job.
When you're valid and a shop floor controller you can start dressing down and wearing what you want (within reason obviously!) but until then keep it smart.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: the south
Age: 40
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
crumbs !!!
I received my info via email today for the motivational test and that hasn't scared me to much nor do the example tests !! (I have my test on March 20th to give me enough time to prepare)
Although ........... the numerical reasoning that has been mentioned on here scares the living crap out of me (excuse my French) could anybody else shed any more light on the type of ques involved in this part of the test ??? just so I can get some books out and super swat on this !!
If a physician and banker have struggled I'm only a trolley dolly and am literally following my dream ........ as they say 'now or never' !!
Ek !!!!
Tinker
Although ........... the numerical reasoning that has been mentioned on here scares the living crap out of me (excuse my French) could anybody else shed any more light on the type of ques involved in this part of the test ??? just so I can get some books out and super swat on this !!
If a physician and banker have struggled I'm only a trolley dolly and am literally following my dream ........ as they say 'now or never' !!
Ek !!!!
Tinker
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: LHR/EGLL
Age: 39
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
tinker...
its got nothing to do what you did, or your previous life, its what you can do and your perceived future ability. if its a dream of yours follow it, prepare thoroughly and fingers crossed it will become a reality.
as i remember it the only numerical reasoning is basic checking, as in matching sets of numbers in a short period of time... e.g.
167245 is on the left side of the page
167425, 167345, 167245, 176245, 167254 are on the right.
You select the exact match... think 50 q's 5 minutes to do it. varies between 4 and 8 digits
stand to be corrected if this has changed since my experience though, any other q's fire away
its got nothing to do what you did, or your previous life, its what you can do and your perceived future ability. if its a dream of yours follow it, prepare thoroughly and fingers crossed it will become a reality.
as i remember it the only numerical reasoning is basic checking, as in matching sets of numbers in a short period of time... e.g.
167245 is on the left side of the page
167425, 167345, 167245, 176245, 167254 are on the right.
You select the exact match... think 50 q's 5 minutes to do it. varies between 4 and 8 digits
stand to be corrected if this has changed since my experience though, any other q's fire away
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Manchester
Age: 40
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm exactly the same as you littlemisstinker, really want to be in ATC and currently pushing a trolley!! I've got my 1st stage on the 10th March. I don't think I've ever been so scared that I won't be good enough as I am now. I just worry I'm not clever enough. 
baby737
baby737