There was of course more misunderstandings, because I just really found a lot of things they asked about inherently natural and I just wouldn't have thought they ask it for "that" reason -which reasons I figured just now- so I answered something completely irrelevant in a few cases, which cases were probably the most important ones, at least it seems.
To tell you the truth I honestly thought that this interview was going to be just a complementer/cross reference part of the on line personality test and that it was going to be the same multi choice fashion as well. I also thought this kind of interview when I have to come up with the answers, explanations and examples would be on stage 3. So the whole thing was absolutely unexpected and naturally because of the utter lack of preparation my examples to my answers left a lot to desire for, even by very low standards I think. Afterwards at home I had in mind a zillion ideas what I could have said, instead of that lot of "....erm...", and "...sooo....", and even "...???..." .
hmm, so I have to agree, my overall performance on the interview wasn't too impressive and probably that "long term plan" thing was just one bit which helped to decide against me. And you must have displayed generally better characteristics to be an ATCO than me, so this "plan" thing didn't count. I just really don't know if it will worth to try next time, I mean I'd have a year to prepare, but how can I guide myself to change or improve, when I don't even know which direction and at which points exactly? its confusing really... :confused:

So I even bought this book "Brilliant Interview Answers", but I didn't read it, because I thought I'd need it only later at stage 3. So what now, I will prepare myself to be a top ace interview answerer by using this book, this really is just an ability, not a talent or personality perk or something.
So why would this be better for NATS, would it prove for example that I'm determined enough and I'm able to learn new things and I'm mature and I take the interview seriously to prepare properly before I go to sit it?

Do you mind changing your plans? I guess that's a toughie as it could go either way. If you say yes then negatively that shows you can be indecisive, but positively it shows that you are flexible with where and when you work for NATS, and it shows that you can tell pilots alternative routes if a situation arises, so I would guess this would be the answer they would want. But then I didn't even get past stage one so what do I know!

Any other questions that stumped you?

By the way RO13ERTS thanks for the recommendations of books, I've already got two of them on order, I'll get the big fat ATC one when I've looked through the others. Thanks again.

You rang.....? :suspect:

I will probably reply at some point, but my computer is u/s at the moment. I might have time on my night shifts at the weekend..... :ok:

I wouldn't have thought "Do you mind changing your plans?" had anything to do with working for the company in the long term.

It would have more to do with being flexible and having the ability to quickly assess the situation you are faced with, accept that the perfect traffic plan in your head has gone to rats@@t, and come up with another one. Happens to me all the time. :E

Plans in ATC mean how to sort out the traffic you are presented with in the best possible way.

This one is a little like another question-

"Is there anything you will never change your mind about"

It's a no brainer when you think about it

Interviews
 

The one piece of advise I can give to all who are going through the interview process is know yourself, answer questions honestly and don't try and give answers just because you think that is what they are looking for (you will only come unstuck later).

On the question of flexibility, you have to be to move to the collage and then accept placement at which ever unit you are sent to, aswell as in the job, you will need to have a plan A, B and C for everyday situations.

I went through the Interview process earlier this year and I am now happily skint and at the collge work my butt off.

If you make it through the process I can confirm that it is all worth it and if you don't rethink and if it is still what you want to do then try again.

;)

Maybe stop thinking about what the reason is why you've been asked the question and just be honest...... you might think you can give the answers "they" are looking for but on the other hand you could be trying too hard..... in my view honesty is the best option. With many similar questions its too easy to give 2 totally different answers to almost the same question. If on the other hand you're being honest, you will at least be consistant. It's not rocket science just basic psychology! "They" ask these things for a reason and it might not be to get the answers someone on here thinks is right!
This might not be what you want to hear but trying to beat the system might not be an option when you're talking about personality traits! Most people who have done any post school study are made aware that body language and personality are very difficult things to hide. When I applied I did everything in my power to be myself.

:ugh:

Fullfacts:

Most of those questions can be answered several ways which are still remain true, don't you think?
Body language? I never look into people's eye when I talk to them, does that make me a liar?
Who said anyone wants to break the system? I even asked the interviewer person, if he thinks this is the right job for me so I'm not someone who wants a job which is not for him, you can believe me.
Talking about personality traits on the interview?
A job interview is a sales job. You have to sell youself, nothing more nothing less. Generally talking I'm the crappest crap in selling, I even dislike the common idea of selling something for more than to buy it.
However I didn't find your assumptions and style nice at all, although I know you didn't interpret my intentions correctly, that still doesn't give you the right to educate me like this.

Yet more talk of mis understandings...... the point is... to sell yourself(?) you must paint a clear and concise and consistant picture of you. If you are inconsistant in your responses then the interviewer is forced to make assumptions or make a negative judgement.

My point was merely that you are trying too hard, the questions are there to give an indication of whether you... your personality and your skills lend to the harsh training environment af ATC. As you said they want to know whether you can stick it out but they also want to know that when a plan is going wrong you will change it. As someone said to you earlier it is a no brainer. So surely the HONEST answer would be that depends, I like to see things through but when things are going wrong I change it.

STILL:ugh:

Edvin,

Take some advice from someone who's been though the whole she-bang twice. Most job interviews are very much a self-sales pitch where you present an image which is compatible with the position you're applying for.
On my first attempt this is exactly what I did - lots of smiling and nodding in the right places, second guessing the personality questionnaires - guess what? Failed the personnel interview as it was called then - the bit with the 60 questions. As has previously been mentioned it is impossible to keep up the 'profile' you've decided best fits across all interviews/forms etc
Second time around I didn't have pre planned answers for all the usual questions (why do you want this job etc) and was completely honest the entire way through. If your motivation is good then this will be self evident in the way you conduct yourself. You'll never guess what happened 2nd time around...:)
Please don't think I'm having a pop at you. As I said at the beginning, just some advice:ok:

You are absolutely right Fullfacts when you said:
"the point is... to sell yourself(?) you must paint a clear and concise and consistant picture of you. If you are inconsistant in your responses then the interviewer is forced to make assumptions or make a negative judgement. "

This is exactly what I said. These are all requirements of any sales purposes, which I've got non at all. I've been working nights for three years, most of the time I don't even practice social skills, I'm like a hermit. :} (i.e. I work when others socialize... ) But do not worry, this is only a matter of a bit of practice.

Now what you guys both forget to consider that I really was totally honest, so there is only two thing I can possibly think of, one is a little bit of sales skills I miss (at the moment!) or simply I'm just not the one to be an ATCO. :sad:
Anyway, I will stop being a pain so I won't pester here with my theories anymore, good luck to all the applicants and congrats to all the trainees!:)

Medical
 

Hi... I know this topic must have been brought up already,but couldnt seem to find much details about it...

Just wondering if anyone could shed some light regarding the medical examinations carried out by NATS? I understand they do one before you enroll into college, and one after at Gatwick for a Class 1... but i mean what tests are there literally??? I mean i found the requirements on the CAA websites, but what kinda things to they do, blood tests? any needles, and procedures?

Medical
 

When I applied I only had the one medical so I am not too sure about the CAA medical @ Gatwick.

The NATS medical is apparently more stringent than the CAA one.

What it involved:
A hearing test
A Cardiogram
A Urine (drug and alcohol) test
A vision test
A general look over for good health

NO NEEDLES!!

If the time is there before you start at the college then a medical should be carried out, if it is not then it can be arranged in your first lot of hols after the basic course.

Hope this helps

:)

Whats the requirements for the eyesight tests?

ATCOs now have to pass a UK class 1 medical at Gatwick (not JAA class 1). The Swanwick one is more a pre-employment medical, and gives them a good idea that they won't be wasting their money sending you to the CAA later! When I went for my medical in Swanwick, the NATS medical folks were concerned that the CAA may have an issue with some medication I had been off since Feb, they were unsure if I had to have longer off them, so rather than waiting till I was at CATC, they got me straight to CAA to get it cleared, which they did!

Thanks!!!!! SOOOO MUCH!!! the information was great help... Do i need to provide my own MEd history, or will they dig it up??? And how thorough do they exam and look into your history???

And I heard that they're gonna check your privates??? is that true???

Thanks to everyone who replied...

Yes they do check you privates, which is always a good idea. I passed my CAA class 1 medical, then a few weeks later noticed a lump and was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

So even though my tumor wasn't picked up on my medical, I would always advise you to have your testicles checked by a doc at any available occasion.

This is a copy of an earlier edit of my post, I just bring it forward, to make sure you guys will read it! :p

"For a sale to draw a consistent picture you have to know the product, maybe I don't know myself enough. Or rather something which is consistent for me, its not sure that it will be consistent to others who don't know me and they don't know why I say something. I never got use to be judged by my words, I always expected people to decide me based on what I do. Also a person with the minimum of sales skills has to know what it means to be consistent to people who they meet with at the first time. Unfortunately there are completely general ideas, if they are communicated in a "funny"/personal way or relation, even if they are true, can be appearing as completely "whack job" and inconsistent stuff. It doesn't mean you have to be the wittiest person to be able to communicate things about yourself unambiguously to strangers, you just maybe need a bit of practice. Sorry, but its not that easy for everyone for the first time. Especially not on a government level interview. :ooh:)"

Need to visit Nats before 3rd Stage?
 

Dear All,

This is my first post on here and first of I would like to thank all of you for your advice, it's been most useful so far.

I've recently been invited to the 3rd Stage selection process which is at the end of the month and I really would like to get a visit in before then.

Ideally I would like to visit either the Manchester Area sub unit or Manchester Tower.

Would anyone be able to provide contact details / help in arranging a visit?

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Greetings from Panama / Congratrulations Ricky
 

Ricky Congratulations !


Dear ALL RESPECTFUL COLLEAGUES :


It is useful to know what to expect on the interview process.
On my side I wouyld like to know how to apply as a Tower/ Approach or
Area ATC .

Maybe you can guide me to contact any Recruiter on Europe or Middle East. Do you anything about Oman ? I would like to send my resume.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP !

My Best Wishes from Panama,


Sergio Alzamora / ATC
[email protected]
507-6-509-7478

hi there

i have just arrived back from my 2nd interview in sou. it started with a personality interview then a motivation paper which i found was very easy as i digested the reading materials, then the computer tests which i found ok very qiuck!!
however after all that the hr lady came over and said i had failed not in a private room, but around the busy office at a table in the middle!
when i asked why she said, i received very high scores on the motivation paper and the computer tests but failed the personality interview as i didnt mention a couple of KEY WORDS they were looking for! and then told me to try again nxt year, I DONT HAVE A NXT YEAR!
a couple of key words are you kidding me? she would not tell me the key words.

i had prepared and written down answers to all the questions she asked me with an interviewer for the police my answers were honest and constructive and my examples were real.

so what are the key words i missed and can you really fail someone on such an easy thing? would a different examiner have passed me with my answers? as we all had different examiners.

any how had my moan now.

other than that the staff were all really friendly and helpfull

v
xx

Sorry to hear your bad news ridinggirl. Why don't you have "a next year"?

all out 3 attempts gone
x

3 strikes
 

Read on this thread that 3 may not possibly be it. Read through and maybe ring HR and ask if it is, or have they already said?
Crappy luck though sugar, couple of key words?! :mad: :ugh::eek::sad::*:p Got my stage two on the 14th, when the interview's over Im gonna stand up and recite every positive adjective in my vocabulary just in case, or maybe then they'll think Im nuts? What d'ya think? Wish me luck please.
Thanks for all the good advice Edvin:ok:

Your welcome mate, I started to think you didn't read my pm.
I hope you didn't mind that I didn't give you the actual questions :oh:, but I still helped as much as I could so I think you will be ok. :)
Just one last advice, the interviewer will ask you something, and then after he/she will ask examples, now this will be funny after the twentieth time,like
Can you say some examples?
Can you say some examples?
Can you say some examples?
Can you say some examples? and so on, you would probably think its easier if you say some examples right after your answer before he/she would ask for it.
Well I don't think you should fall for this, because I did (on the rare occasions, when I actually had something in my mind) and it seemed to me that this annoys the interviewer, since probably he/she would like to decide what to ask in details and he/she doesn't like to be forced to listen your examples/explanations when he/she didn't ask it. Also I think there is a limited time for the whole interview, so this is another reason why just stay put and let he/she decide what to explain further. Or at least do it very politely, like looking at him/her for approval, before you start talking.
Well that's all I hope you guys will be luckier, and If anyone insider knows there really are keywords they are looking for, please confirm it so I can focus on something which makes more sense than preparing to next years interview gamble. :hmm: And don't' worry, relax, you can tell me the truth, I would like you to think of me as a friend, and by the way my name is pronunciated as Mr. Tee-ah-tim-eeh, ok? :E

Check these two out, maybe they will also help. :8


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Keywords-Res...6784036&sr=8-1

http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/psycho...tm#PERSONALITY

When I had my personality interview at the beginning of june, I got the impression that the interview was subject to my interpretation and that was what they were looking at. By this I mean you judge whether or not to expand on your answers, I decided to give examples for everything I could. As for keywords, each question on the personality interview is scored (1-5 for example) to a set criteria so they undoubtedly are looking for keywords.

Do you mean each answer is scored?

I bought that book from Amazon: Best KeyWords for resumes, cover letters and INTERVIEWS by Wendy S. Enelow and I found that she used these words the most, in general cases which resemble possible ATC relevance:

Support, Operation(s), Culture(/al), Communication(s), Direct/Cross Communication(s), Position, Equal Rights, Indiscriminate, Integrate(ion), Implement, Adapt, Liaison, Negotiate/ion, Efficiency, Service(s), Plan(ning), Prioritiz(/ing)ation, Policy, Procedure, Protocol, Achieve(/ing)ment, Accomplish, Success, Improve(/ing)ment, Shape(/ing), Innovate(/ing), Expand, Gain(s), Growth, Performance, Solution, Develop(/ing)ment, Experience, Reliab(/le)ility, Trust, True, Truth, Righteous, Reliable, Credit(bility), Need, Care, Proactive, Diligence, Bind/Bond, Regular (basis), Process(/ing), Quality, Time Manage(/ing)ment, Allocation, Relations, Giving, Programming, Technique, Method, Audit, Report, Control, Design(ate), Oversee, Pinpoint, Coordinate(/ing), Compliance, Assist(ance), Maintenance, Network, Root cause, Scale up, Training, Course, School, Learn, Digest, Mission, Endeavour, Goal, Task, Project, Operations, Process(/ing), Campaign, Oriented, Vision, Image, Examinat(/ing)ion, Analysis(ize), Synthesys(ize), Group, Team, Satisfaction, Fullfillment, Offering, Positive, Optimist(ism), Simplification, Common sense, Accept(ing), Security, Safe, Safety, Health, Recovery, Guide(/ing), Briefing, World Class Organization => NATS :p , Transition, Credential(s), Regulation, Concentrate, Flexible, Methodical, Precise, Accurate, Preventing, Protecting, Public Interest, Competent, Opportunity, Participate, Merit, Incentive, Award, Staff, Team, Group, Workforce, Fellow Worker, Collegaue, Friend(s), Family, Evaluate, Modificate, Advocate, Advise, Help, Patience, Focus, Advance, Backbone, Principle, Manner, Polite, Authorize, Authority

Hope this helped :) Good luck to remember them tho ._.
:ok:

Ived got my tests in London on wednesday 1st attempt for stage one!! so worried.....:eek:
does anyone else feel like they are cramming it in this year i mean 4 tests in 3 1/2 hours including 3 aplitute tests!!
Anyone else around for the morning test??? 09:30am!!:uhoh::sad:

Edvin,
Yep, each answer is scored and you have to make a set 'pass' rate to get through.

Manchester Stage 1
 

Hi all, just wondering if anyone will be attending the stage 1 interviews this Friday? (17th August) in Victoria and Albert Hotel in Manchester? I'm down for the 09:30 interview. :)

Hey! I'm going to the Manchester 1330 stage one!!!

I'll prob see you on my way out then! Getting nervous now!! :eek: :ok:

Stage 1 tips
 

Basic checking; 2 sections, 1 is numbers 1 is letters. 5 mins each section, 40 questions each section.
Spatial awareness (cube nets); 20 mins, 40 questions.
Diagramming (sequencing); 20 mins, 50 questions. Use the scrap paper they give you to draw out the more complex sequences, massive help and saves time.
It flies by, don’t worry if you don’t finish every section, have read you’re not supposed to.
Had mine on 25th July at Manchester.
I answered 38/40 on each section of basic checking.
31/40 on spatial awareness.
40/50 on diagramming.
Motivation paper is mostly based on the 18 page document they give you to learn. Its multiple choice, 30 questions, each with 4 similar looking answers, easy to distinguish if you’ve learnt the stuff. There’s a few questions not from the document, which is a bit unfair if you ask me. Look up flight distances between cities in nm, I don’t know, London to; Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, NY, Brussels, Paris. Also, did you know aircraft prefer to take off and land into the wind? Well they do. If there’s info in the document on craft stats memorise a couple per day if you’ve time, and make a chart and practice drawing/writing it out. My motivation paper had a couple of Q’s on the Boeings, but I don’t know how often they change the thing(learn the Boeings).
It also has D/S/T arithmetic Q's, try this link for examples, Q's 3-8;
http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/area/maths/compass/html/airnav/aical1.html
If you pass they’ll send an email/update your application page, so log on and check, inviting you to complete an on-line personality questionnaire. 104 Q’s repeated every so often worded slightly differently, each with 4 mostly win/win or lose/lose answers from which you have to select most/least typical of yourself.
Unlimited time, but they say should take about 40 mins. Be honest and consistent, and try not to dwell or overthink. Careful though, this thing is failable, but take whatever consolation you want from the fact that it doesn’t mean you’re a bad person if it doesn’t show them the profile of you that they’re looking for, while you blubber into your hands and your saliva shortcircuits your laptop keyboard.
Try this site if you haven’t already seen it, s’very useful, and if you dig around it specifically details the 3 aspects of the computer tests you’ll do if you make it to stage 2.
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/radar2001...cruit_menu.htm
Try these links for practice, do the Q's that are relevant, the same as the examples Nats give you.
Basic checking;
http://www.psychometric-success.com/...20Test%201.pdf
Spatial awareness;
http://www.psychometric-success.com/...20Test%201.pdf
Diagramming;
http://www.psychometric-success.com/...20Test%201.pdf
This has some, its a Qantas practice test;
http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/...ent/QTests.pdf
Well then, best of luck people:ok:
Nokio.

Nokio,

Brilliant post, thanks very much from all wannabes for the info. Much appreciated.
Quick question about the basic checking, did you find that there was always only one answer, or do they sometimes trick you with two possible answers that you have to mark?

Thanks again.

The basic checking is like this - Mark correct answer on your big sheet:


Question 45,736:

ABCDEF :{ a)ABDFCE b) BACDEF c) ABCDEF d) AFCDEB e) ABCDEG

I think you can only mark one answer as these things are all marked by computer me thinks and it would get all confused by two although don't take my word for it, they will tell you in instructions they don't try to deliberately trick you too much.

O Yer and fyi I think they go up to 8 digits - fun and games.

Letters is easier as you can normally find a funny little word in the combinations they use and then find that in the options, numbers is just plain annoying .

Goodluckage

Rich

Nokio, may I ask how you came to know what your scores were on the Stage One aptitude tests?
My understanding was that they did not give feedback.
Cheers

TCR
 

Sure dude. Those are'nt what I got right, just the questions I managed to complete in the given time.
With basic checking its about keeping concentration and focus, if you can do that then you'll be confident about your answers. If you practice with the link you'll feel better about it. Theres the opportunity to purchase extra tests, but I've got them so if anyone wants them, send us your e-mail and I'll get them to you. I've got 4 Basic checking tests, 4 Diagramming, and 4 spatial awareness. The spatial tests only have a few cube examples as you'll see, but they're similar and get your brain working along the right lines. If you do use scrap paper to draw out sequences with the diagramming, you'll be sure of your answers. I was confident of all 40 I got through. I also know that the pass mark for the motivation paper is 60% to be asked back, dont know about the rest. Vic, its possible they throw in more than one correct anwer in the basic checking, like the examples on the tiscali site, but I didnt bother looking for them, once I found one, I was straight onto the next. Good luck to everyone thats got stage 1 coming up.:ok:

Hi all! :ok:

Back from Stage 1 interview at Manchester on Friday morning, and was pretty much what I expected; 3 tests and the personality quiz at the end which was not timed.

Hopefully I will get through and so will the 7 or so others that were there in my group. Have to wait (up to) 15 working days for the results though, which could be a long wait!

Finger crossed!

:ok: