how long?
 

How long does it normally take before NATS reply to application forms being sent off? Should I be concerned that it's been over a week since I sent mine online and not a peep out of them?

A friend of mine applied on Sep 6th ..... got an online acknowledgement immediately and then nothing since.

No don't be concerned, it used to take HR months to reply to an initial application - but i believe that now its gone 'on-line' its getting better!

:ok:

All things come to those who wait - and with HR you need the patience of a saint!!

Believe the response should be instantaneous, with an invite to do the on-line testing. If you pass that, (does anyone not?) you hear very quickly about booking yourself on the first stage "real" assessments.
Do you wear glasses? Heard that the prescription is checked to see if it falls within the limits, might be one reason for it holding up. Otherwise, seems odd.

As I do wear glasses, that's probably it, which brings me nicely onto another question. Any idea what the limits are?

eye sight should conform to CAA standards, have a look on their website, or do a search here or in Medical and Health.
I believe its +- 3 diopetres or however you spell it. There's more to it than that, so I suggest looking at the CAA

I had my initial apptitude test day 3 weeks ago and still no word. I thought we were to hear back by now. Is it normal to be waiting for so long?

My initial application was made in May!

The HR department state that after your assesment day they'll advise you in 15 working days.

After 5 weeks, a couple e-mails and a phone call I got a response which was an invitation to an interview.

Just proves that no news is good news!

Eyesight requirement info + application form query
 

As far as I can figure out from the various pieces of information on the web, ATCOs need a Class 1 medical. The details of the eyesight requirements for this are given here: http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/49/SRG_MED...isual_Stds.pdf

The initial standard you must attain is 5 dioptres either of short- or long-sightedness (plus other bits to do with astigmatisms etc). For renewal of the Class 1 medical certificate (see the link from the link above!) these get less stringent - for short sight at least - so you've got some leeway for your eyes to get worse over the years!

I'd also like to know whether the answers to the personal questions on the application form (why do you want to do this job, give details of your responsibilities, etc) have any bearing on whether you get invited to the initial (pencil and paper) tests, or not? Either way I assume they'll refer to these if you get through to the interview stage, but has anyone been told that they weren't invited to the initial tests on the basis of their application form?

Cheers all,

Jen

mate, how long is a piece of string?

I am sure that they will get back to you at some point in time. Good luck