NATS Interview (Changes) - [Merged]
 

Hi Peeps

I have my interview on 13th Feb and have just been informed that instead of the usual 2 interivews and a computer test as I believe has happened forever they've told me there is 1 interview, computer tests, a group exercise and motivation paper.

Just wondered if anyone had heard similar as to the changing face of interviewing?

Im sure I still need to be learning all the same stuff but would just be slightly worried there'll be something I haven't covered that could prevent me from entering the glorious world that is ATC.

Betty:p

Hi Betty,

Sorry I can't really help, but I'm very interested to hear more about this "motivation paper" Hmmmmm............Gonze, you out there mate?

Whatever happened to the good old 240 question 'personality questionnaire'? It was just fab.
What is a motivation paper anyhoo? Most people who went in on my course were motivated by money ie not having any, owing loads (from student debt to poll tax) and wanting the 12k NATS was offering during training.

'Group exercise'. Mmmm, don't like the sound of that. To much chance of the more shy members of the group being overshadowed by the loudmouths.

A well trained HR team should be able to pick out the best prosepective members of staff from a group exercise and these are very rarely the loudmouths of the group.

Or so I am assured

SH

I went through the new interview process about 3 weeks ago and was quite worried about it beforehand. To my surprise it was fine!

The motivation paper was a multiple choice test on the information NATS should have provided you with. The group exercise was playing a game, quite good fun, then commenting on how well we worked as a group and ways we would improve if we were to do it again. You get no feedback from any of the interviewers about how you've done. There was 5 of us there for the day and we were all fairly similar personality wise, probably stemmed from the original personality questionnaire.

Then came the dreaded computer tests. Not much to say about those, sure you've heard it all before. The interview was mainly HR questions with a few technical questions from an ATCO, who was also present. The interview lasted about 1 1/2 hours.

I don't think you can ever tell how well you do with the HR stuff but if you know the technical part you should be fine. I was, I'm just waiting for my medical now and security clearance before I start college on the !!!!e new wages!

Hope it goes ok.

Jo

@ Standard Noise:

That questionaire is still there, but it's 248 questions now, did it last friday...

What is the final word on wages? When I get into college (thinking positivly...) what'll I be on?

Cheers, Matt

If the pay deal is agreed, about 10p an hour :p

mattcarus- still the same questions asked again and again but in different formats, just to tease out the 'right' answers?

SH - some of the loudmouths do get through, unfortunately, but thankfully on our course they were then sorted out by the complexities of the dreaded aerodrome course.

SN

Perhaps we should retrain or replace our HR team then????

What is interesting is that the scores from selection [and the "Induction Week"] will actually arrive at the College with the trainee. So everyone will know who was a loudmouth, who is a bit shy, who can't count etc.
This will enable steps to be taken from the outset to fix any "problems" rather than just leaving them to fester until the final case-conference.
Might make a difference?
Of course we are assuming that HR send the results to the correct College....

So have NATS got rid of the testing day before the interviews, do you now go direct from the online reasoning tests to interview or is that just an extra set of tests?

If you leave a message for HR asking them, they may have got back to you in time for April!! ;) :ok:

You have the online maths (mainly statistics based) test, followed by the usual day of aptitude tests that seem to have been running for eternity. Then (if successful, obviously) you proceed to the interview stage, the format of which appears to have changed slightly recently.

Hi

Well seeing as I posted the question in the first place I should probably respond myself. Although I really don't know where I'm getitng the time as I'm flat out studying for my interview.

Yeah, there's the initial Maths test that's done online, then is selection day, with the personality, statistical tests etc and the motivational test about ATC stuff.

The interview stage, I've now been informed, is an interview by both a member of HR and an ATCO where its HR stuff with some technical questions thrown in, a group exercise (teambuilding kind of stuff), the computer tests and another motivational test...which I'm guessing goes none to similar from the one in the initial selection day.

Hope this clears up your curiousity Silent Handover. I feel like an expert already and I haven't even gotten through it all yet. I'll keep you posted as to how it actually goes though!!!

Betty:p

selcetion day 1
 

Hi there, I've got a NATS selection test next Monday 6th Feb and as far as I am aware I've only been given the Word document to prepare from, which is for the motivation paper I presume, however the last post talked about doing an online Maths test which I have not done or heard about. Is this maths test done on the selection day or before hand?

Second question: is 'discussions with an air traffic controller' actually an interview and if so do you have to prepare for it, or is more of a lecture to all the candidates?

Don't worry if you haven't had to do an online maths test before your test day; there were some people at my test day who had done one, others who hadn't. You've been invited to the tests day, so you needn't even worry about the online maths test again.

The discussion with an ATCO is just that. They'll give a talk and show a video, you're not tested by the ATCO at all. Sometimes the ATCO doesn't even turn up so you might get a longer lunch break. Whoopee doo.

On the tests day you obviously write your name and ID number on all test sheets, but apart from that they have no way of knowing who you are, so feel free to ask even the most inane of questions. It's only if you're invited to the interview stage do they know exactly who you are etc.

The best description of the test day is give by a Billy Onions in the pinned thread above this one. Check it out.

I thought we had a world class education system to sort that out!:rolleyes:
Isn't there something slightly wrong with a training system where we consider people who can't count suitable to train as ATCO's? Or am I the only person who sees something wrong here?

SN
Up until now, any information gleaned during selection and induction was not given to the College until the trainee actually failed, which is a bit late. i used "can't count" as a sort of catch-all rather than detailing the full gamut of psycho-social problems that beset yer average teenager. These problems, if they are known about, can be dealt with during training if you know about them, rather than simply treating everyone the same and thus failing some poor schmuck who didn't even know he was loud and opinionated until the training review.
I don't think we take anyone who can't actually count - but the standard of mental arithmetic from today's trainees is a lot worse than it used to be...
That'll be our world-class education system then.

NATS selection day
 

My first post so forgive any errors. just had first selection day at london hilton last tuesday, consisted of two personality questionaires (about 280 multiple choice Q's in total), A 'discussion' with an ATCO that really was just a discussion and not part of the assessment. Four multiple choice aptitude tests (mental arithmetic, spacial awareness, data checking and diagrammatic), And finally a motivation paper about the document they should have sent you previously. I haven't done any online tests at all, all done with good old pen and paper. The aptitude tests all followed a similar theme in that you're under pretty severe time pressure and on each paper the questions start easy and end near impossible.

keeping fingers crossed for a positive response.

had my selection tests today but none of the normal examiners shown up even though NATS HR had pre-booked this date and hotel :uhoh:

therefore we started 3 hrs late!!!!! :zzz:

Examiners not showing up.
 

I was there too. Not a very good thing considering that I had to catch a flight back to the Netherlands and nearly missed it (I wasn't the only one). Good thing was they managed to speed up the process, and were able to take the tests in 3 and a half hours. Still wonder why it takes them 7 hours to take the tests if there aren't any problems. Is there anybody that can give more details about the group exercise??? It's nice that people are saying they have done it, but that's not helping the ones that still have to do it.

Keystone Cops!
 

I also attended the Euston test day on monday, all I can say is I hope NATS aren't paying too much for the services of Centrica. Every test was delayed so they could photocopy more answer sheets, timings were way off on more than one test (usually in our favour, but will screw up accurate comparisons of candidates). The answer sheets are supposed to be machine readable but the copied ones were wonky at best. First test started at about 1145! and we were still finished by about 1630?? All credit to the ATCO from Manchester who battled through all this and gave a great talk on what it is to be an ATCO. Hopefully be joining you soon.

couldn't agree more, how can you keep your concentration going when you had mentally prepared yourself that morning!! :ugh:

discussion with ATCO has spurred me on even if that means taking a pay cut

Well, if you can't keep your concentration in this kind of situation, than you shouldn't be an air traffic controller in the first place :hmm: . I admit the situation wasn't ideal, but as an air traffic controller you have to be able to respond flexible to changes in every situation and stay focused and calm at all time. Look at the ATCO that was there: he managed to keep his head cool and took care of things, while he had to inform +/- 50 applicants about the fact that testtakers did not show up. Thanks to him I was still able to catch my flight in time.

But that is all off topic stuff. I want to know more about the changed interviews, especially about the group exercise.

If you feel moved to comment on the performance of the recruitment company (I believe they're called 'Capita'), please let HR know your thoughts. I've had my own 'experiences' with them when I've been the ATCO present on the test day, and any feedback you can give NATS HR might be acted upon.

Hi guys, I was also another candidate there on the monday, and have to say it was a bit of a shambles by 'Capita' or 'Centrica'??. As you've read, not only were the examiners late due to a mess up with booking them, but when they did arrive they appeared rude and slighty sharp with people. They came across very unprofessional and whilst I was taking my exam in the small room in the second part of the afternoon, there were people looking at their question books before the exam had started whilst the examiner left the room!!! On her return she continued to type throughout the exam even after a candiate asked her to stop as it was distracting him - it didnt bother me as I just got on with it and took it in my stride, (infact I thought it was slightly amusing) but I think it was unfair to expect people to come all this way, spending their time and money for things to then be in chaos.

I was also very suprised that the ATCO just started with a question/answer session as I thought there was going to be a formal presentation, however I actually found this to be a much better way of getting information across, he was friendly and put everyone at ease, and described what Air Traffic Control was really like - infact he really sold it to me, and I just hope I get through the rounds.

I totally agree with the guy above saying if you cant deal with being messed around then why are you applying to be an ATCO, from what i understand things can be a bit unpredictable and you should just get on with it. All I hope is that it hasn't impeded on my results... Would be nice to know if anyone does get through just so we know the results aren't fudged in anyway!

Any News?
 

I know they said 'within 15 days' but i'm checking my e-mails every couple of hours already! Anyone from the monday 6th Feb assessment day heard anything yet??

nothing yet, it usual takes a fortnight - but no news is good news!! - the waiting is killing me....:bored:

atco tests
 

I've just read all the stuff relating to the tests. I'm a well-scared ATSA looking to withdraw her application I think.....I'll take the redundancy in 10 years when IFACTS comes in.:oh:

NATS interviews
 

Hello, with all due respect to the large post just under this one, which is really a great source of information -thanks to all who contributed to it. However, I wanted to start a new post to talk about more recent experiences with the NATS test/interview. I have one coming up soon in Bournemouth, and was hoping to discuss. Cheers!

Bonjour
 

Check your PMs

interview
 

just been informed that i have made it through to the interview stage :O

this is where the hard graft starts from now i suppose!!!:8

not sure whether to book it for March or June!!

Interview Monday 6th
 

Hi Guys

I attended the interview on Monday the 6th i heard on the Thursday that i had been successful due to go for my medical on the 3rd of March. As for the comments regarding the testing day i had no problem with it what so ever everyone there was pleasent and informative. The group excersie was of particular interest as you get an understanding of the various skills each individual can offer. Im interested to know how you get on guys let me know.

Can anyone recently through college give me a steer on living arrangements/ costs ? Is there any particular area recommended.

Weh hey i'm through to the 2nd stage of ATC interviews, just gonna make my booking now but now quite sure which. Was just reading above that G-Unit was saying check your PM's, can someone clarify what could be in that info, and why can't someone PM me???

:bored:

I didn't make it through! :{

Whats the crack with waiting 12 months before you can apply again??? I thought you could apply whenever???

I have also been told that NATS don't give feedback....I thought they did???

I also didnt make it past the testing day in BHX, I'm really gutted about it too.

I'm disapointed with the lack of feedback but most big companies are the same now.
I thought that it was 6 months before you could re-apply again, but I guess, I have 12 months to sort myself out, work out where I went wrong, improve, and do it again.

Shame really I didnt think that it went too badly.

For everyone asking about the group interview with the ATCO, the lady that did ours was really helpful its nothing to worry about. She didnt (seem to) mind talking to me more informally waiting for the train either. Typically cant remember her name though!
Matt

There's a little law called the DATA PROTECTION ACT that makes it illegal for companies not to disclose any info they hold about you. They are at libertly to charge a fee for providing the info (i believe a max of £10, but don't take that as gospel), but it might prove a useful route for those (including myself) who want tho know where they went wrong.

I cant say whether you'd be better off trying NATS itself or the HR company? And if the info has already been binned then it might prove a dead end, but if the info is there they have to tell you!

more info at http://www.ico.gov.uk/documentUpload...cess%20FAQ.pdf

Having said all of this i am no lawyer, and take no responsibility for the outcome!

DATA PROTECTION
 

Hello Darkhorse

you seem to be very aware of your rights however data protection DOES NOT cover national security "where deemed relavent" therefore i would strongly advise against any future ATCO fighting the system just get your finger out and do the best you can at final interview.

READ READ READ

New Interview Format
 

Hi, I have my interview day coming up and was wondering if someone who has recently been through them can tell me if the old style interview of 60 HR style questions are still asked?? No feedback etc... Or if they are different as I understand the tech and HR interview are now combined. Also what do you do in the group exercise? Thanks for the help

BB

Roni f, couldn't agree more. i wouldn't suggest anyone cause a scene in trying to extract the info. and i imagine anyone who is refused on the basis of being a 'threat to national security' would probably have a good idea themselves as to what denied them the job. It does seem unfair tho that NATS wont tell ppl why they didn't make the grade. I fully intend on re-applying in 12 months and am just frustrated i cant spend the time concentrating on my weakest points. I imagine alot of ppl are in that boat with me?