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Job Seeking Advice

Ask yourself this important question. What is the purpose of a Curriculum Vitae ?

The Curriculum Vitae

The answer is very simple, a CV gets you an interview; that’s what it is designed to do. It does not get you a job, it gets you past the first hurdle which is the sifting process. (Remember, it could be the new 16 yr old office trainee who is given a pile of 25 CVs and told to reduce it to 5.) So write a new CV for every job for which you apply and ensure that all the items requested in the job spec are in your CV. One side of A4 is enough and easier for the reader to digest but two is acceptable if the information is relevant. Never use more than 2 pages. Do not include references or certificates at this stage. Save them for the interview, and then only show them if asked.

Put your contact details in bold, font size 14. Your CV may get scanned or copied and if these details become illegible your application will fail.

If the job spec demands a current CAA medical, ensure that somewhere prominent on your CV the information states that you hold a current CAA medical.

Highlight special attributes which for an ATC job are considered important. e.g. Why you will move to and remain in the airport catchment area, probably in an accompanying letter.

Keep your CV relevant to the job. A student job as a barman for 2 months is not relevant but equally do not have gaps (missing months or years) in your CV, they are very suspicious.

Do not be tempted to ‘gild the lily’ on your CV, and be prepared for any questions about your claims.

Make sure your CV is up to date.

If you are a miltary ATCO and coming into the civvy world you must, repeat must, get a totally civilian colleague to check your CV and de-militarise it. Safeskys would be pleased to review your CV and 'civilianise' it.

Triple check for spelling and then get a mate to check it. One mistake could rule you out of any ATC related job.

The Interview

Get personal !! Phone the airport, speak to personnel and the SATCO. Find out the SATCO’s name and career history, make sure that you know everything about the airport which affects ATC.

Arrive 20 minutes early and read all the notices on the walls, the company/airport brochure on the table and visit the loo to check your appearance.

Refuse offers of tea/coffee/biscuits - they are potential disaster areas of spills etc. Accept a glass of water if you wish.

Give a nice firm handshake and look into the persons face with a smile when you greet them.

Never put any of your items on the desk of the person interviewing you. Do take a briefcase (shows that you are organised) with a notebook inside and ask if you can make notes if necessary. This shows your interest and ensures that you don't forget any important information. Have your prepared list of questions in the briefcase along with any certificates which may be relevant.

When you speak, look at the interviewer's eyes, when you listen look at his/her mouth. Never apologise for anything during the interview. (e.g. Yes, I am sorry that I didn't get more GCSEs).

Avoid negative subjects. If questioned turn them into learning experiences and highlight how you improved after the experience. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging (say something like, yes I learned from that, now can we move to a more positive side of my abilities) and change the subject to something which shows a better side of your capabilities. Do practice interviews with your partner or an ATC mate. Prepare answers to some set questions, such as:

  • Tell me about yourself and career to date?
  • What are your good points?
  • What are your bad points?
  • Why do you want this job?
  • What qualities do you bring to this post?
  • How can we be sure that you will stay at this airport?
  • What ATC navaids do we have at this airport. Which airlines fly from here.

At the end of the interview and when you are asked whether you have any questions, always have a prepared list of relevant questions to ask the interviewer, it shows that you are genuinely interested and have thought about this job. Avoid asking questions purely about the perks/salary etc.

Dress to impress with your very best clothes and clean shoes, but nothing too fashionable. Nerves are OK and can be a positive thing. They show the interviewer that you are keen to pass the interview so don't worry and NEVER apologise.

Finally be yourself, you are ideal for this job aren’t you? Well, let the interviewer know it. Good Luck.

Mark MacDonald, A Safeskys ATCO who converted from Military to Civil

There are four ways to become a UK civil ATCO

  1. Get accepted for the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) cadetship.
  2. Pay for your own training (about £45,000 for ADC, APC & APR ratings) or part train (£28,000 - ADC & APC or ADC & APR) and look for a job which offers further training. This is not realistic unless you have experience in the ATC world (AFISO, ATCA , ex-military etc).
  3. Apply for a job at an airport as an Air Traffic Control Assistant and work your way up with a good employer/airport.
  4. Join the Royal Air Force or Royal Navy as an Air Traffic Control Officer and convert to Civil Aviation Authority licences later. (i.e. You will need to follow route 2 but having acquired some skills you will have an advantage). On leaving the services, you may also be within the age limits to apply for a NATS cadetship.