ATC job interview - information please

[OzzieATC]

Hi Everyone I am new to this Forum so thanks for having me. I was hoping if some of you could give me some advice.

In 3 weeks time I will appear before an Airforce job interview board to become an Air Traffic Controller and am excited at the opportunity and that i've made it this far.

Know doubt the first question will be: why do I want to be an ATC?

I really need to impress them here and formulate my answer to show my motivation and talk for a few minutes, my answer so far is:

I have been in the airforce now as an engineer for 10 years and my reason for a career change is to pursue new interests and challenges as I have reached the pinnacle of my career. I’m getting stale in my job and would like to further myself. Want a challenge, more responsibility leading to greater job satisfaction. Impromptu thinking (thinking on my feet, mind stimulating) need to focus more, feel that I will achieve more as an ATCO. Being an ATC will compliment my interest in aviation more as a PPL holder.

But it's not specific enough. I would like to know from anyone out there; what is it that you love about your job as an ATCO? and why did you want to become an ATCO? or what did you say in the interview?

thanks in advance
Dennis

[admin]

Originally Posted by OzzieATC

I have been in the airforce now as an engineer for 10 years and my reason for a career change is to pursue new interests and challenges as I have reached the pinnacle of my career. I’m getting stale in my job and would like to further myself. Want a challenge, more responsibility leading to greater job satisfaction. Impromptu thinking (thinking on my feet, mind stimulating) need to focus more, feel that I will achieve more as an ATCO. Being an ATC will compliment my interest in aviation more as a PPL holder.

your initial reaction is perfect. I dont necessarily think its WHAT you say but how you present your PASSION for the OPPORTUNITY.

[OzzieATC]

thanks Steve - much appreciated!

[bobbyblevins82]

Hey, I'm a controller at Dover Tower. I would be sure to include your apptitude for learning and retaining knowledge. You can expect to be trained by a SrA or A1C so you need to express that you are willing to learn, no matter what. It's a hard job and not for everyone, so if they have a good feeling about you, you should be fine.
Bobby

[OzzieATC]

Excellent, thanks Bobby i'll make sure i'll include that. I gave 110% in my current job, so as an ATC i'll give nothing short of my very best.

I'm interested as to why there is such a high failure rate in ATC learning, is it due to aptitude? or simply because people won't commit themselves hard enough to the study?

[bobbyblevins82]

Well it's true that some people just aren't made to do air traffic. I would compare it to being a waiter honestly. You have to be able to do 10 things at once or you'll "tube" as we like to say. It's 50% knowing the book knowledge and 50% applying it. So while you have to work hard at learning the book work, you have to have a certain ability to just catch on to what you're actually supposed to DO. As with most jobs in the air force, it's really just attention to detail, once you have that you're as good as gold. Feel free to email me any more questions you may have. My email is bobbyblevins82@yahoo.com.

[OzzieATC]

thanks Bob - I really appreciate your help

cheers

[Kedar]

Hi Everyone
I am new to this forum. The reason I have joined because I am very much interested in ATC course and would like to find out what is exactly needed to get there? I am a senior IT Consultant by profession and live/work in London. Would anyone please advice me about this course, fees and job prospects would be highly appreciated.

Thanks a lot.

regards
Kedar