ATC - 2nd Interview

[ff09727]

Just wondering if anyone can shed some insight into what to expect for the 2nd interview for ATC.
Being only 30-45 minutes, is it as in depth as the 1st interview? I had heard that they only invite those that are being highly considered for future training opportunities to an interview, ie. 5 interviews for 5 spots, someone doesn't cut it...person 6 gets a call.
Getting to the final step is certainly an exciting time.
Thanks in advance

[UHDT]

When I went through the system the second interview was nothing more than a formality to make sure you were still interested in doing the training, but that was 4 years ago under SHL. Not sure if it has changed or not. Good luck!

[ff09727]

Thanks UHDT
I have my 2nd interview next week, very excited and nervous, my head is spinning.
Anyone else with helpful words would certainly be appreciated

[CofG]

Hey ff09727,
Congrats on getting the call! I've been following your past posts a little bit, because it seems that we've both been going through the same stages of this process. I believe we both attended the same exam session back in October as well (IIRC?!?). I also got a call for the 2nd interview and will be doing mine in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to it!
Naturally I've been doing a little bit of poking around to see if there's any info out there about the structure of the interview, but honestly, I look at this, kind of in the same way I looked at the exam. There's probably not much you can do to prepare for the dialog of the interview itself. The whole process seems very much geared towards identifying aptitude and suitable personalities.
My advice; shake of the nerves, grab a hold of your head (that spinning can't be good for your neck ) go in there, be yourself, answer their questions with concise answers, be well spoken, relaxed and respectful. Also have some questions that you would like answered in the back of your head. Many might get answered during the course of the interview, but having a few in mind isn't a bad idea.
One last piece of advice. Try and dig around and find out a bit about the company itself, learn about its structure, operations, etc... That'll show that you have taken interest in the career beyond the actual job you are applying for.

And lastly, GOOD LUCK!
I hope (for both of our sakes) we'll end up running into each other in training some day!

Cheers!

[ff09727]

CofG
Thanks for the reply and congrats to you. Your post pretty much echo's what I was thinking, got this far so must be doing something right. It was a bit of a shock top get a call when most of the posts and info suggested July interviews, but is all good.
Yes, I did the exam in Oct (morning session). Wonder how many are still with us?
All the best
Jason

[atcfusion]

Hi ff09727,

How did your second interview go? I am about to go for my second interview in YEG. I'm getting mixed messages on the structure of this interview so far, so if you could clear it up, that would be great.

Thanks.

[mountainman]

Atcfusion and others,
So how did YOUR 2nd interview go? I am going in for my 2nd interview next week thursday and it seems rather low key and basically a face to face to get to know my personality. If its more than that or you had any major curveballs thrown your way at the interview let me know...please!
Oh, its at YEG as well...
Thanks!

[atcfusion]

mountainman,

Congrats on getting the call for the 2nd interview.

I was taken for a tour of the facilities first and then I had my interview. Now, there have been different indications of the format of the interview and I believe they change it up so that no one really knows what will happen. For myself, I was asked formal questions which information was written down by the interviewers. So for me, it wasn't just to get to know my personality, it was a continuation of my first interview. One thing that I can confirm as being consistent throughout other interviews is that you will be asked to recall an answer from your first interview.

Is your stream IFR?

The tour of the facilities was really great...I want to go again. I'm sure you'll feel the same.

[mountainman]

Thanks for the tip about recalling a question from the first interview! Im glad i kept that notebook i scribbled in during my first interview so i could look it over after! Ill have to check it out again. My stream is IFR, how about you? Are you in a training program or did you decide to do something else?
Ive seen the facility but it was when i was a flight instructor and did tours there - this will be a nice change to experience it for myself and not looking after a bunch of students! I look forward to it.
Thanks again and if you have any more tips feel free...im all ears!

[atcfusion]

The only other tip I can give that has been fairly common among the forums is to know learn about NavCanada itself.

I'm in the VFR stream. I'm currently waiting for the next phone call about a training seat.

Good luck in your interview.

[mountainman]

Thanks,
I look forward to it... One more lame question... dress code? Business casual? Suit and tie? How were the interviewers dressed?
Thanks again!

[atcfusion]

I went with a suit and tie...I'd rather be overdressed than underdressed. The interviewers themselves were mixed.

Hope this helps.

[skydekker]

I was supposed to have my 2nd interview at YYZ today. Unfortunately I did not make it any further than the reception. Apparently one of the interviewers had to leave for an emergency and I will be contacted to reschedule. So basically I am back to waiting for a phone call.....

[koberinski]

That would be so nerve racking to be there ready for the interview and then have to wait again...
At least you know you are getting the interview

I've gotten my green light for my 1st round interview and am waiting for a call for a second round interview (Hopefully).

Good luck on your interview.

[mountainman]

Got the interview tomorrow at noon. Ill mention if there were any curveballs thrown my way. Looking forward to it!

[jakey]

I guess things are moving again in YYZ. Are you guys hoping for IFR or VFR?

From what I remember, I *think* there's a September VFR course scheduled (so be prepared to get on your paperwork and medicals ASAP), and IFR for Spring 2011.

[mountainman]

Interview went well, no big curveballs thrown my way. The question that they had regarding an interview question from the phone interview was essentially to verify that i was the same person.
They were very kind and it was nice and relaxed. I was told that they are starting a YEG IFR course Oct25.

[skydekker]

I guess things are moving again in YYZ. Are you guys hoping for IFR or VFR?

From what I remember, I *think* there's a September VFR course scheduled (so be prepared to get on your paperwork and medicals ASAP), and IFR for Spring 2011.

I am hoping for IFR. Actually, any other option and I am likely not interested. At my age and the career I am leaving, VFR or FSS isn't worth it. (unless CYYZ VFR).

[skydekker]

My second interview is done. The recall question is indeed to verify that you are the same person as in the phone interview. For me there was 10 months in between the two, so that made for some thinking....

Now I wait.

[skydekker]

The good news: My light turned green and I passed the 2nd interview.

The bad news: I am placed in the VFR stream.

This means that for me this process is over. Should have started this process 10 years ago, but as they say, hindsight is 20/20.

[koberinski]

Congrats on the Green light.

Could you not transfer to IFR after taking the VFR program?
Sorry to hear about not getting IFR.

[skydekker]

From the research I have done it is indeed possible to go from VFR to IFR, but the prospect of that happening within any reasonable time is slim. The issue is that I am currently making, lets say $120,000 and have a family. I am willing to take the risk for IFR, since the possible pay off is significant and the likelihood of working in Toronto is near 100%.

Simply put VFR doens't pay enough, unless it is YYZ tower. I know that isn't happening, hence, it is the end of the road for me.

[wesmantooth]

Skydekker,

Before you make any decisions check your PM.