Would you support a points based hiring system?

MTCTIGUY Trusted Member The 'Boro

I know that the AT-SAT ranks candidates into two categories by giving them a score, and we all know that 85+ is WQ and below 85 is Q. My question is whether or not you would be for or against a system which ranks candidates further in each of those categories. For instance...............

Highest Education Level
Associates Degree + 2 points
Bachelor's Degree + 4 points
Master's Degree + 6 points
Doctorate/PhD + 8 points

Highest Rating Attained
Private Pilot's License w/ Instrument Rating + 2 points
Flight Dispatcher's License + 3 points
Flight Navigator + 3 points
Commercial Pilot's License + 4 points
CFI & CFII + 4 points
Airline Transport Pilot + 6 points

I didn't put anything that would also let you apply to another announcement such as a CTO, military controller w/ CTO, RMC, or reinstate because those announcements require specialized experience. Also, I believe that adding years of general work experience would be delving more into the domain of qualifying for an OTS announcement.
So, agree or disagree, and what changes would you make? Please explain your reasoning.

RadarContact Scope Dope High Desert TRACON

I think it's a good idea, and like I've said in the past, I think there should be 1 announcement where all candidates are rated against each other. This would assume a hefty bonus to those who have prior ATC experience of course.

bradjackman Trusted Member Salt Lake City

I know that the DM for the area where I would like to work DOES look at the applications further than just the initial list of WQ applicants. From talking to her, she makes a very well-rounded hiring decision and takes many different factors into account, just like most employers in the private sector have to do. I guess it will really depend on your area, and who is going to panels to do the actual selection.

GeorgeM Trusted Member CO

If I were on the hiring panel, I think that I'd take away 2 points for anyone with a PhD or an airline transport pilot rating. Those guys are just looking for a paycheck while waiting for something better to turn up. Why waste time training them when they aren't going to stay for the long term?

DanielEtvs Trusted Member hank krakowskis

although the norm in the corporate world, awarding a lot of points based on higher education is not practical for ATC. it is a very very unique job, and in my opinion should have unique qualifications. sure it would help weed out the candidates, but the ATSAT is supposed to measure ones aptitude to multi-task, separate a/c, issue safety alerts etc etc. ifthey had more tests similar to that ATSAT with a combined score that would perhaps be more fair. but just because you have an advancred degree that doesnt mean you will be able to be an effective controller. as you all know many many "OTS" controllers hired the past several years are very succesful fully checked out controllers now. being a pilot gives you a lot of aviation knowledge.... but many pilots struggle with handling unusual situations and thinking outside the box and coming up with a quick decisive plan of action to separate planes or hanlde an emergency etc etc. theyre used to checklists and a more rigid structured cockpit atmosphere. ive talked to several furloughed pilots turned controller, as well as pilots taking a tour... who openly say that they believe ATC is a more difficult job.

also think military controllers should always be awarded priority. afterall... like it or not, they have ALREADY worked for the federal government doing the very job theyre applying for.

Radium Epic Member SoCal Tracon

Worked at a twr +10, Worked @ radar site, +15.

Then add your Vet points/disaility +5/10.

Hell ya I like this point system.

keithkeys Trusted Contributor Somewhere out There

Really.....like a Doctorate is worth anything in the ATC world. Being a pilot maybe, but its a different beast. Of course anyone that would benefit from a ranking system would be for it.

RadarContact Scope Dope High Desert TRACON

You're right, names in a hat method works much better

irishcarbomb Moderator Houston, TX

why penalize someone for having a doctorate? or even an ATP?

there are quite a few pilots who have and want to make the switch (including myself)...

it makes no sense


on a side note, i thought they already did something like this?

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

they count points for degrees for bids (transfer, promotion, etc). i don't know that they give u points for new hire. i could be wrong on that point though.