Air Traffic Controller CV Examples & Guide

When crafting a CV for the role of an air traffic controller, precision and clarity are paramount. As an air traffic controller, you'll be responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft, demanding a unique blend of skills such as quick decision-making, spatial awareness, and effective communication. In this article, you'll find expert tips and examples tailored to help you create a compelling air traffic controller CV that stands out to employers.

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Save a lot of time—just copy this example and use our tips to adjust it to your needs:

Air traffic controller CV example

In this air traffic controller CV sample, key qualifications are effectively underscored by showcasing relevant experience. Beginning with a personal statement, this CV is tailored to air traffic controller roles by articulating the benefits the company can gain from employing this individual. It highlights a notable achievement for an air traffic controller right at the start, before delving into the employment history. By adopting this customised, individualised method, your air traffic controller CV will distinguish itself from others, capturing the attention of hiring managers.

5 Tips for writing an air traffic controller CV

Drawing from the expertise of seasoned air traffic controllers, I've compiled five essential tips for creating a CV that captures the attention of potential employers:

1. Emphasise your ability to make rapid decisions by detailing relevant scenarios.
2. Illustrate your proficiency in maintaining composure under pressure through specific examples.
3. Showcase your excellent communication skills by describing instances where you coordinated complex tasks.
4. Highlight your technical skills and familiarity with air traffic control systems and software.
5. Include any additional qualifications or certifications that pertain to aviation safety and management.

Implementing these tips will assist you in crafting a strong CV for air traffic controller positions. If it's been a while since you last updated your CV, you might benefit from brushing up on CV-writing fundamentals. Here’s a quick writing guide to help you prepare an air traffic controller CV:

How to write an air traffic controller CV that beats competitors

In the UK, there are more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. While it's tempting to apply to numerous vacancies with a general CV, tailoring your application is crucial for securing one of those positions. The tips below will help you target your air traffic controller CV to a specific role, so you can make as many variations of your application as you need:

1. Structure the air traffic controller CV template properly

The structure of your CV is as critical as the organisation of an air traffic control room. Random placement of information is not an option. Follow this sequence for a well-organised air traffic controller CV: header, personal statement, work history, education, skills, and additional sections. Arrange your experiences in reverse chronological order, but consider placing education before work history if you're drafting a CV with limited experience.

Experts recommend using simple CV templates preferred by recruiters and applicant tracking systems employed by large organisations. Your air traffic controller CV doesn't need elaborate visuals; instead, focus on clear formatting. Set margins to 1 inch on all sides and use 1–1.15 line spacing to maintain adequate white space. Opt for traditional CV fonts like Times New Roman or Calibri, using font sizes 11–12 for descriptions and 13–14 for headings. Once your CV is polished, save it as a PDF unless the job application system specifies otherwise.

2. Present relevant air traffic controller achievements in your personal statement

Think of your personal statement as your chance to make a memorable first impression. An engaging CV introduction can highlight your air traffic controller strengths and previous relevant experiences. Capture the recruiter's interest by showcasing your career highlights, and personalise the personal statement for each job application to ensure you stand out in a competitive pool of candidates. Keep it concise, ideally around three to four sentences, similar to an effective elevator pitch.

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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3. Describe past duties that match your desired role

When reviewing your CV, employers are keen to see evidence of your ability to perform the role effectively. The work experience section of your CV should reflect your competency in executing air traffic control tasks. Use three to five bullet points to demonstrate your attention to detail, reliability, and knowledge of air control procedures, and include a notable achievement you're particularly proud of. Start each bullet with a strong action verb to enhance impact.

If you haven't held a position as an air traffic controller before, don't worry about lacking experience. Various jobs, volunteer roles, or school activities may have involved similar responsibilities. Consider using a skills-based CV to prioritise your relevant skills in your application.

We’ve prepared a list of exemplary professional achievements for an air traffic controller CV to inspire you:

Professional duties & achievements for an air traffic controller CV—examples

• Directed aircraft safely and efficiently during take-off and landing procedures.
• Monitored and communicated with pilots using radar and radio systems to provide clear instructions.
• Collaborated with adjacent control centres to ensure seamless transition and safety of flights.
• Implemented emergency protocols swiftly during unexpected incidents or adverse weather conditions.
• Managed airspace traffic to avoid potential conflicts and optimise flight paths.
• Conducted regular system checks to ensure all equipment functioned optimally.
• Trained junior controllers on best practices and operational procedures.
• Coordinated with maintenance teams to schedule routine inspections of control systems.
• Adapted to rapidly changing situations and prioritised tasks effectively to maintain order.
• Participated in simulations and drills to improve response time and decision-making skills.

4. Use education to your benefit

For those embarking on an air traffic control career, the educational journey plays a pivotal role. GCSEs in English and maths form the foundation, especially when qualifying for an apprenticeship. However, pursuing further education can enhance your prospects in aviation.

Begin by listing your highest academic achievements first, descending in reverse chronological order. Make sure your education section is enriched with relevant courses and extracurricular activities that showcase your capabilities and commitment to the field.

5. List the key skills for an air traffic controller CV

There’s a good and a bad way to present skills on a CV. The bad way consists of listing one random skill after another with no thought or explanation. The good way involves tailoring the list to the job posting and adding descriptions that show your professional attitude.

Job competencies of air traffic controllers include a combination of soft skills and hard skills, such as communication, time management, attention to detail, plus knowledge of equipment and aviation regulations. Analyse the job advertisement to make sure you’ve listed all the skills required for the job you want.

6. Enhance your air traffic controller CV with optional sections

Additional CV sections can serve as strategic opportunities to highlight your qualifications for the position.

Your options go beyond professional certificates or licences. For example, proficiency in foreign languages could be advantageous for air traffic controllers managing flights from diverse international destinations. Moreover, showcasing relevant hobbies and interests, such as keeping up to date with AI developments in air traffic control, can add a personal touch to your application, potentially giving your CV an extra edge in the recruitment process.

7. Write a cover letter to improve your chances

A job application isn’t complete without a cover letter that expands on the information from the CV.Make your cover letter personal by expressing your genuine interest in the position. Follow the introduction with an overview of your qualifications and key strengths, and conclude the letter by explaining how they’ll benefit from hiring you. Propose a meeting or a phone call, and sign off professionally.

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

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Applying for other jobs? Try these CV examples as well: 

• Pilot CV example
• Logistics coordinator CV
• Cabin crew CV example
• HGV driver CV example

Every step you take in tailoring your air traffic controller CV brings you closer to landing your dream job. Best of luck with your job search, and if you have any questions about writing an air traffic controller CV, feel free to leave them in the comments.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• Imroz S. M., Sadique F., Trambadia N., (2022) An Analysis of Air Traffic Controllers' Job Satisfaction
• The Alan Turing Institute, Putting the AI in air traffic control