If you haven’t done the preliminary application/web based interview, mak sure you read this post on tips first! If you have and you’re moving on… Congratulations! You’ve made it to the next step!
It’s not as scary as you think it is. Consider this: the interviewers are Disney Cast Members trained in interviewing people so it can’t be too bad!
I loved my interviewer. She was kind, patient and passionate about Disney. My interview was on the longer side, lasting about 50 minutes. She asked me why I wanted to work for Disney and role specific questions.
Scheduling your interview:
- Timing-Choosing the right time is essential. You need to be sure that you will have plenty of time before the interview to get to a quiet, alone space and mentally prepare for your interview. I recommend allowing travel time + 20 minutes to give you some extra cushion time.
- Make sure that you also allow for at least an hour of time after the interview start time. Interviews can sometimes least a full hour and interviewers often call late.
The week/days Before your interview:
- Location, location, location- Figure out where you are going to interview. Make sure you will be alone and the area will be quiet.Many people do the interview in their car! If you’re on campus, as a friend if you could use their room or perhaps a professor that you’re close to. If you have the opportunity, choose a location that you’re comfortable in.
- Questions for the interviewer- Think of questions that you could ask the interviewer. There are some listed below.
- Research the roles you put the highest interest in. Look up what those Cast Members do every day and think of the experience you have that relates to those roles.
- Many people recorded their interview or took detailed notes immediately after. These blogs/videos are great resources for potential questions they might ask you. I’ve included a few questions you should definitely know below.
- Don’t memorize-Think about your answers, but don’t memorize them. Memorization can make your answers sound less authentic or genuine.
- Instead… Prepare some brief notes that will remind you of key points you want to make in your answers, but don’t memorize them.
- Smile- While practicing, smile. Not only will you sound happier, you’ll feel more confident and excited about your answers.
- App “Like, so” If you have a tendency to say “um, like, so” or other filler words. Download the app “Like, so” and practice your answers. The app will make note of every time you say a filler and help you practice eliminating them from your speech. The little things go a long way. No, they don’t sponsor, but the app works!
Questions to prepare:
Before I start listing questions, I want to remind you that while it’s important to prepare, make sure that you’re not overthinking your answers. Don’t just tell them what they want to hear, they hear that all the time (and don’t just tell them what I suggest either).
Disney is all about storytelling so think about a story that you could tell that answers the question. Think about the “I believe this/am this way and this story is why” format. It will back up your answers, give the interviewer a personal connection to you, and be more entertaining.
- Why do you want to work for Disney? (also asked: What does Disney mean to you)
- Tell a story about how you started loving Disney and why you respect the company now.
- Focus on the job aspect of the DCP and how it’s a great chance to learn.
- If you want to work for Disney in the future, mention that you see the DCP as a way to start with the company and describe your goals.
- If there’s a role or location that you really want, this is a great chance to plug that.
- Talk about the Four-Keys (see post), why they are important, and how you think they add to Disney’s service quality and reputation.
- How would the DCP help you professionally?
- Again, this is a great question to proactively address in your answer to “why do you want to work for Disney.
- Talk about Disney being the best in service and having the Disney brand on your resume can open doors.
- If you want to continue with the company, TALK ABOUT YOUR GOALS.
- What would you do in an emergency situation?
- EMPHASIZE SAFETY FIRST!
- Stay calm. If you’re the first responder, designate a specific person, preferably someone who knows more about what is going on or another Cast Member if they are near, to dial 911. Direct someone else to ensure that leadership knows that a situation is developing and where.
- What are your top three roles and why?
- RESEARCH IS ESSENTIAL.
- Know the good, bad, and the ugly about these roles.
- Don’t just talk about why you want them, talk about how you’re qualified for them.
- If you have one, tell a story about a Cast Member in that role had an impact on you/your trip.
- What are three positive qualities about yourself?
- What are three negative qualities about yourself?
- What can you offer the company?
- Hint: talk about your experiences and how it would help you in the role that you want.
- What are you most looking forward to about the program?
- Hint: don’t say playing in the parks, making Disney friends, or meeting your Prince/Princess Charming.
- Hint 2: If there is a role that you really want, emphasize that here.
- Instead, focus on your excitement for working for Disney.
- I talked about how I was most excited to wear the name tag and help out guests. I loved giving Disney Parks tips to all my friends, so the prospect of getting to do that every day was very exciting.
- Tell me about a time you didn’t get along with your coworkers.
- DON’T COMPLAIN! Tell a story about how you found yourself in a sour situation, how you helped solve it, what you learned from it, and how it changed you.
- Would you rather work in a fast or slow paced environment?
- People think that Disney only has fast-paced jobs and this is not true! If you prefer a slow paced environment, be honest and talk about how you like the idea of working in the resorts and being able to form stronger connections with guests.
- How would you handle a guest that doesn’t speak English, but clearly needs help?
Questions to ask the interviewer:
- Is there anything about my answers that concern you?
- What has been challenging about working for Disney?
- How did you start at Disney?
- What do you enjoy most about working for the company?
- How long have you worked for Disney?
30 minutes before the interview:
Don’t panic. You’ve prepared for this. Get into your quiet space and briefly look over your notes. Get a blank sheet of paper and copy a few notes on that, leaving room for a place to put your interviewer’s name. Practice a few of the biggest questions or the ones you struggled with, but stop 15 minutes before your interview is scheduled. Keeping your phone free and on
Keeping your phone free and on ring, do something that reminds you of why you want to do the DCP. I watched the old castle show, “Dream Along with Mickey.” My cousin watched videos of kids finding out they were going to Disney. Look at old Disney pictures, read your favorite part of a Walt Disney biography or parks history book. Do some power poses if you get the chance.
During the interview:
Now you’ve come to the fun part.
- Write your interviewer’s name down. Mention it when appropriate, but especially at the end when you say goodbye
- Smile
- Relax
- Speak from the heart
- Don’t sweat the answers that didn’t go so well. They probably went better than you think.
- Don’t forget to mention where you want to work.
- Ask a question at the end of your interview
After your interview:
Treat yo’self. You’ve worked hard.
And now…. we wait.
Annie Proctor 