Once you finish your application, you are invited to the WBI!
This interview asks questions regarding your work ethic. There are non-timed and timed portions of the interview and they ask you to agree or disagree with questions or statements on a scale of strongly agree/strongly disagree. Some questions off the top of my head are: "Are you always on time?" "Do you smile a lot?" "Do you mind a messy workstation?"
This is the part of the process that freaked me out the most because a computer is evaluating your answers and not a human - this means that there is little to no wiggle room whatsoever with what they are looking for in your answers. Also I had no idea what kinds of questions to expect because I mostly read about the phone interview questions.
People do get rejected at this stage of the process and their dreams come to an unhappy ending for the present moment. That doesn't mean you can't apply again! I believe they let you apply 6 months later so don't give up hope if you don't pass the WBI!
Tips to Be Successful:
- Take a deep breath. You can't think clearly if you're freaking out.
- Be in a quiet, relaxing area. You will not be able to focus on the interview if there are a lot of people talking around you or if the room is too hot/cold for your liking.
- Read the questions carefully. Unless you are on the timed section, you should read the question once or twice to make sure you understand what it is asking.
- Try to answer with "strongly agree" or "strongly disagree" for your answers. They like to see candidates who are secure in their answers. I think I answered about 10 that weren't strongly agree/disagree.
- Stay consistent. There will be repeated questions that will be worded differently, so make sure that your answers stay the same.
- Try to have fun. If you imagine yourself working at Disney while answering these questions, it will make you want this job more.
Phone Interview
This is the main interview that is discussed the most during applications. This interview is composed of situational questions, work ethic questions, and a general overview of your application/standards on the program (Disney Look, Pay Rate, Working in High Temperatures, etc.)
I feel like this part of the interview is more lenient than the WBI because there are no right or wrong answers to these questions (unless you give a really weird or negative response). Some of the questions I got were:
- Why do you want to work for Disney?
- From your previous job experience, what makes you qualified for the roles you have selected?
- Have you handled a camera? (I put down photopass as a moderate preference, but this is an example of a role-based question.)
- How do you stay organized?
- Do you have roommates?
If you would like the bank of questions I used to prepare for my interview, send me an e-mail/message and I will send it to you!
Tips to Be Successful:
- Self Reflect. Way before your phone interview, make sure you know yourself and your personal qualities. Are you outgoing? Do you really enjoy working with kids? If so, these may come up in your interview so you will be better prepared if you can convey your personality through these qualities.
If you have previous work experience, make sure you reflect on those jobs and isolate what work skills you acquired - they will ask you why you are qualified for DCP and you will need to convey the skills you have learned - if applicable.
If you have never had a job, don't worry! I know a few people who have gotten into the program who have never worked before. I think this interview goes over a lot easier if you have had work experience, but it is not necessary. - Take a deep breath. Again, your nerves will try to freak you out when waiting for the phone call to come. My recruiter was very personable (as most I hear are), so there is no need to stress if you feel like you are going to be talking with a best friend.
- Be in a quiet, relaxing area. You will not be able to focus on the interview if there are a lot of people talking around you or if the room is too hot/cold for your liking. Have water next to you.
- Remind yourself why you are applying. Everyone has their doubts about applying while in the process. I put my Mickey Mouse plush and my Disney cup within eyesight to remind me of why I love Disney and why I want to work for the company.
- Make sure you are ready at least a half an hour before your scheduled time. My recruiter called 9 minutes before my scheduled time of 4:30!
- Remember to SMILE! The tone of your voice changes so much when you smile - and they can tell! I recommend doing the interview in front of a mirror so that you can catch yourself if you are not smiling.
- Have fun! This is an interview for Disney World (or Disney Land) - this is the happiest place on Earth! No other job interview will want you to be happy or have fun in the same way.
- At the end: Ask a Question/Request A Work Place. Asking questions shows the recruiter how interested you are in the program - I asked how she got started in the company and she seemed happy to pass on her experience! Also - this is the time to request a place to work. Nothing is guaranteed, but the recruiter should make a note of it! (I have heard you can email recruiters after the phone interview has concluded, but I couldn't find any solid information about it.)
- End the phone call with telling your recruiter to have a magical day. I have heard some recruiters say this to you, but mine didn't. I don't know if she saw it as me sucking up to her, but you're going to be saying the phrase if you end up being accepted - might as well start now!
I have heard the range of phone interviews lasting from 5 minutes to 40 minutes! Mine was about in the middle at about 22 minutes. Once it is all over you can relax (a little) and start the wait to hear back!
So stay calm and embrace the magic! You'll do great!
