Interview!

Last night, I had my interview for the summer alumni DCP in Walt Disney World. I am so ecstatic about being offered an interview because I am 100% ready to move down to Orlando for the summer! Not only that, but it doesn't conflict with my classes when they start up again in the fall! So I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this one!

I thought this would be a great time to discuss the interview process for the college program. After filling out your initial application, you will receive an email inviting you to do a web-based interview. This is a two or three part questionnaire in which they give you a statement and you choose how strongly you agree or disagree with the statement. My advice when taking the web-based is to maintain a positive attitude the entire time, as Disney is looking for candidates who are positive and cheerful.

At the end of the web-based, you will find out if you have been offered a phone interview. If you have, there will be a link where you can sign up for a time slot. Usually the phone interviews occur 1-2 weeks after you complete the web-based.

When it comes time to do the phone interview, make sure you are in a quiet place that has strong cell phone service. During my first interview, I had a paper and pen in front of me in case I needed to take notes - I used this to write down my interviewers name so that I could  thank her by name once the interview was over. 

Here are a few interview questions that they may ask. Most of them are straightforward and do not have a right or wrong answer. If there is a question that stumps you now, try coming up with an answer prior to the interview in case they ask it.

• Tell me about a time you were in an emergency situation. How did you react?
• Say you are working as a hostess in a full service restaurant and someone is upset that they have not been seated yet. What would you tell them?
• Are you comfortable living in an apartment with up to seven other people? Explain how you would deal with conflict that arises. 
• Say a guest comes up to you for help, and simultaneously the phone rings. What would you do?
• Share an experience you've had with excellent guest service. 
• What would you do if you had an assignment with a deadline, but other tasks keep popping up?
• Why are you interested in doing the Disney College Program? What do you hope to get out of this internship?
• Say you are working attractions. What would you do if a guest is too short to ride?
• What roles interest you the most? Why? (Only list 1-3 roles here).
• Have you ever had to present in front of a group of people, especially using a microphone? How did you feel about it?
• Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult person?
• Do you prefer to work individually or in a team?
• Do you prefer to work in a slow or fast paced environment?
• Are you comfortable standing outside for extended periods of time in the cold or heat?
• Have you ever driven a boat before?
• Do you have a driver's license? 
• Do you have experience handling money or using a cash register? 
• How would you handle a repetitive schedule or task?

Between my three interviews for Disney, I was asked all of these questions at least once. Feel free to use this, and other guides, to prepare for your interview. Remember to stay calm and be yourself. Good luck!