This is a guest post from my friend Alicia on applying for the Walt Disney World College Program.
Hi again! I sure hope there are some readers out there that I’m helping by writing this! After you pass the WBI, you’ll be given a number to call with a timeframe to set up your phone interview. The person you will talk to will give you a few choices. If you can’t do the first choice, it’s no problem. She gave me a time where I would be working and couldn’t get to the phone and she gave me some more choices. The person I spoke with was from the same area as me! That was really exciting and we spoke a bit about where I work. I applied for the DCP on March 17th and my phone interview was scheduled for the 19th at 8:30 am. My phone ran and 8:31 and we got to it.
Typically one of the first things you will go over with your interviewer is the information on the application you filled out so they can make sure it’s correct. Also, they will ask you again if you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. If you have, tell them yes and you will be e-mailed some extra forms to fill out. If you say yes, this doesn’t mean that you will not be hired. I have come across several who have been hired even though they have done something stupid when they were younger. My interviewer went over my application at the end of my interview, so that threw me off a tiny bit. So expect it either at the beginning or the end.
First, she started by asking my top 3 role choices (attractions, main entrance operations, concierge). Then she asked some questions about past work experience and behavioral interview questions. I felt very prepared because I did some research beforehand on www.disboards.com. Here are some questions I was asked:
Why do you want to do the DCP?
Tell me about your job. (She specifically refereed to my job as a box office worker. I sell tickets for concerts, recitals, and operas.)
and many more.
After these questions, we went over my application. She asked if I had any problems with the Disney look, if I was okay making $7.25-$8.75 an hour, if I’d been convicted of a crime, if I had a valid driver’s license, etc. At the end she asked if I would like to add Quick Service Food & Beverage or Housekeeping. Don’t be afraid to say no. I did. If you would really hate the jobs, say no. You will only be miserable there doing something you really didn’t want to do. Then the interview was over. It lasted 16 minutes.
I don’t particularly like talking on the phone so this part worried me a little. Once you get on the phone with them, you’ll feel much better. Here are some of my tips for your phone interview:
Go to the bathroom beforehand! You don’t want to be on the verge of an accident while you’re on the phone. The interview will be approximately 20 minutes long, so it’s just better to go first.
Just like with the WBI, you will want to be in a quiet, distraction free zone. I have a few dogs, so I opened my back door so they could go in and out as they pleased. I kept the TV turned off and when my brother came downstairs, I kept a note to show him that said “Doing a phone interview!” to show him so he didn’t try to talk to me.
Keep a glass of water near you. We’ve all had it happen, you get that tickle in the back of your throat and soon you’re coughing non-stop. Keeping the water nearby will help with tickles and dry throats.
Be yourself. I know it’s tempting to try to be someone you’re not, so you can be EXACTLY what they’re looking for. But, what they’re looking for is someone who’s genuine and friendly!
Keep a list of your top roles nearby. This way you won’t fumble over them. Most of the people I’ve spoken with were asked what their top 3 roles would be. I made a list of my top 5, and I kept that near me so I wouldn’t have to think about it. This also gives you time to think of Pros and Cons of each role.
SMILE! When you smile, your voice changes. You sound happier. They can tell if you’re smiling or not. If you’d like to know the answers to my questions or have any other questions, feel free to ask!
After your interview you will get an e-mail basically saying thanks, and then the waiting game begins. The e-mail will say you will hear back between 2-4 weeks. Some people hear back WAY earlier than that.
I was pended on the 25th of March. That means that they needed more time, which means I would hear from them by April 30th. I checked my e-mail every single day, at least 10 times. Thank goodness I had e-mail access via my phone! I received my invitation for attractions on the March 30th!
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.
Read part 1 of Applying for the Walt Disney World College Program.
This is fascinating – thank you so much – I also sent the links to my daughter as she is a senior this year and I know that she will enjoy this experience – did not want her to miss the deadlines. I did go on the DCP site and they dont visit her college for recruiting. Also when clicking on the link, it indicates they are not “recruiting” at this time. When is the earliest she can apply? Again, don’t want her to miss it. It seems that an onsite interview is not necessary, right?
I missed this article when it was published. I just searched for it – so happy to see it here. Keep them coming!! I can’t wait to read the next installment. I send the links to my daughter in college – who is considering applying for the college program. Your tips are great! Can’t wait to read about your experience there.