Step Two: Web-Based Interview

After filling out all of your information for the online application, you will be invited to complete the web-based interview.   This part of the application process makes a lot of people nervous because it is possible to not pass.  If you do not pass, your application for that CP term will come to an abrupt end.  You will be able to re-apply in six months for the next program if you'd like, but if you are a second semester senior, sadly you will have to look into other options outside of the CP if you want to work at Walt Disney World.   

The good news, however, is that most applicants pass!  Some people will claim that they have discovered sure-fire ways to pass the web-based interview, but it seems to me that it isn't quite that simple.  Here, I'll give you the best advice I can on how to increase your chances of passing the web-based interview:

- Attend a campus Disney College Program Presentation or view the E-Presentation online. You must have already had this done in order to complete the web-based interview.  You can find the schedule for the campus presentations on the Disney College Program website as soon as they are released.  The E-Presentation will be guaranteed to you and also available sooner, whereas sometimes on-campus presentations are not guaranteed to visit your campus and you would have to wait longer for that date to arrive if it does.  Many people view the E-Presentation as soon as it is available so that they can fill out the application as soon as possible.  I'd still recommend going to the on-campus presentation as well if it is available to you, just because it is a wonderful opportunity to hear from a real person, get excited about the program with others on your campus, and perhaps even network!  No matter which you choose, you will receive a little code that you will need to complete the web-based interview.   

- Find a quiet place in which you can take your Web-Based Interview.  I took my web-based interview in a very quiet section of a campus library, so I'd highly recommend that.  You want to be 100% free from distractions.  Remember that this must be taken on Internet Explorer.  If you have time, it might be best to go ahead and do the interview immediately after filling out the application since you'll be "in the zone."  That is, provided you have already viewed a presentation, of course! :)

- Don't let being timed frighten you!  Do not rush.  A lot of people panic when they hear that the web-based interview is timed.  I'm not gonna lie, I was definitely one of them.  The good news is that I didn't feel a bit rushed while completing it.  Read at a regular pace and you should have no problem completing each question in the time allotted. 

-  Read carefully. Sometimes questions are worded positively and sometimes questions are worded negatively, so it is important to read the question carefully so that you know you're answering it correctly.   Most interview questions are statements followed by a simple five-option Likert scale, so if the statement is "I am not a team player" and you accidentally read it as "I am a team player," you may accidentally respond with "Strongly Agree."  You definitely want to avoid any mistakes like that! 

- Answer as positively as you can, but still honestly!  This web-based interview has a lot of questions that are designed to judge your character, so it's important that you answer as positively as you can.  It's my understanding that you want to come across as open to working hard, being a team player and serving others.  I would not condone lying in the web-based interview, but answer as positively as you can while still being honest. 

- Try to answer strongly, but (once more) still honestly!  Some people will tell you to answer strongly on everything because Disney wants to see that you have strong positive opinions.   I didn't do that and I still passed.  I answered neutrally on a couple, even.  Answering strongly is good, but don't be afraid to deviate from that a little bit if honestly demands it.  It's more important that you fill out the web-based interview in your most positive and honest opinion than it is to search for what you think is the "right" answer. 

And that's really all there is to it!  Just relax, read carefully, and be positive and honest.  That's my best advice.  Chances are high that with the right attitude, it will work out for you and you will be invited to engage in a phone interview.  But if it doesn't work out, don't let it get you down!  Pick yourself up and try again later if you can.  Something else is in store.  Don't let anything stop you from chasing your dreams. :)

I'll see you next time! 

"The era we are living in today is a dream come true." - Walt Disney

Step One: Online Application

For those of you out there who are considering applying for the Disney College Program, I know it's likely that you have a million questions floating around in your head!  It's sometimes nice to have someone who has been there lay out all of the details, just to give you a little peace of mind.  If that sounds like something you'd appreciate, I hope this entry is of help!

Here are some basics that you should know:

- As of 2011, the online application and web-based interview MUST be completed in Internet Explorer.  I have no idea why.  This was slightly inconvenient for me because I own a Mac and had to go on campus to use a PC with Internet Explorer.  Maybe someday the Disney CP Recruitment IT folks will make it compatible with other browsers, but as for now, it is what it is.

- The online application is a piece of cake!  Here are the main sections you should expect:

1. Basic information.  This is a no-brainer! You'll be asked to fill out all of the basics: Name, School, Home Address, School Address, Legal Matters, etc.  You can handle it! :)
2. Resume. You will be presented with a section that kind of serves as the "resume" section.  Here, you'll insert past work information and activities that you've participated in.  This is a small opportunity to let your personality shine and to let Disney know about any past experiences that have prepared you to be a part of Disney's Cast.
3. Role Checklist.  This is your opportunity to mark the roles for which you would like to be considered.  The roles (as of 2011) are as follows:
   
   Attractions*
   Bell Services/Dispatch
   Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Hostess (Females Only)
   Character Attendant*
   Character Performer (Audition Required)*
   Concierge*
   Costuming
   Custodial
   Full Service Food and Beverage*
   Hopper
   Hospitality*
   Housekeeping
   Lifeguard
   Main Entrance Operations
   Merchandise*
   PhotoPass Photographer*
   Quick Service Food and Beverage
   Recreation
   Transportation
   Vacation Planner*
   * Indicates roles I checked! :)
   (For more information about roles, visit
   www.wdwcollegeprogram.com, click "Students,"
   then click "Role Descriptions.")
   
   When filling out the role checklist, it's best to only check the roles that you really want to work.   In other words, if you don't want to do Transportation, don't check it.  Try to be as open-minded as possible (there's no such thing as a bad role in the Disney College Program!), but if you know that you would be less inclined to participate if you were offered a particular role, it's best for you and for the recruiters that you simply don't select it.
   
   *It is always possible that you will be offered a role that you did NOT select.  Some roles have a lot of shoes that need to be filled, Quick Service and Merchandise especially.  Think of all of the stores and places to eat that there are in the parks and resorts!  Usually the recruiters are pretty respectful of your checklist, but it's better to be offered a role in something you didn't select than be rejected because the recruiters were unable to offer you a preferred role.

And that's all there is to it.  As said at the beginning, the Online Application really is a piece of cake.  Somewhere in all of my boxes from school I have the print-out of my application.  If I notice anything that I left out of this post, I'll be sure to edit it and let you all know.  :)

After the application is filled out, you'll be invited to begin your Web-Based Interview.  Dun dun dun!  This freaks a lot of people out because for some people, it's the end of the road.  Stay tuned for my next post in which I'll give you as many tips as I can in how to keep a level head. :)

See ya real soon! 

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." -Walt Disney