Phone Interview Overview

So, for those curious minds, I've put together a page on the phone interview in general.


General Questions

-Housekeeping stuff like:

• Are you legally allowed to work in the United States
• Are you a student at _____ school with _____ major?
• You are applying for [Disneyland/Walt Disney World] for the [Regular/Advantage] term?

-What was your favorite job and why?

-How would you handle living away from home?

-Do you prefer a hot environment, or cold? Fast, or slow? Group, or individual work?

Scenarios

-What would you do if you're helping a guest, and the phone rings?

-Describe a time when you had to multi-task. 

-What would you do if a 4 year old wanted to ride Space Mountain, but was too short?

Questions that will most likely be asked every time

-How do you feel, living with roommates?

• Or, how would you handle a roommate conflict?
• Or, how would you feel rooming with someone from another country?

-What 2-3 roles are you most qualified for?

-Why do you want to work for Disney?

• Or, why do you want to do the Disney College Program?

-Do you understand the Disney Look/can you follow it?

• i.e. Do you have any visible tattoos/extra facial piercings?

-Describe your past work experience.

Below (at the bottom of the page) I've listed out all the questions I've found that could possibly be asked.

Things to Remember

-They'll give you a chance to change your interest in any roles. If you did extra research, and want to change, now is the time.

-The phone interview is the only time to request a specific work location. If you want a certain park, or a certain ride/shop, say it now or forever hold your peace!

-They'll give you a chance at the end to ask questions. Come up with a few to have on hand and ask whichever is most appropriate.

• How did you get your start at Disney?
• Can I make a request for a work location?
• For more, see the bottom of the page

-Think about the roles you want the most and have put highest interest in. What are some problems you may run into performing that role? How would you resolve them? These are the type of role-specific questions they ask.

-Know your strengths and play them up. I've done a lot of cashier work and money-handling. I've worked in guest service related jobs for about 4 years now. Merchandise makes sense on multiple levels for me, so I sold it to them!

-As previously mentioned, sell yourself! This is the time to show why the College Program needs you. Not why you need the College Program. What do you bring to the table that others don't?

-SMILE! They can hear it in your voice!

Questions marked with a ** are questions I was asked during my interview.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

**What are your Top 5 roles, and how are you qualified for them/why do you want them?

What are you most looking forward to?

Why should you be accepted into the program?

**Do you understand the Disney Look/do you follow it?

**Why do you want to work for Disney? Why Now?

**Would you prefer a group setting or individual work?

**Would you prefer a fast pace or slow pace?

**Would you prefer working indoors or outdoors?

Would you prefer working in warm environment or cool environment?

What would you look for in a CP applicant?

**What is the most difficult/best part of your current job?

3 words that your co-workers/managers might describe you as:

**How would you handle moving to Florida, leaving behind friends and family?

**Describe your previous job experience

Which part of Disney Housing is the most exciting to you?

Give 3 positive and 3 negative qualities about yourself.

How would you handle an emergency at the park?

**How would you help a guest that doesn’t speak your language?

**What was my favorite job and why?

If you’re doing repetitive tasks, how do you keep yourself interested?

**How do you feel about living with people of diverse cultural backgrounds?

Define good guest service.

What is your favorite part of Walt Disney World?

Describe a good memory/experience from your past work?

How would you deal with being interrupted multiple times?

SCENARIOS

Describe a magical moment you had while at Disney.

Describe a situation where you had to multi-task, how did it affect the end result?

What would you do if you’re helping a customer, and the phone rings?

**Have you ever been in a situation with a difficult person/boss? How did you handle it?

Describe a time when you made a customer’s day.

**Tell me about a time when you had to handle an emergency?

Tell me about a time when you were a team player?

**Tell me about a time when you had a huge task and how you were able to complete it.

Tell me about a time you had a conflict in the workplace and how you handled it.

ROLES

ATTRACTIONS

What would you do if you messed up your spiel?

Attractions is a role where you take control. How have you exhibited leadership in your life?

What would you do if a guest wanted to go on a ride, but it was out of service?

How would you feel about operating a ride?

How would you handle a 4yo who is too short to ride an attraction?

How would you handle someone who was scared to ride?

**How do you feel about speaking in front of people?

How do you feel about memorizing long scripts?

BELL SERVICES/DISPATCH

Are you willing and able to carry heavy (up to 50lbs) luggage (including overhead)?

Are you comfortable talking to guests on the phone?

Are you comfortable being the first CM that a guest interacts with on their vacation?

BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOUTIQUE

Do you have any salon experience?

Do you have any childcare experience?

How would you react if a little girl was shy or scared?

Have you had experience doing makeup and hair?

CHARACTER ATTENDANT

How would you handle a child being rough with a character?

How would you define character integrity?

How would you handle a child being afraid of a character?

How would you turn guests away from a line because it is closed?

How would you say ___ has to leave?

What would you say if someone asked why fur characters don’t talk?

CONCIERGE

What do you think the duties of a concierge are?

Do you have any experience handling cash, including foreign currency, and travelers checks?

How do you feel about being trained on a computer system?

What do you expect when you stay at a Disney Resort?

COSTUMING

How do you feel about working a checkout system?

How do you feel about working at a job with little to no guest interaction?

Are you willing and able to carry heavy (up to 50lbs+) costumes to different locations?

Would you be comfortable working independently?

Are you willing to operate basic laundry equipment?

CUSTODIAL

Are you comfortable with emptying trashcans (which may include shooing bees or flies) and lifting heavy garbage bags?

Are you willing to bus tables in restaurants and outdoors?

Are you comfortable working for long periods of time outside in the heat, rain, or cold?

Have you ever had experience cleaning?  

Are you allergic to any chemicals, cleaning supplies, or latex?

Can you handle talking to multiple people and multi-tasking?

Can you handle working outside for up to 8 hours a day?

FSFB

**What would you do if a guest ever dropped their food?

How would you handle a guest/party that wants a specific table/location, not available?

How would you handle it if a guest has no reservation, but the restaurant is full?

What do you think the main responsibility of a seating hostess is?

Are you comfortable handling cash and using a register?

Are you willing to spend long periods of time rolling silverware and folding napkins?

Have you ever managed a seating chart, or are you willing to learn?

HOSPITALITY

How would you handle a guest wanting a non-smoking, pool view, but there are none available?

Would you be comfortable training on a computer reservation system?

**If a guest asks a question and you don’t know the answer, how can you help them?

**How would you act if you had an upset guest in your face?

Describe a time when you experienced great customer service.

HOUSEKEEPING

Are you comfortable working with cleaning chemicals?

How do you feel about working in a guest’s room while they are not there?

Are you able to work independently with little to no guest contact?

LIFEGUARD

Are you comfortable working for long periods of time in the Florida heat?

Are you willing to work in another role during off-peak seasons?

Are you comfortable with spending long periods of time standing in water?

What would you do in the event of a guest injury or illness?

Do you believe you are able to pass the swim test?

MAIN ENTRANCE OPS.

**How would you promote a good atmosphere?

Are you comfortable delivering long speeches on a microphone?

Are you willing to drive a large parking tram?

Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades and park openings?

MERCHANDISE

How would you deal with a challenging customer?

**What would you do if someone wanted an item, and your store was out of stock?

**How do you feel about handling money and making change?

What would you do if a guest wanted a specific item that you did not carry anywhere in your park?

You will have to be able to pin trade with customers, will you be comfortable with children touching your lanyard and asking to trade?

If your phone is ringing, you are checking a person out, and someone in the store needs help with an item… what do you do first, second, and last?

PHOTOPASS

Are you comfortable with operating digital cameras?

How do you feel about achieving monthly sales goals and suggesting products?

Are you comfortable working in several different parks, potentially all in the same week?

How do you feel about a guest refusing a picture?

QSFB

Are you comfortable preparing simple food items, which may include using a fryer, grill, or other cooking equipment?

Would you be willing to wash dishes or bus table?

Are you comfortable selling alcohol?

Are you able to multitask?

Are you comfortable handling cash and using a cash register?

How do you feel about working independently at a food cart?

RECREATION

Are you willing to train with watercraft, arcades, and other recreational facilities?

Do you believe you will be able to pass the swim test?

Are you willing to work in another role during the off-seasons?

How do you feel about working for long periods of time outdoors and around water?

TRANSPORTATION

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

 Are you comfortable memorizing and delivering long speeches?

Are you comfortable talking to other CM via radio?

Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades?

How do you feel about driving large vehicles (such as a monorail or bus) filled with guests?

VACATION PLANNER

**What do you think the duties of a vacation planner are?

**Are you comfortable handling large amounts of $$ and achieving sales goals?

How do you feel about working in multiple parks, potentially all 4 in one week?

Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades?

**Are you comfortable working with a computerized ticketing system offering over 128 possible combos?

How do you work while under pressure?

TIPS FOR PHONE INTERVIEW

Have enthusiasm, emphasize strengths
Smile! 
WRITE DOWN THEIR NAME AND ADDRESS THEM BY IT
Talk about teamwork
FOUR KEYS BASICS: Safety, Courtesy, Show, Efficiency

QUESTIONS TO ASK RECRUITER

How did you get your start with Disney?
Roughly how many hours per week would be the standard?
Of the classes offered at Disney, which would you recommend to take?
Can I make a request for work location?
What are you looking for in an ideal candidate for the Disney College Program?
Would you view the Disney College Program as a good way to network and prepare for the ‘real world?