Phone Interviews

Before the final interviews, everyone for the Canadian program goes through a phone interview with Kristen from Yummy Jobs. The phone interviews for all the applicants that got through the initial application for a start date between February and July of 2013 were September 18^th-20^th from 8:30am to 5pm. We had to send our availability for the phone interview to Kristen and she sent back your interview time. I was available all three days between 8:30 and 4 and my interview was scheduled for Wednesday, September 19^th at 3pm.

To prep for the interview, I did as much research as I could on the program and through other blogs that had been written in previous years. As I had just finished my Major Research Paper for my Master’s degree, my brain was still in full out research mode, so it wasn’t too difficult for me to adjust! The WDWIP forums were a HUGE help with this stage of the process (www.wdwip.com/smf)! From members posting their blogs detailing their interview process and the Canadian applicants discussion, I gained a lot of information and found the private facebook group for the Canadian applicants!

For the interview, I typed up a list of questions that I had seen on other blogs along with ones that I have typically been asked at other interviews. I made point form notes under each question, so that I had prepared answers but they weren’t fully scripted or anything. I wanted the answers to sound like they were well thought out and as natural as possible. I knew I would get nervous for the interview so it was comforting having those in front of me, just in case I needed them.

The night before the interview proved to be very difficult to sleep through, but I got some sleep! Before the interview, I made sure that I had everything that I might possibly need in front of me, including my notes, a bottle of water, some Kleenex, etc. and made sure that I was set up somewhere quiet. For me, that was my office downstairs. I also wore a professional outfit to put myself in more of an interview mindset.

The interviews were slightly behind, which makes sense seeing as they were going on all day. Kristen called at about 3:15 and we had a nice chat. She tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible and tried to emphasize that I shouldn’t be nervous. The interview started with some simple questions, which helped to calm me down a bit. I was asked the standard Disney look questions (whether I had any tattoos or piercings) as well as if I had a Canadian passport. My interview was only a couple of questions long, but I tend to try and give as much detail as possible so that could have easily been why! I was asked why I wanted to work at Disney, what motivated me about the opportunity, how I would deal with the heat in Florida, and how I would feel living with people from around the world. I tried to make my answers detailed and to try to answer slowly and coherently (when I’m nervous I talk REALLY fast!).

I was finally asked if I had any questions. If you are going through this interview process (or any other for that matter), you should try to have some kind of question to ask the interviewer. It shows that you are really interested in the job and learning more about what is available with this position.

That was the entirety of the interview! It lasted 6 minutes and 36 seconds (Yes, I looked at the time on the phone afterwards!) It seemed really short and I was so nervous after I saw how little time the interview actually lasted. The initial email about our phone interviews said that the interview should last about 10 to 15 minutes and mine had only been 6 and a half. I was a bit of a nervous wreck until we received the email on October 2^nd. I had gotten through the phone interview and was invited to the final face to face interview in Toronto in November! I was so excited! My dream to work at Disney was getting very close to actually happening and I couldn’t believe my luck!

Currently Listening to: “Listen & Forgive” by Transit from the album Listen & Forgive

The Application

My application began in July 2012. The Yummy Jobs website (the one where we had to apply) opened the applications for the CRP on July 1^st for a start date at Disney between February and July of 2013. Since I was at my friend Amie’s house celebrating Canada Day for the weekend, I submitted my application when I got back to Barrie on July 3^rd.

On the Yummy Jobs website (www.yummyjobs.com for anyone who is interested) I went to the link for Disney International Programs – Cultural Representative Program - Canadian Pavilion. There was some information on the Cultural Representative Program and a big red button at the bottom that says APPLY NOW! There were several sections that had to be filled out, such as personal details, education and skills, and work experience. They also required a CV or resume for the application.

The CV/resume is an important part of the application process as this (along with a cover letter should you choose to include one) is what separates you from the other applicants. This part of the application determines which applicants proceed to the telephone interview stage of the interview process, so it should not be viewed as just a small part of the application. You should make sure that you have highlighted any relevant work experience for Disney (for example, I have worked as a camp counsellor for a portion of the past six summers and I worked at Wendy’s when I was not away at university for the past six years). Even volunteer work that could relate to an area of the CRP is useful for your work experience.

I also included a cover letter for my application. I know that some people attached their cover letter to their CV/resume. I put my cover letter in the box entitled “Motivation” on the Yummy Jobs application. I used my cover letter to convey my love for everything and anything Disney. I tried to make my cover letter personal and professional at the same time. Including a cover letter also helps you to stand out from other applicants and can help to explain your love of Disney in another way.

After submitting my application, I had a long wait until I heard my results from Yummy Jobs. The same day as I applied I got an email from Yummy Jobs thanking me for my application and informing me that I would be hearing back in 6-8 weeks regarding my application. On August 7^th, I received an email from Kristen at Yummy Jobs (she is your main contact through the interview and acceptance for the Canadian program. She is absolutely lovely!) informing me that I had gotten through to the phone interview stage! I was told that I would be contacted in another 4-6 weeks. On September 14^th, I received my next email to arrange my phone interview for the next week!

Currently Listening to: “Yankee In A Chip Shop” by The Matches from the album A Band In Hope

Introductions!

Hi everyone! 

Welcome to my Disney blog, which I hope will be a very detailed account of my application and my acceptance to the Cultural Representative Program (CRP) as well as the year I will be spending working at Walt Disney World! I figured I’d start with some introductions! Hi! I’m Tori. I’m 24 and I’m from Barrie, Ontario, Canada (about an hour north of Toronto). I just recently finished my Masters of Arts in Political Science! This seemed like perfect timing for applying for the CRP as I was just finishing school and wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do.

While finishing up my Masters degree, I came across the CRP and thought that it would be an amazing experience. I did a bunch of research and contacted Yummy Jobs (the recruitment agency for applicants from Canada and the UK) for more information on the program. I submitted my application in July 2012, had my phone interview in September 2012, and my Face to Face interview in November 2012.

It probably goes without saying, but I absolutely love anything and everything Disney! I have been to Walt Disney World 12 different times and each time has been magical in its own way. It is a dream come true to be able to work at Walt Disney World!

Currently Listening to: “Paperthin Hymn” by Anberlin from the album Never Take Friendship Personal