This post probably comes a little earlier than I was expecting to post it but when I thought long and hard about it I realized that I started preparing for my interview months before I even applied. Considering how early I was researching I dare say that others were too. I could even go so far as to say that people reading this now are probably a few weeks if not months away from their interviews. So it seems only logical that I give my interview related advice as soon as physically possible.
When preparing for the interview one must consider the four whats.
- What should I bring?
- What should I wear?
- What should I say?
And lastly:
- The surprise 'What...?' You have to read all the way to the end for that one.
As we always do in these posts, let's go through them one by one.
What should I bring?
Firstly, you should bring your glorious self. But that's an obvious one.
In terms of objects that are easier to pack in a handbag though there are a few things I'd advise taking along with you. Including but not limited to:
- Setting powder/Setting spray/Whatever you use to keep your make-up attached to your face. The presentation goes for at least an hour and depending on when your interview time is you could be waiting a while before you see the recruiters. You will want to make sure that your make-up (provided you're wearing some) stays put all day and is still there by the time the recruiters get a good look at you.
- Identification. At some job interviews they want to see proof that who they're interviewing is the person who applied for the job. So don't bother trying to sneak a charismatic person in there to do it for you cause they'll check.
- Documents. Now I'm not sure if these are 100% necessary but I will be taking along a folder containing originals and copies of everything Disney has sent us/asked for so far. Including my passport, drivers license, PSSF, resume, cover letter, etc. I will also be taking a few things they didn't ask for such as references from my current employer. Again, not sure if it'll be needed but good to have it along anyway.
- A notepad, pen and highlighter. Disney will probably give you some kind of brochure/document with all the details of the program but it's important to make note of anything you find particularly stands out. Whether it be the cost of housing, the names of the recruiters or the contact details of the alumni, there's sure to be something that you'll want to write down. Make like a boy scout and be prepared.
- A watch. This may seem silly but it's a tactical move on your part. Disney doesn't take kindly to mobile phones, as most companies do, so it's much more professional to wear a nice watch to the interview. It'll also (hopefully) ensure that you're punctual without giving off the wrong impression.
These are probably the most important things to take with you. Obviously you'll have things on you that people carry around everywhere these days like your phone and your purse/wallet. Some smaller items I'd recommend taking that aren't necessary are mints (not gum) to make sure your breath is minty fresh, a water bottle (don't want a dry mouth on your big day) and some lip balm (same with dry lips).
MOVING RIGHT ALONG
What should I wear?
This is a very simple question with a short and a long answer. The short answer is 'business casual'. The long answer is, well, a little more complicated.
In your research you may have come across something called 'Disney Look'. For those unfamiliar with 'Disney Look' it is Disney's out-of-costume dress code for it's employees or 'cast members'. Disney Look dictates a number of strict rules regarding what you can and can't wear. Even the things you can wear have to be certain colours, materials, lengths, etc. I may be being a little too dramatic here. It's mostly common sense stuff with a few exceptions (apparently they have a 'four finger' rule when it comes to sleeves and if your four fingers are smaller than the assessor's four fingers it's off home to change for you). A link to the Disney College Program's list of Disney Look guidelines (definitely abridged as the Disney Look Book is a lot more detailed) for men and women can be found here and here respectively.
BUT
In describing Disney Look to you I fail to mention one thing. You don't have to be in Disney Look for your interview. Yup, that's right. What I always say to my fellow applicants is: 'Aim for Disney Look but don't worry if you fall short.' While Disney will send you home from Traditions if you don't meet Disney look they definitely will not send you packing at the interview.
The easiest way I can describe what you 'should' wear is what you would wear if you were to work in an office. You're sitting on the train during peak hour and what do you see? A sea of people in business casual attire who are probably weirded out by you staring at their clothes. Pencil skirts, business slacks, shiny polished shoes. Perfect examples of what you should wear to your interview. If you need a description of business casual attire that's a little less creepy you'll find one here.
Also, just quickly, for makeup it's recommended that you go with a 'natural' look. A foundation that's the right shade to match your face/neck, minimal contouring, avoiding extreme eye looks and a lipstick that's not too different from your natural lip colour (I know red makes you look fierce but maybe put it aside just this once) would be perfect. A good 'natural' makeup tutorial can be found here.
NEXT!
What should I say?
This one's the trickiest question yet because it's all about personal choice, experience and motivation.
The answer to this question mostly stems from what question you're being asked. A friend and I did some careful research to find and compile a list of questions you may be asked in your interview. If you'd like to give it a read you can find it here. While this list may be useful to you it is meant only as a guide. I've personally used it just to organize my thoughts and formulate general ideas of answers that I can explain in more depth during the actual interview.
What you should say is up to you but you have to be conscious of what impression you are giving the recruiter. For example if you are asked 'Why do you want to do the program?' and you reply 'Because I want to party hardy.' then you're definitely giving them the wrong impression. If you reply 'Because I want to meet and socialize with people from all over the world.' that's essentially the same answer just worded in a way that gives a positive impression. When formulating your answers you need to be conscious, even if you have the purest and least party hardy of intentions, of what impression you are giving the recruiters.
Another example of this is if you are keen to do Attractions and you are asked the question 'A guest is too short to ride a ride, what do you do?' and you reply 'I tell them they cannot ride the ride because they are too short.' that gives the impression that you are not willing to even attempt to give that guest a positive experience. If you reply 'I would explain to that guest that the ride is not safe, find out what in particular about the ride appealed to them and recommend them another ride with a similar appeal point that has a lower/no height restriction.' that gives off the impression that you are willing to interact with the guest and try to make sure you can provide them with a positive experience despite the situation they may be in.
Another time you must consider the kind of impression you are giving the recruiters is when they give you an opportunity to ask questions. Always have at least one or two questions prepared to ensure that you appear eager to participate. However, there are certain types of questions you shouldn't ask so let's go over them quickly now.
Questions you shouldn't ask:
- Questions you will find out the answer to at a later date. These questions are just a waste of the recruiter's time and yours. Questions like 'How are our roommates assigned?', 'What visa form do I have to fill in?', 'What DVDs can I borrow from the learning centre?' Silly. These questions will be answered if you progress to the next stage of the process or with a quick google search. There is no point in asking a question that has no relevance to your current stage of the process.
- Questions that have already been answered. Do I really need to explain this one? The presentation is over an hour long and there will be a lot of information flying around. Remember what has been said and you won't look like an ass. Questions like 'Where will I live?', 'Where will I work?', 'What is your name?' will all be answered in the presentation and do not require further inquiry.
- Questions that give off a bad impression. That's right, questions give off bad impressions too. Questions like 'How much time can I take off?', 'How much will I be paid?', 'How often to the party buses drop off and pick up at Vista?' all give off the impression that you are not there for the right reasons. Make sure you think long and hard about what you want your questions to say about you.
And now we get to the happy part. The good questions. Good questions are questions that show how interested you are in the program and may not actually be questions you want the answer to. If you have a question burning in the back of your mind that you desperately want answered make sure to consider again what impression it will make before you ask it. So without further ado...
Questions you should ask:
- Questions that illustrate your interest in your current circumstances. Some of the best questions you could ask related directly or indirectly to your chances of continuing on to do the program. Questions like 'What are you looking for in the perfect *insert specific high interest role* cast member candidate?', 'Is there a limit to the number of applicants you accept?', 'When can I expect to hear back?' (generally ask this one last) are all questions that illustrate your interest in your chances and in what Disney is looking for in potential employees.
- Questions that expand on information already given. While it's a big no-no to ask something that has already been answered, further exploring a topic already brought up is a big yes-yes. For example, they may mention during the presentation that there are certain stipulations in the visa that mean you must show them how you are experiencing American culture (it is a cultural exchange after all). A question you may ask is 'You mentioned *insert explanation here*. What would you recommend I do to truly experience American culture?' It gives the impression that you genuinely care about the exchange of culture and that you were paying attention during the presentation. Simples.
It's also a good thing to ask them personal questions that expand on topics covered. For example if the recruiter mentions their history with Disney you could ask them (depending on what their particular history is) 'What is your favorite thing about working for Disney/What was your favorite part of the College Program?'. This establishes a connection with the recruiter and you might even learn something cool about the program along the way.
- Questions that give the right impression. These are questions, as with the one above about culture, that give the impression you are there for the experience and to be a good little boy or girl. Instead of asking how to take time off, try asking questions like 'Where do you recommend I visit/What do you recommend I do to truly experience American culture before/after my program?', 'Are there any activities/places in Florida that are 'must do/see' before the end of my program?'. These give the impression that you are interested in the culture and the things that the program has to offer outside of Disney.
Now that the questions are all over with we can move on the the last but definitely not least....
What the hell am I talking about?
Ha-HA! You've all been duped.
I want to make it abundantly clear that everything I've said in the above post is all useful information that you all should take to heart but it's all a guideline. Plain and simple.
There have been people show up to the interviews in jeans and a hoodie who still got accepted. Their are people who brought along a reference from every single job they've ever had (and made sure their lips were lovely and supple) who have been NLIC'd. And let's face it, there are probably people who have asked about pay who have been accepted too.
The most important thing to remember is to relax, be yourself and be friendly. The reason people always talk about how relaxed the interviews are is because the recruiters want to see you in as close to your natural state as possible. They want to see how you interact with strangers. If you open up in conversation. They want to see YOU. So give it to them. As long as you're open, friendly and passionate they won't care how red your lipstick is. Out of all the advice I gave in this post the most important piece by far is the very first piece under the very first question in the very first line.
"Firstly, you should bring your glorious self. But that's an obvious one."
- Lily
P.s. These are all my pieces of advice to you before I've completed my own interview. I fully expect some of this advice to change once I've been through the process myself. As such I will probably end up doing a 'Revised Interview Preparation Advice' post later down the track. Once it is posted I will add the link here.
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