How to Nail Your Disney College Program Phone Interview

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So if you passed the Web Based Interview, you're on to the next step--your Phone Interview!  No matter how confident you may feel, the nerves always settle in the closer the days get.  As someone who has had two phone interviews with The Walt Disney Company, I've come up with some helpful tips for you to absolutely nail your DCP interview and stand out like a perfect candidate!

Freshen up on the role descriptions.  Your interviewer will definitely ask you about some of the roles that you ranked on your preference list in your application.  Freshen up on the descriptions so you are well aware of the responsibilities each role requests.  Take some notes so you can have them handy and even jot down questions about them if you have any.

Dress to get you in the zone.  Even though it's a phone interview, it's important to get in the right mindset.  Ever heard of "Dress well, test well"?  Figure out if dressing professionally helps you stay focused or if you feel more comfortable in something more casual.  What you're wearing can definitely have an effect on your attention and mindset, so pay attention to that when planning for your interview.

Be ready to talk about things from your application.  You application isn't there for nothing.  Your interviewer will definitely ask you questions about any volunteer work or jobs you listed on there, so be ready to talk about those.  Even better, find a way to relate your past jobs to a role you'd like to have during your college program.  For example, if you volunteered at an after-school program, you can explain how you're comfortable working with kids and can be a team player.

If you really want a role, talk about it.  Showing your true and honest interest in a role gives you a higher chance of getting it.  Explain how you have the skills for it and that you can do your best work there.  On the flip side, if you feel there's a role you really don't want, don't be afraid to say no.  By emphasizing that, there is a chance you won't get it.  Even if you don't land your dream role, don't lose hope because it might surprise you!

Study some possible questions.  If you know someone who has done the program before, talk to them!  They might remember some questions they were asked on their PI or, if you're lucky, will have written them down to pass on.  It helps if you write out full answers to these questions so you're prepared on what to say.  Some questions you can study include:

1. Why do you want to work for Disney?
2.  What roles have you chosen to apply for and why do you want them?
3.  What do you think is the best part about working for Disney/in _______ role?
4.  What do you think is the most challenging part about working for Disney/ in _______ role?
5.  What would you do in a situation where...?
6.  Tell me about a time when someone gave you great Guest/Customer Service?
7.  Tell me about a time when you provided great Guest/Customer Service.

Relax and be yourself!  This is the most important tip I can give you.  You'll stand out more if you be yourself instead of trying too much to be something else.  It also helps that the interviewers are so kind and fun to talk to!  Think of it as more of a conversation.  During my first phone interview, my interviewer and I talked about the weather (it was February, so cold where I lived and most likely warm in Florida) and bonded over the fact that we both had family in Ohio.  Maybe write a little note to yourself and put it in front of you when you interview!

With these tips, you're ready for your Phone Interview for your Disney College Program!  Take a deep breath and relax because I (and Mickey, of course) know you can do it!

Quote of the day:  "Remember, you're the one who can fill the world with sunshine." - Snow White