Very Good Advice: The Resume and ATS

Resumes are a major topic again this round, so I thought I would create a post specifically about it. To be clear the Disney College Program does not require a resume, and I honestly suggest do not use one if you are not strong at creating them. As for the Disney Professional and Management Internships -you guys know the drill they are 100% required. Alright now that is out of the way I want to go over some pretty basic things starting with ATS.

First off, I know I lost a lot of you with what is ATS and for those who do not know it is an applicant tracking system used by a lot of major corporations including Disney. Just to give you a rough estimate of about how many Fortune 500 companies are estimated to use it the percentage is around 90%, and about 75% of candidates are rejected according to Peptel (a resume service). Meaning qualified candidates may in find themselves rejected from a job they may actually be qualified for, so here are some tips on how to not get stuck in the ATS trap.

• Make sure you are using an ATS friendly resume format 
• Here is a link to some ATS templates you can download for free here
• Ensure your resume mirrors specific keywords and phrases used in the job description you are applying for
• I used the word mirror for a reason do not copy straight from the job description
• As a note for Professional Interns tailor your resume for each job you are applying for if you need to. 
• It sorts content into individual categories
• Education
• Contact Information
• Skills
• Work Experience
• Do not use headers or footers they can alter your score in a negative way by simply getting in the way
• Do use acronyms especially if it is industry lingo for the job you are applying for
• Why? You do not know which one the robots are scanning for so it is better to use industry lingo 
• Do not stuff words into your resume that do not belong
• Do repeat words that are relevant to the job you are applying for
• Do emphasize both soft and hard skills on your resume 
• Take advantage of services like TagCrowd 
• You copy and paste the job description into the box, and it pulls out important key words to use in your resume
• Use bullet points!
• It creates less room for error when the resume is scanning for keywords
• Include your address
• Some robots will lower your score simply for not having one especially if the job is looking for local candidates 
• Ditch the objective 
• If you really feel the need to keep the objective make it bullet points 
• Keep your font to the standards this is not the time to get creative 
• Sans-Serif fonts are the best (Verdana and Tahoma) 
• Some robots will reject applicants due to font 
• Use social media to your advantage
• Look up people who have the same role you want within the company, and see what key words they used (or skills they have) on their LinkedIn pages. 
• Disney prefers PDF format for resumes
• Keep your resume one to two pages 

*Keep in mind it takes all that information and matches it against the job description then comes out with a percentage based on the results. Then the candidate with the highest percentages along with the most years of relevant experience will be moved onto the next stage. 

Now I know this seems a bit unfair as a technique for searching for candidates, but keep in mind it is not just Disney who does this you are going to have this issue with almost every company you apply for. Lucky for most of you candidates though Disney does have recruiters who also scan the resumes as well, and I want to emphasize the word scan -as it is just a scan a quick glance 30 seconds or less. 

Also on the note of the resume scan I am sure many of you are aware (if not well you are going to be now) almost all companies now do a social media check. Yes they will check your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and etc. so be aware of what you have on there especially if your accounts are not private. So, while you may have a photo with 500 likes of you drinking tequila shots in Cancun your future employer may not want to see that. 

I also want to clarify Disney is not random about making decisions about who moves on, and who does not they go through too many candidates to be random. They use ATS to filter out candidates that simply do not fit the requirements, and then those who pass move on to have their resume scanned by someone in recruiting. My best advice for anyone out there is stay calm sometimes these ATS systems are in no one's favor. 

Best of luck and pixie dust on applications!

It is Time: The DCP Spring 2017 Application

The applications for the Spring Disney College Program 2017 applications have dropped, and here is just a friendly reminder of a few helpful hints when applying. As well as other links as posted prior you may find useful during your application process.

Dashboard Stages
Submission: Application has been completed and sent to Casting
In Progress: (Self explanatory)
NLIC: No Longer in Consideration and it means you did not get the role
Interview Stage: Sometimes changes to this when you are given an interview offer
Offer Stage: Means you were emailed an offer
Post-Offer Stage: Means you accepted the offer

Stages of the CP process
WBI
Phone Interview


Walt Disney World  Roles
Attractions
Bell Services
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Boutique / Pirates League
Bus Greeter
Character Attendant
Character Performer *
Children’s Activities
Convention Guide
Costuming Operations
Custodial
Floral
Hopper
Housekeeping
Lifeguard
Merchandise
Monorail
PhotoPass Photographer
Quick-Service Food and Beverage 
Recreation attractions
Seater
Vacation Planner
Watercraft

Disneyland Roles
Attractions
Cast Costuming
Custodial
Custodial Busser
Disney Desk
Entertainment Costuming
Food Cart Cashier
Food & Beverage Quick Service Restaurant
Front Desk
Food Prep
Guest Services
Lifeguard
Park Greeter
Photopass Photographer
Quick-Service Food & Beverage Cashier
Retail Sales Clerk
Transportation and Parking
Vacation Planner

*These roles are all updated as of August 15,  2016 and are all on the Spring 2017 applications for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. 
**Roles that are italicized are considered high need roles 


Roles Advice

• Vacation Planner, Children's Activities, BBB/PL, Seater, and Convention Guide are very competitive roles as they take very few CPs. 
• Roles such as QSFB, Custodial, and Lifeguard, Housekeeping, and Attractions are going to be popular roles that take on a lot of CPs, so chances are if you choose one of those you will probably get it
• If you notice some of these roles are not offered at each park, so if you want to be a performer but want to do Disneyland that is not going to happen
• Concierge and Front Desk at WDW were pulled as of Fall 2016 it is unknown if they will return for Spring 2017
• Lifeguard, Attractions, Monorail, Transportation, Watercraft, Children's Activities, and Recreation are drug tested roles -anyone not in these roles is subject to random drug testing at check-in 

Tips & Tricks:

• When filling out the application make sure you are being detailed
• Especially during the previous role history section use quality over quantity
• If you lack previous job history experience use volunteer or internship experience as well
• Do not choose both WDW and DL if you only want to be considered for one over the other
• This is true especially if you want DL it is a smaller program, and you are more likely to be placed at WDW if you put both
• Do not choose both Advantage and regular if you only want to be considered for one over the other as again it won't hurt your chances
• Resumes are not needed for the Disney College Program application, so focus your time on the application itself
• Cover Letters are not needed for the Disney College Program application, and I suggest you do not write one
• Do practice some of the possible questions that will be on the phone screening as seen on this posting
• Use the STAR method as this is Disney (and most companies) preferred way of answering interview questions

• Keep in mind for Disneyland taking courses is required for the CP program while at Walt Disney World it is optional
• Keep in mind if you have applied before the Web Based Interview is valid for 6 months as a company policy, so if you failed within the last 6 months you will need to wait until it has expired
• Here is my blog posting about tips for the Web Based Interview
• A lot of candidates do not get chosen their first try, so if you get stuck in submission or are NLICed just try again.

Entertainment Auditions:

• Wear comfortable yet form fitting clothing
• Wear comfortable shoes (tennis shoes would be ideal)
• Do not Disney bound as the princess you want to be
• Keep in minds most princesses are friends with quite a few other characters including sometimes other princesses and fur
• Understand most candidates do not get it on the first, second, or even the third try -do not get discouraged sometimes its just Disney is only looking to fill certain roles
• Know going in majority of the roles are going to be for fur character meet and greets
• Very few will be chosen for face characters  meet and greets or parade performers
• Keep makeup to a minimal and as natural as possible if you choose to wear any
• Have your hair pulled back away from your face especially if you are aiming for face character as they are looking at your face shape
• Keep nails clean
• I would go with a neutral polish, or French tips (kept short)
• You do not need to know how to dance they will teach you a routine (it is very basic)
• Most of the CPs are chosen for fur over anything, so just be aware of that going in
• They are very strict about heights, and they will measure you before the audition
• The cattle call is the worst, and this is where about 80-90% off the candidates are cut out from the process.
• Keep in mind if you are chosen for fur entertainment does do specific auditions within their department for face typing.

Common Questions:

When will I get an email about the WBI?
Typically the first email is a thank you for applying, and that just means they received your application. The WBI invite will come later (if they send you one), and you will need to complete it within a certain time after receiving it.

What do they look for on the WBI?
Consistency! They will keep wording the same question in different ways trying to trick you into changing your answers, so always read the statement carefully before answering. As for strongly, agree/disagree, and neutral my method has always been (for the WBI at Disney and other employers)...

Strongly: occasionally
Agree/Disagree: often
Neutral: minimal

When do I find out if I passed the WBI?
Right after you take it you will read a statement that says basically you passed or you did not pass.

How long is the WBI good for?
6 months as a company policy is how long WBI stay in the system for

Does passing the WBI mean I will get a phone screen?
No, but it does mean you are more likely to be offered one

How long is the phone screen?
Expect it to be about 20-25 minutes

How long does the entire process take?
Depends on the specific candidate for some like myself the entire process took less than 72 hours from applying to getting an offer, while there are some who the process takes 3-4 months from applying to getting an offer.
Does applying at application drop mean I am more likely to be accepted?
Nope! Disney does not care when you applied they look for candidates who are a good fit for the company. So, if you don't apply at app drop it is fine you can still be accepted (I did not apply app drop).

Does when you apply determine the role you are given?
Nope applying in the beginning does not mean you are more likely to not be given QSFB for example, so apply whenever you feel like it.

How are roles determined?
Despite popular rumors of certain backgrounds are chosen for certain roles or locations it is really not the case Disney places people based on their needs as a business.

Can I change to something other than the role offered?
No, unless you have some dire medical need to change roles Disney will not adjust it -the offer is take it or leave it.

Can I change from Advantage to Non-Advantage?
No again the offer is take it or leave it there is no switching.

Is Disneyland different than WDW?
Yes, it is truly for starters location one is in California -which is much more expensive to live in than central Florida. I could do a very long list here, but one of the main difference is where CPs stand on the totem pole. If you notice Florida CPs are not apart of the unions, have no sick days, have no vacation days, and are interns in all sense of the word without seniority of any kind. In California however that is not the case CPs are considered casual regular and therefore receive sick days, and are able to build seniority as well however they also pay the union dues. Now I know you are all asking why the difference? California law ensures that CPs in Disneyland meet certain criteria, and Florida does not have such laws in place.


If you are interested in possible interview questions please check out this posting: Phone screening

Relax I know this process can be very long and drawn out, but Disney goes through this a lot -so calm down. Everyone in the end will find out their decision (unlike PIs -yup for another post though). For those who are accepted welcome to the Disney family, and for those who are not keep trying -Dreams come true remember? They just take time. Best of luck and pixie dust to everyone this application season.

As a note keep in mind if you are also applying for Professional Internships or Management Internships it is 100% fine. One process does not affect the other, and if by chance you receive a college program offer than a professional internship one later you are allowed to accept it without issue (it is considered a promotion).


*You will need to attend auditions in order to be considered for a character performer
**Concierge and Front Desk were pulled from the Fall 2016 rounds and Spring 2017, so accepted CPs were transferred to other roles.

Now Give Me the Secret of the FAQ

Here it is finally the shortened version of all the questions you want answered that is right –the FAQ post is here! For those that read the blog these will be some repeated questions I have already answered, but I figured it was time to do a cheat sheet for those to lazy to read the actual postings.

When do applications drop?
Spring: August/September
Fall: January/February
Summer DCP (Alumni): Sign up with the Disney Alumni Association for emails the app does not drop every year, and when it does the timing is not the same as the DCP regular Fall app.
Summer PI: Most will drop with Fall but some drop before so always check.

When do the programs begin?
Spring advantage: January/February through August
Spring: January through May
Spring PI: January through June
Fall advantage: May/June through January
Fall: August through September
Fall PI: June through January

What are the requirements to apply?
First and foremost always read the job description especially since they changed some requirements in the 2016 rounds. However, the basic requirements are as followed…
Enrolled in college/ or have graduated within the past 6 months
18 years of age and older
Eligible to work in the United States

I need to contact someone from recruiting, how do I do that?
Email PI: wdpr.professional.interns@disney.com
Email CP FL: wdw.college.recruiting@disney.com
Email CP DL: dlr.college.recruiting@disney.com
Phone Number for Casting California: (800) 766 - 0888
Phone Number for Casting Florida: (844) 559 – 2278

What do the stages of the dashboard mean?
Submission: Your application has been received
In Progress (IP): Someone from Casting has opened/reviewed your application
No Longer in Consideration (NLIC): Unfortunately your PI process is over for this application
Interview Stage (IS):  This appears two-four times once for the phone screening, again for the second interview, if the role requires it again for the third interview, and of course for the offer.
Post-Interview Stage: This only appears sometimes, but it comes after any interview.
Offer Stage: Congrats! It is finally over you have received the ‘brief phone call’ and have been given your written offer in email
Post-Offer Stage: The dashboard generally moves here when it is time to fill out employment information such as I-9’s and DORMS

Are interns hired on a rolling basis?
No, unlike other media companies, like Fox and Paramount, Disney does not hire interns on a rolling basis. They hire their interns in sections: Fall, Summer, Spring, so once an application closes it will not appear until the next round (exception of summer they only appear in Summer -although they have Fall/Spring equivalents). Keep in mind some internship applications only appear in certain sections for example there are some that only are available in Fall. 

I failed the Web Based Interview, now what?
Well sorry about failing the web-based interview (WBI), but really nothing comes after that since you will be NLICed. You are also not going to be able to apply for another DCP again for 6 months, so if you fail summer that means no fall applications.

Can I argue my NLIC status?
If you feel you were NLICed due to a technical problem such as entering your social security number wrong, answering you were not eligible for work in the United States, and similar application issues you can contact Casting to let them know about the mistake (this type of NLIC comes right after turning in the application). Now for candidates who did not have application errors, no you are unfortunately out of the running for this for whatever reason.

Why was I NLICed?
Again as stated above sometimes it is a legitimate technical problem, but for everyone else who did not have one it could be anything. Yes, I mean anything from answering a questionnaire problem wrong (this is not the same as technical problems) a prime example is if they ask for SAP experience, and you answer no –then you are probably going to be NLICed –this is just an example. As for applicants who made it past submission it could be a recruiter felt you did not meet the qualifications for the application you applied for, not answering the question fully during the phone screening, not being able to answer technical questions during the video interview, or simply losing the position to a stronger candidate. The list is long as for reasons they did not choose you, but hang in there almost no one gets an internship with Disney on their first try.

How long is the interview?
DCP Phone Screen: Expect it to last about 30 minutes
PI Phone Screen: Generally range from about 12-20 minutes
PI Second Video Interview/Panel/In-Person: Range from about 30-40 minutes
PI Offer: Expect it to be super brief generally about 5 minutes

How many interns are taken for (insert role)?
This really depends on the particular role, but here are some numbers from other interns.

Guest Relations: Generally around 30 interns*
Magic Kingdom: 10-15
Epcot: 5-7
Animal Kingdom: 2-3
Hollywood Studios: 4-5
Disney Springs: 4-6 interns

Management Interns: Generally around 120 interns*
Food & Beverage: Usually around 20
F&B Quick Service: 10-12
F&B Outdoor Vendor: 3-5
F&B Full-Service: 15-17
Merchandise: Usually around 15-25 interns
Park Operations: Generally around 20 interns
Attractions: 6-8
Custodial: 5-6
Entertainment: 6-8
Lodging: Generally around 15 interns
Recreation: 4-6
Housekeeping: 10-13
Front Desk: 10-14
Custodial: 5-6
Catering: 6-7
Culinary: 1-2
Transportation: 1-2
Animal Science/Environment: Generally around 3 interns
ESPN:  Generally 1 intern

Animal Science/Programs Interns*
Education presenter: Usually around 29 interns
Associate: Generally around 5 interns
Living Seas: 3
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 2
Chemistry: 3 interns

As for everyone else internship positions available truly vary some positions have only one role open while others have plenty of openings. (I will keep updating though as I find out how many interns each department has –if you know any not here please feel free to comment).

What factors do they look at for potential candidates?
For the DCP basically can you do a minimum wage job is what they are looking for, but for you PI/MI candidate it is not going to be that simple. Experience is basically what it comes down to what they are looking for, and I am not talking about maybe if you swing it right it could count as experience -actual experience. They are looking for a solid foundational understanding in the area you are applying, so for example if you are applying to finance yet you have never interned in finance chances are you are not going to get it. They want internships, volunteering, work, and classroom experience that stands out in your resume when you apply for an internship. Disney internships in general are very competitive, and the less experience you have the more likely you are hurting your chances of getting an offer. This means for you sophomores/juniors you are going to have to really show off your skills as you are competing with seniors, post-grads, and MBAs.

Are only undergraduates able to apply to the programs?
Nope! As stated above Disney allows MBA and other graduate students to apply for internships as well (unless stated on the actual application) this does not just include PIs and MIs they are also able to apply to the DCP as well.

How competitive are the Disney Internship Programs?
Very, very, very competitive very few are actually given offers on their first try most wind up applying 2-3 times before ever receiving an offer or coming close to one. There are thousands of applicants who want to work for Disney, and they have few positions to offer at their company. That means even if you go in felling 100% qualified you could still wind up empty handed, and it is not on you I want to make that 100% clear -sometimes you just lose to someone with more experience. There is not much you can do about it except try again (it took me 3 times to get my first offer), and keep building up that experience to help you in the future. I will also say if for some reason you do get an offer then decide to decline (as stated in a later question) it will not hurt your chances, but due to the competitive nature of these programs even if you apply to that exact same internship again there is no guarantee of an offer coming again.

Do I have to/should I write a cover letter?
This here is 100% straight forward, and I cannot stress this enough since it comes up a lot during the PI Twitter sessions. Cover letters are not required, and actually should not be written unless the job application says otherwise. It is not uncommon for it to not even have it be read by a recruiter, so spend more time on your resume then anything else.

I want to update my resume will a recruiter /hiring manager see it?
A little complex, but I will try to answer this the best that I can without confusing anyone. A recruiter can see everything on your dashboard, and that includes even things you deleted (found that out once when they found a super old resume). Now I will say I do not suggest editing your resume once you apply, since in theory it should be perfected before you apply. However, if you do I suggest doing it before the phone interview labeled as updated. Now I know why before the phone interview? Simply because the recruiter passes on your information to the hiring manager, and if you turn it in after there is a chance the hiring manager may never see the updated resume. Hiring managers typically only read the resume attached to the application unless Casting has been told otherwise, or of course you bring it for an in-person interview. 

Are all interviews conducted over the phone?
For the DCP yes all interviews are conducted over the phone -no exceptions, and for the PIs the initial phone screening is also conducted over the phone (as suggested by the name). The second/third interviews this is where it varies for the majority if you it will be a video or phone interview (some departments let you choose), but for some roles (MIs is typically the only role to always offer the option) you will also have the option to choose in-person for your second/third interview. This option will be available after you schedule the interview online a few days after scheduling you will be given a follow up email with the option to choose which method you prefer (i.e. in-person, phone, or video). 

Where should I send thank you cards, or should I send any?
Now I want to be clear sending or not sending a thank you card to Disney has no effect to whether or not you will receive an offer. Also I want to be clear even if you have access to the hub I always suggest sending to the general email (it can be found above) As for why I suggest the general email instead is because there are some recruiters with the same name. For example there is a Christina in California and in Florida who does PI interviews, and you would not want to send it to the wrong one. So, instead just send it to the general email, and let them forward it to who it needs to go to.  For those who are feeling a little more you can send it to a Casting address, but this is a little more difficult since you would need to know which Casting your particular recruiter is at. As for those who do in-person interviews you can always give them to the hiring managers after the interview, drop them off at Casting, or drop them off at Team Disney.

Does being an alumni of the DCP give me an advantage?
No, 100% no being an alumni of the Disney College Program does not give you an advantage over any candidate. The only difference between you and any other candidate who is not alumni is they cannot apply for alumni only internships. As for any advantage in other applications –no the Disney PI process is very different from the DCP. For the PI process they care more about relevant experience in your field then they do anything else, which includes past experience with Disney.

Are most applicants who are accepted alumni?
No, actually majority of the applicants who seem to be accepted have no previous experience with The Walt Disney Company.

During the application process do they check your social media?
Yes, they do recruiters will check LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and etc. I want to make one special note here about Facebook, since it seems a lot of applicants haven’t caught onto to it yet. On the Disney pages (yes even some PI, DCP, and def. the Alumni page) Disney Cast Members are on them, so be 100% careful about what you say they are there.

What does post-interview and interview stage mean? Is it a good sign?
Let me be 100% clear what your page says after the final interview whether it be post-interview or interview stage does not actually determine if an offer will come or not. Rather it is more of a sign did someone remember to change your dashboard (I know I hear it now -seriously?) Yes just because your dashboard goes into post-interview does not mean you will get an offer same for those who are stuck in interview stage. At this point do not overthink the dashboard, but instead focus on that brief phone call that will come that is the best sign of an offer -you know since that is the offer.

What is a drop-down? Is this a good sign?
A drop-down on the old dashboard was a literal drop-down now it looks a little more like the picture below. As for what is is a drop-down is a more specific role you are being considered for then the umbrella one you applied for -typically alumni-only get drop-downs. So for example if you applied for alumni-only operations then you could get Magic Kingdom Project Support as a possible drop-down. The drop-down is a still in the area you applied for, but a more specific area then the generic operations/HR/ and etc. you applied for. (Also if you are wondering about alumni-only please go to the specific post) As for is it a good sign or not I will say a drop-down is a good sign I want to be careful saying this though as a drop-down is a good sign (as stated earlier), but it does not mean everyone who received a drop-down will get an offer. For those wondering I will also add if you receive multiple drop-downs Disney decides which one is the best fit for you -not you.

My recruiter told me I would hear by (insert date)?
This answer is going to have two sections:
DCP: the date they told you is date you should hear back by with little exception, since they have a set deadline every round.
PI: while the date they told you may seem pretty accurate honestly there is no deadline like the DCP offers can roll out whenever departments get around to them. In the past Alumni, MIs, and Animal Program offers roll out first then slowly other departments begin rolling out their offers as well. However, for you PIs even after offers start rolling out and seemed to have stop it is not unheard of to get a late offer. This is especially the case if another intern declines the offer, or accepts one from another department instead. So, while some like to say it is not over until the NLIC honestly it is not over until about a week prior to the actual start date. 

What is the rule for 6 months after graduation?
The general rule is you have to apply within 6 months after graduating, and they do go by your graduation date not the month. So if you graduated on May 13, 2016 you cannot apply to any applications after November 13, 2016, since you are officially past the mark of 6 months. However, for PI applications (DCP follows general rule) I always suggest reading each individual application as each one requires something different. Some applications follow the general rule of within 6 months you just have to apply, and others follow the rule where you have to start within the 6 month graduation. So, if if follows that you rule saying again you graduated May 13, 2016 you have to have a PI that starts prior to November 13, 2016. For most that is not an issue however keep in mind some PIs have start dates in November. Some applications prefer that you finish the application process prior to the 6 month period, but these ones are a bit more difficult to find -in general I noticed these ask that you be in school prior to the start of your PI. Which, brings me to the last one if an application asks that you are enrolled in school prior to the start date (January of June typically) then you are unable to apply as a post-grad unless the end of your semester lines up with the start dates of the PIs (typically I noticed this is engineering/imagineering). I will say there is another way around this as well for most post-grads this might be useful. PIs are very difficult to get on the first try, and sometimes people settle for a CP program -I always suggest take it, and here is why. If you are a post-grad and accept an internship (PI or DCP but typically it is DCP) the 6 month rule no longer applies once you start (hang in there I know you are confused) you are allowed to be an intern for one year, so you can apply again the next round as the DCP/PI internship counts as an extension of school almost. However, once the year is over you are unable to be an intern again until you return to school, but it is a way around the graduation date in case you were wondering. 

I have not moved out of in progress what now?
I am going to be the downer –this is very common, and while they may sound like relieving news its not. Disney has been known to leave candidate forever in progress without giving them an NLIC or moving them onto the next stage of the process. They also do this to candidates that they believe are qualified, but do not want to move forward with them in the process. Sometimes they keep certain candidates as back-ups, so if their first few choices decline they do not have to start over.

What if get more then one offer?
This is happening less and less as of 2016 due to Disney streamlining their offers I will say as of the new system two offers will not come from the same department. Also, if you do receive two offers from separate departments you will be given the same amount of time to accept 24-78 hours, and I will also note they will not come at the same time. So, if you do accepted the second offer after taking the first you will give up the original acceptance, and you cannot change your mind about it.

If I do not like my role for the DCP can I reject it, and still go to auditions?
The DCP offers is much like the PI offer it is a take or leave it kind of deal. So, if you are unhappy you got custodial but still want to go to auditions you are going to have to accept the offer to be eligible to go to auditions.

Can I audition to be a character while on my program?
This is another technical problem there is a strictly DCP audition, but it is at the end of your internship. The audition is for the role for the next round, so you will extend into the role if you get an offer.

Can I apply for a PI while on my college program?
Yes you can apply! This includes you post 6-month graduates as well being a current DCP makes you eligible to apply. For you advantage candidates be very careful that you applying for a PI does not make you an intern for over a calendar year, since then you will automatically be NLICed.

I got lifeguarding for the DCP, but I do now know if I can pass the test?
Tends to be a common question with this role, which first off I suggest you figure out how the hours of lifeguarding are pretty sweet. As for the test there is a deep and shallow water test the deep water is for Yacht and Beach Club as well as the Water Parks, and every other resort will take the shallow water test. What is it? Well it is CPR, swimming (obviously), brick test, treading water (egg beater style –deep water only), VAT training (If you do not know what it is do not worry about it), and water rescues. You are allowed to fail the test, but you will be given another shot to try again. If you cannot seem to pass it they will either move you to shallow (if you are a deep water test taker), attempt to find you another role, or you may just be headed home.

I cannot do Food & Beverage I am allergic to  (insert whatever here)?
Well first off allergies will not get you moved from the role right away especially for example if it is a nut allergy they will just move you to a location you won’t be in contact with any. If it is something harder to simply move you away from then it is possible to change roles, but I will say again it is unlikely.

Are classes required?
For the DCP in Florida no classes are optional, for the DCP in California classes are required, as for the PIs classes are built into your schedules. Speaking of classes I would like to mention MIs cannot take the CP classes -no exceptions; however PIs are able to with the permission of your management although it is very rare they give permission. 

Do I have to live in housing (if available)?
For you DCP applicants if you are under 21, and do not bring your own vehicle you are going to have to live in housing. For anyone over the age of 21 who did bring a vehicle you do not. As for you PI applicants, nope not at all you can live wherever you choose.

I have to back out of my offer can I apply in the future?
Disney understands that life happens, and that means sometimes you have to walk away. Rejecting an offer for the DCP or the PI will not effect any future applications you have with the company.

Do I get to choose my check-in date?
For the DCP yes you will get to choose a check-in date that is available for your role, and as for you PI applicants you do not. The date for PIs is actually given to them in an email, and that is the date you are stuck with.

When do I get my check-in time?
Your specific check-in time will come in an email with your itinerary prior to your arrival date. However, check-in begins at 8:00 am (do not line up earlier than 7:00 am) and no unlike prior to 2014 showing up early gives no advantages for housing preferences. 

What is wellness and non-wellness?
A wellness apartment is going to be an alcohol free environment, and will consist of either A) everyone is under the age of 21 B) Mixture of 21+ and under 21 -the 21+ interns decided to live in an alcohol free environment. A non-wellness apartment is obviously the opposite, which is an apartment that can have alcohol, and consist of A) An entire apartment of 21+ interns. As a note since this has come up before if you are an international student even though the legal drinking age is lower where you are from the U.S. recognizes it as 21+. 

I need time of for (insert reason here) when can I ask?
You cannot ask Disney for anytime off until you receive an offer, but once the offer is received this is really going to vary. If the date you need off if close to your start date I suggest letting Casting know, and for you DCP as of 2014 they need ‘evidence of the reason’ for example if you say you need off for a wedding they want the wedding invitation emailed to them. My suggestion though is to wait until you actually start and have access to the hub. I know personally I was able to get all my days off I asked for, since I put them in the first day I had access to the hub. For you PIs time off is not hard to get when you start just talk to your managers they are pretty relaxed about it.

How long can I be an intern at Disney?
You are allowed to be a Disney intern for one year (yes exactly one year) so if you started May 28th, 2016 then you cannot be an intern beyond May 28th, 2017. They are very strict about this rule, and make no expectations to it so timing is everything. Meaning if you know you want to be an intern for a year, and are starting with the DCP do not apply for Fall Advantage then go for regular Fall. As for is there a way around this rule, technically yes, and here is why I say technically. Disney has a rule where you can separate for 6 weeks from the company (no less again exactly 6 weeks), and you can intern again where none of the time earlier is counted in the academic year -it essentially starts over. Now, you cannot change start dates so this is all about timing some people have made it work especially with the summer gap, but it is difficult if you are jumping into a regular term. 

Can I apply to full-time/part-time/seasonal during my internship?
Yes and no, this answer is going to be different for the PI and DCP. So, let’s start with the less complicated one –the DCP. You can apply for any of those 6 weeks before the end of your program. Now, for you PIs you can apply for roles during your program with the permission of you managers. You will also be given the opportunity to apply for those positions 6 weeks before the end of your internship as well.

Are the benefits/discounts different from PI to CP?
No, the discounts for both are the exact same including the new guest pass set-up (which you will find out more during Traditions) 

Will I get hired for a full-time role in my PI department?
Now I want to be clear Disney does not give out statistics on number of interns they retain after every internship. I want to be clear though from my personal knowledge and experience very few interns were kept on as full-time or even part-time for that matter after their program was completed. Most of those who were able to stay on had roles within the theme parks such as guest relations. So, for you post-grads I would not bank on having a career with Disney after your program. MBA applicants though you happen to be in luck most of the MBA applicants I know were offered positions somewhere within the company as well as JD interns.

Now I by no means have covered every single question simply because I would be writing forever, but these are the ones I see most often so I felt I should address them.

Here Comes the Web-Based Interview

I originally had no intentions of making a post for the Web-based interview, but as I realized it might be useful since you cannot move onto the phone screening without. 

What is the Web-Based Interview (WBI)?
It is Disney’s version of a pre-employment screening test that determines if they are going to moved forward with you as a candidate. 

What does it consist of?
There are going to be scale questions from 1-10, such as how excited are you to work at Disney on a scale of 1-10. There are also going to be situational multiple choice questions such as are you always on time, and varies answers to select following that prompt. Also on the WBI are going to be agree/disagree type questions with 5 options (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, and strongly agree).  

How long is the WBI?
It should take approx. 40 minutes to complete the entire interview (aka questionnaire)

What happens if I do not pass?
Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your chances of getting an offer for the Disney College Program this year are 0%. 

How do I know if I passed or failed?
Well unlike the PIs who get stuck in limbo after applying you lucky CPs find out right away if you pass or fail after the WBI –Why? It tells you. 

I will state due to changes in the way Disney now does their applications as of 2016 not everyone who fills out an application automatically gets a WBI offer.  

I feel I should have a section for the 5 option (strongly disagree-strongly agree) section of the interview, since there are varied mix opinions out there. I will say as someone who has taken this several times (DCP and non-DCP) with Disney, and passed every time here is what I have found that works. 

• You do not always have to put strongly as an option, since that could also hurt your chances. Now here is why…
• These pre-employment tests want you to have an opinion yes, but having strong polar opinions looks bad for a future employee. So, instead of having polar opposite answers the entire time try to have them scattered into your answers instead of that being the only option. 
• Try to avoid neutral 
• Now I will admit I have put neutral as an answer it does not hurt to do so, but do not overuse it. Why? It looks like the opposite of always putting strongly it seems like you do not have an opinion at all. 
• Agree and Disagree work just fine 
• These two options are opinions, and the ones I heavily use during my WBI with Disney. They still give you more of opinion then neutral, but not as polar opposite opinions as strongly. 
• Overall, the most successful WBI is going to consist of most likely this…
• Few to none of neutrals
• Most of them being agree and disagree
• Several being strongly in either direction

Again this is just what I have found personally that has worked in passing the WBI for Disney if you have taken it before, and found another strategy that works as well. 

• Best Advice for the WBI:
• There are repeat question in different forms on purpose!!!
• Try to answer these questions the same way you answered them before they are looking for consistency 
• Try to answer as honestly as possible 
• That way when you do get to those repeat questions you won’t have to guess what you answered
• Also answer though what they want for some questions a prime example is the question “are you always on-time” no one in their right mind is going to say no, so always say yes
• On scale questions be honest as well 
• Also for those wondering 1 is the lowest and 10 is the highest
• Take your time completing this do not rush through it 
• Think about who you are applying for –what does Disney want/expect you to answer 

I also want to be 100% clear when I say be honest do be honest, but not completely I mean come on if you are always late –do not tell them that! Just thought I would clarify since there is going to be that one person who takes it the wrong way. 

*Important note: If you fail the WBI you cannot apply for any WBI positions for 6 months (not the general it is down to the day) as it is kept on ‘file for that long. So, if you applied on January 1, 2016 and fail the WBI you cannot apply again for a WBI position (including the DCP) until June 1, 2016. For those who do not believe what I just wrote here is a screenshot taken directly from the Disney program Blog. 

I will also say as of 2016 candidates are provided with the latest date they will hear decisions (this does not apply to PIs/MIs).  Bets of luck on those WBI you DCP hopefuls!

Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust: Application Overview

First things first let’s talk general application for the college program, and nowhere better to start then how do you even apply. The application (again exception of alumni) will be offered in fall or spring, and there will be two separate “drops” for the applications that will appear on The Walt Disney Company career site.

When the applications drop
Spring: August/September
Fall: January/February

*Summer: check the alumni page as the date changes, in the past has only been open for 24 hours, and does not happen very summer. To past DCP/PI interns to get updates sign up for the Disney Alumni Association. 

When the programs begin
Spring advantage: January/February through August
Spring: January through May
Fall advantage: May/June through January
Fall: August through September

Now I know that was a little complicated, and some are wondering does it really make a difference which one they apply for –yes. For those who are attempting to apply for a professional internship going for the advantage program can make things a little complicated. Disney has a strict rule on how long someone can be an intern, and as for how long that is the answer is one calendar year. So, before applying this about what your future internship plans are with Disney. Also I would like to state if you are living in Disney housing it also matters** for choosing roommates.


As for where to find it exactly that is pretty simple it will appear on the Disney career website, and the posting will look the picture as shown below.

advantage You will then simply click on it, and fill out the information on the form then submit –simple enough. Now in the form though you are going to see a section that has a large amount of roles to choose from, and below are the selections available as of 2016 for Walt Disney World.

Attractions
Bell Services
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Boutique / Pirates League
Bus Greeter
Character Attendant
Character Performer ***
Children’s Activities
Concierge
Convention Guide
Costuming Operations
Custodial
Floral
Front Desk
Hopper
Housekeeping
Lifeguard
Merchandise
Monorail
PhotoPass Photographer
Quick-Service Food and Beverage 
Recreation attractions
Seater
Vacation Planner
Watercraft

The roles that are bolded are considered “high need” lines of business, and the non-bolded roles are lower need lines of business. Now let’s break down what some of these things mean for the newer applications. You will need to put a level of interest on the high need lines of business either high, medium, low, or none then for non-high need lines of business you will check a box in things that interest you. As for what does that mean for someone who wants to work as a character, and not in custodial well it could mean the difference of an offer or no offer (not set in stone but likely). When you apply for the Disney College Program they hire based on need, and sometimes the easiest way to get an offer is to agree to have interest in some high need role. Now that does not mean you will need to check all the boxes as high, but you may want to check at least one before submitting. I want to make this clear though that you will be considered for any role you have interest in even if it is low interest. So, even though you put high interest in front desk you may be offered attractions there is 0% guarantee when it comes to role offers. Also once the offer is in whatever role is on your email is the role you have been offered, and it will not change it is a take it or leave it type deal. The only exceptions to that is medical reasons, or you have attended auditions and have been chosen to work as a performer. 

Below are the selections available for roles as of 2016 for the Disneyland College Program.

Attractions
Custodial
Resort Transportation & Parking
PhotoPass Photographer
Cast Costuming
Entertainment Costuming
Disney Desk
Front Desk
Custodial Busser
Food Cart Cashier
Food Prep
Quick-Service Food & Beverage Cashier
Food & Beverage Quick-Service Restaurants
Retail Sales Clerk
Lifeguard



I feel like I should also add this information as the application for the DCP quite different from the DCP, and it starts right down to the fact no resume is required. 

So, yes while they can help guide you with the application unlike the PI the DCP is based on the Web Based Interview and the Phone Interview. 

*Summer is for former PI, MI, and DCP participants who successfully completed their program, and are still currently enrolled in college/graduated within the post six months
**I will get into the specifics about housing in another post
***Any who wish to be a character performer will need to attend an audition to be considered for the role