Interviewer asked really specific questions?

[Skidmouse37]

Not got acceptance email yet just wondering if anyone else had really specific questions? Asked if I had ever worked a cash register and what I would do if a family refused to wear life jackets on a boat. Plus only talked about 1 of my jobs at the YMCA? Also felt really rushed. Thanks

 

[MICKIMINI]

I'm sure they have a random list of questions to ask people. One response may lead to another specific question.

Using a cash register requires honesty. This is a screening question IMO. I would say it is a bonus to have used one.

Life jacket question is a way to find out how you handle a guest questioning your authority. There are many places at WDW where you are responsible (actually everywhere at WDW) for guest safety. They want to know that you can handle yourself in a stressful situation and think on your feet.

There are so many jobs at WDW and most interact with the public.

If this was a first interview, it was a screening. This was not the hiring manager. It was a lower level employee ticking off a list to see if you get to the second level. I would advise talking to a mentor about potential questions and type of questions (many are trick questions) so you have confidence in your own voice. You need to be ready to answer a question like "what was your worst job"? What would the employer like to hear...how you made lemonade from lemons, right? If you answer, "hours were long and the boss was a jerk" not so much.

Practice for phone and practice for in person!

Good luck!

 

[rdaky]

If this was a first interview, it was a screening. This was not the hiring manager. It was a lower level employee ticking off a list to see if you get to the second level. I would advise talking to a mentor about potential questions and type of questions (many are trick questions) so you have confidence in your own voice. You need to be ready to answer a question like "what was your worst job"? What would the employer like to hear...how you made lemonade from lemons, right? If you answer, "hours were long and the boss was a jerk" not so much.

Practice for phone and practice for in person!

Good luck!

I'm not sure if you're familiar with how Disney hires college program but the phone interview is the final interview. That is the actual recruiter, the person who decides whether or not to hire you and helps place (or not place) you. The "lower level employee ticking off a list" is actually a web based interview that comes before the phone interview.

As far as the questions go, those are very typical Disney questions. They could be asking you about register experience to consider you for something like merchandise. And the life jacket question could be related to how you would handle safety issues, which could be considering you for an attractions role, which all involve safety and all have guests daily not paying attention and/or arguing about rules. Disney isn't as interested in your previous work experience unless it could possibly be related/helpful with working there.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Interesting. I was considered a vendor doing a gig which came with VIP housing, meals, etc. There was no interview involved.

I just can't imagine a final interview like that!

 

[rdaky]

Interesting. I was considered a vendor doing a gig which came with VIP housing, meals, etc. There was no interview involved.

I just can't imagine a final interview like that!

It's pretty wild actually. Our friend's daughter was a CP recently and she had no interview at all. Completely web based and she got hired off of that. But I also know of people didn't pass the web interview or made it to a phone call and didn't answer the way that Disney wants you to answer.

There are definitely no VIP perks like free housing or meals for CPs.

 

[Newsies]

Asked if I had ever worked a cash register and what I would do if a family refused to wear life jackets on a boat. Plus only talked about 1 of my jobs at the YMCA? Also felt really rushed.

Yes, this is all normal! Cash register question is standard for anyone who put any level of interest in any type of role that requires cash handling, "what if a family refused to wear life jackets on a boat" is a standard for anyone who put any interest in any type of safety critical role (attractions, lifeguard). Only talked about one job and feeling rushed is also normal, the phone interview partners are on a tight schedule and have to call a lot of participants every day so they are limited in their time with you. Good luck!

It's pretty wild actually. Our friend's daughter was a CP recently and she had no interview at all. Completely web based and she got hired off of that.

Once the DCP came back after the COVID closure, there was a period of time where Disney's needs for front line CMs was so great that they skipped the Phone Interview for this program to get roles cast as quickly as possible. Definitely a wild time to be in the DCP! The Phone Interview is back now that the Parks are more stable.

 

[Geomom]

So Thursdays are when acceptance emails go out. Good luck! Also, the questions you're asked have nothing to do with where you might be assigned.--the recruiter asks questions related to roles you said you were interested in. They will put you where they need you...mostly quick service and custodian, but people do get other roles! Just make the most out of any role if you're accepted and take advantage of the (sign up) Disney classes they offer at Flamingo Crossings Village.