Program Rejection Questions

[Tangler]

I had my interview on Monday and saw I had an email on Tuesday that said I was rejected... I thought I had 2-3 weeks... I looked on google to see if this has happened before, but didn't see anything. Was I really that bad in the interview? I don't think I was. I smiled and was nice about everything. Got a few genuine laughs from the interviewer. I also went through all the questions that are asked, and some of them were asked while I was on the phone. I said I loved Disney, but really wanted to join for me personally and to grow from it for my career and future jobs, while also contributing to a company I care for. I think what really looked bad though was that I have not had a job yet, and still currently looking for one. I mentioned I recently signed on to volunteer at a shelter so i would come into their workplace prepared with a general idea. I also am a loser, because I have a huge phobia of driving, but I am working to overcome it. Those two reasons maybe got me rejected in an instant since I look so incapable... but that's why I said it was something I wanted to grow from and I'm willing for almost all their jobs except one I believe. Is there other reasons?? Can I get advice for the next go around? I got rejected in ONE DAY!! I'm having trouble finding a job too, but I'm hoping this volunteering gives me experience.

EDIT:
Also, is there someone I can contact to tell me if they knew what was wrong and how I can improve?? Maybe give my application and my interview a second look. One day seems short (I'm not sure what their deciding factors are), and I was told I wouldn't be notified for another 2-3 weeks. Has anyone else had this happen before?? Does anyone know of the process and the possibilities?

 

[keymon]

I don't have work experience either; I didn't even get to take the WBI. Maybe that's what did us in (although I'm still hopeful about the WBI)

 

[Joeywarhorse]

I got rejected in one day too. I was in shock for a while because I had been researching the DCP for over a year. I have lots of job experience and am a graduate student. I thought that maybe I had too much experience to be considered. I also thought my interview went very well.

I wrote an email to disneyprogramblog.com and asked if I could receive feedback. They told me this:

Applicants may request feedback by contacting wdw.college.recruiting@disney.com or dlr.college.recruiting@disney.com.

I contacted them and asked for feedback that could help me prepare for future interviews with the company and they wrote back with what I think was the same rejection letter that they originally sent me eg: Thank you for your interest, we receive many applications, try again, etc.

If you write them, let us know what they say. I'm interested to know if they give more specific suggestions.

It will be hard to not think about what you did wrong and why they rejected you so quickly. I finally decided that I would go crazy if I didn't stop trying to rationalize their thinking.

Good luck with requesting feedback and I hope that you receive some helpful advice that will help you for next time you apply.

 

[BadDad]

1. I said I loved Disney, but really wanted to join for me personally and to grow from it for my career and future jobs, while also contributing to a company I care for.

2. I think what really looked bad though was that I have not had a job yet, and still currently looking for one. I mentioned I recently signed on to volunteer at a shelter so i would come into their workplace prepared with a general idea.

3. I also am a loser, because I have a huge phobia of driving, but I am working to overcome it. Those two reasons maybe got me rejected in an instant since I look so incapable... but that's why I said it was something I wanted to grow from and I'm willing for almost all their jobs except one I believe. Is there other reasons??

I have never worked for but here's some advice:

Item#1: It's not about you or Disney. It's about the guest. Guest experience is #1, #2, #3 priority. If you've had magical experiences at WDW you WANT to share it and spread it.

Item#2: What kind of shelter? Animal or homeless? People spent money at WDW. Dogs and cats do not. Volunteer somewhere where there are people.
People skills, making people happy. If you are unable to find a job, volunteer where you serve people not puppies. And tell them how you went "above and beyond" for people.

Item#3: You are NOT a loser. Give me someone who never failed and you've given me someone whose never tried. "If you want more out of life, you have to risk more" ~ bascially you got the same result as someone who didn't apply. You're going to college, right? You're ahead of alot of folks.

My S was not accepted to the university of his choice, went to community college, WDWCP, graduated/transferred to his dream school.
Failure happens.

You need to portray yourself as a positive person. Spread smile and cheer. Negative traits (we all have them) need to realized and be worked on.
"I used to chew on wooden pencils, so I bought metal mechanical ones, they didn't taste so good" Your bad traits cannot effect your job. No phobias, you cannot be irrational.

I hope that helps.
PS: Fall Adv is not that far away either.

 

[khancock]

I wouldn't try to speculate on reasons.

But I can say that there is no reason for them to wait 2 - 3 weeks if they already have come to a decision.

Some people get offered and pended before that window opens. Others during that window.

It is beneficial, as painful as it may be, to you for them to let you know so you can move on with other plans.

 

[Tangler]

I have never worked for but here's some advice:

Item#1: It's not about you or Disney. It's about the guest. Guest experience is #1, #2, #3 priority. If you've had magical experiences at WDW you WANT to share it and spread it.

Item#2: What kind of shelter? Animal or homeless? People spent money at WDW. Dogs and cats do not. Volunteer somewhere where there are people.
People skills, making people happy. If you are unable to find a job, volunteer where you serve people not puppies. And tell them how you went "above and beyond" for people.

Item#3: You are NOT a loser. Give me someone who never failed and you've given me someone whose never tried. "If you want more out of life, you have to risk more" ~ bascially you got the same result as someone who didn't apply. You're going to college, right? You're ahead of alot of folks.

My S was not accepted to the university of his choice, went to community college, WDWCP, graduated/transferred to his dream school.
Failure happens.

You need to portray yourself as a positive person. Spread smile and cheer. Negative traits (we all have them) need to realized and be worked on.
"I used to chew on wooden pencils, so I bought metal mechanical ones, they didn't taste so good" Your bad traits cannot effect your job. No phobias, you cannot be irrational.

I hope that helps.
PS: Fall Adv is not that far away either.

Ah! I see. I guess I had the wrong idea then when I was approaching how to answer why I wanted the be apart of the program.

It is an animal shelter, but I was going to get cashier experience from them volunteering at the thrift store and also talk with potential adopters. I will find a place with people though if I can't find a job just yet!

Thank you for the advice! haha, I guess I was exaggerating about the loser part. More like lame that I just haven't worked up the courage to drive.

Thank you for the advice though! I really appreciate it! I can't wait to try again

 

[Tangler]

If you write them, let us know what they say. I'm interested to know if they give more specific suggestions.

It will be hard to not think about what you did wrong and why they rejected you so quickly. I finally decided that I would go crazy if I didn't stop trying to rationalize their thinking.

Good luck with requesting feedback and I hope that you receive some helpful advice that will help you for next time you apply.

I'm thinking about it so I can get more information on how to do well. BadDad has posted some great advice though. I'm definitely looking forward to trying again.
Thank you for the contact info too! THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE ADVICE

 

[Agent7]

I don't think you got rejected for lack of previous job experience alone. Lots of cp's have never held a real job before. However if you came off unsure about never having a job and then unsure about driving in your interview that could have got you denied. They like people with confidence seeing as you only have a few minutes to make a really good impression you should never focus on your weaknesses but on how you can grow and learn (and I'm not saying you did that, just offering a general tip).

Also I didn't notice you say which roles you applied for (just that you were willing to do all but one), but that could be the reason you were denied. If you, for instance, only said you had interest in character performer/attendant, front desk, vacation planner, or a role that required you to drive (which seems to me one of the only reasons to bring driving up, and of course if you applied to drive the parking trams but have a phobia of driving they will not hire you), you could have been denied for lack of experience/available positions. Several of the more 'prestigious' roles are extremely competitive. So if you rated 'no or low interest' in custodial or food and beverage that could have been it.

Also please don't think you're a loser because you don't like driving! You aren't! Everyone has things they dislike, Disney has thousands of employees and some of them for sure hate driving. Don't let it get you down! As long as your trying to grow from your experiences that's a good thing!

As for your first answer I think it's pretty good. Saying you want to work for the company because you love it and want to have it on your resume so it can open future career opportunities is a good statement. Yes Disney loves the guest and wants you to say positive things about working with them but they also love people who are positive about the company and would love to work there (because generally that means you will be good with guest). So I don't think it's bad per say.

Now what would be bad is if they ask you something like 'is the guest always right?' and you said no or 'what's higher in priority: guest satisfaction or guest/cast safety?' and you didn't immediately say safety (it's the absolute number one). These could be phrased like "if a guest came to you and ask if they could avoid wearing all or part of the safety restraint due to a medical condition what would you say?" or "if a guest ask to set their child on the back of the boat (over the safety railings) for a picture what would you say? What if they got angry?". A lot of people don't realize that Disney actually will put safety over guest happiness (no you can't swim out to the firework barges, I don't care if I've ruined your vacation.). Normally guest satisfaction is number one, but safety trumps it every time. Of course I don't know if you got any of these questions, just a general tip that I've seen trip up a few people.

One other reason I can think of is if you are still early in your college career (think freshman, sophomore; you didn't say what year you were...) they might pick an upperclassman. Not always but maybe.

And sometimes people get denied for no real reason. Disney gets over 40,000 applications every semester ant the accept around 7,000 (or so they said when we wre at casting). That's loads of perfectly good applicants getting denied. Lots apply the next semester and get accepted. If you really want to do the DCP then I highly suggest reapplying. Volunteer at the animal shelter because it makes you happy not because it will look good (Disney likes all kinds of volunteer experience) and find a job you like. But don't be discouraged because you got denied this time, it's not an indicator to you as a person or how well you'll do on your next interview. Maybe you werent what they were looking for right now or maybe they got more applications than normal. But if you can and you want to get some volunteer and job experience (both is awesome, even more awesome if you like it and can speak passionately about it) and reapply!

I wish you all the best!

 

[Tangler]

I don't think you got rejected for lack of previous job experience alone. Lots of cp's have never held a real job before. However if you came off unsure about never having a job and then unsure about driving in your interview that could have got you denied. They like people with confidence seeing as you only have a few minutes to make a really good impression you should never focus on your weaknesses but on how you can grow and learn (and I'm not saying you did that, just offering a general tip).

Also I didn't notice you say which roles you applied for (just that you were willing to do all but one), but that could be the reason you were denied. If you, for instance, only said you had interest in character performer/attendant, front desk, vacation planner, or a role that required you to drive (which seems to me one of the only reasons to bring driving up, and of course if you applied to drive the parking trams but have a phobia of driving they will not hire you), you could have been denied for lack of experience/available positions. Several of the more 'prestigious' roles are extremely competitive. So if you rated 'no or low interest' in custodial or food and beverage that could have been it.

Also please don't think you're a loser because you don't like driving! You aren't! Everyone has things they dislike, Disney has thousands of employees and some of them for sure hate driving. Don't let it get you down! As long as your trying to grow from your experiences that's a good thing!

As for your first answer I think it's pretty good. Saying you want to work for the company because you love it and want to have it on your resume so it can open future career opportunities is a good statement. Yes Disney loves the guest and wants you to say positive things about working with them but they also love people who are positive about the company and would love to work there (because generally that means you will be good with guest). So I don't think it's bad per say.

Now what would be bad is if they ask you something like 'is the guest always right?' and you said no or 'what's higher in priority: guest satisfaction or guest/cast safety?' and you didn't immediately say safety (it's the absolute number one). These could be phrased like "if a guest came to you and ask if they could avoid wearing all or part of the safety restraint due to a medical condition what would you say?" or "if a guest ask to set their child on the back of the boat (over the safety railings) for a picture what would you say? What if they got angry?". A lot of people don't realize that Disney actually will put safety over guest happiness (no you can't swim out to the firework barges, I don't care if I've ruined your vacation.). Normally guest satisfaction is number one, but safety trumps it every time. Of course I don't know if you got any of these questions, just a general tip that I've seen trip up a few people.

One other reason I can think of is if you are still early in your college career (think freshman, sophomore; you didn't say what year you were...) they might pick an upperclassman. Not always but maybe.

And sometimes people get denied for no real reason. Disney gets over 40,000 applications every semester ant the accept around 7,000 (or so they said when we wre at casting). That's loads of perfectly good applicants getting denied. Lots apply the next semester and get accepted. If you really want to do the DCP then I highly suggest reapplying. Volunteer at the animal shelter because it makes you happy not because it will look good (Disney likes all kinds of volunteer experience) and find a job you like. But don't be discouraged because you got denied this time, it's not an indicator to you as a person or how well you'll do on your next interview. Maybe you werent what they were looking for right now or maybe they got more applications than normal. But if you can and you want to get some volunteer and job experience (both is awesome, even more awesome if you like it and can speak passionately about it) and reapply!

I wish you all the best!

Thanks! This really helped a lot! I guess I excluded some details like which jobs I applied for and other things, just to not get too personal. Just the jist of things. I avoided ones that required me to drive. Hopefully I'll be driving soon, so it won't restrain me for next application. THANK YOU AGAIN

 

[bom_noite]

I have never worked for but here's some advice:

Item#1: It's not about you or Disney. It's about the guest. Guest experience is #1, #2, #3 priority. If you've had magical experiences at WDW you WANT to share it and spread it.

The above is the Quote of the day!

My son did the Spring Advantage 2012 - got in first time. My daughter was rejected her Freshman year, but, got accepted 2 days after her interview this year (Spring Advantage 2013). So, there is no blacklist if you get rejected!

In this - or any interview - there are 3 key things that the interviewer wants to determine: 1) Can they do the job? 2) Can they get along with co-workers and 3) Can they deal with customers? And, I think if you recall your interview every question dealt with one of the above 3 topics!

You don't have to hide the fact you love Disney - but - they know that you love attending Disney as a guest! Being a CM is much different! 1000% times different! It matters extremely little in their decision factor! No interviewer is going to say: "Ohhh - you Love Disney - my god, your for us - what position do you want?".

Simply put - your love for Disney and WDW has 0% bearing on your ability to do a job. Every kid who applies want to do this cause they love Disney! Ohhhh, so, you love Disney more? What does that count for? You might say,

"Well, I love all things Disney and love the atmosphere and that was a driving force in my reason for applying. On the flip side, I realize I am trading roll's - I am no longer the Guest but the CM! I have always respected so many CM's I have met in the past - their enthusiasm and dedication was apparent to me. I have used that experience and applied it to all of my Volunteer positions when dealing with customers! So, while not employed by WDW, I have been a CM for a long time."

Trust me - my daughters love for WDW has not shown through this week after getting back-to-back 12.5 hour shifts at the Food and Wine Festival! A day off - then two more 12 hour shifts. She's not happy - but - does her job and with a smile.

My daughter also wanted to go through the program with ZERO strikes! One day she was by herself selling drinks / chicken legs in Epcot and gave a customer change for 21.38. The guy put the change in his pocket, then, brought it back out and said - you only gave me 1.38 in change. She said - no - I counted it out in front of you - I gave you a 20, a 1 and .38.

She was forced to call a Supervisor (via Walkie Talkie) - who came out and talked to the guy: He finally reached in to the till and gave him 20! The supervisor asked her later - "You sure you gave him the right change?" She said - 100% - but - we will find out when we balance the till. Her till ended up 20 short after 200+ transactions. Anyways, she got a strike for being under. That is how the real world works - life is not fair, nor, is Disney Management.

Anyways - a lesson learned and she has devised a new method when handing back big bills to make sure some other con-artist does not rip her off.

My thoughts:

Keep your head up. Didn't work this year! Keep trying.

Study! I know there are dozens of posts out here on Questions - spend time reviewing them and get your answers down pat prior to the interview. I worked with my son and two of his friends reviewing questions and potential answers. We created 3 X 5 cards that they wrote up - and had them spread out on the table before they took the interview. Both of them got in - a similar system was conveyed to other folks - they two got in first try!

You may want to get a part-time job! The better ones would include some type of customer interaction.

On the working thing, I agree with others that many get in with no work experience. But, if there were two spots left open and you and another candidate had equal scores on the interview - but - your competitor had previous work experience: Be honest, who would you hire?

Volunteer work is as good as work experience. Just: Get yourself dealing with customers and get written referrals and offer them to Disney! If you are a volunteer and cleaning out Pet Cages - then - explain to your supervisor how important it is for you to get lot's of customer interaction. If they say no - find another volunteer position!

The driving thing - WDW does not need to know that! Ton's of kids down there ahd don't drive. Trust me - from the apartments to WDW is some of the worst traffic in the world. Have driven for 30 years - don't like that driving! And, I have driven in New York, Paris, London and Amsterdam.

One last thought - My son told me he had talked to folks who had got in after being originally rejected - they learned that their initial preferences were way too limited: Character Performer, Boutique, etc., etc. My son felt your odd's increased if you chose Merchandise or Food - as there are 1000's of jobs in those categories.

Good luck - you will get in eventually!

 

[Joeywarhorse]

She was forced to call a Supervisor (via Walkie Talkie) - who came out and talked to the guy: He finally reached in to the till and gave him 20! The supervisor asked her later - "You sure you gave him the right change?" She said - 100% - but - we will find out when we balance the till. Her till ended up 20 short after 200+ transactions. Anyways, she got a strike for being under. That is how the real world works - life is not fair, nor, is Disney Management.

Anyways - a lesson learned and she has devised a new method when handing back big bills to make sure some other con-artist does not rip her off.

That's horrible!!! What is her new method?

 

[bom_noite]

That's horrible!!! What is her new method?

We have not spoken in depth, but, she try's to lay out the large bill's and lay them separately with her figure on them it and say: $20, then, gives the small bills.

I have encouraged her to write a letter at the end of her program - explaining the situation, and, politely asking for it to be reconsidered. They may not - and one strike won't kill her, but, at least it would be in her file if she ever wanted to go back - which she think's she does.

She just got caught up in one of those Silly rules - if you are under so much you are written up - no exceptions.

 

[BadDad]

The above is the Quote of the day!

My daughter also wanted to go through the program with ZERO strikes!

Volunteer work is as good as work experience. Just: Get yourself dealing with customers and get written referrals and offer them to Disney! If you are a volunteer and cleaning out Pet Cages - then - explain to your supervisor how important it is for you to get lot's of customer interaction. If they say no - find another volunteer position!

My Son did the program Spr Adv 2011: Got the Flu and a bunch of strikes for calling in sick (but not termed). His managers knew his work ethic and he's returning for Spr Adv 2014.

Cleaning animals cages?? Hmm... How do you feel about custodial? Shows you're not afraid of cleaning up.

BTW: One of my son's roommates was in attractions, Mission to Mars. For the first week be bragged about it. Then he had to clean-up alot of "protein spills"

 

[bom_noite]

BTW: One of my son's roommates was in attractions, Mission to Mars. For the first week be bragged about it. Then he had to clean-up alot of "protein spills"

OMG that is funny!

One of my kids friends just go accepted for Spring Advantage and got Attractions. I just think with my luck I would get either: Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents or Small World. But, even if you got Everest - it gets boring.

That Kid's girlfriend also got in and got Photo Pass. I think that would be fantastic. I hear you can always pick up hours. The more photo's taken = more revenue! One picture sold per hour and they almost quadruple their cost. And, if I understand correctly they can even get bonus money?

One of my Son's roommates got Custodial at DHS - and loved it! Lot's of guest interaction. He said - people feel comfortable asking things to a custodian.

On a previous stint he was a Character Handler - and - just hated it. It sounded cool to me until he explained: You take the wrath when it is time for Mickeys break, you have to control the lines of over-eager parents and kid's who just have a mischievous or mean streak.

The worst job - so I hear is the QS Food when you work a park kiosk (like my daughter was doing that day). You are in the elements and you have no back-up or supervision. All you can do is call a manager via Walkie Talkie and maybe they do or do not show up to assist. None of these people ever seem to be in a good mood - I know why now.

 

[Cais]

OMG that is funny! One of my kids friends just go accepted for Spring Advantage and got Attractions. I just think with my luck I would get either: Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents or Small World. But, even if you got Everest - it gets boring. That Kid's girlfriend also got in and got Photo Pass. I think that would be fantastic. I hear you can always pick up hours. The more photo's taken = more revenue! One picture sold per hour and they almost quadruple their cost. And, if I understand correctly they can even get bonus money? One of my Son's roommates got Custodial at DHS - and loved it! Lot's of guest interaction. He said - people feel comfortable asking things to a custodian. On a previous stint he was a Character Handler - and - just hated it. It sounded cool to me until he explained: You take the wrath when it is time for Mickeys break, you have to control the lines of over-eager parents and kid's who just have a mischievous or mean streak. The worst job - so I hear is the QS Food when you work a park kiosk (like my daughter was doing that day). You are in the elements and you have no back-up or supervision. All you can do is call a manager via Walkie Talkie and maybe they do or do not show up to assist. None of these people ever seem to be in a good mood - I know why now.

Small world is with Peter Pan, cop is with buzz and stitch, hall of presidents has had like one CP ever (though she hated it)

Yeah no PhotoPass photographers don't get a cut of the revenue from the photos taken. It's be nice

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[dvczerfs]

OMG that is funny!

One of my kids friends just go accepted for Spring Advantage and got Attractions. I just think with my luck I would get either: Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents or Small World. But, even if you got Everest - it gets boring.

That Kid's girlfriend also got in and got Photo Pass. I think that would be fantastic. I hear you can always pick up hours. The more photo's taken = more revenue! One picture sold per hour and they almost quadruple their cost. And, if I understand correctly they can even get bonus money?

One of my Son's roommates got Custodial at DHS - and loved it! Lot's of guest interaction. He said - people feel comfortable asking things to a custodian.

On a previous stint he was a Character Handler - and - just hated it. It sounded cool to me until he explained: You take the wrath when it is time for Mickeys break, you have to control the lines of over-eager parents and kid's who just have a mischievous or mean streak.

The worst job - so I hear is the QS Food when you work a park kiosk (like my daughter was doing that day). You are in the elements and you have no back-up or supervision. All you can do is call a manager via Walkie Talkie and maybe they do or do not show up to assist. None of these people ever seem to be in a good mood - I know why now.

my dd is odf in the mk and loves it. your not stuck in a building all day, get to see the parades and fireworks. also gets to work the Halloween and christamas parties. don't have someone breathing down your neck and you are by yourself a lot of the times and don't have to deal with the "lazy coworker."

 

[shannieboo27]

my dd is odf in the mk and loves it. your not stuck in a building all day, get to see the parades and fireworks. also gets to work the Halloween and christamas parties. don't have someone breathing down your neck and your by yourself a lot of the times and don't have to deal with the "lazy coworker."

odf?

 

[dvczerfs]

odf?

out door food. popcorn, icecream carts.

 

[kstrayer8]

What do they ask on the phone interview?

 

[MaryCampbell]

So I applied for two positions in the college internship program, but have only received a rejection email for one of them. No news on the other. They are in the same department, and I would have imagined they would come at the same time. Do they typically send just one rejection email? Thanks you guys.