Disney CEP Pre-Screen Advice | Interview No.1
Well, hi-hey-hello there friends, it's another sunny Saturday and I'm here yet again to sprinkle some Disney magic into your day!
Now, I am assuming you're here because similarly to my previous posts, you wanna work at Disney World, correct? Well, you are in the right place! Within this blog post, I'll be telling you my tales of attending two different Pre-Screen Interviews; being rejected and accepted.
We're gonna travel back in time to September 2016, my first Pre-Screen interview.
I was invited to my first pre-screen on the Tuesday 27th September 2016. The event takes place in Epping, in Essex though you can travel there on the Central Line from London. It comprised of a presentation, then a group interview. At first, we had to talk to others sat next to us, then we were asked questions specific to the program and why we're interested in it. On Friday 14th October 2016, I got an email from YummyJobs rejecting my application.
What happened? Well, let me tell you. I did all the things you don't want to do. But before we get into that, its time to travel back to September 2017, my second Pre-Screen interview...
In mid-August, I got an email from YummyJobs inviting me to a Pre-Screen on Thursday 28th September 2017. Again this took place in Epping. Similar format, however, new interviewers. I was interviewed by the lovely Natalie. On the 9th October, I was invited to my second, and final interview, which took place on the 31st October 2017. As we all know, I got accepted.
Now you know my story, its time to tell you my advice; the do-s and don't-s of applying for the Disney Cultural Exchange Program!
Let's start with the do-s!
Number One
Do talk about culture.
Might be a bit of a dumb one, but its the number one thing to remember!
Do talk about culture, your culture, why you love culture, why you want to experience the different cultures!
After all, you are applying for a cultural exchange!
Number Two
Been anywhere nice recently? MENTION IT! Just don't flaunt it!
Similarly to tip number one, the best way to show your appreciation of all things cultural, is to get your postcards out (metaphorically, of course...)!
I mentioned how over summer I'd been to three different countries; France (Disneyland), Amsterdam, and Ireland to help at a Convention.
Hearing that you love to travel, backs up your love of culture!
Number Three
Try to be memorable!
During the Pre-Screen, everyone takes advice from the same people, so be ready to think outside of the box!
During my interview, everyone was saying how they went, had a great time, and want to give the magic back; whereas me? I've never been to Florida, so I'm excited to experience it from the perspective of a Cast Member!
If they ask you a quirky question, this is also your chance to make a statement.
In my interview, we were asked, 'if you could go to lunch with any character, who would it be and why?'. I said, Ariel, because I like sushi... You can expect the reactions, but it was memorable!
Now onto the Don't-s!
Number One
The most horrible but important 'don't' I have to offer... Don't do Disney.
I learned this the hard way.
They're not looking for the biggest Disney fan to beat the guests and fellow colleagues with your expansive knowledge, they're just looking for someone who's going to work hard and sprinkle magic without effort; a Cast Member!
So maybe leave the Disney obsession in the Costa across the road!
Number Two
Don't go for basic responses.
Pre-plan things. Check all the blogs, all the YouTube videos, and get an idea of the questions they ask.
As mentioned before, you want to think outside the box, so knowing what you'll be asked before, or along the same lines as what's been asked before, will really help when trying to stand out!
(P.S. Wait till the end for some sample questions!)
Number Three
Don't be serious!
They're looking for someone fun-loving and excited to possibly be working at Disney! Interact with your interviewer as if they're a friend, and make friends with the people around you! You never know you might find a lifelong friend in that interview!
Now we have all that out of the way, here's a quick tip for what to wear! (Or more like, just what I wore...)
If you're thinking, 'Ellen, did you choose those trousers because they look very similar to Disney store ones?' the answer is yes. I got them from Primark in my first Pre-Screen, and they're great, except the zipper on the back... But as you can see I went for this very modest look, partnering it with a pair of flat tan shoes that were, in fact, two sizes too small for my feet. Always check the labels friends...
As promised, here's a few questions you can probably be expected to be asked, or at least something similar!
Possible Question No.1: Say a fun fact about yourself! (Mine was about my summer travels!)
Possible Question No.2: Tell us a memorable moment (Mine was the when I was at Disneyland Paris and let this little girl stand in front of me during the parade so she could see!)
Possible Question No.3: Why do you want to do the program? (I'd steer clear of 'great for my CV' or 'to give the magic back that I received' if mentioned by anyone else, they're big examples. If you're like me and have NEVER been to the states before, make that your answer!)
Possible Question No.4: You will be given a scenario, say 'a guest is too small for the ride, how would you solve this issue as the family is very upset'. (You will get the chance to discuss these scenarios in pairs, so just think on your feet!)
Possible Question No.5: Tell us about your hometown! (I spoke about how I live near Stonehenge, and when I took my Gran to Disneyland she started talking to another guest while I was in the toilets, telling them they had to visit because it's beautiful!)
I think... I've covered everything! If you have any specific questions, feel free to comment down below, or tweet/message me on Instagram!
I will catch you all next week for another lil post!
~ Ellen ~
xoxox
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