How to Get a Job at Disney

Summary

In this video, Ben from Ben Talks Talent shares essential tips on how to apply, interview, and land a job with Disney. Drawing from his 13 years of recruitment experience, he outlines Disney's application process, from submitting an application to phone screenings, assessment centers, and in-person interviews. Ben highlights the importance of knowing Disney's mission and values, and offers insights into common interview questions, such as 'Why do you want to work for Disney?' and 'Tell us about a time you showed leadership.' He concludes with advice on being prepared with questions for the interviewer and writing a standout thank-you email.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start the application process by submitting your resume through Disney's official job portal.
• 📞 Once your application is submitted, expect a phone screening with a Disney recruiter to assess your qualifications.
• 📝 If you pass the phone screen, you may be invited to an assessment center for role-specific tests and evaluations.
• 👥 The final step is an in-person interview where you'll be asked about your qualifications, experiences, and why you’re a good fit for Disney.
• 🎯 Always research Disney's mission and values before the interview to ensure you align with their culture. Disney's mission emphasizes storytelling and entertainment.
• 🛠️ When answering questions, use the 50/50 rule: half of your response should explain why you admire Disney, and the other half should focus on why the role is a good fit for your skills.
• 🏰 For questions like 'What makes Disney stand out?', emphasize storytelling as the key differentiator between Disney and other theme parks.
• 🗣️ When asked to 'Tell us about a time when...', use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your responses and highlight your leadership skills.
• 🤝 Be prepared to discuss your teamwork abilities. Disney values collaboration, so share examples from your personal or professional experience that demonstrate your teamwork skills.
• 🌟 For behavioral questions about handling difficult situations or assisting customers, use STAR to share stories that highlight your problem-solving and customer service abilities.
• 💪 Answer confidently when asked if you can handle physical demands like standing for long periods, as this is an essential part of many Disney roles.
• 📧 After your interview, always follow up with a thoughtful thank-you email to show appreciation and reinforce your enthusiasm for the role.

Q & A

What is the first step in applying for a job at Disney?

The first step is to fill out the job application on Disney's careers website, where you can search for available roles and submit your application.

What happens after submitting the job application?

Once you submit your application, a Disney recruiter will review it and reach out if your profile is a match for the role. This is followed by a phone screening.

What is the assessment center task in Disney's hiring process?

After passing the phone screening, you will be invited to an assessment center where you will take exams and participate in further evaluations.

What is the final stage of Disney's hiring process?

The final stage is a face-to-face interview where you discuss your qualifications, past experiences, and how they align with the position you applied for.

Why is it important to know Disney's mission and values during the interview?

Knowing Disney's mission and values helps you align your answers with the company’s culture, showing you understand their goals and priorities. Disney values optimism, innovation, decency, quality, community, and storytelling.

How should you answer the common interview question, 'Why do you want to work for Disney?'

Use the '50/50 rule': spend the first half of your answer explaining why Disney as a company inspires you, and the second half explaining how the job aligns with your skills and passions.

What makes Disney stand out from other companies in the entertainment industry?

Disney stands out due to its storytelling. It integrates storytelling into every aspect of its parks and experiences, which differentiates it from competitors like Six Flags or Busch Gardens.

How should you respond to the question, 'Tell us something about yourself and how it relates to the job position'?

Identify one or two key responsibilities from the job description and relate them to your personal experiences or characteristics. Show how these traits make you a good fit for the role.

What is the STAR method, and how should it be used in behavioral interview questions?

The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It is a framework for answering behavioral questions, helping you provide structured responses that highlight your problem-solving and leadership abilities.

What should you focus on when asked about handling difficult situations in an interview?

Use the STAR method to describe a situation where you handled a difficult scenario, showing your problem-solving skills, patience, and ability to resolve the issue effectively while keeping the customer satisfied.

How can you demonstrate teamwork skills during a Disney interview?

Share a story from your past where teamwork played a crucial role in achieving success, such as a sports or work-related example, and explain why being a great teammate matters to you.

How do you prepare for the question about your background in relation to the job position?

Review the job description and highlight past experiences, skills, or even volunteer work that demonstrate your ability to perform key responsibilities in the role, even if they are not directly career-related.

What is the expected answer when asked if you can handle physical strain, like being on your feet most of the day?

Answer with confidence, stating that you are capable of handling physical demands. If relevant, mention past roles where you had to stand for long periods, showing you are comfortable and even enjoy staying active.