CRP | CV and cover letter

I'm aware that a round of applications has just closed for the CRP program at the time of writing this post, but hopefully it'll help the next round.

Of course, this post, by no means you're guaranteed to get through to pre-screen. Just thought I'd put that in there.  I only mean to offer advice and suggestions! 

It seems that the CV and cover letter are a fairly new part of the Yummy Jobs application and you spend so long focusing on the longer, essay-style questions that when you come to writing your CV and cover letter, you feel like all you have to say is what you've already said.  That's okay!

Tips for your CV:

• Your CV doesn't need to be three pages long; in fact, it's better if you are able to keep it shorter.  Many employers don't look past the first page of a CV so you need to make an impact on your CV: keep it short and snappy!
• Include a brief introduction about yourself at the top of your CV.  It's a great opportunity to hook the reader in so make sure you sell yourself. 
• Try to avoid "buzz words" - google popular or overused phrases used in job applications and avoid!  Everyone is a "hard working team player!"
• Adapt your CV to the job role.  Highlight your transferable skills from your previous jobs/experience.  Even if you don't think it will fit, make it!  If you've worked in an office, for example, talk about your communication skills, your reliability etc. 
• Remember to match up your CV with your online application; you don't want massive gaps or differences between them.

Tips for your cover letter:

• First of all:  check your spelling and grammar!  This is something that can potentially make or break your application.  Simple spelling errors when applying for a job screams of laziness! 
• Swot up on the Disney brands and values.  Disney is much more than a theme park and you need to show them that you understand this.
• Don't forget you're applying to be a cultural representative - you need to explain why you think culture is important and how you can authentically share your culture. 
• The cover letter is a great opportunity to add in the extra information you couldn't fit into the application, so if you have anything you desperately want to share, and it's relevant, put it in your cover letter. 
• Use the cover letter to give a brief overview of what you have to offer them.  Talk about your work experience, any skills you've learnt during education, and a bit about your personality. 
• Be genuine!  Sounds like it an obvious one, but be yourself.  It will be clear if you're trying to be someone else.   
• Have a clear structure for your cover letter.  Use paragraphs appropriately, group the information together (work experience, education, personal qualities, reason why you want to do the program etc) and link them well. 
• Be memorable.  Make Disney want you as much as you want the job.  You have fantastic qualities and skills to offer, so make sure it shows.  
• Keep it relevant to the Walt Disney Company.  Maybe include a quote or link the core company values into your own.  This doesn't mean stick a Walt Disney quote in every other sentence, be subtle but effective. 

At the end of the day, you're going to work for a multi-million dollar company who work hard to maintain their reputation and business.  You need to be an asset to the company: professional, reliable and passionate about the brand and the job. 

Spend time doing your application; the application is open for around a month on Yummy Jobs so you can save your progress and go back to it.  I think we completed our application over three or four lengthy sessions, checking, editing and double checking!  

There are people out there who have applied seven or eight times but don't get disheartened.  It really is an incredibly competitive process and if first you don't succeed, well, you know the rest.

Good luck!