CRP: So what's next?

You got through the face-to-face interview and you're feeling confident/disappointed/don't know what to expect.  Disney said to us that those starting the Cultural Representative program earlier would find out before those starting later in 2015, and warned that the later intakes (they were recruiting for March-September 2015 this round) could be waiting until after Christmas to find out whether they were successful.  The means that the whole application process could potential take up to 5-6 months from start to finish, a super long time.  

There are three outcomes from this final interview: yes, no, or put on the Opportunity List.

The Opportunity List is a "yes, we like you but haven't got a place for you at the moment."  I don't have any idea what differentiates the yeses from the Opportunity List; it's sort of a massive wait list.  I think people can be waiting a while before being given a start date, rumour has it that around 80% of people on the Opportunity List do get places but it can be a long wait.

Rumour also has it (there's a lot of hear-say around the whole application process; Disney can be, understandably, pretty secretive about their recruitment facts and figures) that the nos would hear before the yeses but I don't personally know how true that is, I'm not sure if they do it in rounds or batches of definite nos/yeses etc. 

We received an email early evening of our interview day from Disney and that was definitely  a heart in the mouth moment!  This email stated that Disney "enjoyed talking to me and thanked me for my interest in the position."  Very kind and very sweet, but very nerve-wracking when you're waiting for an  important email from them!

The waiting then began.  We had mentally prepared ourselves for a two month wait but a mere 17 days after our face to face interview, an email sat in our boxes from Disney International Programs... 

There is an attachment which states whether you are placed in Merchandise (in my case) or Food and Beverage (Dena's) and your start and finish dates.  In order to confirm your place, you complete steps outlined in the congratulations email.  

Once you have accepted your offer, it's time to start paying!  You need to pay your Program Assessment Fee which confirms your accommodation and goes towards Housing events etc.  You need to pay $150 (around £90) by credit card.  Sometimes you may be asked to upload extra documents.  You have thirty days to complete all three steps.  Once you've done this, you're sent a link to the WDW On-boarding website which gives you loads of pre-departure info and gets you super excited!  

The next task is to accept the job on your Yummy Jobs profile and to pay the Criminal Record Backgroud Check, which is £60.  After you've paid, Yummy Jobs will send out the form to you (look for the Mickeys over the i if you have in your name!) and you return it to them.  

That pretty much is where we're up to now.  We've started looking into flights so hopefully my next CRP post will be on that, websites I used, or any other tips!  

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CRP Face-to-face/second interview

You made it through to the face to face interview! Well done!  You will more than likely to asked to attend the European, Middle Eastern and African Disney World Headquarters in Hammersmith, London and you will probably be interviewed by real-life American WDW employers (it's more exciting than scary!).

First thing's first, Yummy Jobs will e-mail you asking you register with the Disney system and you have to upload copies of your passport, previous visas, and complete a basic application form ready for the interview.  Afterwards, you'll receive a confirmation e-mail from Disney themselves to schedule your interview time and a little bit more info about the location, timings etc.

The dress code from Disney is a little bit more vague; they simply said 'dress appropriately'.   To be honest, we took this as dress as you would for any other formal interview.  The boys tended to go for a suit (with and without jackets) and girls varied between business formal and slightly more casual.  I would call it professional, you need to look smart but be comfortable once again as I really think this will come across in your interview.

In order to prepare for this interview, you don't really need to do anything extra that you did for the pre-screen interview.  In my opinion, the pre-screen was a much more intense and pressurised experience.  We just refreshed our memories by re-reading our original Yummy Jobs application, CV and cover letter but you don't need to spend very long doing this at all; if your motivation for doing the program is genuine, it should all be in your mind!  Perhaps also go over the general questions you prepared for the pre-screen, it make make you feel more relaxed and confident.

It's likely that you'll need to be in London early in the morning, we stayed over night in Hammersmith and although hotels can be expensive, it's worth the peace of mind knowing you are only a five minute walk from the interview venue.  There are lots of hotels, coffee shops, restaurants in the surrounding area so you might be able to get a bargain!  We stayed in the Holiday Inn.

The famous Swarovski Mickey Mouse!

On the day of the interview, you are taken upstairs of the Headquarters where you are checked in with your passport with some familiar faces from Yummy Jobs!  You can mingle and chat for a few minutes before you're called in to watch a presentation about the Program.  In our interview group, there were around sixty candidates.  The presentation is in a cinema and you will be introduced to the interviewers and given a general program overview, previous CRP'ers may tell you about their job roles, and there was another warm up quiz with prizes (I won a pen... day made!).  The presentation itself isn't actually that different to the one shown at the pre-screen, it had maybe a few more specific details about the job and more about the accommodation, other opportunities while you were there.  It certainly makes you feel even more excited about the prospect of living in Florida!

Once the presentation is over, you're told to come back at your interview time.  Different groups went to grab a drink to kill the time and chat Disney!

When your interview time arrives, groups are taken upstairs to wait to be called.  We had three interviewers; we either got called to the far end of the waiting room, or there were two interviewers in a separate room.  It seems that the style of interview depends a lot on who is interviewing you; it could either be more like an informal chat, as if they are checking you are who you are or that you coincide with your application, or it could be a more formal interview situation where you need to talk a lot more about your experience, what you'd bring to the job role etc.  You may be asked questions such as these (again, not a definitive list):

• Why do you want to do the program?
• How would you deal with a difficult customer?
• Asked about previous experiences (jobs, life experience, working abroad etc)
• How would you cope with working in the Florida heat?
• Do you speak any additional languages/would you be able to communicate with people of different languages?
• How did you find out about the program?
• Have you had any food/health and safety/chemical training?
• Describe your hometown.

The interviewers do try and make your feel comfortable although it can feel a little bit off-putting when they are making notes while you're talking (probably the worst bit about the interview) and they are super nice.

I think one piece of advice I would give though is: be professional.  It may seem informal or like a chat but you are being interviewed for a highly competitive and sought after position.  You are going to work for an amazing company but Disney also want people that they can rely on and who aren't going to get terminated etc.  This face-to-face interview highlighted the fact that Disney is a company who takes their business extremely seriously, you need to be reliable.

At the end of the day, you can only do your best and be yourself.  It is an achievement to get this far, you've probably been narrowed down from over 1000 applications to one of sixty.

The wait for your decision after the interview can be quite long but there is lots of support from Facebook groups and blogs!  Good luck!

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New Year, new me....? Probably not!

Image source

Ah, it's coming to that time of of year when we all reflect on what went well and what didn't go so well in 2014. I can't actually believe we are here!  2014 has flown by, with lots of exciting changes, occasions, happy memories as well as a few hairier moments. 

As I look forward to 2015, I can't believe I am where I am! I'm not going to lie, I've worked really hard to get myself to this position and of course, there's a few things I'd like to change but I'm not going to be making any life changing resolutions this year. I know I'll never stick to them and we're always so hard on ourselves after Christmas, putting ourselves down, saying we've got to do this or stop doing that and I want to start next year as positively as I can. That being said, I am going to make a few "resolutions", here they are: 

1. Read/listen to more French and Spanish. 

I've recently started giving private tuition of French and Spanish and it's made me realise how much I miss being absorbed in the language. My aim is to read at least ten minutes a day of both languages. I received a copy of my favourite book, The Catcher In The Rye, in Spanish for Christmas so that should definitely help with this and I'm going to aim to read a couple of newspaper stories in French. It can only be beneficial for keeping my languages up and hopefully will be something I enjoy! 

2. Drink more water! 

This is pretty much an annual resolution and involves quite a lot of effort on my part. I know I don't drink enough and its started to affect my well being lately, I suffer from headaches, lethargy and stomach problems. Water might not be the answer but it will definitely help. It should help keep me at my Slimming World target weight too.

3.  Save, save, save!
Exactly what it says on the tin really.  Getting to the USA isn't cheap and I need to pay for medical insurance and what not, so I simply need to save money.  Unfortunately, my job isn't very well paid at all so I will need to cut back on any unnecessary extras.  It's all for a good cause though!

Fingers crossed I will be able to stick to these resolutions!

Here's to a happy and healthy 2015! 

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Florida Bucket List

Although I don't actually go to Florida for a while yet (another 232 days... not that I'm counting!), I'm already in my super-organised-planner mode.  I've started to compile my USA/Florida bucket list which I'm sure I will keep updating as we get closer to August and while I'm out there!  

1. Discovery Cove
2. Visit Diagon Alley
3. Drink ALL the Coca-Cola's in Universal Studios.
4. Afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian.
5. Stay in all the WDW resort hotels.
6. Visit the Kennedy Space Center
7. Dine at Be Our Guest
8. Meet Belle.
9. Buy a turkey leg at least once.
10. Drink margaritas in the Mexico Pavilion.
11. Listen to country music at House of Blues.
12. Listen to country music in Nashville.
13. Visit Middlebury in Vermont.
14. NYC, obvs.
15. New Orleans.
16. Watch Fantasmic!
17. Visit all four parks in one day.
18. Trade more pins!
19. Ride Prince Phillip's carousel.
20. See the Welcome show at Magic Kingdom.

Do you have any must-dos or must-sees for me to include?

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CRP Pre-screen interview.

Fancy working here?  You could!

You got through the written application process, so what's next?  Successful candidates will be invited to a pre-screen interview with the British agents for Disney Yummy Jobs.  My pre-screen interview was in London, conveniently on a Sunday, and I know there were also interviews in Northern Ireland but I think that's pretty much it for the UK (even Scottish candidates were asked to attend the London interviews.

I imagine the finer details change from year to year but to give you a general overview: there are two interview times on the day of the pre-screen, 9am and 2pm.  It's just luck of the draw which time they allot you to in your email, so you may want to consider staying overnight if you live a way away from London.  The dress code was business attire but you could wear anything you consider appropriate for an interview; some people wore suits others worse smart skirts or dresses.  I would advise making sure you feel comfortable in what you are wearing, if you hate wearing heels, don't wear them!  You'll feel on edge and it's far better to wear a smart pair of flats and feel confident than nervously tottering along in high heels.  

When you arrive at the interview location (again, this could change but we went to Brasserie Blanc on the Southbank) you find yourself amongst loads of people who you've never met and they all want the same job as you.  It's an odd situation; normally if you go for a job, you don't meet the other candidates!  I think it's important that you chat to the other candidates (no matter how nervous you feel) because you will feel a lot better in the group interview and to be honest, you never know who is watching you from Yummy Jobs!

After you've signed in with Yummy, you get taken into a conference room to watch a short presentation conducted by the staff from Yummy.  To get you 'warmed up', they do a little pop quiz on Disney trivia where you can win a little prize and show you a presentation about the program, what you'll do, what it'll be like, tell you about the pay, generally get you very excited about the program.  The staff from Yummy have always done a program with Disney so they are very knowledgable and happy to share their experiences.  Once you have watched the presentation, you're given your group interview time.  If you have a wait for your interview, most people tended to go grab a coffee or drink to kill the time.

When your interview slot arrives, your group will be taken into a room, chairs in a semi-circle with the interviewers sat at a table.  Perhaps the most unnerving thing about the whole group interview is the fact your interview will be taking notes!  You'll have given them your Yummy passport with your photo on so I assume they are making notes on what you say/do etc.  Try to relax and be yourself; they want to see your personality and how you interact with the other interviewees so try not to be too pushy or talk over other people.  Listen, be engaged and supportive.   Don't worry about getting your answer in, everyone gets their turn and will be asked the question.  Don't be afraid to fill any awkward silences either though!

I've compiled a little list of the questions that were asked at mine and my best friend's interview - it's by no means exhaustive though and there are loads of blogs out there with massive lists.

• Introduce the person sat next to you (name, age, job, interesting fact)
• Why do you want to do the program? 
• What's your motivation for doing the program?
• Which object have you brought to represent your culture/country and why?
• The UK Pavilion doesn't have any attractions; what would you add to it?
• How would you deal with a difficult guest?
• How would you cope with living with lots of people from all over the world?
• What will you do after the program?
• What skills/qualities can you  bring? 
• What brand/company do you admire?  

I would suggest preparing the questions the interviewers could potential ask you as some of the questions require quite a lot of thought!  My group interview also had to give a one minute 'sales pitch' on why we were the best candidate.  This was quite nerve-wracking as I'd never read about this happening in a pre-screen before.  Prepare but try not to over prepare, as a new question could throw you completely! 

The group interview lasts around 45 minutes and it really does fly by.  It's easy to say but try not to stew on what other have said or you haven't said once the interview is over.  You will be with excellent candidates but you wouldn't be in the interview if you weren't good enough! It's often hard to tell how you have 'performed' and you don't know exactly what they are looking for!  Be proud of yourself for doing your best!

After this, you have the wait.  You can be waiting a while but if you get through to the next stage, it'll all be worth it!

  

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Festive afternoon tea at The Ritz

If you have read any of my posts before, you may know that afternoon tea is one of my favourite meals.  When Dena and I came across The Ritz's festive afternoon tea menu way back in May this year, we decided to try and get a table.  It's incredibly hard to get a table for afternoon tea at The Ritz - hence our booking way back when we were still in Mexico ! 

To be honest, I'd half forgotten about the reservation until recently but when I did remember, my excitement levels went through the roof! I'd never been to The Ritz before but the decadent opulence is something that has always appealed to me and visiting London is always something I enjoy doing. 

The Ritz, of course, welcomed us with twinkling lights and beautifully festive decoration inside and outside. I love the classic look of their decorations, rich reds and golds, for me, a truly timeless Christmas time look. We were a little bit early for our reservation so we took a quick stroll through a very winters and chilly Green Park to Buckingham Palace, made a wish in the fountain, and walked back. To be honest, being in central London at this time of year really does bring out the most festive in me! 

We had a quick drink in the bar before our afternoon tea, and I definitely want to go back for a cocktail or two. As soon as you step into the bar, you're transported to the 1920s, jazz music in the background, and I imagined myself sitting there with a cocktail in a sequinned flapper dress. I love that era! Unfortunately for us, we had a round of soft drinks and nibbles before heading through to Palm Court for our tea, 

The Palm Court was also beautifully decked out and we were shown to our table.  I felt a little overwhelmed by the formality of it all (maybe I'm more of a spit and sawdust kinda girl) but it's quite easy to relax when you're seated. We were served out glass of champagne and our tea order was taken (Ritz Royal English for me and the Christmas blend for Dena). 

When the pastries and sandwiches arrived, I was in heaven! An endless supply of delicious cakes and sandwiches, what more could a girl want? We had macarons, chocolate sponge, a caramelly chocolate dome and a fruit custard tart (I'm sure they had fancier names). All were heavenly! Of course, there were fruit and plain scones, served with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam. If that wasn't enough cake, a waiter brought round slices of Christmas cake, Bakewell slice and warm mince pies! 

I cannot explain how much I enjoyed the whole experience.  My only disappointment was that I couldn't eat more. The Ritz provides an excellent and luxurious five star hospitality - staying on our of their rooms will definitely be on my bucket list! 

What made it so special for me was the festive atmosphere, I think our afternoon there was what really got me into the Christmas spirit! 

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Magical Orlando tag

Although I've only been to Orlando once before (in April for the most amazing birthday trip), I fell in love the minute I stepped onto the sunny Floridian tarmac at the airport.  The next time I visit Orlando will be when I begin my year as a Disney World cast member and until then, I'll be using any excuse to talk about the Sunshine State and in particular, Orlando!  When I saw that FloridaTix were running a blogging competition related to the Orlando theme parks, I had to enter!  What better excuse to reminisce on some amazing memories and think about everything Florida related!  I also tag my partner-in-crime, Dena (also, check out her answers when she does this... bound to be amazing!).

Magical Orlando Tag Questions:

1. Which Hogwarts house would you be sorted into?

I'm definitely a Gryffindor, a weird mixture between Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger!  I'm a total book and learning nerd but not afraid to stand up for what I believe in either.  Go, go, Gryffindor! 

2. Name a Disney character you’d like to have dinner with.

Belle.  We could easily wile away the hours chatting about books over a delicious plate of grey stuff.  We both come from small 'provincial' towns, and like me, she's an opinionated and outspoken young lady at times and in between book recommendations, I reckon we could put the world to rights.

3. Which Marvel superhero power would you choose?

Oh a toughie!  I'd want to be like the Black Widow; she doesn't have traditional superpower but she has the mind of a secret agent, the sass of a powerful, independent woman, she's practically a ninja, and she has the strength of mind to keep Capt America, Iron Man and co in line.  You go girl!

4. If you could bring back one dinosaur breed from Jurassic Park, which would it be?

Triceratops, if only for the fact they're vegetarians.  The T-Rex and velociraptors are truly terrifying and make a Hungarian Horntail look like a fluffy puppy.   

5. You can ride a dragon at the Triwizard Tournament and visit the Owlery at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but where else would you go on a school trip to Hogsmeade?

I think I'd visit the Shrieking Shack; this is where my inner Gryffindor reveals itself.  I would indeed visit the Shrieking Shack and see for myself what actually causes that spooky sound.  Hopefully I'd make it back for a Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks!

6. A scene in any Disney, Harry Potter or Marvel movie you wish you could experience?

I would love to experience Christmas at Hogwarts;  the wizards seem to go all out with the decorations during the festive season!  The school is so much quieter and I too could go and root around in the Restricted Section in the library and wander the corridors while it was snowing outside.  Or cosy up in front of the fire in the Gryffindor common room.  

7. Name one item from any Harry Potter, Disney or Marvel movie would you want for Christmas.

Olaf!  Who wouldn't want a talking snowman for Christmas?  Olaf is keen to make you laugh, cheer you up and generally be sunshine during a dreary winters day!  And he loves warm hugs!

8. Name one unforgettable experience/moment you’ve had at the Orlando Parks.

My birthday breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table was the perfect start to the most magical day.  I was presented with a beautiful tiara, birthday balloons, birthday cake and said hello to four different Disney princesses, all while overlooking Prince Phillip's Carousel.  Such a special moment that could only have been created in a Disney park. 

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