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Saturday, September 7, 2013

DCP: Web Based Interview Advice


In the past, most people have been asking about advice for how to ace the phone interview portion of the application for the Disney College Program. This year, I've been getting many questions for advice on how to pass the Web Based Interview (WBI) of the application. After hearing back from people who have passed and those who unfortunately did not continue after the WBI, I have thought of some basic tips and guidelines to remember while taking your WBI to help better your chances of making it to the phone interview stage.

  1. Use "Strong" Answers: The WBI is going to give you a series of questions one by one. They're typically about you and your personality, such as, "Are you generally a positive person?" They'll also throw in some questions like, "In my opinion, the customer is always right." The way you will answer these questions is on a scale of "Strongly Disagree" to "Strongly Agree." When you agree or disagree with one of the questions, USE THE STRONG OPTIONS. It has been common with people who haven't passed the WBI to tell me they rarely used the strong answers. Those who have used the strong answers generally have passed. There's a rumor going around that if you use too many strong answers, Disney will "catch you" and "assume you're just telling them what they want to hear." Don't worry about that. Answer what you think describes YOU. With this in mind, it's okay to answer a few questions with neutral or just agree/disagree. I probably did about three answers neutral and two with just the normal agree/disagree options. Just don't make it a habit of answering with these options, or else you may find yourself in trouble.
  2. Don't Over Think: Some people are freaked out and nervous because the WBI is timed. They also might think too much about what they assume Disney wants them to put as their answers. Disney doesn't want you to put what you think they're looking for, they want you to answer truthfully about you. Also, don't be concerned about the timed aspect of the interview. They give you one question one by one with plenty of time to answer each individually. The only times I found myself worried about taking too long is when I would start over thinking about a question. Analyzing the questions too much is what could get you in trouble for the time limit.
  3. Don't Stress: Lastly, I want you guys to keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. If for some reason you don't get the option to move on for a phone interview, it's not the end of the world, it's just not your time to do the program yet. As long as you're not done with college, you have an opportunity to apply again. I know plenty of people that applied more than once to get into the program. Just stay persistent and everything will work out in the end.
One last note: Many of you are concerned about not getting the invitation for the WBI after getting your confirmation email after sending in your application. Personally, I was able to get my WBI invite and sign up for my phone interview all in the same day. However, this is not always the case. I know plenty of people who had to wait a few days before getting their WBI invite simply because of the massive amounts of applicants sending in their applications at the same time. The website's traffic is increasing every year. I doubt Disney wants everyone doing the WBI at the same time. I've even heard of people applying for part-time positions (they need the WBI too) and not getting the WBI until a week later.

You are not out of the running until they tell you that you are no longer in consideration. Just be patient. Applying to the DCP is one giant waiting game. It's frustrating, I realize that. You're going to have to learn to wait and see what happens because it's out of your control.

For those of you applying, good luck! I hope these tips help you in your WBI, and if you want any advice for the phone interview you can check out the video and study guide I posted earlier this year!

Have a magical day everyone!

35 comments:

  1. I am debating between applying for spring advantage this year or fall advantage any advice on how to choose between them?

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    1. Think about the factors you have with school, and if you want to be away from home during the holidays or not. Spring semester usually has less crowds due to the few holidays (compare Christmas to Easter...etc). Spring has more tour groups and Spring Break. Weather for Spring is usually a bit more mild and less humid in comparison to Fall. Fall however does get all of the fun parties such as Mickey's NSSHP and Christmas. It's up to you to really decide!

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  2. I received the email asking me to take the web base interview but in just a couple of hours the email disappeared and now im having trouble with the career page do you happen to have the link or phone number?

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  3. Do we really have to wait 6 months before re applying?

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  4. Hi! My name is Kelci. I applied for the Spring 2016 semester at Disney World on August 26th. My dashboard tells me my app has been received and that I am still in the submission stage. I'm very concerned that I haven't heard anything back in about 8 weeks. I realize that the process can be random and it isn't wise to compare your journey to everyone else's, but it would be really helpful if anyone could tell me if they've heard of this happening before? Everyone I know has heard something back in 2 to 3 weeks after submitting, and I haven't even gotten so much as an invite for a web based interview. Thanks in advance and congratulations to everyone who has been accepted!

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    1. I've heard of people who have experienced similar situations, and I think it's been happening because of the sheer volume of applicants Disney has been receiving each year. For whatever reason, they'll hold back on giving certain people WBI's until way later, or not at all. I'm not saying you won't receive one, but this has definitely happened to others before. Good luck, though! I hope everything works out!

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  5. Hi! Is anyone else having issues with their dashboard? I applied and got the email saying that my application was turned in but when I log in it says that I have not applied for anything. Im not too worried because the notifications are also sent to my email but I just wanted to know if this is happening to anyone else. Thanks!

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    1. Hey! From my experience and from what I've heard from other applicants in the past, I wouldn't worry too much about the dashboard. What matters is that you received the email about the application being accepted. I'm not sure if you're still having this issue, but if you want to make sure and double check that everything is okay, email or call Disney and ask! :) Hope this helps!

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  6. Is it possible to never even get the Web Based Interview?

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    1. Yes! My cousin applied the same time I did and I made it past and she didn't. They look for strong answers and she said she thinks she just picked too many average ones. The choices can also be a little tricky because they are trying to make sure you are being honest. You might have the same question twice, just phrased a different way.

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    2. Yeah, unfortunately for some reason some applicants are never invited to the WBI. I honestly don't know the reason, but it happens.

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  7. I'm just curious, but about how many people make it past the WBI, just based on previous years? I had my phone interview a few weeks ago and was wondering what the average PI number is every year.

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  8. Hi! I applied for DCP for the Fall 2016 semester on January 25th, and I haven't heard anything since the email confirmation that my application was received. Is this normal? A lot of people keep talking about how they received links to the WBI right away and I'm starting to get nervous!! Thanks!

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    1. Hey! Sometimes it takes people longer to get invited to the Web Based Interview, and sadly sometimes people aren't invited at all. I don't know the reasoning behind it, but just be patient and wait and see what happens! Good luck!

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  9. I failed the web-based because I was not using the strong options very often. I assumed it was too much to continuously boast myself using the strong options. I can apply in August for the Spring correct?

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    1. Yes you can apply for Spring! Those apps open up in either August or more regularly in September, but it changes every year so just keep your eyes posted!

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  10. I live in Texas and not going through the college program. Are their cheap housing close to Disney for a 12.00 an hour part time job?

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    1. Hi, so sorry for the delayed response. But it depends on which coast you're living in - Florida or California. There are plenty of apartments in both areas, just have to do some digging for what fits your budget.

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  11. Hello, so I have a great question for you. So, i am NOT in the College Program, I am just an old foggy that moved his family from Michigan to Kissimmee, just so I can work for the mouse! I applied, was immediately (literally 5 min later!) invited to take the online interview. I unfortunately did not pass that ( I have hated personality based interviews for years now, the bane of my life). It then gives what I think is ridiculous, please apply in 6 month rule...now is that 6 month time for ANY position with Disney or just regarding the specific job I had just applied for?

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    1. This unfortunately means any position within the specific segment of Disney you previously applied for. If I'm not mistaken, if you applied to work in the parks, you cannot apply again for 6 months. However, if you apply to work in a Disney Store, this would not affect your ability to potentially get a job with them in less than 6 months since your last application for the parks. I hope this helps! I don't work for Disney's HR or anything so I could be wrong. This is just what I remember from others' past experiences.

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  12. I applied for The Disney College program and got the conformation email, but I haven't gotten the WBI email. It's been a couple of days since I have applied and many people who have applied had the WBI emailed the same day or the next. Should I worry about getting it or just wait, and does everyone who apply get the WBI?

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    1. Unfortunately not everyone receives an invite to a WBI. I don't know the criteria, but just be patient. No news is better than bad news. Some WBIs have come out in second waves later in the application process. Don't give up until you've received the no longer in consideration letter!

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  13. Hello! I received an email inviting me to complete the Web Interview but I cannot seem to find a link or anything that takes me to it. I got this email today at 6:30 and it said I should respond within 24hrs but I don't know how to lol! Any suggestions?

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    1. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to respond sooner! I hope you were able to contact Disney's tech support or something...maybe they were having a glitch on the website.

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  14. I haven't been asked to do a WBI yet, but I did receive an email to attend character performer auditions. Do I have a chance of being selected for DCP from the audition or do I not have a chance since I haven't gotten to the interview stage yet?

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    1. You have to interview and be accepted into the program in order to do the program. I'm not sure about what it entails to audition first before doing the WBI, you'll have to ask DCP Recruiting about that.

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  15. hello
    i'm a dcp alumni. i filled out an application for disneyland resort. the application said it would be considered for any of the following roles: merch, custodial, attractions, and quick service. an hour after applying i got the web interview invite. i didn't pass the wbi and i know i have to wait 6 months to reapply, but my question is- if the summer alumni program were to happen at disneyland (i know apps come out january or february), and i applied, would the wbi take me out of the running? thanks

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    1. The college program is a different department and your previous WBI shouldn't get in the way of you applying for the alumni program.

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  16. Hi! question about the WBI. I took it this past year just to see the process because i plan to apply for next year and i came across a question "Do you like to party" What would someone answer towards this? I felt this was awkward because if i put yes i didn't want to seem like i did alcohol partying but if i put no i thought they may feel i am unsocial, you know? This was like the only question that tricked me!

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    1. Hello! My apologies for the tardy response, but honestly, all I can really say is trust your gut and be honest. I don't think it's meant to be a trick question. You could also interpret "partying" as being social and outgoing, which Disney would definitely love! (Not saying you can't be shy and work at Disney...I'm definitely an introvert!) But simply be honest with yourself, don't overthink too much, and you should be fine. I cannot guarantee anything, but I hope this helps!

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  17. I've heard rumors about people's WBI being rejected because they didn't use internet explorer, and they were able to contact DCP and retake the WBI. Is there any truth to that?

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  18. Based on a recent experience, be very positive, use strong agreement and strong disagreement, when asked. It feels scammy and very very un-Disney like. If this is how the system work, honesty isn’t the right answer, one should play the Disney game

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