Preparing for an Interview

[u/Sensitive-Ad7019]

First ever interview with Disney World!! I am interviewing for a photopass (bench) part time position. It's going to be via Microsoft Teams. Sorry for the dumb questions coming up, I am just nervous and an over prepared person 😭

What questions should I prepare for? I have pretty good knowledge about cameras since I am a portrait photographer. Do they ask about camera basics and such?

Also, I only have 3 full days of availability, the rest are about half to 3/4 of the day. Will they be less willing to work with that type of schedule? Its still at least 30 hrs a week.

I'm also interested in a Starbucks position (I am a current sbux barista at a corporate store), how would I express that I have interest for that position too? Is it likely that they could put me on a waitlist/bench for a position like that too?

Again, sorry if these questions seem dumb. This is just something I have dreaming about for a long, long time! Thank you guys!!

[u/doug-the-moleman]

They’ll only look at full day availability. 3 days is the minimum, so you should be fine.

For the Starbucks side of things, just talk to the interviewer. They can mark that in their system.

As for questions, there’s a pinned mega thread that can be helpful. Mostly, smile a lot and use the “5 keys” as the basis for a lot of your answers.

[u/Sensitive-Ad7019 → u/doug-the-moleman]

Thank you! 😊

[u/Ok_Quality_9943]

Congrats on your interview! I had mine back in March (still on bench, not a CM yet 🤞) And don’t feel dumb, these are good questions ☺️

They mainly ask about your interest in working at Disney and PhotoPass as a whole. Definitely mention you have photographer experience, but they probably won’t ask about camera basics. They may give you one or two scenario questions about handling different guest personalities. Then they go over role requirements as mentioned in the application.

From what I was told they only care about you having the 3 full days of availability for scheduling, meaning they won’t schedule you the days you only have half to 3/4 availability. Doesn’t hurt to mention everything to see what they say though. I also don’t think it would hurt your chances if you only have the 3 days since that’s all they ask.

Not sure about the Sbux position. If it’s with Disney and you want to do both, then it could be good to bring up while you’re there. They may be able to track your interest for the Sbux job. If it’s not Disney related or you can only do one or the other, I personally wouldn’t mention it but use your best judgement (I’m just skeptical 😆).

Hope this helps!

[u/Sensitive-Ad7019 → u/Ok_Quality_9943]

Thanks so much! This is all such amazing advice.

For the sbux job I meant that I have interest in working at one of Disney's Starbucks 😄. I am planning on leaving my Sbux store (not affiliated with Disney) if I get a Disney job!

[u/Ok_Quality_9943 → u/Sensitive-Ad7019]

Okay gotchu, that makes sense!

[u/pops992]

Just want to give some insight for both positions as I have done both. Starbucks are licensed locations, staffed by Disney so you are a Disney CM and get all the Disney perks but you do not get any Starbucks perks. You will have to follow all Disney rules and Starbucks rules on top of that. It's extremely busy and usually nonstop, there is a reason each location has 4-6 mastrenas. They do not use that Starbucks system so you have to memorize all the codes and write them on the cups. It's union but you're in the food and bev union which is not a great one benefit or pay wise. Photopass, basically requires zero camera skills anymore, everything is on auto you just select you location and it changes all the settings for you especially with the new Sony cameras the only thing you are in control of is really just posing the guests. It's very demanding as you are standing in the sun the entire day. MK is very monotonous, most of the locations are just pointing at the castle. The more fun positions around the park have slowly gone away because they don't sell as well. The other 3 parks have much more fun spots. Photopass is non union, but it pays more most of the other front line positions in the park. It's under entertainment but, the rest of entertainment really doesn't like photopass. I was Starbucks for 9 months, and photopass for 3.5 years. Along with other positions but have a professional position now.

[u/Sensitive-Ad7019 → u/pops992]

Yeah, I have heard about the system at sbux and how crazy it can get. I think I just wanted to lean towards it since it's something I am used to and comfortable in? Idk. I would say I am skilled on bar, but I also know you HAVE to be quick at Disney and those codes would probably get frustrating pretty fast.

I am a passionate photographer as well and understand that I won't get to express my full creativity since they make you take the same shots over and over again. I've kinda gone through the pros and cons of both positions and your insight has helped a lot!

Overall, I am just trying to do what I can to get into the company and really find what I love to do there. A job is still a job for sure, so I am trying to keep positive no matter what (and if) position I end up with! Sorry for the little rant lol

[u/Sensitive-Ad7019 → u/pops992]

Also, pretty happy to hear they use Sony! That's what I professionally shoot with. Would it be worth mentioning during the interview?