So you wanna work at the happiest place on Earth.
The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) and its parks, Disneyland and Disney World, are known for being “places of magic.” Whether you’re thinking about the animators at Disney+ or the entertainers at Disney World, there’s no denying that landing a job at Disney wouldn’t just look great on paper; it would probably also feel as if you’re living your “happily ever after.”
If you’re dreaming of scoring one of the Disney jobs, that’s great! After all, landing a job or an internship at this global company will impress potential employers and expand your borders. Prospective employers know that TWDC equips all of their employees with extensive training and they look forward to benefiting from your skills.
On top of that, employees are taken care of. Have you heard of the Disney Hub?
Before you start browsing for Disney careers, it pays to know what you can expect with the House of Mouse.
What are the Jobs You Can Find at Disney?
In the US, you can work at The Disney World Resort (located near Orlando, FL) or at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Disneyland is composed of two parks: California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park. As for Disney World Resort, it is composed of four parks: Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Magic Kingdom. They are complemented by an entertainment complex, a shopping mall and two water parks.
The wide coverage of Disney means that you have plenty of Disney jobs for everyone. There are roles in hotel and lodging, food and beverage, retail store and entertainment options. Consider the following:
Retail and Store Operations
Shops that sell Disney merchandise are located throughout Disneyland and Disney World, as well as in other cities worldwide. There are plenty of jobs for managers and retail salespeople. If you want to work in a Disney store as opposed to a shopping mall, this is the best place to be.
Hotel and Lodging Jobs
Disney guests have different options when it comes to accommodations. Their selection ranges from motel-style accommodations to luxury hotels. If you’re a big fan of the hospitality service, jobs are available at the front office, guest services, concierge operations, recreation, management and housekeeping.
Food and Beverage Jobs
Quick service and full-service restaurants in Disney parks and surrounding hotels employ talented chefs and food service crew. Employees in this sector work in counter service locations and are in charge of preparing and serving meals.
Entertainment Jobs
Characters are the heart of Disney parks. Whether it’s Mickey and Minnie or any of the Disney princesses, it’s always a joy to entertain at Disneyland. There are also entertainment jobs that don’t require performance. These cast members can help performers see the magic in Disney.
How Do You Find a Job at Disney?
If Disney careers are at the top of your list right now, brainstorm ways to set yourself apart from other candidates.
Here are some tips:
Make a Connection
Use LinkedIn to your advantage. Well-written job descriptions for Disney jobs often list the name of the group, the job title and the location. Use that information to increase your chances of being in the right career group. Making connections on LinkedIn opens more opportunities for you to message the right people or connect with hiring managers.
Once you’ve made connections online, get in touch and ask them if they are willing to do interviews. Some will ignore you, but others will also take notice of you. Even if you’re not talking to the hiring manager, always build an authentic connection.
Stand Out
Don’t use the basic “I’ve always loved Disney” line in your cover letter. Instead, be specific about your experience and skills and how they match those listed in the job description. Avoid writing a novel; instead, demonstrate how you can fit in the company.
Refrain from leaning in your love for Disney. Everyone does.
Instead of using Disney on Disney, learn more about the job you’re applying for and see how you can help them.
Job Portals are Your Friends (and Foes)
Job portals often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which can either be a friend or foe to applicants and recruiters. ATS often promises that your resume will research the employers you want. However, ATS can be resume shredding devices.
Don’t place all of your hopes on job portals. While they are helpful, they don’t guarantee direct connections with the people you need to meet. Instead, directly hand your resume online or offline to the right people. You can visit Disney’s job portal (www.disneycareers.com) to search for potential jobs, but if you can find the people to submit your resume to, do so.
A job at Disney is a dream come true, especially for those who wish to find their happily ever afters in their career. A dream is a wish your heart makes, but if you dream about working for Disney, get up and start sending out those resumes.
