Interviews are usually stressful. We all get nervous. Our hopes and dreams for the future are riding on this interview. I’ve compiled a list of things that really worked for me during my two phone interviews for the Disney College Program.

1. Smile!

I know if you’re looking up tips for the DCP phone interview online, then you’ve already probably come across this tip. I know it sounds silly. After all, they can’t see you over the phone. But, they can hear the tone of your voice and you’ll sound a lot happier and way more enthusiastic if you’re smiling. Nobody wants to hire someone who sounds like they’re really not that interested in the job. Sometimes, if you focus too much on the questions and not on how you sound when you’re answering them, you may lose the smile on your face and in your voice.

2. Make it a conversation, not an interrogation.

Disney is a family friendly brand. The phone interview is the best and the only time during the application process that you can prove to your recruiter that you are personable, friendly and fun. If you’re asked a question and there’s a way for you to make a fun little joke out of it, then go for it. Getting your interviewer to laugh is definitely a plus. A lot of people go into interviews expecting things to be serious, but it’s way better to balance professional and fun when you’re dealing with a brand like Disney’s.

3. Practice makes perfect.

Always practice before interviews. It's part of the preparation process. There are probably hundreds of blogs you can find that have sample DCP questions. On the official internship blog, they don’t recommend using those sample questions to practice because you don’t know if your recruiter will ask them. However, I found it certainly didn’t hurt to think about what I would do in those scenarios and even jot down a few notes. Look up generic interview questions. Those definitely tend to make their way into even DCP interviews. They might ask what your three weaknesses and strengths are (I was asked that during my first program interview) and those are definitely things you want to think about ahead of time. Coming up with something like that on the spot is really tough and questions like that do require some reflection. And don’t come up with a weakness that is really a compliment if you are asked. Don’t say things like, “I work too hard." They want real, sincere weaknesses.

4. Thank your interviewer and ask questions.

This is just being polite. At the end of your interview, thank your interviewer for their time. Be sincere! Thank them by name. If you feel like you might forget their name after 20 minutes of chatting, then write it down as soon as they say it and keep that note handy. You should always thank your interviewer for their time and adding the personal touch of thanking them by name is really great. It shows them that you care and have been paying attention.

If you have questions about the program, then ask! If you have questions about housing, questions about the classes you can take during your DCP, questions about certain roles, what check-in is like or even questions about how the interviewer got started at Disney, then just ask at least one question.

It's not required for you to ask questions, but it makes you look interested in the company.

5. Pre-interview Disney hour.

I make sure I put myself in a Disney mindset an hour before the scheduled time. I listen to Disney music, I read Disney blogs, go through their social media and even watch video clips. I make myself feel inspired before the interview starts. It definitely gives me a confidence boost and I’m always prepared when the interviewer calls.

Take a deep breath and answer honestly. They’re not judging you, they’re getting to know you.