Guest Relations Transfer Question

[glendalais]

I know we tend to come here to get away from work, but I just need some advice .

I'm thinking of putting in for a transfer over to Guest Relations after my probation period ends in January. I find that the most favourable aspect of my job right now is the interactions I have with the guests, and would be interested in a position that allows me to focus more exclusively on that aspect.

Anyway, I had a few questions about the whole process.

1. What skills should I emphasize on my application and interview? I know that things like independence, critical thinking and knowledge of all things Disney are pretty good, am I missing anything else?

2. In the same vain, is there anything I can possibly do in my current job to better position myself for a transfer?

If anyone else would like to give advice or help or if I you think I missed something that I should know about (or, for that matter, would like to criticize the idea), it would also be much appreciated.

[Big Wallaby]

Hello,

This sounds like a question I've been dealing with the past several months... if you want the details, it could be a fun search and would take you all over SGT. With that said, in my transfer which just went through last week and takes place in just under two weeks, I didn't have to fill out any applications. As far as an interview goes, can't tell you if that's going to happen or not. However, you're already in at Disneyland, so hopefully to your Casting person that will mean that you have already passed the initial tests and that you should still qualify to be a Cast Member. I would certainly stress your reason for wanting to get into Guest Relations. Make some contacts there as well, see if you can shadow a Relations CM for a day. That way, when you go to any interviews you may have to go to, you can go in knowing the job description and what you're in for.

Last week, I went to Animal Kingdom. One thing I like to do is make sure I always have Guest Service Fanatic cards on me... it's one thing the Cast Members are always able to accept, it goes on their record card that they did a good job, so I like to keep them with me. I was running low, so I went to Guest Relations at AK to pick up some more.

When I got there and to the front of the line, my first words were, "I have a very serious problem, and I'm hoping you can help." It was great, I saw the guy's eyes glaze over a touch, but he never stopped smiling. You could see he was bracing. So when I told him what my *problem* really was, I'm pretty sure he almost fainted with relief. I hope that by doing that, by making a bit of a joke of what he has to hear every time someone comes up to that desk (because everyone's problem is a very serious problem, right?), I brightened his day a touch.

So, do you have any particular part of Guest Relations you are wanting to get into?

Oh, and one more very important thing:

to SGT from and :wallaby: .

[glendalais]

Thanks for the welcome :D: .

I'm interested in basically everything Guest Relations does, but if I were to pick a certain area, it would probably be something like City Hall or Info Desk. Oddly enough, I seem to enjoy listening to people complain about such things as why Disney hasn't closed the dome over the park in order to stop the rain , it's those kinds of things that seem to make my work day lol.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Thanks for the welcome :D: .

I'm interested in basically everything Guest Relations does, but if I were to pick a certain area, it would probably be something like City Hall or Info Desk. Oddly enough, I seem to enjoy listening to people complain about such things as why Disney hasn't closed the dome over the park in order to stop the rain , it's those kinds of things that seem to make my work day lol.

That is a good question, WHY havn't they?? Hmmmmm??

[Cheshire Figment]

Actually, the umbrella has been returned to the manufacturer for warranty repairs and it is expected back shortly.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

But, I thought it was a dome!!! You're ruining my magic!!(hehehehe) ;)

[Big Wallaby]

Nah, it only rains when Disney corporate wants it to.

[Princess Susi]

If one wants to get hired at Guest relations, say City Hall or any of those type of positins at any of the Parks, from OUTSIDE the company, could it happen? I have a very strong background in communications and customer service for many years. I am curious actually, because you all know I AM coming to invade WDW and live right there so I can work at the Parks. It is either that job or I have to try for years to get into the Vet Tech positions over at DAK. Those positions do NOT open that often! The other job I want is driving the trains, HAHAHAHA!!!!!! Like THAT is gonna happen! NOT!!!!! LOL! :D:
sues

[SRT_GB]

Last I heard, GR did not hire from outside the company. Also, last I heard, you had to be in your current position for 6 months before you could apply for a transfer. But with the DLR labor situation being what it is, those requirements could be waived.

As for the OP, if there's a polite way to put "Ability to put up with lots and lots of crap" on your resume, do it. Also, if you have a good rapport with your manager, talk about your potential transfer with him or her. I think it would be better for you to do this than have them be surprised when they get a call/email from Casting or GR.

If you do interview for a transfer to GR and you don't get the job, you could also try hotel Front Desk. Their qualifications are very similar to GR (including the ability to put up with lots and lots of crap). Guests really appreciate their work and they get a lot of written guest compliments. Unfortunately most CMs, especially in the parks, aren't really aware of what they do besides checking people in/out of the hotels. Of course the biggest drawback to FD is that they work graveyard shifts. I was trying to transfer to FD before I left DLR and was actually called for an interview a few days after I gave my notice to leave the company.

Hope that helps, and good luck to you!

[Cheshire Figment]

Seriously, one thing to have is a detailed understanding of ticketing; what is available, upgrades, etc.