So, you want to be part of the Dollywood family but aren’t sure where to start. Well, fear not! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, showstopper, or hospitality hero, you have a spot at Dollywood Parks & Resorts. The key thing will be knowing how to find the right role for your talents and stand out during the application and interview process. Ready to get started? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Work at Dollywood?
Dollywood is an exciting place, full of fun rides and great shows, all mixed into one friendly vibe. Working here means joining a team that creates special memories for all its guests. It’s also where you can grow, learn, and enjoy all these benefits:
- Excellent pay and benefits: Dollywood offers a competitive compensation package, complete with health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Positive work environment: No matter what corner of the park you call home, you’ll find a culture of kindness and Southern hospitality.
- Grow U: Dollywood covers your college expenses, including tuition, fees, and books. You can choose from 108 programs at 30 schools.
- Free admission: You and your immediate family get unlimited free admission to Dollywood and its partner attractions.
- Discounts galore: Get big discounts on everything Dollywood sells at the park, including food to clothes and artisan goods.
The park also hosts exclusive events for its employees and their families. This includes after-hours park access, holiday celebrations, and sneak previews of new attractions.
Career Paths at Dollywood
Several exciting career paths await at Dollywood Parks & Resorts. Each offers you many opportunities to grow and contribute to the park’s ongoing success.
Career path options include:
- Hospitality: Serve up an awesome time to every guest through roles in guest services, ticketing, and attractions
- Culinary: Prepare tasty meals and treats in Dollywood’s eateries and snack stands, including The Front Porch Café and Aunt Granny’s Restaurant
- Retail: Work in Dollywood’s shops selling handcrafted items, souvenirs, and other products that help guests take home a piece of the park
- Entertainment: Bring Dollywood to life through dance, music, and theater performances, either on center stage or behind the scenes
- Operations: Keep the park running smoothly by managing ride operations, maintenance, and logistics
- Marketing: Promote Dollywood’s attractions and events by developing strategies, managing social media, and creating content
- Human resources: Support the Dollywood team by handling recruitment, training, and employee relations
- Finance: Oversee Dollywood’s finances, including budgeting and planning for the park’s long-term success
- Technology: Maintain and improve Dollywood’s tech systems, from sales tools to ride controls
Explore the open positions at the theme park, water park, and resorts by visiting the Dollywood Company Career Opportunities page. Then, scroll or search through the job categories that interest you to see what’s available.
If an entertainment position is your wish, submit a virtual audition instead. Carefully review the guidelines for video content, format, and length to create a professional video you’re proud to share.
Steps to a Winning Application at Dollywood
When you find an attractive job posting at Dollywood, it’s time to apply. This is where you put your best foot forward with a well-penned resume and cover letter.
Your resume should highlight all your skills that match the job description. Be sure to include any relevant work experience and education that shows your ability to excel in the role. Organize your resume logically using a visually pleasing design to make a great first impression.
In your cover letter, tell the recruiter why you love Dollywood and how you’d be an excellent fit for the park’s culture and values. Let your personality shine as you write every word. And remember that Dollywood is looking for people who can create memories worth repeating for every guest.
Once you have these items ready, click on the job listing to go to the application page. Upload your resume to start, which will help the applicant tracking system (ATS) fill many fields automatically.
Be sure to carefully review the information and fill in any missing or incorrect fields. Then, hit submit and repeat this process for any other positions that catch your eye.
Interview Preparation Tips and Tricks
While waiting to hear back, you should prepare for your interview. Research the park’s history, values, mission, and attractions to get things started. Yes, even if you’re pretty familiar with Dollywood, there’s always more to learn.
During your research, jot down a few smart questions to ask the interviewers about the company, the role, and the team. This will show your genuine interest in the position and give you a better understanding of what to expect.
Additionally, go online and look up common interview questions so you can practice answering them out loud. Get comfortable talking about your skills and experiences, and be ready to explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
What to Expect in Your Dollywood Interview
Landing a job at Dollywood typically involves a multi-stage interview process. The interviewers will examine your qualifications, personality, and how well you fit with the company’s culture to confirm your suitability for the role and team. Here’s what to expect.
Basic interview
For most roles, the interview process starts with a phone screening. You’ll need to answer questions about your interest in working at Dollywood, your relevant experience, and your availability.
You’ll be invited to a more in-depth interview if you pass the screening. This is where all your preparation pays off. To make the best impression, dress appropriately for the role you’re applying for, arrive on time, and bring copies of your resume.
During this interview, you can expect:
- Detailed inquiries about your background and skills
- Various scenarios that will test your problem-solving and customer service skills
- Questions about your ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment
You’ll also have a chance to ask your own questions about the role, work environment, and anything else you can think of.
In-Person Callback
If you submitted a virtual audition, you may be invited for an in-person callback. During this stage, you’ll perform live for the audition panel to show off your talents and ability to learn on the fly.
However, you’re not going to perform a show of your own. Instead, you’ll work with the producer and current cast members to learn choreography, musical pieces, or lines of dialogue.
So, be ready to step outside your comfort zone and try assorted styles or techniques. The audition panel wants to see how well you take direction, collaborate with an ensemble cast, and perform under pressure.
Land Your Dream Job at Dollywood Parks & Resorts
At Dollywood, you’ll find more than just a job. Working at the park allows you to create unforgettable experiences and be part of something amazing. Plus, with its competitive pay, fantastic perks, and positive work environment, it’s the perfect place to grow your career and make lasting memories. So, why wait? Fill out your application or send in your virtual audition today.
