Elitch Gardens Interview Questions
& Process

You apply on their website, but depending on the time of year, some applications might not be open. If you're looking to work during the summer, it's best to apply in early spring. They usually call within 3 weeks to schedule an interview. The interview itself is short and sweet. It's important to dress appropriately. I've seen people show up way too casually, even though the job is in a fun, easy-going atmosphere like an amusement park. You should present yourself as a professional. Dressing in a nice, fitted shirt, pants, and blazer will make you stand out. For women, a skirt suit or business dress with closed-toe shoes is perfect. Also, arrive early for your interview! Because there are many departments and positions, they get a lot of interest and have a structured way of interviewing. If you're late, even by a minute, they'll move on to the next person. So, be early to avoid missing out or having to reschedule, which could take another 3-4 weeks. Greet the receptionist nicely, state your full name, and why you're there. Prepare at least 6 questions for the interviewer for after the interview, like asking more about the company, the typical workday, their position, and how they got there. Make a good impression. Relax, it's really short and sweet. Be confident.

After applying online or in person, HR will reach out to schedule an interview and let you know what documents to bring. You'll interview in a group and answer questions one by one. The questions are basic, like why you want the job. After the group part, they take you into a separate room for individual interviews where they tell you if you got the job and the pay. Those not hired play a game to get to know each other. There's only one main interview. Be ready for a drug test on the spot if you get the job, though some people took it later. It's best to be prepared for it right away. Have at least three questions ready for them and know something about the company, like about their 'pre-view' day from the website. You'll schedule an orientation day before leaving, which is the main info meeting. It's pretty straightforward. The staff are nice, just bring all your paperwork to avoid extra trips to HR.

After applying online, I got a call from HR within an hour to set up an interview. The interview itself was in a group of about 5 people. They asked us general questions like 'Why do you want to work here?', 'Tell me about yourself?', 'What are your strengths?', and 'What are your weaknesses?'. Then, each of us was called into a separate room individually. They asked me where I wanted to work in the park and why, and if I was okay with working with kids in kiddie land. After that, they told you on the spot if you got the job, and if so, you scheduled your orientation.

It was an easy, low key, informal interview with one interviewer. After the interview, if you passed, there was a drug screen (urine) done right away. Then, after an on-site online pre-orientation of Elitch Gardens, paperwork was completed. This was followed by a two-day orientation and one day on the job training.