Raquel began her career at Disneyland Paris in 2002 as a waitress at the Silver Spur Steakhouse. She is now a recruitment officer in the Talent Acquisition team. Her passion for her job inspires her every day, and she is dedicated to helping people who, like her, want to make their dreams come true.
Working at Disneyland Paris is a unique experience! How did your recruitment process go?
Disneyland Paris and I had a long and beautiful love affair! When I was finishing my studies at the Hotel School in Madrid, where I was studying to become a restaurant manager, I told my family that I wanted to work for Disneyland Paris. It was a dream of mine!
One day, I read in the Spanish press that Disneyland Paris was looking for future talent. I applied without hesitation to the Casting Tour in Madrid – it was a natural choice!
I still remember the day of the appointment. A lot of people came for the occasion. After the interview, I found out that my profile had been selected. Two months later, I was in France to work at Disneyland Paris – my dream had come true!
After working as a waitress, you continued to advance within the company. Can you describe your professional career for us?
Of course I can! After being recruited and given my first assignments, I became half-chef de rang at the Auberge de Cendrillon in 2003, then chef de rang for special events in the Food division. This experience opened some exceptional opportunities for me, including teh Talent School, a training program designed to prepare Cast Members for the role of Team Leader.
I then took up the position of Leader at Food Special Events Parks, a rewarding experience that enabled me to manage teams and take on unique challenges at special events.
With my thirst to discover, learn and evolve, I moved to our hotels, then in 2017, I took a new step in my career thanks to the internal mobility and training opportunities on offer. I joined the Human Resources team. Finally, I chose to join the Talent Acquisition department as a recruitment officer, the position I currently hold.
You’ve given us a good description of your internal mobility. You’ve forged a strong bond with the company.
Yes, and in the 22 years since my career began as a waitress, I’ve been very proud to contribute to the history of the destination!
One of the moments that will always remain engraved in my memory is when I was Food Special Events Parks Leader. With an exceptional team, I organised Christmas parties and evenings in the parks’ restaurants, where we welcomed over 1,000 children.
This experience enabled us to bring the magic of Christmas to life and make children’s eyes shine, creating unforgettable memories.
You now work with the Talent Acquisition and HR Marketing teams. What does your job involve?
Every year we organize a number of recruitment events across France and Europe in operational areas such as catering, hotels and reception. It’s called the Casting Tour, and our common objective is to find talented people who will fit in perfectly with our existing teams.
As a recruitment officer in the restaurant sector, I’m constantly on the lookout for diverse talent who are passionate about the restaurant business. I’m constantly working with the restaurant leaders in our parks and developing profiles by looking for the right skills and qualities for each position.
With my colleagues, we also use various online recruitment channels, social networks, job fairs and partnerships with catering schools to attract qualified candidates, enabling us to retain the best profiles. We monitor the progress of the recruitment process, from the pre-selection of candidates through to the job offer, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and on time.
Disneyland Paris offers a unique working environment in an international context, welcoming visitors and Cast Members of over 123 different nationalities and offering 500 different professions. This diversity makes for truly exceptional working experience.
What motivates you as a Recruitment Manager?
What really motivates me as a recruitment officer is the opportunity to combine my passion for the restaurant trade with my desire to help others find their place at Disneyland Paris.
Each candidate brings with them a unique story, and I’m convinced that this diversity enriches our company in a valuable way.
Any words of advice for future candidates?
I’d like to say a word of advice to future applicants: stay true to yourself and believe in yourself.
Disneyland Paris offers unique opportunities to make your dreams come true, grow and fulfil yourself in your work. Each candidate is unique and can make a valuable contribution to our company. So don’t hesitate to follow your dreams and explore the opportunities offered by Disneyland Paris.