First you have to fill out a very long and comprehensive application online.
If they like what they see, they will conduct a brief phone screening interview with you to make sure you can make the dates of the season.
Then they email you to arrange a Skype interview and ask you to prepare a 3 minute presentation on any national park the trips visit.
Then it's time for the Skype interview and prepare yourself for an intense mentally challenging and exhausting experience. The interview starts out similar to others-the interviewer asks you questions about your resume, work history and covers the basics. Next you are asked a series of scenario questions that gauge how you would act in a potentially challenging situation while leading a tour. These questions are tough and relentless-one after another-I was asked about 6 or 7 very tough situational questions.
Brace yourself because now it's time for a pop quiz! You are tested on your US geography and historical knowledge. Some questions include knowing the capitals, border areas and where national parks are located.
And after a humbling series of questions that crush any previous notion that you had a good grasp on US geography, you are now sweaty and red in the face and it's time for the 3 minute presentation. Perhaps you had prepared and rehearsed 4 or 5 times, but now, with your mind jumbled in scenarios and historical facts, you need to show that you can keep your cool and present information.
When it's all done, you can relax your shoulders and ask questions. The whole interview lasts about 45 minutes and it is definitely unique and challenging, for good reason. The job is a very demanding one-you have to be quick with your thinking and problem solving and you have to know your US history like the back of your hand. If you can't make it through the interview, you'll never make it through the job.