Job Hunting: 4 Tips for Finding Hospitality Jobs in Las Vegas

hospitality-jobs-marketWe all know the job market for hospitality workers is competitive. However, companies across southern Nevada are always advertising new positions, and there are some great opportunities are out there for motivated job seekers. For example, new Las Vegas property SLS Las Vegas announced this week that they are hiring 300 hotel, restaurant and finance positions this month, with 2,500 more positions to open up in the spring (Vegas News). This is exciting news for Las Vegas locals and just the tip of the iceberg in terms of opportunities for TAM® Card holders. Are you looking for a new career? Here are some tips to help you on your job search:

  1. Identify companies you would like to work for. It’s not enough to check job listing websites and hope to find an opportunity. Make a list of companies or local properties you would be interested in working for, and connect with them directly. Las Vegas hotels, clubs and casinos are great about posting information on job openings and hiring fairs on their websites and social media channels. Staying connected with local properties will give you a heads up as soon as open positions are announced.
  2. In an effort to help hardworking TAM® Card holders connect with local employers, we keep an up-to-date job posting board at our official training center on Paradise Road. When you come in for an alcohol awareness class or proctored exam, make sure you check out our job board near the reception desk. We keep in touch with properties all over town and try to keep our students informed about any available positions for hospitality and service professionals. You may find a listing that would be a great fit for you.
  3. Visit job fairs to meet with potential employers face-to-face and make a great impression. TAM® students receive the best alcohol awareness training possible, and employers know it. By attending job fairs, you can sell yourself, and your skills, to employers, and network with representatives from several companies in one setting. You never know who you’ll run into; TAM® of Nevada Manger Sherry Cummings attended a Diversity Career Fair at the Palms Casino and Resort in mid-February to meet with local companies and TAM® Card holders. If you see us at a local event, remember to say hello!
  4. Be prepared for an interview and any next steps. So you’ve obtained your TAM® Card, performed a job search, and now have an interview lined up… your work still isn’t done. You’ll need to impress hiring managers with your personality, attitude and work ethic. For tips on how to ace an interview, check out our blog post, “Come Prepared and Ace Your Next Hospitality Industry Job Interview.”

Searching for a great position can be a challenging process, but having the right tools to help you get started can greatly boost your chances of success. What tips would you give to job seekers for finding a hospitality or service position in Las Vegas?

Resources

SLS Las Vegas Now Hiring 300 Hotel, Restaurant and Finance Leadership Positions – VegasNews.com

© 2014 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Come Prepared and Ace Your Next Hospitality Industry Job Interview

So, you’ve obtained your TAM® Card and Health Card, you’ve gone scouting for a job, and now you’ve got an interview lined up… What’s next? Searching for hospitality industry jobs in a down economy can be challenging and stressful too. It’s important to remember that landing an interview is only the first step; now you have to impress hiring managers with your winning personality, great attitude and industry know-how. Are you prepared to put your best foot forward and land your dream job?

A great way to prepare for your interview is to think about common questions that are likely to be asked, and how you’ll respond. Think of it like a practice test. Wouldn’t you want to review what’s going to be on your quiz before you sit down to take it? Hospitality Job Site features a great article with common questions that hiring managers like to ask job candidates in the hospitality and nightlife industry. You can read the article titled, “Common Interview Questions,” and use that as a starting point for your preparations. Still feel like you’re not quite ready? Consider asking a friend to give you a mock interview. You can practice answering questions and gain helpful feedback about your answers and your demeanor.

When you get to your interview remember to:

  1. Arrive on time. Allow yourself extra time to get to the interview just in case, and be prepared to fill out a formal application once you arrive. By arriving a few minutes early, you’ll be ready to meet with a hiring manager at the scheduled time, and won’t keep them waiting while you finish paperwork.
  2. Be confident. Smile and sit up straight. Be sure to project a positive attitude.
  3. Thank the interviewer for their time. Be sure you leave on the same positive note you came in on.

You should now be well on your way to acing your next interview. For more tips to making the most of your job search, check out our blog post, “You’re Hired! Landing a Job in the Hospitality Industry.”

What tips have you received for making a great impression in an interview?

Resources

Health Cards – Southern Nevada Health District

Common Interview Questions – Hospitality Job Site

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada