Tag: las vegas

Job Searching in Las Vegas? Ace Your Next Hospitality Industry Job Interview

Published on by TAM of Nevada2 Comments

job searchFinding a great job in the hospitality industry can be challenging. The job market can be very competitive. Are you positioned to show hiring managers you’re the best candidate for the job? Beginning your search is only the first step. Here are some tips for putting your best foot forward and acing your next job interview.

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. Ask a friend to give you a mock interview. You can practice answering questions and gain helpful feedback about your answers. You want to make sure that you can impress with your confident and friendly attitude and industry knowledge. A mock interview is a great way to build up that confidence.

When you get to your interview remember to:

  1. Arrive on time or a little early to show you’re prepared. Allow yourself extra time to get to the interview, just in case. You don’t want to miss your chance because you were stuck in a traffic jam or got lost! 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 and show the hiring manager you are enthusiastic about the opportunity. You can also show your interest by asking good questions about the position.
  3. Show your prepared to get to work. If you’ve already obtained your TAM® Card and/or your Food Handler Card and Sheriffs Card, you’re ahead of the curve! Let the interviewer know if you already have these mandatory requirements completed. It can work in your favor if you have your cards already and can begin work sooner.
  4. Thank the interviewer for their time. Be sure you leave on the same positive note you came in on!

Now it’s your turn. Tell us – what other tips would you give to job seekers in the hospitality industry?

Did You Know? TAM Cards Are Required for Serving Alcohol at Special Events and Festivals

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FestivalsFestival season is upon us, and it is a good time to remind people about the rules concerning all special events.

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol awareness cards ARE required for anyone selling or serving alcoholic beverages for any length of time, including special one-time events… and the TAM® Card is the one you should have. We often receive calls asking if TAM Cards are needed for individuals who will be working to sell or serve alcoholic beverages for festivals, special weekend events, weddings, and similar situations. Even if you will only be working in this type of position for a short period of time, an alcohol awareness card is still mandatory. It protects you, your employer, and your patrons.

Taking it a step further, all hospitality professionals should remember that checking for ID is a huge responsibility. Room service, banquets, conventions, limo rides, race tracks, weddings, festivals, company picnics and celebrations, concession stands, and the list goes on! ID Checking at special events is absolutely imperative – are you following the letter of the law?

Just because a participant may have a special event pass, or may be attending an “adults only” wedding reception, that does not relieve the server from checking for photo ID. Bartenders should follow procedure to card anyone who appears to be 30 years of age or younger. It is better to be safe than sorry, and helps to keep underage guests safe.

To register for an online or on-site alcohol awareness course and obtain your TAM Card, visit TAM of Nevada’s website today!

Are You Serving Poolside? Prevent Dehydration from Alcohol Use on Hot Summer Days

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Summer drinksThe sunny days of summer are in full swing in Las Vegas! If you’re working poolside, you know that frosty mugs of beer and tropical cocktails are top sellers. Enjoying an alcoholic beverage on a hot day can be a refreshing treat, but it can also accelerate dehydration and can lead to heat-related illness.

Are you serving thirsty patrons responsibly? Extended exposure to the heat and sun can cause dehydration. In fact, many experts will tell you to avoid drinks containing alcohol while in the sun or heat. When a person is dehydrated, they actually have a lower volume of blood. With less blood in the system, it will take less alcohol to reach a higher blood alcohol content level.

So, add alcohol to the mix and party goers can quickly become even more dehydrated while drinking their poolside cocktails. How can pool party servers ensure that their guests have fun in the sun? Remember, the key word is fun. Heading to the hospital with heat exhaustion is not fun. Here are some tips to keep guests safe, happy, and having a great time.

  • With each drink order, also offer to bring your guests a glass of ice water. Drinking water is one of the easiest ways to help stay hydrated. By helping your guests to stay hydrated, you’ll work to offset the dehydrating effects of the alcohol, sweltering heat, and the sun.
  • With drink orders, remember to encourage your guests to order food. Food helps keep alcohol in the stomach for a longer period of time which means that it will be absorbed into the bloodstream at a much slower rate. Try offering your bar patrons an appetizer or entrée to go with their drinks. A simple, “Would you like to try some of our famous sliders to go with your cocktail?” is always a good tactic.
  • Don’t forget to keep an eye on guests and monitor their behavior. By keeping track of how much your guests are drinking, you can better judge when they’ve had enough. When in doubt, do not serve. You’ll learn all of the tips and tricks of save beverage service in your alcohol awareness course from TAM® of Nevada.
  • Keep an eye on your guests, and use good judgment. Suggest some shade and promote an alcohol-free beverage. You can say, “You know it’s really hot out here today. I don’t want you to miss out on the party. Let me find you a shady spot.

By following these steps, you up the fun factor and you keep yourself, your guests, and your establishment safe. What other advice would you give to TAM® Card holders working at Vegas pool parties?

Announcing Our Quarterly Customer Survey Winner

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Survey WInnerIf you’ve recently completed a TAM® class, did you remember to fill out the customer survey? As a token of thanks for our students’ participation, we enter survey respondents into a quarterly drawing for a $50 Amazon.com gift card prize. Congratulations to Valeria D., winner of our most recent quarterly gift card giveaway for filling out the TAM® of Nevada Customer Survey! Additionally, thanks to all of our customers for choosing TAM® and for letting us know about your experience.

If you’ve recently completed your TAM® course and haven’t yet completed the customer satisfaction survey, we invite you to access the survey and submit your response before our next drawing. Or, visit us on Facebook and tell us about your experience! Let us know your favorite part of the training, what you’ve learned, or ask us any questions you might have.

Our customer satisfaction survey is available to both online and classroom students. Thank you again to all of our customers for your patronage and for your helpful responses. Remember to visit us on Facebook and keep the conversation going.

© 2015 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada