Tag: las vegas

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

Published on by TAM of Nevada2 Comments

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

It’s Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos. What Are Your Plans for Super Bowl Sunday?

Published on by TAM of NevadaLeave a comment

fanswatchinggameIt’s that time of year again; Super Bowl XLVIII is scheduled for this Sunday! If you aren’t working and are looking for a place to watch the game, there are plenty of options and places to join the party all over Las Vegas. It doesn’t matter which team you’re rooting for, if you prefer snacks and a pint at the pub, or cheering loud with the casino crowd, there’s something out there for everyone. Check out this extensive list of parties all over town, provided by Vegas Chatter.

If you’re working during the big game, remember to be extra careful in checking identification, and in observing customers. Special events like the Super Bowl can lead to high energy levels, increased excitement and celebration, and sometimes overindulgence. For a list of ways to focus on responsible service, refer to our blog post, “Are You Doing All You Can to Help Prevent Drunk Driving?”

As a reminder, if you need to renew your TAM® Card before Sunday, our office offers TAM® classes and exam proctoring six days a week. Register on our website or visit our new office fifteen minutes before the start of class to register at the door, walk-ins are always welcome!

Remember, kick-off time this Sunday will be at approximately 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Where are you going to watch the game? If you’re working, is your establishment doing anything special for the day?

© 2014 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

What’s New at the TAM® of Nevada Office

Published on by TAM of NevadaLeave a comment

TAM of Nevada training centerThe seasons are changing! Fall has arrived shorter days, longer nights, and spooky Halloween celebrations, and soon we’ll roll into the holiday season. Here at the TAM ® of Nevada office, we’re keeping busy with our regularly scheduled online and classroom courses, along with a handful of other special events. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new and exciting:

  1. A Spanish Class will be offered on Thursday, October 17th at 9:00am at our office in Las Vegas. For Spanish speakers who wish to complete their TAM® class in their native language, you may register online or register at the door prior to the start of class. Class will be offered at a cost of $35, and we will continue to offer a Spanish class once a month in the future.
  2. Exam proctoring is now available in Laughlin for our online TAM® Card students. Please visit us on Thursdays at the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce building any time between 8:30am-12:00pm. The office is located at 1585 S. Casino Drive, Suite #550, Laughlin, NV 89029. Once you finish your online course, just bring a valid photo ID and come prepared to take your exam. No need to make an appointment!
  3. We’re continuing to offer our quarterly $100 gift card giveaway for TAM® students. If you’ve recently completed your TAM® Card course and haven’t yet completed the short customer satisfaction survey, we’d like to hear from your about your experience with TAM® of Nevada. Visit us on Facebook to access the survey and submit your responses. As a token of thanks for your participation, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $100 Amazon.com gift card prize. While you are there, write on our Wall! Let us know your favorite part of the training, what you learned, or ask us any questions you might have. Our next winner will be picked shortly, so don’t delay.
  4. In the coming weeks, we’ll once again be kicking off our annual canned food drive to benefit the Three Square food bank here in Las Vegas. According to Three Square, one in six households in Nevada struggles with hunger, so every little bit does help. If you’re coming to our Training Center to complete your TAM® Training in the month of November or December, please consider bringing along a donation of non-perishables or canned goods to donate to our Three Square drop-box. Students and anyone else who wishes to donate can stop in at our Training Center at 3900 Paradise, Ste G, in Las Vegas and drop off non-perishables and canned goods during business hours.

If you have any questions about these or other offerings here at TAM® of Nevada, you may contact us for more information by email at [email protected], or by phone at 702-545-6664.

© 2013 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Service Excellence: Reading Customer Cues and Body Language

Published on by TAM of Nevada1 Comment

busy_bartenderA successful bartender or server is a keen and attentive observer. In addition to watching guests for signs of intoxication, one must also watch for cues and body language that indicate a guest would like to place a drink order or pay a bill. In a busy restaurant or crowded bar, it’s a challenge to provide excellent service to each and every one of your customers; the ability to watch for subtle hints and signals as you are rushing to clear tables or checking on other guests is crucial. So, do you know what to watch for?

Recently, researchers at Bielefield University in Germany compiled video recordings of customers ordering drinks in order to program a robot to interpret the body language of those people who are ready to place an order (UPI). Findings from this study help to establish clues as to what customers are doing to signal bartenders that they need service. Researchers found that only about 7% of customers looked at their wallets to signal that they would like to place an order. Looking for a more obvious clue? Surprisingly, less than 4% customers gestured at the bartender. So, what should bartenders look for from customers who may be ready to order? In this case, 90% of customers took the initiative by positioning themselves right up against the bar counter, facing the counter or the bartender. What we can take away from this is that one should also look for customers who are subtly trying to catch your eye or gain your attention.

While a robot bartender may sound like a fun gimmick for serving drinks, a responsible and diligent live bartender is necessary to read social situations and watch for signs of intoxication in customers. In addition to watching customers for cues that they would like to be served, watch them for cues that they should not be served. In order to learn the skills you need to serve effectively and responsibly, complete your Techniques of Alcohol Management® training and obtain a TAM® Card.

Also, it’s not only important to watch for cues from your guests, but remember to also remain aware of how your own body language may be perceived by others. Not only will a smile put your guests into a good frame of mind, projecting a positive attitude and body language will help YOU to relax and enjoy your job. And, as an added bonus, positive body language and professionalism set the tone for an enjoyable evening and can net you greater tips. For more tips on body language do’s and don’ts, check out our blog post “Set the Tone and Increase Your Earnings with Positive Body Language.”

Readers: What other advice would you give for reading cues and body language in customers?

Resources