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I was lucky enough to be offered a few cocktailing jobs. At pretty decent casinos . However, I've had a bad experience were I have been let go prior to probation ending (five days prior) because of anything I have done wrong ( that I was made aware of) but simply because " it wasn't a good fit." Which is code for " we don't like you. " can someone please give me advice to how to fly under the radar so that no one will notice me and I can just work the casino floor, make money, and management can simply forget about my existence?
I'm not very confrontational at all. I'm the kind of person who simply goes to work, refuses to take sides during arguments( because I don't want to be involved), I don't ever mention my personal life, I'm never late nor do I call off and I'm not the type to tell on the other girls or even really socialize during break. I even go out of my way to avoid managers period and all my interactions with management are brief and to the point . I don't have customer complaints because I never had an upset customer and I get regulars and always get tipped well. I even have regulars who used to play in certain sections sometimes move simply to sit in my section.
I am able to get a pool job ( granted only at hotels not the big dayclubs because I don't have long term job experience) and the money is good, I agree, but I just want long term employment. I want to show the clubs I can stick out a year at a place or even if I never make it to a big dayclub, I want to be able to have a stable and reliable job
I know it's possible because I have seen girls make it past probation. Is sucking up the key? Please someone just help me. I'm legit lost
I can help you. Yes, you should suck up. Stop avoiding the managers....those are they people saying they don't even know who you are so why keep you. Next buy a pushup bra, have perfect posture and look gorgeous every single day. And your tips will go up too.
You need to stand out in a good way to make it past probation!
I can help you. Yes, you should suck up. Stop avoiding the managers....those are they people saying they don't even know who you are so why keep you. Next buy a pushup bra, have perfect posture and look gorgeous every single day. And your tips will go up too.
You need to stand out in a good way to make it past probation!
Thank you, my dear I do appreciate you. Yes, I already got a push up bra and I definitely try to be pretty because I now it's kind of the unwritten rule as a waitress in Vegas I think. I do well tips wise it's just something sabatoged me last time and since I am not aware of upsetting a customer, I thought that the " not a good fit " line simply meant that maybe the others didn't like me... Even though I didn't have any drama that I was aware of . I don't suck up to the girls like most new girls do but if they tell me to do something I do it but other than that I don't really talk to them outside of small talk. I wish I could avoid small talk too but I don't want to seem like I'm snobby. I just never know what to say to them. It's odd but I'm good with customers because it's a role but one on one I'm pretty quiet.
You say to suck up. Should I suck up to management or the other girls too? Yeah I should talk to managers more but I just find them intimidating. This new job I accepted, I mainly took it because I actually liked the manager and found them very friendly.
In the casino in question, are the cocktailers represented by a union (if they are it would likely be HERE/Culinary)? If they are, and they get past probation, do they join the union, and get union protection?
If the answer is yes, that may be the reason you were let go. The management wants to keep its workers out of the union, and are willing to have a rotating group of newbies to achieve that. We've had people complain about this here previously.
If this appears to be the case, I'd talk to the union. Maybe there's something they can do about it.
In the casino in question, are the cocktailers represented by a union (if they are it would likely be HERE/Culinary)? If they are, and they get past probation, do they join the union, and get union protection?
If the answer is yes, that may be the reason you were let go. The management wants to keep its workers out of the union, and are willing to have a rotating group of newbies to achieve that. We've had people complain about this here previously.
If this appears to be the case, I'd talk to the union. Maybe there's something they can do about it.
Hi bbbmw,
Thank you for replying. This casino I am getting hired with is Union but the last was not. I honestly wish they would've told me exactly what I did wrong. I have a friend in HR that said they could've told me but simply chose not to. Because I don't know, now I'm paranoid. What you said about the union is interesting. So it's common for new people to simply get fired to keep the new people from joining the union? It's sad to hear that lots of people don't make it past probation. It would have been easier if I was simply doing something wrong because then maybe I could try things differently this time around. To hear I might not stand a chance simply because of the union thing is disheartening. I heard of women making cocktailing a career... Maybe it's hard to do these days? Except if that's true, what are the others doing to get past?
I know nothing about being a cocktail waitress, but I completely understand your aversion to the politics and b.s., as that is the worst part of any job. But, I've also found that environment to be inversely proportional to the skills required from the work itself. Add in the drama of women and "looks", and I have to imagine the b.s. level of a job requiring the skills of bringing containers of liquid to people while being "hot" is pretty off the charts. I definitely feel your pain!
Did you ever consider that you did nothing wrong? That maybe you just weren't a good fit in the last situation? Most bosses want someone who will do the job, do it well, and not cause them drama, so they have time to deal with the drama created by others already there. Maybe they were looking for someone at the last job that could have stepped in, and countered some of the drama, which would not be the fly below the radar type. Don't let it get you down.
If this is happening multiple times, then I'd be looking inward to make sure what I saw as flying below the radar wasn't being interpreted as something else? Every management system has some sort of productivity metric: drinks served per hour, tips earned per hour, gross sales per hour, etc. come to mind here. Perhaps a way to approach the managers would be to engage them about this, and see how you are doing compared to the average, and shoot to be the best against whatever it is at that location. It would definitely demonstrate that you care, and I'd rather have three less than stellar workers who care than one star who doesn't give an eff. If nothing else, it will make the manager less intimidating and more part of the team that they really should be.
Another thing I'd do is observe the other employees, and see who the "queen bee" is. This is the informal leader who the others tend to defer to. Make an attempt to befriend this person, as the manager is going to hear their opinion about you whether they seek it out or not. You don't have to become best buds, and you can always cool off the relationship after your probation ends.. Also, if it's a union shop, don't mention anything about rules, unions, etc. in earshot of the manager. If there's even a hint that you'll be constantly running to the union over every little thing and causing the manager more work and heartburn, you're gone, no matter what they think of you, or how good your work is.
Good luck, keep your chin up, and you'll get there..
You asked and here it comes I have PLENTY to say on this subject.
I sincerely want to be helpful so if anything I write can be taken in a mean or disrespectful way that is NOT the way I mean it
I am going to ASSUME you want to be a GREAT server since you seem very enthusiastic and I always try to believe the best in people.
I spent 20 years in Gaming.Most of it in table games.I am now retired.
So you could say I have worked with a LOT of Servers. Even a few guys!
I also have dealt with a LOT of Casino and Beverage Service Managers
Just so you do not think I am going off 1/2 cocked and know nothing
I UNDERSTAND ..casino workers..specifically dealers and servers all have tons of drama.
A close 2nd to when I was working in the stripper biz, but that's another story....
I know it is neither RIGHT or FAIR.
If you are new to the job and on probation in a UNION SHOP you should have NO PROBLEMS.
ZERO ..put up with whatever they are doing cuz they KNOW if you get in the Union they are stuck with you
I would sugest anything you need from them is asked as a favor. Go to them with that mentality," you hate to be a bother but you really need to know if there is a procedure for washing the ashtrays. Everyone tells me something different"
Try not to BE a problem, be someone with a problem. FOlks love to help someone Especially pretty ladies!with a problem.
Try to have an idea what you want or what you will sugest IF ASKED. otherwise go with it.
If players are moving to your section that is both great and terrible.
I will also assume you are warm and friendly and all that. So the players LOVE you!
Of course the worse the REST of the servers are the more you will shine, so it can quickly become a loop.
At the very least you must be moving the drinks and that is awesome!!
It's a volume game and you seem to know that.
is it also terrible for you.
See every $ you get from that player some other server thinks was THEIRS . Many will Watch just to see how much of their money you are taking home.
If you don't think there are some catty, nasty, petty ******* on the floor please trust me there are.
Now I have a cure for this situation, but like most medicine you prob will not like it.
When a player moves to YOUR SECTION when they tip you for the VERY NEXT DRINK.
Find the SERVER who you STOLE them from and POLITELY tell her. " I know Bob moved into my section from yours. I would like to give you this cuz I don't want to have any hard feelings."
DO NOT wait till the end of the shift to offer her the first tip because she will be pissed and let everyone know it. This is a chance to get GOOD PRESS cheap.
The other servers KNOW Bob moved and because they FEED on drama they will ask HER about it and try to get her mad. If she comes back and tells them yeah will Miss Newbie came and offered me $ cuz she felt bad stealing my customer." You make her "big" and put free money in her pocket all at the same time.
Going to seem to cost you a few bucks in the short term. I can tell you this the BEST drink teams work together! So think of it as an investment into your future work environment.
Now if BOB makes your day/ or week.. you may want to give her a little taste of that at the end of the shift or when Bob leaves.
Also how are you treating/tipping your support staff?
Remember getting the $ is a team sport, What's the name of the person getting you ice etc? Ever give em a little taste of a good night if you were busy then you can bet they were busy. They serve you so if you want to be on the top of their list of people to do great for it's worth it.To at least knwo them by name. Don;t you expect your boss to know your name?
Now I am about to offer the famous FREE ADVICE worth at least 3 times what you paid for it.
The slot machines are not going to tell the Beverage Manger how great you are.
If you go above and beyond the table games staff shure will.
Again we are ALLIES, here to get the $$$$ so work WITH them.
Too often there seems to be a combative feel between Servers and the Pit Critters because everyone has been waiting 40 minutes for a drink or some other BS ...Trust me ( the pit critter) to know he is full of bull.
No need to tell me, let's just try to keep the cattle watered so we can keep milking them.
Let me back up a sec.... when you are changing shift let the new server know what's going on.
"Bob blew a jackpot back through the WOF machine and is almost crying in his rum and coke. 3 frat guys at the craps machine are chugging coronas and tipping well." that way if your house allows them to they can hit the floor running. Also let them know if you are moving a lot of water do they can load up before they head out. think TEAM and they will love you for it. Is your station clean and stocked just like you would like to find it when you come in? Better be. I may not be that way when you come in but makes sure it is when you leave.
Ok now back to the pits. No wonder your feet hurt all this running back and forth....
I'll start with the basics which you may or may not know.
Dealers hear that you have not been to the table for an hour about every 9.5 minutes.
Often you just were but they did not see you. We know as does the pit critter that they are exaggerating the time, don't worry about that.
Now dealers have a couple strange ideas as a group.
They OWN the table..yep for 9 sq ft, I ( when dealing) am God. I run this little universe.
A lot of us were dungeon master back in the day. We run the show around here.
If you are in a decent house the dealers are PROS and they want to get the $$.
So once again work together to milk em. You keep em still and he does the pulling so to speak.
RESPECT THEM and their time and game. If you see them at a fanned table say hello. Ask their name offer yours.
It is much nicer to be able to call you by name when you come to the table. Than just "Drinks are here"
When you get to their table take a sec and a deep breath, go to your happy place, but do your best to not disturb the milking that is going on. Make eye contact with the dealer so they know you are there.
Now wait until the end of the hand. If you can see something going on wait for a break in the action then t greet them. Show the cattle you are friendly..." hey Dusty anyone over here in your little kingdom need anything?"
Dealer should introduce you and he can take a breath or stretch while you get the orders and say hello.
that way you never have to miss an order and walk for free! Also gives Dusty a chance to do any table maintenance he has to do or whisper to the pit critter that he has to blow his nose or whatever.
While you are there check out Dusty's table. Is it clean? How are the ashtrays? take empties and such keep it nice after all every time a Dealer has to stop the game to move an empty glass or get a napkin it is one less stroke that they get to milk the cow and they add up over time. Give them to the pit critter who should be glad he did not have to try and reach around Dusty to get them.
Casino bottoms lines are very competitive so think of it as an investment in job security.
A GREAT dealer will tell you the names of the players do you best to remember them.
Nothing is sweeter to the ear than the sound of one's own name. Doubly so on the lips of a beautiful woman.
Also take care to the pit staff. They are corralled behind ropes !! Do they need water? napkins? Matches?
A beverage server who takes good care of the pit critters will always get mentioned to the Bev Manager!
The good ones will work with you to save you time and make you $$.
Last topic the break room.
No need to be super chatty if that not who you are but sitting alone that is a bad sign.
I suggest asking to sit with any familiar face and if they are not glued to t h e phone introduce yourself. Everyone here it seems os from somewhere else and breaks are short so just ask where they are from and what it's like there.
have a few comments ready about your home too.
Wow Robo...what an excellent reply! After reading this, I'd think I could go shine as a server! (as long as you ignore that I'm not a young, pretty female of course.. ) You definitely hit on the "drama" filled part of the job I imagined...little things that truly mean nothing, and are twisted around against someone who's just doing their job. But the thing I liked best was the team approach...definitely the best way to go about work in general if you can.
And even though i would never be able to put your reply to any practical use, thank you for the time it must have taken to type all of that out, and giving us a great picture what work life is "really" like for some in the casinos.
You asked and here it comes I have PLENTY to say on this subject.
I sincerely want to be helpful so if anything I write can be taken in a mean or disrespectful way that is NOT the way I mean it
I am going to ASSUME you want to be a GREAT server since you seem very enthusiastic and I always try to believe the best in people.
!
Quote:
Originally Posted by beachhead
I know nothing about being a cocktail waitress, but I completely understand your aversion to the politics and b.s., as that is the worst part of any job. But, I've also found that environment to be inversely proportional to the skills required from the work itself. Add in the drama of women and "looks", and I have to imagine the b.s. level of a job requiring the skills of bringing containers of liquid to people while being "hot" is pretty off the charts. I definitely feel your pain!
@robojester @beachead
Thank you so very much. Please do not worry about offending me or being "too harsh". I would rather you give me the truth no matter how harsh it is rather than being let go three months later. I would never be offended by anything you say because I know it is coming from. A good place. You both made me realize that the problem is me in a sense. I have been doing a lot of things wrong. Even though I did not mean to.
No, I am not conventionally rude but I could see why other servers would have a problem with me. It is not intentional, it is just that I do not know how to fall into the system. But I feel like you both help so much. Before being a waitress in vegas, I have never been let go nor did i ever have problems getting along. At my last job, One of the senior waitresses did try to accuse me of stealing her customers and rather then apologize or give her the tips, I told her that I wasn't stealing customers because he chose to come to my section on his own. In my mind I did not steal him. I did not tell him to start coming to my section, he came on his own. We never discussed it again and we were cordial after but after the insight that you gave me I could see why that may have led to my downfall.
I knew some of the pit dealers names and they knew mine but we never really had conversation and everything was pretty superficial and cordial. It is true, that when it was Breaktime I always sat alone. I would come in with a magazine or a book and just read. I did know the bartenders and porters and I was cordial with all and tipped them at least 20%, I was also very openly more generous and on better terms with certain bartenders and I did play favorites. I did not know that would be a problem as long as I have at least 20% to all ( which is more than most waitresses ripped out). Now I know better.
@robodog you have especially opened my eyes. I'm printing out what you said to carry around as a reminder and guide. I can't thank you enough. How long should I keep tipping the other waitress for and must I do it for each round? Also am I better off on the strip or downtown...or local? Should I go with a major casino corporation or small casino? I got offers from some of the bigger luxury casinos on the strips but also offers from downtown and also from some of the bigger resorts in Henderson. I also got a few offers from local neighborhood places. Please advise. I just want to be part of a cohesive and positive team. I want to thrive and have long term employment. I am more than willing to work on whatever issues I have in order to fit in. I admit , I am not the best at reading industry politics because it would have never crossed my mind to apologize let alone tip another waitress because her regulars decided to be my regulars... Nor did it cross my mind that sitting alone and discouraging close friendships at work would be a bad thing. I also didn't realize avoiding managers and not trying to establish a rapport was bad. I thought they would be thrilled as I'm one less subordinate taking up time. I did not even think to become close to dealers .I have so much to learn.
Last edited by Airseabattle; 07-16-2016 at 02:26 PM..
I am flattered that I have been of help and that you would carry my ramblings with you.
Full career planning will cost you lunch. A cheap buffet is fine!
I am quite serious. I would be happy to help you get some guidance in what can be a very diverse industry.
I will give you a couple more tips for free.
Regarding Bob the stolen player, Offer her the first tip ( I will be surprised if she takes it) how she reacts will tell you all about her! I would add do this in private if possible.
If you make a bundle off his that night then MAYBE give her a taste. if Bob has the hots for you and tips you $500 that night then yeah I think spreading the love around is a good idea. It's always more fun to be happy in a group Never hurts to buy a round after work if you have a big night. Also helps keep those who are ******* from becoming resentful.
DO NOT EVER suggest that a player move to your section...You can entice them with your grace but NEVER say the words " why don;t you move to ny section" or anything LIKE it!!!!!
DEALING: NOT JUST FOR VEGAS ANYMORE>
You are looking at the long term from the wrong direction. Like looking into the wrong end of a telescope
What kind of life do you want? Where do you want to live? DO you want to remain in Vegas?
Do you like to hunt and fish? Big city or small town life?
Want to see the world...deal for a cruise line.. do you speak a 2nd Lang? .as long as you bring your hands with you you can find work.
Some of the BEST dealing jobs in the world are NOT in Vegas
In closing you can't really be " part of a team" if you are not acting like part of the team..Reading by yourself and not getting to know people is not going to do that.
Robo
You think about that and then think about where you want to meet for lunch
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I do appreciate you. Yes, I already got a push up bra and I definitely try to be pretty because I now it's kind of the unwritten rule as a waitress in Vegas I think. I do well tips wise it's just something sabatoged me last time and since I am not aware of upsetting a customer, I thought that the " not a good fit " line simply meant that maybe the others didn't like me... Even though I didn't have any drama that I was aware of . I don't suck up to the girls like most new girls do but if they tell me to do something I do it but other than that I don't really talk to them outside of small talk. I wish I could avoid small talk too but I don't want to seem like I'm snobby. I just never know what to say to them. It's odd but I'm good with customers because it's a role but one on one I'm pretty quiet. 
Also, if it's a union shop, don't mention anything about rules, unions, etc. in earshot of the manager. If there's even a hint that you'll be constantly running to the union over every little thing and causing the manager more work and heartburn, you're gone, no matter what they think of you, or how good your work is.
