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One couple, two kids, 40 openings
With guarded hopes, they vie to help open hot dog stand on the Strip
Leila Navidi
Jennifer Rogers and fiance Steven Maples wait with their children, Kevin, 2, and Peter, 9 months, at Red Rock Resort during a job fair Tuesday. The openings — in kitchen work, service and management — are for a local outpost of a famous Hollywood hot dog stand, Pink’s, that is to open outside Planet Hollywood on the Strip.
Thursday, July 2, 2009 | 2 a.m.
For Information
- Pink's Las Vegas is still accepting job applications. You can inquire by e-mail at jobs@pinkslv.com.
Sun Archives
- Pink's Hot Dogs opening in Las Vegas (6-12-2009)
Sun Coverage
Beyond the Sun
Steven Maples and his fiancee, Jennifer Rogers, are sitting in the back of a ballroom at Red Rock Resort, each waiting to be called for a brief job interview. Jennifer is holding their 2-year-old son, Kevin, on her hip, his blond head resting on her chest. Steven is rocking their 9-month-old son, Peter, in a car seat.
Day care is a luxury the family can’t afford. They just moved back to Las Vegas after taking care of some family business in Oklahoma. They’ve been back in town about a week and both parents are looking for work.
Maples is called in for his interview. He has, at most, about five minutes to make an impression.
“I like hard work, I can’t sit still, I need to be moving,” Maples says. “I’ve worked construction, and I know it’s not part of the job, but if you need heavy things moved, I could do that, too. Whatever it takes.”
The man on the other side of the table asks Maples, “What do you know about Pink’s Hot Dogs?”
For the uninitiated, Pink’s is a hot dog stand in Hollywood. At 70 years old it is, by local standards, as ancient and sacred as the Parthenon. Maybe more so, judging by the long lines for late-night chili dogs. And now, the name and menu have been licensed to a Las Vegas business partnership that, in a month, will open a Pink’s on the Strip, right out in front of Planet Hollywood.
It needs dishwashers, bussers, cooks and prep cooks, cashiers and a stock manager — about 40 jobs starting at about $10 an hour. During a job fair Monday and Tuesday, about 220 people applied.
Flipping through the applications, it looks like most of them will take any job at Pink’s.
“I have experience as a busser, but am open to any position available” ... “Looking forward to anything” ... “open” ... “busboy, anything” ... “anything that’s available” ... “labor, Anything.”
At a time when Las Vegas’ unemployment rate is over 11 percent, the challenge isn’t finding people to apply for jobs, it’s sorting through them.
Anthony Meidenbauer is doing some of the sorting. He’s the corporate chef for Pink’s Las Vegas, in charge of setting up the restaurant and training its staff. But first, he needs to hire one.
One-by-one, he asks people what their last jobs were. He tells them a little about Pink’s history in Hollywood, says he wants people who can keep a big smile on their faces through anything because the Las Vegas hot dog stand will be overrun with foot traffic from the Strip, and asks them if they have any questions.
Meidenbauer’s major screening question is hidden in the middle of his patter. It’s when he says “big smile.” He’s looking for people who react with a smile. “I can teach people to put a bun on a hot dog, but I can’t teach them to smile all the time,” he says.
He’s talking to ex-blackjack dealers, laid-off bussers, grocery clerks, moms reentering the workforce and people who moved here for jobs. The men tend to sit upright, with their hands folded or their arms crossed. Women tend to lean forward with their hands on the table and eyes wide.
More women than men catch the cue to smile.
Steven Maples barely catches it, with a small, nervous smile. He seems to do better in the “Any questions” portion, when he talks animatedly about his comfort with cash registers, cleaning up, heavy lifting and anything at all that might be needed of him.
Afterward, he says his interview seemed to go pretty well.
His fiancee, Jennifer, isn’t so sure about hers.
“I walked in with two kids, so who knows?”
Discussion: 61 comments so far…
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First mistake, they brought their young children with them.
Second mistake, they left and came back. More than likely they would have had a better chance in Oklahoma.
annie, you are right. Also they didn't dress to impress. And they had two children when they didn't have the money to support them. Sad all the way around.
They're looking to work at a hotdog stand not the bellagio bell desk -- give 'em a break.
And better to go in and apply for the job with your kids in tow than give up because you can't find a sitter.
Give them credit for trying to do the right thing.
I second lil_gaucha's comment
I hope he gets the Mangers' Position! I would not leave my kids with anyone either; just that would make me hire him!
You can't really fault them for having children when the "couldn't afford them." This recession hasn't been going on THAT long. If you figure, even with the youngest child, the 9 months for pregnancy and the 8 months on this planet, you have almost a year and a half ago they got pregnant. Who knew layoffs would happen.
Will someone please explain to this old lady why people have their kids BEFORE they get married and build a nest these days -- putting the cart before the horse. Guess I'm out of touch.
Amazing to me at how may people are still pouring into Las Vegas from all over the Country looking for all this work in town that may have been here in a couple years past, but either don't exist anymore or have already been long past filled. I can't even begin to imagine what its gonna be like when they finish the construction on some of the bigger structures around town and some of these and alot of these "hard-hats" are laid-off, w/problems finding another work site they can continue to....
there will be more un-employed people living in Las Vegas than employed...
Being Image conscious Las Vegas,,especially on the strip,,Unfortunately they have no chance to get hired,,hot dog stand or not,,Too large of a pool to choose from,and hiring managers will never admit it,,but Owners tell them ahead of time to hire attractive people.
Yes,on the strip there are older,less attractive hosts,dealers,etc,,but they have been there for 20+ years,,that is the only reason they still retain there employment.
PREVIOUS LAS VEGAS RESIDENT OF 20 YEARS, THE ECONOMY DOWNFALL IS NOT SURPRISING, OVERBUILD HOMES, WHICH WERE SO OVER PRICED, LARGER AND LARGER CASINO'S THAT WOULD SOME DAY ALL HAVE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, WHICH WOULD CAUSE MASSIVE LAYOFFS. MADE THE RIGHT MOVE.
In reality, the people hired to sell the Pink Hot Dogs will be ex-showgirl & ex-acrobatic guy types. LV has no heart!
To the little old lady: Not getting married SAVES a ton of money not having to get divorced, plus if you are poor to begin with, it's very easy to qualify for public benefits like delivery & hospital bills, housing for the single mother that has her "boyfriend" secretly move-in. I've always said it make ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE keeping people from good jobs and the ability to thrive; you DENY people jobs and they will get YOU TO PAY ONE WAY OR ANOTHER at a HUGE COSTS TO SOCIETY!
I wish them luck on the job search
Honestly 36 of these 40 jobs are going to upbeat people with no skill requirements. They should have prepared by being upbeat and bubbly not the drab "poor me and our kids" routine.
Saying you will do anything sounds of desperation not a personality trait they are looking for; once you've been in the job a month how likely is that tone to change? They just don't get it.
If they really wanted to get hired they should have spoken of how they love helping people are positive and think it would be a fun and good long term opportunity. They would have also researched Pink's beforehand and been able to speak to how they fit in with the culture.
He needed to dress neat, not sloppy. I am not talking dressing like he's going for a high class job, but collared shirt that was buttoned and no wife beater for him, better fitting clothes for her. She actually looked pretty presentable.
For the other 4 positions, those will go to management like people, who have been in the position these people are now. Hopefully they did show up in a shirt and tie at least, that's the attire they probably will be wearing if they get hired.
If you want to sell hot dogs today, you've got to be the elite, best of the best.
bumpkins.
i'd never give a job to someone that didn't AT LEAST wear a dress shirt and tie to an interview.
i think these two were featured in a story like this about 3 or 4 months ago.
Not that this has anything to do with this article, but is it really anyone's business whether you are married or not? Isn't that a personal choice. Not everyone who isn't married is doing it to scam the government. I think it's a little cynical to think that way.
Well thank you true americans who belive in average americans trying to make a living in this horrible struggle we call life.I want to appologize for being poor and not owning a good set of clothes but i make do with what i have. I work hard always have and always will. my parents were poor and i have been poor but i buy everything my kids need and or want.I dont have a bad attitude or work ethic if you actually read what it says above. There are no jobs in lawton oklahoma for the people who think they know about econemy.We moved to oklahoma because health care could help us. We have been hear for a few days,a week today. Im ashamed to say i grew up with some of these people the rest of you thank you for understanding.I dont do day care a good friend of ours had an untimely death because of a baby sister that was highly recommended, I love my kids and want to see them grow up strong.To the one with the comment on the Hard Hats my dad and i knew and still know alot of them he was a union man. We know how hard it is for the Hard Hats, Feast or Famen thats the biz you know it.Anyway like i said earlyer i do the best i can with what i have, so relax take it easy on me and my family ok. Not all of us are born with silver spoons in our mouths.And so you know some one offered me and application to a company that likes hard workers .I know that im not very attaractive but who the heck do you think you are?I bet your no looker either have you ever heard judge not lest ye be judged? Good luck to all the other hard working unemloyed out there.Sorry if i offened anyone except those of you talking trash about my family.I bet none of you make less then 20,000 a year ive never made that much.
Leave these Americans alone! If you guys wanna bash someone join me in bashing the illegals!
My advice to this couple is get your own hotdog cart and stand across the street from pinks when they open and whatever price they put up make yours a $1.00 cheaper. You will make millions! Hot dog cart are inexpensive money makers and pinks will need some competition. Mobile food vending is a hot business on streets that have foot traffic. No one ever went broke selling hotdogs.
Try Salvation Army or Goodwill if you need good clothes for cheap.
Otherwise, I doubt they'll hire anyone without 3 years min. hot dog experience, and a 2 year degree in a hot dog related curriculum. Bratwurst experience may be considered. Experience with hot dog related software, AutoHD, etc. will be a must.
I like LV2009's idea. That's how Eddie Nash got started.
lol you people kill me. I mean have you ever shoped at goodwill? I doubt it. I did my junior and high school years ,I wouldnt whish that on anyone. I mean look how u judge me when i actually try to get a job any job to support my family. Ask yourself this do you do what you need to do or do you do what you want? Did you work for what you have or was it handed to you?Sunvisitor its hard having kids but if its hard its probably worth it dont you think. If we waited for us to be stable we would never had kids. Besides i wanna be able to play with my boys, I dont wanna be 50 when they turn 10. I wasent playing any simpathy`s ,I actually apologized for bringing them with me.
Comment removed by staff.
I whish I had shoped there to give you better advice. I wasent judging you, I simpathize with your situation. Have you thought about a management position?
whats your point stevem i dont care about the grammar of a post that took about 5 seconds to do while applying online. and a tie a dress shirts that is stained and holyer then the bible would get me thrown out you idot. every time you open your mouth you prove your an idiot. steve you give all steves a bad name. and your pathetic you fell the need to attack my family because even though im poor we have better life then your sad and lonely exsitance.one more thing idiot it is constitutional right or did you forget THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINES!!!!!!!! sorry slumdog i took it wrong.
Dude im gonna give you another heads up! Deliver furniture, thats right they always need drivers and loaders at the furniture stores. Go to Walker's, then all the other furniture stores around walkers they will give you a job if you piss clean. Work hard and you can move up at a furniture store. Ashley's, R.C. Willey, Colleens, drive down rainbow and stop at every store and you will have a job in one day. They all need extra help for the fourth of july sales.
Comment removed by staff.
TO STEVEN MAPLES, LIFE IS TOUGH. YOU'LL DO ANYTHING TO BRING FOOD HOME AND FEED YOUR CHILDREN.
I HAD MY SHARE OF THAT WHEN I WAS BACK IN AMERICA.
YOUR FAMILY CAN'T HELP YOU AT ALL BECAUSE THEY NEED HELP THEMSELVES.
STOP MAKING BABIES NOW, FOR NOW. YOU JUST GOT TO FIND A JOB AND REALLY TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN.
YOUR NOT EVEN MARRIED WITH YOUR FIANCEE,THAT'S WHY ITS HARDER. DONT GIVE UP AND WALK AWAY FROM THE SITUATION BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER HAVE PEACE FROM YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU LEAVE THEM. THINK OF CHILD SUPPORT, GOVERMENT CAN HELP YOU JUST FOR AWHILE. IT'S A LONG JOURNEY YOU WILL TAKE WITH YOUR CHILDREN AND THEIR MOTHER.I HOPE YOU GUYS FIND JOB ASAP, CAUSE MONEY ALWAYS TALK. WE ALL WORK FOR A LIVING TO MAKE MONEY. GOOD LUCK TO YOU MR. MAPLES.
stevem - you are a cold, heartless piece of crap! Better off in an abortion clinic dumpster...you are a sick individual! I grew up in a poor family, a single mom raising two kids on less than $15,000 a year, and guess what, I feel a lot more blessed being raised by my mother who loved me and did what she could for me and gave me life instead of allowing me to become part of an abortion dumpster. You are a sick man! That comment might be one of the lowest I've ever read on here, and I've read a lot of horrible things!
Good luck to you Mr. Maples and your family. Do not let the negativity of people bring you down. Do your best. The only thing I would have maybe done a little different was perhaps leaving the kids with your fiancee one day and you going and then vise versa the next day. There's nothing wrong with people giving you advise, but honestly there are nicer ways to say things people!
To the family at the point of this article,
I'm not trying to be mean, I'm trying to help. Some of the comments you got were really mean and should have been phrased differently or screened out totally.
I used to be in charge of hiring people. If I saw kids or relatives at an interview, we were done, but I never said that to them. It was considered rude.
1. You can't bring kids to a job interview. You can apply on different days and take turns with the kiddos.
2. You have to wear your best stuff at a job interview. If you have to get it at a thrift store, suck it up. Tuck in your shirt. The shirt the man in the family was wearing would have been fine if it was ironed, buttoned, and tucked in. The lady was dressed okay, it was dragging the family with her that was her downfall.
3.It's the internet, so we are all casual about spelling and grammar, but really, take some classes at CSN. They have people on staff who who can get you that education for free. You need it, and I am saying that with the purest of hearts.
4.You need decent resumes. The library offers free access to computers, but if you don't know how to compose a resume, I'll help you if you respond to this post. I can guide you through it. It's easy.
5.I used to be poor, I used to be broke. It does not have to stay that way. Good luck and Godspeed.
6. The kids are already here, you seem to be doing what is best for them, to the best of your abilities. Until you get on your feet, Planned Parenthood offers low-cost and no-cost birth control. (Someone is going to call me a Godless liberal for that, but that's the shakes. I wasn't suggesting you abort, I was talking about the pill)
kazaiakuma
You and the others who made comments about how they were dressed don't get it. Being poor doesn't mean you can't take pride in your appearance. It doesn't cost much to go buy a decent shirt and pair of slacks for the guy or a dress for the woman or a pair of slacks and a decent top. Savers anyone? And jeans!! You NEVER WEAR JEANS!!! You don't show up for a job interview, even for a high falutin' hot dog joint, dressed like you are going to take the garbage out. Even in this economy, there is no excuse to look like you don't care about your appearance. That is THE FIRST thing an emmployer looks at - your appearance, ie neat and clean, takes pride in how they look regardless of their financial status. You spend the money for an "interview outfit" and just wear it at interviews.
And for goodness sake - don't take the kids with you!!! An employer is not going to look at the kids and say "oh what a nice family"; it will be more like "they got kids; how often will they not show up to work?" I know that sounds cruel, but the job market is tough out there. Don't call attention to the negative aspects and that means: leave the kids at home and dress like you care about yourself, make a good impression and that means no shorts, jeans, and an open shirt with your tshirt showing.
I think it's time all the current and long time residents of Las Vegas should take out ads in every newspaper in this country and say:
LAS VEGAS HAS NO JOBS. OUR UNEMPLOYMENT IS THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION, SO STAY WHERE YOU ARE AT. WE DON'T NEED YOU HERE.
that why me and my wife don't have kids right can't afford them. economy uncertain. why do people have kids are they STUPID don't have kids that why they have condoms and birth control be smart in this uncertain time it survival mode time
perry161492
Off subject. Keep thinking that you can't afford to have kids you will never have kids. One can never afford them.
Some_Internet_Person
Well said.
kazaiakuma
Bad grammar and spelling are very distracting when one is making a statement or point.
This is a real tough time for everyone. I guess Oklahoma is in worse shape than Vegas when it comes to jobs.Having two kids in tow 24/7 is a juggling act for two adults having to work.Look back to the 1950's....when Mom was home apron and all,a kid in each hand waiting for father to get off the bus after work.Dinner ready and everyone dressed for dinner. The stay at home Mom is something of the past,never to come back for the "average" American these days.Clearly if I were just married in todays market,having children would clearly be put on the bad burner until you get your life and careers in place. I wish them well
Stevem
STOP being so mean to these people that you have no idea what their situation is, you should find something better to do with your time then making people feel worse about their situation. I wish this couple the best of luck and wish people like you would stop assuming they are better than everyone else. We are all human and trying to make it in this rough time and should help each other not tear each other down. So what they wouldn't do what you would but that is OK, because at least they don't speak as mean as you are and not as hurtful. Your comments need to be removed! BE NICE OR DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!!!!!STEVEM
Look at the parents. People here want to make excuses for these "parents".
Sadly,they're the role models for their kids. Those kids have 2 strikes in life going against them already.
I just think it's funny that we're all judging something we know nothing about. You don't know all the details and neither do I. Just because they are going through a hard time now doesn't mean a year ago they weren't doing okay. It's a common trend right now. Unfortunately, there are those that I've heard of recently make 6 figures only to come into work and hear that their company is doing away with their job title or even their whole department. It's a bad, bad time and unfortunately it's worse for some than others. I guess it's part of being human to have no sympathy for anyone else until we ourselves suffer a hardship. And like I said earlier, just because these parents don't have a lot of money right now does not mean that their kids are not taken care of and does not mean that they don't love their kids. Sometimes the kids that face the most hardships end up being the most ambitious and the most grateful for what they do have later in life. Sometimes it's those children whose parents waited until the "right time" to have them and those parents who were able to provide everything their little hearts desired, that end up being the scum of the earth and unable to provide for their high maintnance needs.
Boggles my mind that people are coming to Las Vegas looking for work. Is it not well known that our economy is in shambles?
kaziakuma, I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth either but I worked hard, went to school, got a job and had money in the bank before I had children. Now of course, your kids are already here and you're doing the right thing and trying to support them. I know the comments on here are snarky but you could learn some from them. Dress to impress, put your best foot forward. Maybe the mother of your children stays home while you job hunt without kids in tow. And you might also consider she be a stay at home mom anyway. The cost of daycare will take most of the money she earns.
The internet is not very personal, no one is hating on you personally, just the situtation. But there is some good advice in there.
And yes, I have shopped at Goodwill and Savers and so do several of my friends. With patience you can find great clothes.
...Let me put in my last two-cents and I'll shut up,...
I have shopped at Good Will and the Salvation Army stores around town and anyone that thinks that all they sell there is second-hand junk and stuff no one else wants might be in for a huge suprise!!
Its no different that shopping in the 99 cent store or Wal-Mart and one can actually walk out with "Designer cloths" or a brand new crockpot (example)..and not even break $5.00,.. very pleasant suprises around the corner for those willing to swallow a little pride.
There are people in this town that donate yahts to those places also for whatever financial reason or otherwise they could'nt sell on E-bay or were just in a big hurry to get divorced or get outta town,....(example)..
ok look i dont care what you think about me you dont even bother me.i have shoped at good will ill tell you again but you find good clothes that fit you rarely ok im not saying i dont dress to impress that was one application i was hopeing to fill out.if you have a great work ethic and have a great personality you can get any job with in some limits of course.ive even gotten a job with that same out fit ok.what you all need to realize is that im not begging for a job or help im just applying for a job.I took my children because where using a family members car she has to work.I do have a little money but thats for diapers and food for the kids nothing else.my kids are more important then what anyone thinks.My kids arent a burden like most of these people think some of you know what i mean.the only people that matter is them.Here you go ask yourself how many of you talking crap about me and my family had a car at 16 or 18 hell even 20?We have grown up hard and cherish everything we have every little thing.i have my problems point them out if you want but i dont care my family loves me and i them.i love and support my country just as much as my family do you ??? your all thinking about yourselves when you say its bad here its worse in victorville CA,or lawton OK.thank all of you who are on my side i appologize if i offended anyone who is on my familys side.i want you all to know where not here to steal your jobs your homes or the food on your table where here because where from here we know this market this is home and the peole here angry at me ask yourself this were you born here? Was your family born here no one time or another you came here just like i did 13 years ago out of 13 years ive live in OK about 18 months but i always came back home.if you dont like me you know where you can shove it.and those supporting us thank you your the ones that make this a community you make this our home.i expect you all to treat people with the same respect they would give you.i dont care what you wear do what ever makes you happy but dont try to hurt my family.because none of you are any better then any of us your all are americans trying to make a living.What would you do if russia,china and north korea teamed up to back stab us they come into our country and start taking it from inside our own land would you still care what i wore to my interview or would you just be happy that i was there to save your ass when i helped pull you out of your burning house because they know your one of the people speaking out against them.or no i wouldnt because your probably one of those people who shut up when there scared for there own neck.im not saying that it would happen but if they did what would you do?hate me still or would we be brothers in protecting our familys and our homes and our neighbors what america is really about.sorry im getting off track.just when you see us on the street just leave us alone.
I worked in construction for my whole life, and had to travel all the time. Mostly worked in the South, where the big petrochemical plants are located. But when I was sent to a cold weather state, I immediately went to Goodwill for warm clothing. For sweatshirts and such. Found great bargains. And I was an executive, working in the main office. My point is that it's not about classy clothing, it's about looking clean and serene. Not sure if this couple looked like this, but I do feel bad for the children. Easy to make 'em, a lot harder to raise them.
Good luck to you both! Keep your heads up!
i think it's funny how my comments get deleted even though they do not contain any foul language or racist remarks, just my opinion about people like this and that runs against the liberal ideals of this paper, so they get deleted.
the very fact this guy says "if we would have waited to be stable, we would have never been able to have kids" should make every person in this country that DID wait to have...or not have kids want to vommit.
this couple wasn't responsible, now he has two kids and he's trying to get a $10.00 per hour job...and he's too good to go to goodwill to get a dress shirt and a tie...so he can GET A job?
give me a break.
even if he GETS that $10.00 per hour job...how is he going to pay the bills?
thaaaaaaaaaaaaat's right...good old government assistance...that comes right out of OUR paychecks.
if he really is the person that keeps posting on here, he sure has a lot of time to sit in front of a computer. he could be out looking for a job.
Get a grip, kazaiakuma, get a grip.
Good luck to you. In general, I'm at a loss for words when people have kids when they can't afford them.
A lot of crappy statements being said about these two adults going to a job interveiw!!
Hey look at the kids in the picture they look like the parents take pretty damn good care of them.
Hopefully some employer will see this picture and take it for it's full face value and hire one or both of them.
Sitting at home puffing on a crack pipe or whatever, I dont give a chit about you!!!
"Trying to get a job and feed your children", I have a high level of respect for them and wish them the best at finding employment
The don't look that old, they still have time to get it together in life. What we need is better sex education to tell these people they can't afford rug rats. We also need a population control program like in China, which is more humane than the underclass we end up breeding. We need more orphanages, chain gangs and whipping posts.
Even if one gets a job, I mean, $10 a hour, this is almost slave wages, its above the existence minimum, but still, four mouths to feed as well.
I am an engineering director at a major high tech company. I have screened and hired hundereds of people over the years. While the skills and experience required are vastly different between working at Pink's and working at my company (or so I'd like to think :), there are some common points to be considered.
1) You are judged within the first 15 seconds of an interview. Your appearance, demeanor, attitude, etc are pretty much nailed down at that point.
2) I always ask "what do you know about my company?" and "why do you want to work here?". If you dont have good answers to those questions you are done.
3) I almost always will choose the candidate who I believe has the best attitude and work ethic, even if they have slightly less experience. You can teach people tasks, but not attitude.
did the couple try to enlist in the military? army and marines always looking for good recruits and if half way intelligent navy and air force may take a look at you; why settle for selling hot dogs in vegas?
To the couple seeking work
Have either of you considered a job in Healthcare? Your story sounds like mine.At age 25, I also was barely making it.I was married with 2 kids ages 1 and 8 living on less then 10,000 a year (my spouse worked,I stayed home).I knew it would only get harder as they grew.So I enrolled in a community college and started preliminary classes for Nursing.I did odd jobs on weekends having to do with Healthcare ie.a runner (before computers),worked in the Laundry,Housekeeper,CNA,etc.I learned a lot about Hospitals and was able to pay for day care while I attended school.By the way it was not easy.I did give up every weekend and missed my family a lot,but graduating from Nursing school 6 years later made it all worthwhile.
Today my Daughter is 24,and has just finished her first year of Nursing school.My son is 31,completed a 2 year degree and is employed with a family of his own.
I know I taught my children from those early years,the value of a college eduaction.
Nursing Homes are always in need,Assisted Living Facilities,Retirement Centers...CNA programs take 1 quarter to complete.It is hard work,and a lot of "heavy lifting".Benefits are usually pretty good.Good Luck.
OMG Pinks have the best effn hot dogs ever. I have driven to CA just for the hot dog - I think it was 60% hot dog and 40% atmosphere. I hope they can figure it out here in LV without gouging the tourists. Unfortunately I think they will be selling $10 dogs and up and for what? You can get a giant hot dog up the strip for $2
Mr. Maples, a few suggestions
-idea about furniture moving seemed a good one. You dont need to be a super model to get hired. Hard worker would be a big plus there. I have worked in the restaurant indusry, we have a million of them in this town, "hard worker" would help if you apply for a job as a busser or in the kitchen as a dishwasher. It is indoor work in the AC, has benefits and usually comes with a free meal before or after shift.
- is there a local library you can easily get to? check out a couple books on job interviewing to help learn how to make a good impression.
- never,never bring your kids into the interview. your wife too. if both are applying at same day, other parent watches the kids in the lobby while 1 is interwieving.
- do not ever show up, even in the lobby, with an untucked, unbuttoned shirt much less walk in like that. wear your best shirt, best pants, belt and best shoes.
- there are too many " I really need a job" sad stories right now for an hiring employer to possibly hire. This goes for anyone else reading looking for work too. remember to emphasize why you think you are right for the job and to work in at least a few smiles during the interview, try to seem upbeat, not desperate. fake it if neccesary.
- dont be caught by surprise by the "what do you know about our company " question. If you know nothing, google them the night before. Learn a couple facts that interest you about them, their product or their company history. and when the question comes and it probably will, you will be much better off than the people who never bothered to do this.
- tell them at some point when you can work it in, you will always be ontime and do not miss shifts, you are very reliable. ( This is a key point for hirers, they HATE unreliable or late employees).
- ALWAYS end the interview by telling them how much you would like the job.
Laniac, your attitude toward hiring is why you end up with biggest idiots that have a great line of BS!!
The people that know their trade probably realize they don't want to work for you as soon as you prejudge how skilled they are.
And those are the stupidest questions... Why do you want to work here? Because you need someone to fill your position? What do you know about our company? Oh everything there is to know because I've been stalking it for the past year! WTF?
Craigslist General Labor is posting a lot of new jobs lately. I saw one for foreclosed home cleanouts, I don't see it now, but it has been replaced with a lot of jobs that would be a heck of a lot better than working at that hot dog stand...
And don't show up with a tie, show up at 6:30am ready to work in jeans and teeshirt, just finding out where to show up is the trick. I'm sure you'd be willing to work the first day for free anyway, so just be yourself. That's the way getting hired used to be.
Still, in this economy, don't blame yourself, at all, for not getting a job. It has not been this bad in a long, long time (since '83, maybe). Don't count on Obama, he isn't going to care until election time. It's tough not to be a pest, but you sort of need to touch base with employers and not act discouraged if they're not hiring, hoping they'll keep you in mind.
And BTW, this capitalist economy is going straight into the toilet and you're all (as well as me) F****D!!! Nobody needs anything to be done! Ha!
I'm wondering the same. Have they mustered the art of hot dogs?
How about having a hot dog eating contest and the top 40 who can cram the most dogs into their mouths get the jobs? I would smile at that!!