[BWNLV]

Hi there!

I searched this forum for this answer before, but to no avail.

When a hotel lists a opening as "on-call" what does that exactly mean? I assume that would only be scheduled when needed but does that mean 10 hours a week? 10 hours a month?
Would this be a way of getting a "foot in the door" and moving to a full time job?

Thanks for your help.

[MSchu]

it means a floating schedule... meaning you could work 8-5 one day, 9-6 the next and 10-7 etc etc... non linear time schedule.

Some of the time, on call employees can get MORE hours than full time because they have no set schedule.

then again, they could keep you just under full time so they do not have to pay you benefits.

[Golfinnova]

Basically, it is when management is short-handed due to vacations, call-outs, etc., you get the call to fill the slot.

You could work one shift a week or 5, it will vary; however, it is good because there is tons of turnover both in the involuntary and voluntary sense so the chances of you getting a set part-time or even full-time schedule are good.

[Buzz123]

One thing I've never gotten straight is the difference between on-call and being on the Extra Board. Are they basically the same thing, or does both vary at different properties?

[dynimagelv]

I believe it's simply differant names for "Don't call us we'll call you."

[Buzz123]

Well, I do know that half this town is on call, especially in the banquet and convention business. Even though most of them work pretty steady, they only work when called, so they are married to the phone. Or for all I know, by now they use computers. But, I've had a lot of people tell me they were "steady extra", "on the extra board", or "on call", and I've never been able to get a straight answer whether they were all the same thing or not. I heard tonight that those terms are used in other cities, but I think they may be used more here than anywhere. Some people are on call out of a union hiring hall and may work wherever they are needed, and some are on call at specific properties. I think "steady extra" may be for just one employer, but I wonder if they get all the same benefits as a regular employee. Convention workers that are on call may go in for a day or two to set up, then go back a few days later to tear down. But they work long hours so it's really full time plus OT in most cases. It takes literally thousands of workers to pull off a big convention, and look how many thousands of conventions are held here annually. I had lots of friends in TV that went into the convention business, and many times they tried to get me to join them. Sometimes I regretted not doing it. Every convention is televised via closed circuit and recorded, and every speaker is seen on the big screen behind him like a rock star concert. I remember one guy speaking on the power of television saying that if we didn't believe it, just look at how we were all watching the screen behind him while he was right there in front of us. Great example. But nothing to do with "on call" of course.

[unf0rgiven6262]

Originally Posted by MSchu

then again, they could keep you just under full time so they do not have to pay you benefits.

This seems to be exceedingly common nowadays. Or, you will be an independent contractor to avoid such things as well.

[justthe2ofus]

our experience in the 'on-call' interviews was that it meant something different for each party.
feel free to state that, and ask the employer for specifics.

examples:

one job, advertised 'part time / on call'. that one was 1 or 2 scheduled shifts and 3 shifts on call.
another job advertised 'on call', which to the department lead, meant "open availability 7 days a week"; and to the department director, meant "you'll at least get a day off".

so you really need to read the ad/posting and definitely ASK what they have in mind & what do they need.

we've also noticed that many part time people have more than one job. often, the employers are asking if there are scheduled shifts at another place.

[MovingtoLVinAugust]

Would anyone who actually works on-call jobs for a Vegas resort/casino care to share their experience/thoughts about my below questions?

I'm wondering:

1) If you can have a regular 9-5 M-F job & then work for a different company as on-call at nights/on weekends---or do you sometimes need to work during the regular workday hours for the on-call job?

2) How is the pay? How many hours per shift are typically scheduled?

3) How far in advance are you notified that you'll be needed to work?

4) Is it difficult to initially get hired with little/no experience in gaming/hospitality?

5) Do you need "juice"/connections to get an on-call job in a resort/casino?

Most of the on-call job postings don't mention the days/hours or frequency of shifts, so I'd like to hear from someone who has some experience with this.

Thanks in advance

[airics]

Originally Posted by MovingtoLVinAugust

Would anyone who actually works on-call jobs for a Vegas resort/casino care to share their experience/thoughts about my below questions?

I'm wondering:

1) If you can have a regular 9-5 M-F job & then work for a different company as on-call at nights/on weekends---or do you sometimes need to work during the regular workday hours for the on-call job? oncall means anytime

2) How is the pay? How many hours per shift are typically scheduled? pay is usually the same as the others.. its on call so there may not be a schedule.. they call only when needed.. and if you can't fufill it, you are cut

3) How far in advance are you notified that you'll be needed to work? a couple hours maybe more.. usually the requirement for a regular employee is 4 hours before start of shift

4) Is it difficult to initially get hired with little/no experience in gaming/hospitality?definitely… especially without juice

5) Do you need "juice"/connections to get an on-call job in a resort/casino?depends on the position but it doesnt hurt.. if you are thinking valet, front desk, etc.. definitely and you need more than that...

Thanks in advance

your welcome