[sirtoff]

Hi guys been browsing a few days and you guys seem to be real helpfull so i figured I'd ask some questions.

My wife an i are contemplating the move from western mass to LAS VEGAS and have many questions.

#1 Jobs- Right now my wife works making $11 an hour as a reservationist/receptionist and I recently left a job making the same working as a residential counselor (overnights with juvenile delinquints). She has also worked front desk at a spa,houskeeping,waitressing,etc. Myself have worked in grocery stores (produce clerk/cashier/etc). We have also been running a small internet home business for a few years that brings us in a little bit each month ($300+).

We are wondering is competition that tough for blue collar/ no degree needed jobs? Are there really like 250 applicants for a housekeeping position? Will we have to return for 4th and 5th interviews for such positions? We are willing to pretty much work anywhere to start. Id work at mcdonalds if need be. How long should we expect to have to wait for these types of jobs? Months? What about the pay? $8 an hour, or is it more like $6???

****Also we have very poor credit and filed BANKRUPTCY a few years ago. I know this makes it tougher to secure an apartment, but will it prevent us from getting these types of jobs? Will we be able to get work permits (so we can work in the casinos) with a past bankruptcy and poor credit?

[Matt121779]

If your wife has past reception skills she can quickly sign on with a temp agency. Many temps end up getting offered a full time job. The company I work for starts that position around $14 - $15 per hour.

I don't think that competition is really tuff for no degree jobs. You seem to be able to type and write coherently... you should have no problem finding something entry level. You will need a health card if you plan on serving or cooking food. You will need a Sheriff's Card to work in a casino. A bankruptcy should not affect your ability to obtain either. However it may, just as it would anywhere, cause some problems leasing an apartment. There are places that go month to month and the credit is relaxed.

Try looking into working at Best Buy or Wal Mart or a place like that when you first get into town. There are a lot of newer stores just built and start off at a slightly higher level of pay than fast food. Once you get settled in a little you can really hit the bricks and see what is out there. I would not be too worried.... The people who have the most issues are the ones who move here and think they are going to land an 80K a year job in the first month of coming into town. Good luck to you.

[sirtoff]

Thanks for your input.

We currently get by in Mass sharing a car too and from work. I am hoping we can do the same in las vegas. I may be willing to take the bus if we are in the vicinity of a bus stop.
Should I be afraid of taking the bus too and from work (is it unsafe)?

We are currently considering any areas of las vegas that are not known as high-crime areas to live. Summerlin and Henderson are circled right now. Wondering about the southwest areas off of Blue Diamond, are they safe enough?

Also we dont necissarily want to work on the strip. What do you think of the chances of getting a job in the henderson area, how about summerlin?

Thanks

[olecapt]

Employment at entry level is available widely in the Valley. Both the Henderson and Summerlin areas have local and significant employment.

Bus commuting requires some planning. There are selected routes that are workable but you need to live in the right place. In general bus and Henderson/Summerlin are not compatible. The busses are reasonably safe.

Starting out I suggest you consider closer to the city center. But not too close. You can do fine on the west side west of Decatur and north of Sahara.

As is often pointed out try to build up a slush fund before you come. Things happen. Las Vegas, like most cities, is cold and heartless to the newly arrived. In general a Vegas address and phone number is needed for employment.

Health cards are easily obtained. Sheriff cards require an employer sponsor...but go swiftly if you get hired into a job that requires one.

[dynimagelv]

With your skills and background you are very employable in the Casino/Hotel industry....Reservationist jobs range from $7.50-$14 depending on the hotel....Strip is mostly Union downtown is not...
What the Hotels look for is some work history that indicates you are flitting from jog to job....An employee that comes to work ON TIME EVERY TIME. Everything else....we teach you.... Past experience in reservations counts for a lot but it doesn't bump up0 the pay....mainly because EVERY hotel uses a differant system [or at least a variation] so everyone has to be trained fresh.

[jfkIII]

Originally Posted by sirtoff

#1 Jobs- Right now my wife works making $11 an hour as a reservationist/receptionist and I recently left a job making the same working as a residential counselor (overnights with juvenile delinquints).

The home for bad boys from downstate NY in Canaan, NY?

[redwhale]

Try some of the local and state government job websites. There are usually a good number of clerical, temp, labor jobs that can eventually (sometimes quickly) turn into better jobs. I just got hired on with the city of LV and am most happy.