Phil from Naples, Florida asked me:

Ok the manager of the poker room said that she will put me on Standby for the job because they already just hired 3 person, i pass the audition. So is this a nice way of saying I didn't get hire? or is it true that i should be expecting a call in a couple of month? I haven't recieve a call from them for 1 week and a half now.

Hey Phil, It's your turn to act!

Sounds like she is interested in hiring you, but she did have a couple of better dealers at that time. Do not give up on this job. Keep checking in with this manager at least every other week. Persistence is very important in this industry. There are alot of good dealers out there. You have to show that manager that you really do want this job. Keep checking in with her to see if there is an opening. Two or three extra board shifts can be more profitable than a five day entry level dealers shift. Find her schedule and show up on what would be her Tuesday every week. Why her Tuesday?, Her Monday would be too busy and usually not as happy a day for her since she is dealing with the problems that always occur on her days off. On her Tuesday she should be in a better mood. Go in to see her with a smile and ask, "Anything open up yet?" Let her know you are dedicated to getting this job. If you play poker, or can afford to, play as often as possible when she is in the room.

Ask the dealers who is in charge of scheduling. Sometimes you need to get the dealer scheduler to notice you too. They may be more in tune to the need for a new dealer and might be the one to make that final decision as to who really does get hired. The manager always has the last say in a room, but sometimes they will delegate hiring and scheduling to an assistant or other supervisor in the room. They may not tell you this either, so ask the dealers who really does the hiring and scheduling.

Keep practicing your pitch with a smile and don't give up. It took me over a year to break into poker when I first started trying to switch from blackjack. If you really want to deal, you will find a job.

Good Luck,

Swami John