On January 25, 2008, I donned a hard hat for a tour of the MGM Grand at Foxwoods with Director of Hotel Operations Chris O'Connell and Public Relations Director Saverio Mancini. In addition to seeing construction work in progress, I had the opportunity to ask questions about the new job opportunities the casino/hotel will create. Here are answers to questions about MGM Grand employment, based on my interviews and press releases from Foxwoods.
Q: How many people will the MGM Grand at Foxwoods employ?
A: The MGM Grand at Foxwoods will employ 2,000 people and provide an additional 1,000 jobs at the property's leased venues including two celebrity chef-owned restaurants and an Apple re-seller.
Q: Will some jobs be filled internally?
Yes. O'Connell said, "We're opening up to internal applications first to give that opportunity to our Foxwoods employees."
Q: When will external candidates be able to apply?
A: The MGM Grand at Foxwoods kicked off its recruitment campaign on January 27, 2008 with the launch of its new employment website: yourdream.jobs. As of launch, job openings listed included such diverse positions as: Bartender – MGM Pool, Bell Person, Digital Signage Content Manager, Guest Services Trainer, Lead Slot Technician, Sous Chef, Plumber and Security Investigator. Applications for all positions may be submitted online.
Q: What are some of the top jobs that need to be filled?
A: O'Connell ticked off the following: Director of Slots, Director of Table Gaming and Front Office Manager. In total, there are 350 supervisory and management positions.
Q: Is the MGM Grand at Foxwoods recruiting dealers?
A: O'Connell says there will be 277 table games dealer positions created at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.
Q: What is required to become a dealer?
A: Applicants will participate in an interview process and need to show math aptitude. "We pay for dealer school," said O'Connell. However, attendees are not compensated during the four-week, part-time training program. Those who complete Foxwoods' dealer school obtain certification that is portable should they choose to apply for dealer positions elsewhere in the future.
Q: Are part-time positions available?
A: As of the launch of the recruitment Web site, only full-time positions were available.
Q: What key qualification should applicants for all positions have?
A: "We're really looking for someone who enjoys taking care of other people," O'Connell told me.
Q: Is training provided?
A: Yes. Training is provided for frontline positions, including such jobs as hostess, housekeeper, and barporter. MGM Grand at Foxwoods will also have a five-week training program for employees in supervisory positions.
Q: Is there any concern about finding qualified applicants?
A: O'Connell said, "We don't think that's a concern at this point." Without any recruiting effort, Foxwoods already averages "1,500 applications per month," Mancini added, so a large pool of candidates is already available for consideration.
Q: Is it possible to commute from Hartford to Foxwoods via public transporation?
A: No. However, there is an employee satellite parking lot in Norwich, Connecticut, with shuttle service to the casino, which can help Hartford-area commuters save miles and gas money.
Q: What benefits are available to MGM Grand employees?
A: The benefits will be identical to those provided to current Foxwoods employees and include: medical, dental and vision coverage; a three-tier prescription program; disability insurance; childcare reimbursement; work/life issues support; tuition reimbursement; paid personal days; gym membership reimbursement; a 401(k) plan; paid meal time and free parking and shuttle bus transportation.
Q: When do applicants need to be available to begin work?
A: Employees will be brought on board on a rolling basis, depending upon the position. Some will start as soon as the first week of March. Others will be employed closer to the MGM Grand a Foxwoods' anticipated May 2008 opening date.
