Chat Transcript - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Here is the transcript from last night's chat - a very enjoyable one at that. Thanks for participating and look forward to more chats on My Coolworks.

Kari : )


7:00pmMike Thomason Good evening all
7:00pmFr3sh grumpy women smh
7:00pmreginaldcohen but i did got her an internet and directv
7:00pmFr3sh hi mike
7:00pmFr3sh okay
7:00pmKari Quaas Hey Everyone!
7:00pmStovpipe DNC is Yosemite ?
7:00pmFr3sh hi kari
7:00pmRita H lol
7:00pmgary bakker Hi Kari...
7:00pmMike Thomason Hi Kari
7:00pmKari Quaas Welcome to The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!
7:00pmMichael :)
7:00pmRobert "Robin" Carlson Hi Kari
7:00pmAndrea Hey
7:00pmFr3sh whats official about this chat, this is my 1st time chatting
7:00pmjackie morris @:^)
7:00pmreginaldcohen wait that's my ex wife
7:00pmBrenda best complaint I heard last year was a noise complaint they called in us security and the other security guy said he aint touchin that one lol
7:01pmFr3sh bwahaha@reggie
7:01pmKari Quaas This chat will mainly be an open forum to ask questions and get to know a bit more about seasonal work.
7:01pmBrenda the folks were having a bit of fun
7:01pmKari Quaas To see the chat bigger, please click on the tab at the top of the page.
7:01pmFr3sh oh okay
7:01pmKari Quaas First off, a quick tally. How many of you have done seasonal work?
7:01pmRita H good one Brenda
7:01pmFr3sh I have
7:01pmRick Peterson me
7:01pmStovpipe can it go full screen Kari ? lol
7:01pmFr3sh this is my 2nd one
7:02pmMichael Not me.
7:02pmBrenda when I mean fun I meant the lady was moaning to loudly and the neighbor weren't pleased
7:02pmgary bakker Worked at about 5 parks...
7:02pmKari Quaas @stovpipe - I guess as big as your screen allows.
7:02pmjackie morris newbie
7:02pmFr3sh working on getting a 3rd
7:02pmRobert "Robin" Carlson {:-)First time for me too!
7:02pmKari Quaas Right on.
7:02pmMike Thomason 1 season:-)
7:02pmreginaldcohen this will be about my 5th one
7:02pmKari Quaas What is your favorite thing about working seasonally?
7:02pmFr3sh saving alot of money
7:02pmFr3sh meeting interesting people
7:02pmBrenda this is my 10th year as a seasonal
7:02pmFr3sh experience
7:02pmStovpipe traveling is my fav and meeting new/great friends
7:03pmFr3sh and bragging to people that i've been around the country
7:03pmgary bakker When you get off work, you're at a resort. Enjoy the outdoors.
7:03pmRita H i got ya
7:03pmMike Thomason Visiting a site I had only dreamed about
7:03pmreginaldcohen seeing places that i never dream of being too
7:03pmFr3sh reggie, that's true
7:03pmKari Quaas Very cool.
7:03pmColy Hope Wow, full house.
7:03pmKari Quaas So for those new to this lifestyle, what are you hoping to find?
7:03pmCarol do you ever regret the job, and want to take off?
7:04pmKari Quaas Good question, Carol. Anyone?
7:04pmFr3sh im hoping to find great photo opps, bwaha
7:04pmKari Quaas @Fr3sh - awesome!
7:04pmreginaldcohen yeah
7:04pmFr3sh i felt like that when i was on the ship carol, but stayed for the rest of the contract
7:04pmRick Peterson You always have those bad days, but you just have to work through it just like any other job
7:04pmFr3sh rick, that's true
7:04pmKari Quaas Yep. Then go for a hike to shake it off and remember where you are.
7:04pmKari Quaas ;)
7:04pmjackie morris we have been married 25 years and looking to start a new lifestyle
7:04pmreginaldcohen yeah
7:05pmRick Peterson Think of it like when you went to summer camp. You didn't always love it, but by the time you went home you couldn't wait for next year
7:05pmKari Quaas Any RVers amongst those on tonight?
7:05pmBrenda just remember when you are out there that it does end for the season and you can move on to bigger and better
7:05pmMike Thomason I came from the corporate world as a manager. It was an adjustment not to be in charge.
7:05pmFr3sh why did you choose to work a seasonal job?
7:05pmreginaldcohen i started in 03 at princess
7:05pmjackie morris will be rv ing
7:05pmKari Quaas Cool.
7:05pmreginaldcohen wanted to get away from philly
7:05pmBill Berg 25 years of marriage - congrats...
7:05pmKari Quaas There are lots of spots for RVs in the parks.
7:05pmFr3sh i want to visit philly
7:06pmRobert "Robin" Carlson RVing this spring. May1
7:06pmjackie morris waiting for campground to call
7:06pmColy Hope I want to do the RV thing next year.
7:06pmMichael I also just want to get away. See new places. meet new people..
7:06pmFr3sh true
7:06pmKari Quaas I know I wouldn't be working for CoolWorks.com today if not for my seasonal jobs.
7:06pmFr3sh im young, single, no kids, no holding me back so i decided to do it
7:06pmCarol what am I looking for? adventure...hope it wouldn't turn into cheap labor-exhaustion..
7:07pmFr3sh nothing holding me back so i decided to work seasonal jobs and i LOVE to travel
7:07pmBrenda nah adventure is the name of the game when your work at parks and resorts
7:07pmKari Quaas Since we've got a good mix of experienced and new, any advice for the newbies?
7:07pmRita H cheaper than the hospital
7:07pmBrenda hiking camping friends
7:07pmKari Quaas @Rita - :)
7:07pmFr3sh yes, does anyone have any advice for a noob like me
7:07pmreginaldcohen there's alot of people that don't know about this
7:08pmSteve Goldston anyone headed to gtlc in wyoming
7:08pmFr3sh reggie, that's true
7:08pmRick Peterson Based on one of the past comments, don't be shocked when a litte exhaustion does come. It isn't all play and no work in this biz
7:08pmKari Quaas Food for thought - how many applications should you put in?
7:08pmreginaldcohen only 3 got hired by all 3 of them
7:08pmBill Berg work and live where others only get to visit. Pick a place you want to see, then live there for a few months. Sweet deal.
7:08pmFr3sh i just put in my 2nd one today
7:08pmRita H hey Kari
7:08pmKari Quaas hi Rita
7:08pmjackie morris how often should you call hr to get a status
7:08pmFr3sh bill, true indeed
7:08pmBrenda all you newbies, have fun relax, and enjoy, just do what you set out to do and avoid the nuttiness of the parting
7:08pmFr3sh i never call HR
7:09pmMichael I've put in about 10, is that too many? I just wanted to make sure I had something.
7:09pmKari Quaas @Jackie - You can call, but don't call on a Monday and call more than once a week.
7:09pmKari Quaas @Michael - 10 is fine.
7:09pmjackie morris thanks
7:09pmFr3sh calling more than once a week isn't aggravating them?
7:09pmKari Quaas It's good to have options.
7:09pmSteve Goldston what is the main subject tonight
7:09pmMichael True. Kari..
7:09pmBrenda the good bad and ugli
7:09pmFr3sh that is being a bit pushy i thought
7:10pmKari Quaas @Steve - The subject is general questions about working seasonally.
7:10pmSteve Goldston good of places is the beauty
7:10pmMike Thomason Is it appropriate to apply for 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice at the same location?
7:10pmKari Quaas @Fr3sh - I said don't call more than once a week.
7:10pmFr3sh how many works of vacations do you take off?
7:10pmjackie morris hopefully they will get tired of hearing from you and hire you
7:10pmFr3sh oh okay kari, got you
7:10pmStovpipe I hope so Jackie
7:10pmKari Quaas @Mike - sure
7:10pmFr3sh how many weeks of vaction do you take off a year?
7:10pmSteve Goldston bad is the bosses you might encounter and some managers
7:10pmStovpipe does DNC = Yosemette ?
7:10pmKari Quaas It's also good for the employer to have options, i.e. different things you're interested in doing.
7:11pmdonald murphy is it easier to get in in the beginning or at the end of the season
7:11pmFr3sh the beginning
7:11pmBrenda like anywhere you have a diversity from around the world working at the parks and you won't get along with everyone but you will find some very good people and good friends
7:11pmreginaldcohen at the beginning
7:11pmFr3sh during the season can be more challenging
7:11pmSteve Goldston ugly is leaving a bunch of good friends
7:11pmRick Peterson We always look for people to help close the season
7:11pmFr3sh steve, that is ugly
7:11pmreginaldcohen theres always email
7:11pmMichael Anybody have advice for the phone interviews? I want to be prepared.
7:11pmKari Quaas You will definitely have the best shot of getting a job if you can work the whole season.
7:12pmjackie morris anyone work in the northeast
7:12pmBrenda Michael just be yourself
7:12pmreginaldcohen just be yourself
7:12pmFr3sh i still keep in contact w/a few of them by email and i visited one of them 2x
7:12pmStovpipe be drunk MIke ;)
7:12pmdonald murphy has anyone worked the south rim
7:12pmgary bakker Rick. Who is always looking for people to close the season??
7:12pmKari Quaas @Mike - have a quiet place available w/o distractions.
7:12pmSteve Goldston work the whole contract and remember you asked for the job
7:12pmFr3sh donald, im there now
7:12pmFr3sh as we chat
7:12pmBrenda your not going for a rocket science position and act like your interested and happy
7:12pmFr3sh kari, that's important
7:12pmKari Quaas @Gary - all of them!
7:12pmreginaldcohen and be honest
7:13pmRick Peterson I work at the McKinley Princess in Alaska. We always have some people who either quit or get fired, so we are looking for people in late June or July who can finish our season in Sept
7:13pmreginaldcohen i used to work at copper river
7:13pmKari Quaas You have to think of it this way. The season runs from May to September, sometimes October and the employer may have to hire students who can only work a part of it.
7:13pmKari Quaas You'll have the best shot if you can cover all of the season.
7:14pmFr3sh copper riv just sent an email to me today saying they're reviewing my ap
7:14pmBill Berg Rick's situation is similar to what happens elsewhere..... late August into September slots are tough to fill - if you're available then, you could probably pick your spot for the all.
7:14pmMike Thomason Prepare for the interview by doing some research about the resort or NP so you can ask appropriate questions.
7:14pmSteve Goldston tetons are good to work but you have to do 48 hrs per week
7:14pmdonald murphy Fr3sh- How do you like the south rim
7:14pmMichael Good suggestions all..
7:14pmKari Quaas Absolutely, if you haven't done so, read Rick Peterson's blog posts.
7:14pmKari Quaas They are featured on the home page. Great advice!
7:15pmRick Peterson Thanks for the plug Kari
7:15pmKari Quaas :()
7:15pmKari Quaas :)
7:15pmFr3sh its okay, very secluded, housing isnt that good depending on where you stay, the people are very cool though, you work 40hrs a week for the most part
7:15pmColy Hope In phone interviews they will ask you about your experience.
7:15pmjackie morris any suggestions for full time
7:15pmStovpipe dan 26 peeps in here
7:15pmKari Quaas Too many parantheses on that first try, Rick.
7:15pmdonald murphy Has anyone worked anywhere where they would absolutely never go back
7:15pmBrenda yep I have
7:15pmFr3sh the job i'm currently working at
7:15pmStovpipe mu current job lol
7:15pmKari Quaas I haven't.
7:15pmColy Hope I started at The Balsams and Copper Mountain as seasonal and that turned into year around.
7:16pmFr3sh i would go back to the cruise ship though, but not right now
7:16pmreginaldcohen yeah rosario resort and yellowstone laundry department
7:16pmFr3sh reggie, where's rosario resort?
7:16pmKari Quaas Orcas Island in WA.
7:16pmKari Quaas Staying general, why wouldn't you go back to those places. No names.
7:16pmFr3sh are there any seasonal jobs int eh bahamas?
7:16pmStovpipe the job just sucks
7:17pmreginaldcohen bad management
7:17pmj to many "clicks" where i worked last
7:17pmCarol is there such a thing as "over qualified..." like don't try to oversell yourself?
7:17pmFr3sh all the above bwaha
7:17pmKari Quaas @Fr3sh - We've had some opportunities in the Caribbean before.
7:17pmStovpipe lol r3sh
7:17pmBrenda the place I despise is disgusting and I just won't even go there. only good part is the location
7:17pmdonald murphy In general what jobs should we avoid
7:17pmStovpipe jobs that u have to live out of ur car in
7:17pmMichael Yes.
7:18pmFr3sh do they still offer seasonal jobs in the caribbeans kari?
7:18pmRick Peterson I don't think you can be overqualified. Many seasonal workers are tremendously skilled and now trying something new, that isn't uncommon
7:18pmgary bakker Kari.. Will Coolworks be having many more new Seasonal Jobs coming up on the CW site in the near future??
7:18pmFr3sh rick, that applies to me
7:18pmKari Quaas @Fr3sh - They'll be back. Not sure exactly when, but we do see them. Probably in the fall.
7:19pmFr3sh okay,thank you, keep me posted please
7:19pmFr3sh i'm really interested in working there
7:19pmKari Quaas @Gary - Gosh, new employers are popping up everyday. Just get the feed for What's New to keep up.
7:19pmFr3sh i tried to search for some but tried to no avail
7:19pmMike Thomason I agree with Rick. There are a lot of us in The Older and Bolder group who have a lifetime of skills and experiences.
7:19pmRobert "Robin" Carlson {:-) which is better, state or fed parks?
7:19pmdonald murphy what has been everyone's experience for married housing
7:19pmKari Quaas Check in the around the world location - but I would guess it will be in the fall.
7:19pmStovpipe State parks
7:19pmBrenda check in several places, seasonal help wanted now sections
7:19pmFr3sh okay,thanks
7:19pmKari Quaas @Mike - experience is great!
7:20pmRick Peterson I don't think you can say State or Fed is better, just different locations. It is the people working at them that make the difference
7:20pmKari Quaas @Rick - nice
7:20pmFr3sh rick, that's true, i see no diff really
7:20pmreginaldcohen u get the same room as an married couple
7:20pmreginaldcohen only place that didn't was ncl
7:20pmTracy Smith I agree with Rick. It's impossible to say that one place or area is better than the rest. It's all up to the person who embarks on the adventure.
7:20pmKari Quaas (hi tracy!)
7:20pmTracy Smith (hi Kari!)
7:20pmFr3sh reggies, i worked for ncl and they say they do offer it but no one received it
7:20pmStovpipe Any one worked at Yosemite
7:21pmBrenda yes for 4 months stov
7:21pmKari Quaas Nope, but just visited Yosemite last fall. It's beautiful!
7:21pmStovpipe What is working for them like
7:21pmBrenda the living conditions back then were deplorable
7:21pmFr3sh what place do you only want to be a tourist and not work at
7:21pmreginaldcohen when we was there they wouldn't give it to us
7:22pmreginaldcohen they said they didn't have to
7:22pmFr3sh what ship reggie?
7:22pmKari Quaas Good question, Fr3sh.
7:22pmMike Thomason Denali Princess kept married folks together and did a good job of placing them in quieter areas.
7:22pmreginaldcohen america and hawill
7:22pmRick Peterson I want to be a tourist in the Copper River region of Alaska
7:22pmdonald murphy i have thought about Yosemite because it is so beautiful but I understand you have to stay in tents if you work there
7:22pmBrenda it's been awhile so I am not sure how they are now but stove Yosemite is Delaware North
7:22pmKari Quaas hee hee
7:22pmStovpipe I was a tourist/working in YS back in 05 lol
7:22pmFr3sh for me it would be bryce canyon
7:22pmTracy Smith Copper River area is a phenomenal area.
7:22pmKari Quaas Yosemite has condo like places for their employees.
7:22pmRick Peterson I just don't want to work there
7:22pmFr3sh kari, sounds nice
7:22pmKari Quaas ...basically shared apartments.
7:23pmBrenda they musta changed it then Kari
7:23pmStovpipe Is Yosemite just as big as YS
7:23pmreginaldcohen and they were going to put her on the aloha
7:23pmFr3sh whoa
7:23pmKari Quaas Yosemite is smaller, yes?
7:23pmBrenda back when I WORKED IT IT WAS DIRTY TENTS AND RUNDOWN TRAILERS
7:23pmKari Quaas Bill?
7:23pmFr3sh how long ago was this reggie
7:23pmMichael Is it ok to let the interviewer know that you have applied different places? I mean, they would assume that anyway right?
7:23pmreginaldcohen about 2 years ago
7:23pmBrenda oppps sorry for the caps
7:23pmFr3sh okay, i worked for them around that time as well
7:24pmKari Quaas @Michael - Sure. It's good to be honest.
7:24pmdonald murphy did someone say there were condos at Yosemite
7:24pmRick Peterson Always be up front with the interviewer. Knowing you applied other areas might make you more in demand and speed up the process
7:24pmBrenda when did they get the condo's
7:24pmFr3sh rick, very good point
7:24pmFr3sh never thought of that
7:24pmRick Peterson I try
7:24pmKari Quaas @Donald - shared apartments
7:24pmMichael Ok thanks:)
7:24pmTracy Smith I agree with Rick, yet again. It might even help you in obtaining the job.
7:24pmKari Quaas @Brenda - I misspoke - meant apartments/ shared housing.
7:24pmColy Hope Does the interviewer have to know you applied elsewhere?
7:25pmKari Quaas (Hey Jason!)
7:25pmJason S. Hi :)
7:25pmBrenda also I had the misfortune of dried up waterfalls and low lakes in Yosemite
7:25pmTracy Smith They don't have to know, but it doesn't hurt to be honest.
7:25pmKari Quaas (Still in Seattle?)(
7:25pmreginaldcohen i don't they should just say u have other options
7:25pmColy Hope I think it might hurt your chances because the interviewer might think you won't take the job.
7:25pmJason S. Yes...
7:25pmFr3sh coly, i was thinking that too
7:25pmdonald murphy At yosemite do you share a bath and kitchen in the apartment
7:26pmTracy Smith The interviewer may actually have to act faster and make a decision rather than making you wait for weeks.
7:26pmJason S. I am still thinking about Mt Rushmore again this season...
7:26pmRick Peterson Thought I would share something from a manager perspective....Don't be upset if you don't get a job right away. There are probably 5 or 6 other people vying for it with you. Just be persistent if you really want to work in a certain area. To achieve it you might have to be flexible and take another job tham you originally applied for.
7:26pmColy Hope If they ask you you should be honest but it would be a turnoff for me.
7:26pmKari Quaas Hey, for those of you hiring folks this year, i.e. Rick and Traci, do you have any tips for helping their applications stand out?
7:26pmBrenda I tell them some of the jobs I have gained experience in but I don;t inform them that apply to other places
7:26pmRick Peterson The first thing I look at is dates available for work
7:26pmRick Peterson Then I look for customer interaction in past jobs
7:27pmTracy Smith First and foremost, complete your application. When someone doesn't even take the time to fill in all of the information, what does that say about how they will be at work?
7:27pmFr3sh the more flexible the better correct?
7:27pmreginaldcohen to rick and traci have hired someone that been fired but been gone for about 5 years or later
7:27pmgary bakker Brenda and Rick.. What Parks do you work for???
7:27pmTracy Smith We don't work for a Park, we work for Princess Tours in AK.
7:27pmMichael I'm available for the whole season, that should help.
7:27pmKari Quaas Great tips, Rick and Traci.
7:27pmRick Peterson One good thing you can do is try to get your friends to apply. If I know hiring 1 person will net me another 2 or 3, that definitely is to my advantage.
7:27pmKari Quaas Flexible dates? Absolutely!
7:28pmRick Peterson Policies about hiring previously terminated employees are usually made by the HR people, and are usually not flexible.
7:28pmFr3sh tracy, i just applied for PTours
7:28pmTracy Smith What location?
7:28pmgary bakker What dates does Princess Tours look for Employment, and do you require Retail employees??
7:28pmBrenda I've worked Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon-North Rim and two resorts
7:28pmColy Hope @Rick - Don't you worry that if one quits his friends wil leave with him?
7:28pmRick Peterson Princess usually is looking for mid-May to mid-Sept
7:29pmFr3sh copper river, skagway, and denali
7:29pmTracy Smith yes, we hire retail
7:29pmFr3sh rick im available for those dates
7:29pmdonald murphy Brenda, would you go back to all of them,
7:29pmStovpipe what of the those are ur fav brenda
7:29pmRick Peterson Always a risk, but someone with friends usually has a better time because they don't have to worry about making new friends and finding someone to talk to when having a bad day
7:29pmBrenda worked two different company's in Yellowstone
7:29pmKari Quaas Is anyone applying to places on the east coast?
7:29pmreginaldcohen my sister in law work for copper river in the laundry
7:29pmBrenda no I wouldn't donald
7:29pmJason S. How early can employment in Alaska potentially start?
7:29pmTracy Smith Fr3sh...I work at Copper. I will look for your application.
7:29pmMichael I applied at Princess as well, Kenai.
7:30pmFr3sh tracy, okay thank you very much
7:30pmBrenda My fav in Yellowstone but not because of Xanterra
7:30pmFr3sh tracy, does any of those places offer employee housing
7:30pmMichael Copper river my second choice.
7:30pmKari Quaas @Jason - April if you're hired as part of the seasonal management team.
7:30pmRick Peterson To my knowledge, Alaska really opens for business in late April
7:30pmJason S. I was kind of looking for a ";Dorm mom" kind of job.. :)
7:30pmJason S. dorm
7:30pmTracy Smith 4 of our 5 lodges offer housing. $16/day
7:30pmFr3sh i'm really interested in working in alaska, seems like a very nice place
7:30pmKari Quaas ah
7:30pmFr3sh okay tracy
7:30pmTracy Smith It is.
7:30pmreginaldcohen would love to work for princess again
7:31pmStovpipe I just wanna go back to seasonal working screw this day job lol
7:31pmRick Peterson $16 is for housing and 3 meals a day
7:31pmJason S. I have kind of been doing that unofficially the last few years at Rushmore.
7:31pmRick Peterson just to clarify
7:31pmFr3sh oh wait, i just realized you said, A DAY
7:31pmTracy Smith thanks for correcting me Rick
7:31pmRick Peterson not correcting, just expanding
7:31pmdonald murphy To all of you older and bolder people, where have you worked that you like the best where you are not around a bunch of rowdy college kids
7:31pmTracy Smith the housing costs are cheaper than any other food/housing that I would have to pay on my own. It's really a great deal.
7:31pmJason S. But that kind of position is hard to find...
7:32pmFr3sh tracy that is a great deal
7:32pmTracy Smith and you don't even have to do your own dishes
7:32pmreginaldcohen lol
7:32pmFr3sh even better :)
7:32pmRick Peterson when looking at housing, also ask about internet, laundry availability, phones, etc
7:32pmMichael Hehe
7:32pmFr3sh that's very important
7:32pmStovpipe yea great thin about droms , no dishes or cooking for ur self
7:32pmBill Berg Room and Board taken care of - and cheap. And no cooking or dishes to do. I need to get back to working seasonally...
7:32pmMike Thomason Donald, it is fun to be around some of the younger folks. It helps keep us young.
7:32pmKari Quaas @Donald - I don't know that you can totally get away from the college kids.
7:32pmreginaldcohen i used to to be the dishwasher at princess
7:32pmJason S. Some places out there even do free room/board if you have been working at the same place enough seasons.
7:33pmjackie morris where do you get cell service in yellowstone
7:33pmFr3sh and all college kids aren't rowdy,
7:33pmMegan Geiger Hey everyone
7:33pmFr3sh is that even possible jackie?
7:33pmStovpipe Hey Megan
7:33pmFr3sh hi megan
7:33pmJason S. I wish Rushmore had better internet service.. But the dorms are liking living in a hotel.
7:33pmKari Quaas Hi Megan!
7:33pmBill Berg Cell Service in Yellowstone is decent at Mammoth, Old Faithful, Grant Village...
7:33pmMegan Geiger Hey
7:33pmjackie morris thanks
7:33pmMike Thomason I met some great kids last year.
7:33pmMegan Geiger yeah i got sidetracked
7:34pmMegan Geiger lol
7:34pmBrenda they have good and bad of all ages
7:34pmTracy Smith Let's remember that what we refer to as kids are actually in their mid-20's. Not really kids. :)
7:34pmdonald murphy ok, Im sorry I insulted the college kids but I think you know what i mean
7:34pmFr3sh im in my mid 20s
7:34pmKari Quaas Rick / Traci - Are you seeing an increase in your applications year to date?
7:34pmJason S. Yeah, you even get people in their 40's and 50's who are troubleseekers.
7:34pmKari Quaas :)
7:34pmRick Peterson I believe the apps are down a hair from last year
7:34pmFr3sh jason that's true
7:35pmBrenda yep
7:35pmTracy Smith um...not so much.
7:35pmRick Peterson but we are hiring fewer people this year than last year, so there is a lot of competition for jobs
7:35pmKari Quaas Interesting.
7:35pmreginaldcohen so how many people u get for each jobs
7:35pmBrenda some of the older folks I've seen right along with the collage kids party and get really bad attitudes and more
7:35pmStovpipe DO any of u know what Parks high full-time
7:35pmFr3sh tracy, when do you all start notifying applicants that they have just been hired?
7:36pmJason S. I am curious... Nothing against foriegners... But with Americans needing jobs.. Do you think seasonal employers will be using less internationals this season?
7:36pmMegan Geiger so whats up
7:36pmStovpipe nm Megas just watching Deather Race n ur self
7:36pmMike Thomason Rick/Tracy-do you recommend patience if we have not heard from Princess?
7:36pmTracy Smith Yes, I think there will be less internationals this season.
7:36pmKari Quaas @Jason - Good question.
7:36pmRick Peterson for some jobs, like a front desk clerk, I might get 25 apps for each position I actually hire. But a position like a room attendant might only be 4 apps per position
7:36pmMegan Geiger Yes they will bc they now how bad were off right now...
7:36pmgary bakker Big Bend In Texas hired a lot of full timers when I worked there.
7:36pmTracy Smith Patience is good, but try giving a call to the hiring division.
7:36pmMegan Geiger Oh yeah im getting ready to watch death trap
7:36pmFr3sh okay, thanks
7:36pmMike Thomason TY
7:36pmJason S. Thanks Kari, been thinking about that alot lately..
7:36pmRick Peterson Mike, patience is good, to a point. You'll be getting a call soon I am sure
7:37pmStovpipe is that any good Megan
7:37pmreginaldcohen which position u have an high rate of turnover
7:37pmBill Berg South Rim of the Grand Canyon hires year round.
7:37pmMichael Do the room attendants work in pairs at the princess lodges?
7:37pmFr3sh bill, i was just about to say that
7:37pmKari Quaas @Jason - I know that they just closed the h2b visas for the second 1/2 of 2009.
7:37pmJason S. I have a friend in a year around position at South Rim.
7:37pmMegan Geiger umm idk i haven't seen it yet
7:37pmJason S. ahh interesting.
7:37pmRick Peterson At the McKinley Princess room attendants are not in pairs
7:37pmTracy Smith Room attendants work in pairs in some locations.
7:37pmFr3sh i never heard of working in pairs
7:37pmFr3sh that would be nice and easier though
7:37pmMichael I see Thanks:)
7:38pmreginaldcohen i know at the ymca in co we had about 5 people
7:38pmRick Peterson each princess lodge is different, in some cases very different, so they all use the best system for their lodge
7:38pmreginaldcohen per cabin
7:38pmFr3sh 5,whoa
7:38pmJason S. Rick/Tracy: Do you guys have any dorm proctor type of positions?
7:38pmFr3sh well it was 4 per cabin on the ship
7:38pmKari Quaas General question - for those actively applying right now, how long is it taking to hear something from the employers?
7:38pmBrenda is that 5 per room?
7:39pmStovpipe over 1.5 week so far Kari
7:39pmBrenda wow that would be quick'
7:39pmTracy Smith We do hire employee housing supervisors at most locations.
7:39pmdonald murphy has anyone worked at teton
7:39pmj im still waiting from yellowstone for a chefs job
7:39pmjackie morris 3 weeks and waiting to hear
7:39pmFr3sh a week now for me kari
7:39pmMichael I heard from princess within a week I think..
7:39pmJason S. Thanks.
7:39pmKari Quaas thanks
7:39pmreginaldcohen yeah we get it done in about 10 mins
7:39pmAndrea I heard back in a week from one job. Another job got back to me in about two weeks.
7:39pmJason S. I got my invitation to return to Rushmore back on 12/1.
7:39pmFr3sh mike, is that for this coming season?
7:40pmStovpipe How was working at Rushmore Jason
7:40pmKari Quaas Do you get some sort of confirmation message right away or an email letting you know that they have your application?
7:40pmFr3sh i didn't hear from the ship until 3months later
7:40pmreginaldcohen tracy is todd the f&b manager at copper
7:40pmjackie morris yes
7:40pmFr3sh kari, i did
7:40pmTracy Smith Yes, he is.
7:40pmKari Quaas cool
7:40pmJason S. Stovpipe: Pretty good, good housing, good management... Its a Xanterra property but it doesn't have the Xanterra reputation :)
7:40pmFr3sh i waiting for the next email :)
7:40pmJason S. A summer in the black hills can be fun.
7:40pmgary bakker Kelcy said they were beginning to look at apps. I applied on the internet in October.
7:40pmKari Quaas :)
7:40pmBill Berg Are any of you on the job at a ski resort this winter?
7:40pmStovpipe Jason that is cool
7:40pmMegan Geiger So where is everyone going this season
7:41pmBrenda most places don't they go over returning employees first then get to the new hires
7:41pmreginaldcohen narrow it down to 2
7:41pmKari Quaas Good question, Bill.
7:41pmgary bakker Kelcy at Signal Mtn Lodge...
7:41pmjackie morris yellowstone hopefully
7:41pmreginaldcohen north rim and aramark in alaska
7:41pmBill Berg Signal always seems to have a good vibe.
7:41pmJason S. Brenda: I think a lot of places do offer jobs to returnees first.
7:42pmMegan Geiger Umm well...yeah in most cases they do but they do but is more first come first seve
7:42pmFr3sh the ship offered me a bonus if i returned
7:42pmTracy Smith I think it's mixed. I work on hiring both at the same time. If I know someone is coming back, then I don't have to rush to hire them and can focus on new hires.
7:42pmJason S. In Rushmore's case, they are giving Returnees until January 31st to decide to come back and then they will start hiring new people I think.
7:42pmKari Quaas How many seasons have the long time seasonal workers worked?
7:43pmBrenda I always wondered what it would be like working on a ship I think that would be great
7:43pmreginaldcohen i think my sister in law is coming back to copper river
7:43pmKari Quaas @Jason - That's a good plan.
7:43pmTracy Smith Yes, I look forward to seeing her again.
7:43pmFr3sh brenda, it was great, but its a TON of work
7:43pmJason S. I have worked 7 seasons... 3 at Cedar Point Amusement Park.. 1 at Put-In-Bay Ohio and 3 at Rushmore
7:43pmKari Quaas Way cool.
7:43pmFr3sh i know a few people that worked at cedar point
7:43pmKari Quaas Rushmore your favorite place?
7:44pmBrenda You have to have a lot of skill though don't youFr3
7:44pmColy Hope In Yellowstone if you stayed to the end of your contract and was in good standing you were guaranteed a job the next year.
7:44pmJason S. Yes Kari... Cedar Point is pretty good also....
7:44pmFr3sh quite a bit of skill you do have to have, they just don't hire anyone
7:44pmreginaldcohen is that hard place to get on
7:44pmJason S. Put-In-Bay was fun too.. They call it the key west of the north.. its all season
7:44pmJason S. Which place, Cedar Point?
7:45pmKari Quaas What would you say is the most important skill these days to be able to get a seasonal job?
7:45pmBrenda cedar point have housing for employees?
7:45pmRick Peterson Good communicator
7:45pmakscootr Sorry; I'm late. Hello
7:45pmKari Quaas Hey Scott!
7:45pmJason S. Yes CP does have housing... Over a 1,000 beds I believe.
7:45pmStovpipe sup Ab
7:45pmFr3sh kari, good question
7:45pmJason S. They hire a few thousand employees
7:45pmBill Berg Hi akscootr
7:45pmBrenda hey AK
7:45pmKari Quaas @Rick - Written or verbal or both?
7:45pmgary bakker Liking people...
7:45pmMike Thomason Kari-thank you for hosting this chat Good nite all. %-\
7:45pmTracy Smith Service skills. Technical job duties can be taught, but being a nice person cannot.
7:45pmFr3sh personality
7:45pmJeff H. Hello everybody
7:46pmakscootr Hi Kari... was walking... getting out
7:46pmKari Quaas @Mike - Glad you could come!
7:46pmFr3sh personable
7:46pmBrenda wow I never knew that I didn't look at them at one point but didn't see any housing so didn't apply
7:46pmKari Quaas Hey Jeff!
7:46pmreginaldcohen what can improve about the housing for seasonal work
7:46pmJason S. Cedar Point does give you long hours.. I worked 60-70 hour weeks.. Unfortunately they were exempt from paying overtime.
7:46pmJeff H. Hi Kari
7:46pmBill Berg It's been awhile, but when I was doing seasonal hiring I looked for people skills - that's hard to train. Easier to teach technical skills.
7:47pmJason S. Brenda: They have dorm rooms and apartments... Plus an employee shuttle service....
7:47pmKari Quaas Totally agree about it being the personality.
7:47pmBrenda like what kinda people skills Bill
7:47pmCarol so then age is not a deal?
7:47pmakscootr Housing not so important, unless a lot of time spent there. Better just to crash there?
7:47pmFr3sh age is not a deal
7:47pmJason S. Cedar Point also has an employee rec center..... with a subway in it ;)
7:47pmFr3sh housing is very important
7:47pmKari Quaas @Reginald - Is that just a general question about housing? Or, do you have some suggestions?
7:47pmBill Berg clues that someone can handle customers and fellow employees in a hectic environment
7:47pmJason S. I'd say housing can be a deal breaker for me.
7:47pmBill Berg or in a dorm
7:48pmreginaldcohen general
7:48pmTracy Smith Customer service skills...being able to assist and listen and just be nice.
7:48pmFr3sh don't you want to be comfortable where you sleep at after a long hard day of work?
7:48pmStovpipe A bed is a bed if u ask me
7:48pmFr3sh jason, housing is a deal breaker for me as well
7:48pmFr3sh stov, you must've been to prison before, j/k
7:48pmakscootr No... I crash in a tent when I can... being in someplace beautiful far more important
7:48pmJeff H. I think housing is important, I would'nt want to be in a college dorm or anything like that
7:48pmBrenda yeah I have to have a decent place to sleep to consider a position
7:48pmJason S. The place i worked for in Put-In-Bay had the worst housing...
7:49pmStovpipe ha ha no lol , i Just don't care to much where i have to sleep as long as it in doors and has heat
7:49pmakscootr But it is an individual choice :)
7:49pmFr3sh stov, i got you
7:49pmreginaldcohen me as long its not to hot in the room i;m fine maybe an tv
7:49pmKari Quaas We've got another 10 minutes or so, any burning questions that people have about working seasonally?
7:49pmRick Peterson Question::: What can we do on MyCoolworks to make things better for prospective employees?
7:49pmStovpipe Power would be nice and would a place to plug in a tv and my ps3 , can't leave home with out that lol
7:49pmjackie morris will xanterra work with transferring you
7:49pmFr3sh a lot of dorms don't offer tv in rooms
7:50pmKari Quaas Great question, Rick.
7:50pmdonald murphy has anyone had to break their agreement and leave early
7:50pmFr3sh jackie, i'm not sure about that but i don't see why not
7:50pmakscootr Yes they will... job fairs
7:50pmStovpipe I did Donald
7:50pmBrenda transfers usually don't come that often for newbies
7:50pmFr3sh donald, i haven't and hope i wont have to
7:50pmBrenda a few folks do transfer though
7:50pmJason S. Rick: More employee pictures.... Show what a dorm room looks like or what the EDR looks like, etc.
7:51pmreginaldcohen i want to say have an private chat with the employers
7:51pmjackie morris if i finish yellowstone and want to go to south rim will they help
7:51pmFr3sh yes
7:51pmAndrea @Rick - Your blogs have been helpful. Other than that, pics would be great.
7:51pmFr3sh cause it's a lot of people here from YStone
7:51pmFr3sh ALOT
7:51pmStovpipe Fr3sh YSis more popular
7:51pmjackie morris thanks
7:51pmKari Quaas @Jason - We're trying to ask that of our returning employers. Also, please tag any photos you all have of housing on here - housing - and indicate where it is.
7:51pmJason S. I think people want to see what their life is going to be like for a few months rather than read about it. :)
7:52pmFr3sh but i heard the south rim is better
7:52pmKari Quaas @Jason - so agree
7:52pmBrenda Kari I tagged mine
7:52pmStovpipe YS needs live webcams in dorm hall ways ha ha
7:52pmKari Quaas Thanks, Brenda!
7:52pmFr3sh the south rim is biogger though
7:52pmFr3sh stov, bwaha
7:53pmFr3sh and its more to do at the south rim than any other park
7:53pmStovpipe Live web cams would kind a cool
7:53pmKari Quaas By all means, if there are things that we as CoolWorks can do to help, please let us know.
7:53pmreginaldcohen just got my dates for aramark
7:53pmFr3sh what's one thing that keeps you sane while working seasonal jobs?
7:54pmFr3sh for me it would be music
7:54pmRick Peterson My wife keeps me sane
7:54pmKari Quaas Yellowstone webcam from the CoolWorks' HQ - http://www.coolworks.com/webcams/
7:54pmTracy Smith remember to have fun and smile.
7:54pmStovpipe Those dorms Kari
7:54pmBrenda I even have a picture up of inside the North Rim EDR
7:54pmFr3sh smiling is important
7:54pmreginaldcohen getting away one in awhile
7:54pmKari Quaas Get out and do something fun every day where you are.
7:54pmTracy Smith Kortney has a big job, Rick.
7:54pmBill Berg hiking, camping, climbing, boating, fishing - getting away
7:54pmFr3sh kari, eventually one would have done everything after being there for months
7:54pmRick Peterson Tracy is right, no matter how horrible your day, just remember that we are dealing with a person's vacation, not the fate of the world
7:55pmStovpipe go four wheeling :D
7:55pmreginaldcohen what can u guys do to keep us coming back each season
7:55pmKari Quaas I think that there is always something more to see...even if it's the same hike...it's a new day!
7:55pmFr3sh i took an aerial tour, went smooth water rafting, went to phoenix, vegas
7:55pmTracy Smith There is so much to do at these amazing places, you'd never run out of options.
7:55pmFr3sh next is los angeles
7:55pmBrenda brb
7:55pmStovpipe I totally agree tracy
7:55pmFr3sh i love taking pics too
7:56pmRick Peterson I bought a popcorn cart to get people back to McKinley
7:56pmakscootr Something rarely said; I love meeting the international folks and making friends overseas
7:56pmStovpipe I had a shitty camera so i didn't take pictures :(
7:56pmTracy Smith You and that popcorn cart.
7:56pmKari Quaas Well, I for one am looking forward to all of your stories from the summer. Keep posting on here and sharing your experiences.
7:56pmRick Peterson Sounds like jealousy to me Tracy
7:56pmKari Quaas I love popcorn (as you two know).
7:56pmMichael I've gotta go. Thanks everybody! I'm crossing my fingers for my interview tomorrow..
7:56pmakscootr Just re-met someone I knew 5 years ago... it was good to see her and speak to her
7:57pmFr3sh aksootr, i like meeting them too, now i'm taking a trip to jamaica cause of one of my friends that use to work here
7:57pmStovpipe gl micheal
7:57pmKari Quaas @Michael - good luck!
7:57pmTracy Smith The best way to keep employees coming back is providing a safe and fun work environment. Recognizing their hard work and appreciating them.
7:57pmMichael Thanks:)
7:57pmAndrea Good Luck Michael
7:57pmRick Peterson I'm going too, time to eat some salmon
7:57pmakscootr Soon hopefully same for me...in Russia
7:57pmStovpipe and good pay to us employees
7:57pmTracy Smith What?! You don't eat salmon.
7:57pmCarol its been great, thanks everyone!
7:57pmKari Quaas Have a nice dinner, Rick. Thanks for stopping in!
7:57pmFr3sh recognition and appreciation is what would bring me back, good point tracy
7:57pmakscootr Salmon is the best...
7:57pmRick Peterson I do tonight, doc says I need to eat more fish
7:58pmKari Quaas Good for you.
7:58pmTracy Smith Wow. I'm shocked.
7:58pmRick Peterson Copper River Princess rocks
7:58pmKari Quaas Maybe a vegetable too?
7:58pmBill Berg Fish are friends, not food...
7:58pmakscootr especially Red Salmon
7:58pmFr3sh rick, im interested in copper river
7:58pmMegan Geiger yeah omega3 it the best thing for your body
7:58pmKari Quaas lol
7:58pmBill Berg Have a great night everyone.... THANK YOU for visiting Cool Works.
7:58pmTracy Smith Copper River Red Salmon - fished from the banks of the Klutina River next to the Copper River Princess.
7:59pmKari Quaas yum
7:59pmakscootr I'm drooling :)
7:59pmMegan Geiger lol
7:59pmStovpipe wipe ur mouth lol
7:59pmKari Quaas I'll post the transcript shortly. FYI the Alaska one is up now too. :)
7:59pmMegan Geiger no alaskan salmon is the BEST
7:59pmStovpipe mm crap or lobster mmm
7:59pmakscootr cool... thanks Kari
7:59pmFr3sh you eat "crap"?
7:59pmStovpipe OH YES!
8:00pmFr3sh oh you do?
8:00pmakscootr Ak Salmon best.. Copper River Salmon even better
8:00pmKari Quaas You're welcome! Thanks for coming everyone. We'll do this again next Monday. Topic TBD.
8:00pmStovpipe the sea crab , not the other crabs lol
8:00pmFr3sh kari, this is my first time chatting here and enjoyed it, looking forward to chatting next mon
8:00pmKari Quaas Glad you came, Fr3sh!
8:01pmFr3sh thank you!!!