It's no secret that the world is going through a recession.  Every media outlet in America is quick to point to the hard times, job loss, and financial woes Americans are facing.  Vaco understands these difficulties.  That's why promoting a standard of excellence is so vital in every division of Vaco.  We find top-notch professionals to fill open executive positions not because it's our duty, but because promoting a strong workforce in turn promotes strong businesses, which supports a more financially stable economy and country.

At the core of Vaco, business is something deeper.  It isn't just professionals in suits running a company. We're parents, neighbors, and friends who truly desire to make a difference in our community.  One of the most important core values at Vaco is service.  Service is a broad term, and Vaco will always exceed industry standards and go beyond the call of duty to provide excellence to clients.  But beyond the business, we are also humans, and we understand that serving on a personal level is equally as important as serving on a business level. 

Vaco Orlando truly desires to give back to the community.  Following are organizations we fully support and encourage others to support with us:

• Dress for Success - Promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Please see the "Events and Seminars" section for more info on how you can help. www.dressforsuccess.org/orlando
• New Beginnings - Provides shelter, food, clothing, professional counseling, job placement, hope, encouragement and the Gospel for homeless men in our community. Please see the "Events and Seminars" section for more info on how you can help. http://www.newbeginningslake.org/
• A Gift for Teaching - Improves public education by transferring our community's surplus materials and resources free to teachers for their students in need. www.agiftforteaching.org
• American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Walk - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a noncompetitive walk to help fight breast cancer and provide hope to people facing the disease. Participants support the American Cancer Society's lifesaving research, prevention, early detection, and support programs for thousands of patients and their families. www.cancer.org
• American Diabetes Association, Tour de Cure - Supports the mission of the ADA: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. www.tour.diabetes.org

Join with us as we work together to serve others in creating a better community, country, and world.  For more information about any of our non-profit organizations, please contact Brittany Smith at bsmith@vaco.com or (321) 445-2100 or Gilda Diaz at gdiaz@vaco.com or 321-445-2121.

Vaco Orlando's Top Consultants of the Quarter

Every quarter Vaco Orlando will choose professionals who exemplify our core values of leadership, integrity, entrepreneurialism, and professionalism, just to name a few. The consultants chosen have excelled both personally and professionally and deserve recognition. This quarter, Vaco would like to name the following people as our top consultants:

Vaco Staffing- Josh Lassester
 Josh originally started working for Vaco at the beginning of 2008 through the Vaco Nashville office.  After deciding to move to Florida, Josh made the transfer as a temporary employee to Vaco Orlando.  During the course of the past year, Josh has worked on several successful projects for Vaco.  He always has a great attitude, shows up on time, and never misses work.  Recently, he took on a short project that started only one hour after he accepted...proving that he is willing to go above and beyond to earn a position. Most recently Josh was hired as permanent employee after just 5 weeks of working on a temporary assignment proving that hard work and perseverance on temporary projects will lead to permanent work.  Congratulations Josh!

Vaco Technology- Rich Williams
Rich Williams works as an IT Director at a local company and ensures the day-to-day operations of the technology environment.  He has also helped with their accreditation process and has implemented plans to streamline processes and improve efficiencies.  Great job Rich...we're glad to have you as part of the Vaco team!

Vaco Resources- Lynnett Thomas
Lynnett Thomas is a senior management consultant with broad business capabilities and a solid record of accomplishments in diversified leadership, management, operational, financial and technical roles.  Lynette Thomas works with a government contractor client. Because of her incredible work ethic, business and technical knowledge, she was asked to bridge the gap between application and business.  She evaluated current Month End and Quarter End reports to determine the gaps in business requirements.   She successfully:.

• Created Cash Flow Templates in nVision
• Created Sales/Profit/Backlog (SPB) Analysis in nVision
• Updated E&Y Audit Templates in nVision and Smartview
• Created a new Balance Sheet, Cost of Sales and Income Statement templates in nVision

She adds great value to our team, and we want to congratulate her on a job well done and thank her for being such a valuable part of Vaco.

 

Congratulations and thank you to this quarter's top consultants!
Hope is in the Air and in the News
Despite all of the bad news the media is reporting, one channel has decided to focus on good news for a change.  You may already be familiar with the "Making a Difference" segment from NBC.  Below are a few links to stories of regular people making a difference in the world.  You can find more "Making a Difference" stories by going to: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10397946.  Below are a few of our favorites:

A Free Ride Gets Cancer Patients Through Hard Times
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#29623341

Making Birthday Wishes Come True
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#29803320

Sharing the Wealth Even When There isn't Much
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#29728257

Volunteers Flock to Flooded Areas
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#29884793

Vaco Financial
Economy on the Slump. Volunteerism on the Rise.

Job loss is a key source of depression for many people undergoing hard times.  The good news is there is hope through these difficult times.  Across America, non-profit organizations are experiencing a flood of volunteers eager to work and pitch in a helping hand through these tough economic times.

Locally, the OrlandoSentinal.com featured a woman, Janet Morris, who was a former director of operations for a development company.  She needed a reason to get up in the morning, so she volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity in Orlando. She was thoroughly fulfilled through her volunteer opportunity and states:

"I always knew there were a lot of good people in the world, and I always wanted to be one of them," she said. "But when you witness it happening around you, it really lifts you up."

Volunteerism provides a new sense of self-worth, and many times volunteers receive a greater benefit than the recipients.  Though many job seekers are finding solace through volunteer work, opportunities are always available for everyone interested in fulfilling the needs of others.

Following are five tips to help you select an organization that works for you:

1)    Research the Organizations and Causes Important to You.  What are the issues you feel most strongly about?  What organizations embrace these values?  What are their needs?  Whether it is tackling local homelessness, reading to children at a local school, or caring for animals - find your passion and pursue it.

2)    Consider Your Skills and Talents.  Do you have specific skills or talents you would like to utilize in the position?  Do you have a new skill you would like to learn?  Find an organization that will help you try new things and get you involved in activities you enjoy. 

3)    Evaluate the Time Required.  Nobody wants to over commit to a position and have to bail out before you have a chance to make an impact.  Before volunteering, evaluate how much time you have per week or per month to contribute to an organization.  Be upfront with your time limitations, so the organization can be aware of what positions may best suit your needs.

4)    Combine and Reach Your Goals.  Have goals to try something new, meet new people, and shed a few pounds?  Whatever your life goals may be, utilize volunteerism as a way to accomplish these goals.

5)    Volunteer as a Group or Family.  By volunteering with a group of friends or family, you can spend quality time together while helping others and growing together.  Instead of taking time away from your friends or family, you are adding invaluable memories through volunteering that will last a lifetime.

 Whether you're suffering from job loss or just looking for a new way to help others, volunteering provides invaluable benefits to both the volunteers and the recipients, and it helps establish meaningful lifelong relationships.
Vaco Resources 
Extreme Makeover: Resume Edition - Transform Your Resume From Drab to Fab!

You've got 15 seconds. 15 seconds to capture your potential employer's attention and draw him or her into your resume to learn more about your credentials.  So, how are you going to do it?  You have years upon years of credentials, titles, and recognition.  How do you pull out the content in your resume that matters most?  How do you cut down a lengthy resume to a readable page or two, and take it from dull and lifeless to interesting and effective?

Following are a few tips to get you started:

1)  Consider taking a trip back into your past.  Pull out old performance reviews, reference letters, or LinkedIn/online testimonials, and use them as positive points on your resume.
 
2)  Turn the bulleted list of tasks on your resume into a bulleted list of accomplishments.

3)  List positive accomplishments, awards received, and include projects with quick turnaround and positive results. 

4)  Use items that will set you apart from your competitors.  The items you listed on your resume will become talking points employers will use.  Through your resume, you can help establish positive interview results and questions.

Once your resume is organized with positive information and accomplishments, you must state why it was important that you accomplished specific tasks.  How was it beneficial to the company you previously worked for?  Also, mentally note how it will be beneficial to your future employer.

Having a customizable paragraph at the top of each resume for each job you apply for will help you personalize your resume easily for each position, and let your potential employer know that you have the skills necessary for that company's specific job. You will generate many more interviews by tweaking your resume and cover letter so that they address the specific skills each employer requests.  Take the time give your resume an extreme makeover that will guarantee the results you want. Transform your dull resume into a resume that generates results. Do the homework on yourself, and you'll go into your next interview more confident.
Vaco Staffing
Industry Hot Spots in a Cool Market
Don't believe everything you hear about the dark and cloudy job market, there is a silver lining.  Everyone hears that unemployment is rising and job hunting is a challenge, but few seem to mention that there are several industries in Central Florida that are growing and hiring top talent.
In Central Florida companies are hiring steadily in these industries:

 

• Healthcare
• Technology
• Education

•    Hospitality

 

Healthcare:  With the construction of the Medical City in Lake Nona, the arrival of the Burnham Institute and a surge of "Baby Boomers" closing in on retirement, jobs in the healthcare field are steadily rising.  Positions in home health, physical therapy, physical therapy assisting, registered nursing, nurse assistant, medical billing and collections are some of the most in demand job titles.

Technology:  Companies are looking to optimize their software systems and streamline processes, keeping technology a hot field for growth.  We have seen a rise in demand for programmers, software engineers, and application developers.

Education: According to the Orlando Business Journal, education, training, and library occupations are expected to rise.  Teaching positions at vocational schools and universities are also available.  

Hospitality:   With summer fast approaching, the area attractions are once again looking for thousands of seasonal employees.  Customer service and food service positions are also available.

This is a great time to home your skills in these fields or take supplemental coursework online while you conduct your job search.  Volunteering and networking with individuals in these hot industries can also be a great resource and introduction to your next job opportunity.  So banish the gloom and doom attitude and know that there are companies and industries out there looking for top people right now.
Vaco Technology
A Little Bird Told Me, "You're Fired!"

Everybody does it.  We vent about work - about the annoying co-worker or the overbearing boss.  We call it "venting" mainly because it makes us feel better that we're not "gossiping".  So, what does it hurt?  Well, it all depends on where you do it.  With social networking more popular than ever, some may find it a bit enticing to post on Twitter, Facebook, or My Space. 

An interesting article from MSNBC entitled, "Twitter Gets You Fired in 140 Characters or Less" recalls the experience of Twitter user, "The Conner" who posted the following message:

        "Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the               daily commute to San Jose and hating the work."

So, what's the problem, you may ask. Instead of internalizing his thoughts or telling them to a close group of friends, he publicly posted the comment on Twitter, which caught the attention of Cisco employee, Tim Levad, a "channel partner advocate" for Cisco Alert. 

        "Who is the hiring manager. I'm sure they would love to know that you will hate the work.
         We here at Cisco are versed in the web."

Oops.  This blunder has taken a life of its own, and you can now find You Tube videos and a website to commemorate this fopah at ciscofatty.com.  But, in all fairness, "Cisco Fatty" as he is now called, is not alone.  In fact, the following excerpt from The Wall Street Journal, lists a few other interesting stories of social networking gone bad.

       This week, an employee of the Philadelphia Eagles got a lot of attention after he was fired for           criticizing his employer on his Facebook page. Dan Leone, a gate worker at the team's                     stadium, had posted an angry, expletive-laced complaint about the team's failure to re-sign            safety Brian Dawkins. Management found out, and fired him for making the team look bad.

The list goes on and on of employers firing employees because of opinions or thoughts posted on social networking sites.  So, next time you feel like venting, make sure it is not in writing, and listen to that annoying advice your mom told you as a kid, "If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all." Well, at least don't post it for the entire world to view.  That annoying advice may have just saved your job and your reputation.
Vaco cordially invites you to the following Events and Seminars:

Mock Interviews Workshop
Tuesday, May 12th 1:30-3:30 PM
Vaco will be holding mock interviews for anyone interested in brushing up on their interview skills and techniques. Please RSVP Brittany Smith by Monday, April 27th at bsmith@vaco.com or 321-445-2100 or Gilda Diaz at gdiaz@vaco.com or 321-445-2121.

Rebranding Your Career
Tuesday, June 2nd at 4:00-6:00PM
Thinking "outside the box" of your career may be the key to manage through these tough economic times and reposition yourself. Three former accountants will discuss how you can re-brand yourself into a different career path or a different position. Please RSVP Brittany Smith by Monday, May 11th at bsmith@vaco.com or 321-445-2100 or Gilda Diaz at gdiaz@vaco.com or 321-445-2121.

Martini, Water, and Social Date
Thursday, June 18th at 4:30-6:00PM
Make plans to join us for a great time of socializing.  We look forward to seeing you there!  If you will be attending, please RSVP by Monday, May 25, 2009 to Brittany Smith at bsmith@vaco.com or 321-445-2100 or Gilda Diaz at gdiaz@vaco.com or 321-445-2121.

Dress for Success
Please join Vaco Orlando as we continue to partner with Dress for Success.  Dress for Success promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. If you would like to help Dress for Success in any way, please give us a call!  Clothing drop-off dates are April 27th, May 29th, and June 30th.  For donations or questions, you may contact Brittany Smith at 321-445-2100 or bsmith@vaco.com or Gilda Diaz at gdiaz@vaco.com or 321-445-2121. If you need assistance please feel free to visit, www.dressforsuccess.org/orlando.

New Beginnings
Please join Vaco Orlando as we partner with New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a Christian, non-profit organization that provides shelter, food, clothing, professional counseling, job placement, hope, encouragement and the Gospel for homeless men in our community.  If you would like to help New Beginnings in any way, please give us a call.  Clothing drop-off dates are April 27th, May 29th, and June 30th.  For donations or questions, you may contact Brittany Smith at 321-445-2100 or bsmith@vaco.com or Gilda Diaz at gdiaz@vaco.com or 321-445-2121. If you need assistance please feel free to visit, www.newbeginningslake.org.

Please RSVP Brittany Smith at bsmith@vaco.com or (321) 445-2100 or Gilda Diaz at gdiaz@vaco.com or 321-445-2121 for questions about upcoming events or seminars.