Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Recruiter Ramblings

Today's rambling: Firing your resume like you are practicing HALO with a M16 Assault Rifle.

I have recently interviewed a number of candidates who have openly admitted to blindly sending off their resume to online job postings, with little tracking or research on what job opportunity they might be applying.

Now I will be one of the first to admit that my 401K that became a 101K over the last year is a telling sign of how bad our economy has been and still might be....

However, I do not encourage open fire on the job boards!

Our current economy is providing a platform for new beginnings! Use this opportunity to hone a new skill; learn a new trade; reinvent oneself! Perhaps even go back to school to finish your degree or go after that MBA you have been threatening about for the last few years.

2010 is around the corner and it looks promising! So take this opportunity to fine tune your resume and prepare to take the job market by storm.

The next few postings to come, will highlight job searching tricks and resume pointers to assist you in identifying your next CAREER.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Branch Manager Open Positions

Good Morning! The TruGreen LandCare team is currently looking to hire Operations Managers and Branch Managers in a couple of large Metropolitan areas. Philadelphia and Southern MD outside of Washington, D.C. are two markets with Branch Manager positions currently open. Please visit www.servicemaster.com or www.trugreenlandcare.com to learn more about these and other exciting opportunities we currently have available!!


At TruGreen Landcare, we do so much more than care for landscapes. We strive to give our customers natural beauty and consistent confidence. And we provide our associates with challenging work and opportunities for growth.

We are currently seeking:
Branch Manager
Maximize customer satisfaction, revenue, growth and profitability of a branch office through effective management and coordination of customer service, employee training and development, equipment and facility resources, safety programs, and promotion of all corporate goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential duties and responsibilities are listed below. Other duties may be assigned.

· Motivates and evaluates Account Representatives and Department Heads to promote the highest standards of cooperation, production, service and ethics.

· Develop plans for the efficient use of materials, equipment and employees.

· Responsible for control of all budget line items and investigating all avenues to exceed and improve division's bottom line.

· Implementation and achievement of division's goals and objectives. Make sure they are communicated to all levels of production.

· Directs the development and implementation of all sales/marketing strategies utilized by the branch.

· Evaluates performance, makes salary recommendations, and administers disciplinary actions consistent with company policy.

· Evaluates and authorizes branch expenses to ensure cost effectiveness of all purchases.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manages two or more supervisors who supervise office, sales and operations departments. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees, planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university, or four to five years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.


At TruGreen Landcare, you’ll enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity for professional growth and respect that comes from working for the industry leader. Qualified candidates must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen. Come grow with us.

AA/EOE M/F/V/D

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Commercial Sales Reps

Good Morning! As July rolls to an end and we look to squeeze that last summer vacation in before the kids go back to school, ServiceMaster and TruGreen LandCare are still hiring and I wanted to make you aware of a couple of Commercial Sales Rep positions that TruGreen LandCare has available. As always, please visit www.servicemaster.com to view a comprehensive list of open positions for both LandCare, as well as our other ServiceMaster business units!

TruGreen LandCare currently has Commercial Sales Rep positions available in Baltimore, MD; Norfolk, VA; Austin, TX; and Phoenix, AZ. I have included the Commercial Sales job description below for your perusal, but feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or are interested in employment opportunities with ServiceMaster and TruGreen LandCare.


TruGreen LandCare
Commercial Sales Representative

Summary Sells commercial landscape services to businesses and industrial establishments by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties as assigned.

Researches, identifies and delivers profitable business opportunities with new and existing clients through customer relationships, cold calling, client presentations, referral generation, cross selling and networking.

Develops close customer relationships and thorough understanding of client needs; trouble-shoots customer issues.

Evaluates all revenue generating opportunities within a customer or prospect and designing proposals based on finds.

Develops and maintains relationships with purchasing contracts.

Compiles lists of prospective customers for use as sales leads.

Travels through assigned territory to call on regular and prospective customers to solicit sales.

Participates in company sales meetings and training programs.

Serves as mentor for less tenured or experienced sales representatives.

Develops and executes sales and business development plans.

Prepares sales contracts and obtains required approvals.

Meets regularly with prospects to continue to build and enhance potential business opportunities throughout business sales cycle.

Increases market share by achieving sales and revenue production goals.

Collaborates with other functional areas to access all available resources.

Enters new customer data and other sales data for current customers into computer database.

Assists in the investigation and collection of overdue balances on customer accounts.


Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university with four to five years related business to business sales experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred experience with business to business transactions involving long sales cycles.


Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers.


Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.


Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.


Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Current driver's license


Other Skills and Abilities

Flexibility
Adaptability
Persuasiveness
Customer relations
Interpersonal skills
Product knowledge
Excellent oral and written communication
Self-motivated
Initiative
Business acumen
Effective listening skills
Team player
Closing skills
Territory management
Prospecting skills
Negotiation
Product Knowledge
Presentation skills
Client relationships
Time management
Computer literacy
Problem solving

Other Qualifications

Local travel (60%)
Landscaping knowledge


Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the associate is regularly required to talk or hear. The associate is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.


Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the associate is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Region Manager

So I owe a huge apology that my blogging has been non-existent as of late....and by late, I mean six plus weeks. No lame excuses - all I can say is that recruiting within TruGreen LandCare has had my unwavering attention, outside my wife and incredible Little Man!

With that said, a number of individuals over the last week or two have highlighted the value they found in this blog and wished I did it more often. So.....I am forsaking my losing Red Sox tonight to bring you a new post and highlight a high profile position! The Red Sox are losing right now so no need to check tomorrow's box score unless Jason Bay or Big Papi can score some runs...

On to the good stuff! Please find below the job description for a Region Manager position we currently have available within TruGreen LandCare. If this piques your interest, please do not hesitate to reach out to me to discuss in further detail! I look forward to hearing from you and stay tuned - more to come!


TruGreen LandCare


Position: Region Manager

SUMMARY:
Create and maintain a region of branches that have management teams in place who clearly understand what is expected of their business and have a plan in place to accomplish the expectations. Operate within the policies and procedures of the company and create an environment that motivates people to be successful.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential duties and responsibilities are listed below. Other duties may be assigned.

· Create a Region staff that operates as a team to ultimately support Branch Management.

· Communicate “The Vision” throughout the Region.

· Responsible for the financial results, revenue and operating income of the Region.

· Implementation and achievement of Region’s goals and objectives. Make sure they are communicated to all levels of production.

· Work with Regional People Services Managers to aid and develop plans for employee growth and development.

· Monitor Results vs. Plans by evaluating daily, weekly and monthly reports.

· Develop plans with Region Marketing Manager to ensure sales and retention success.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manages two or more managers who supervise office, sales and operations departments. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees, planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university, or four to five years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, percentages, area and volume.

REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
As required by federal and state law.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Oral and written communications skills Analytical skills
Team development skills Organizational skills
Leadership skills Attention to detail

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.



WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA/M/F/D/V)

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Texas Opportunities

Good Morning!

While this Wednesday morning is providing some light rain in the Charlotte market, it's blue skies in the state of Texas. I am currently looking to address an Area Manager and an Operations Manager in Texas, with relocation a possibility. I am providing the job description of our Area Manager position below - so feel free to reach out to me to learn more about these or other opportunities we may have within TruGreen LandCare or ServiceMaster as a whole.

Have a great day!


Area Manager

Description:

As an Area Manager you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of landscape maintenance contracts, maximizing customer satisfaction, and ensuring delivery of quality services while achieving set goals for revenue, profitability, and contract renewals through effective management & coordination of personnel, equipment & facility resources, and employee training & development.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES * Responsible for ensuring delivery of quality services and customer satisfaction * Develop long-term relationships with clients to ensure open-line of communication * Schedule landscape maintenance crews and conduct site inspections to evaluate services performed * Provide estimates for supplemental work & enhancements to improve the quality of landscape * Responsible for monitoring operation expenses. Review financial reports & seek avenues to improve the branch’s bottom line * Develop and coordinate plans for the efficient use of personnel and resources * Participate in branch recruitment plan to fulfill staffing needs * Train & mentor field supervisors and crew personnel * Participate & conduct routine training sessions to maximize production & efficiency. Promote high standards for customer service, develop a safety culture, and create a positive team environment

JOB QUALIFICATIONS * Degree in Landscape/Horticulture or related business field preferred * Experience in managing a landscape division to include maintenance service contracts * Direct management of multiple landscape maintenance crews * Basic understanding of budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting * Proven success in profitable business management * This position requires excellent organizational, leadership, communication, and time management skills * Valid state driver’s license and good driving record
*Experience in recommending, pricing, and selling enhancements to improve the quality of the landscape


CAREER ADVANCEMENTS * We are committed to offering the training & resources required to succeed in our business * Prepare-review-manage financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, P&L reports * Attribute to branch growth through involvement in sales and marketing * Management of personnel in multiple departments within a multi-million dollar operation

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS * Excellent salary * Bonus plans & incentive programs * Company truck * Career advancement opportunities * Complete benefits package to include: Profit sharing & retirement plan (401K), stock purchase plan, medical, dental, vision,free life insurance, short/long term disability, employee discount programs, & much more! * Paid holidays & vacation

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA/M/F/D/V)

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Position of the Week - Region Manager

Good Afternoon! After my work computer had some malfunctions on a business trip to the West Coast, I am back up and running. I wanted to take this moment to post our "Position of the Week," as we are always looking to identify great talent for all of our business units within ServiceMaster. The position this week is Region Manager. We currently have one vacancy but I am looking to identify individuals nationally that would fall within this profile. Feel free to share this with colleagues, or contact me directly for additional information.

Have a great holiday weekend!

The TruGreen Companies


Job Description
Job Title: Region Manager

SUMMARY:
Create and maintain a region of branches that have management teams in place who clearly understand what is expected of their business and have a plan in place to accomplish the expectations. Operate within the policies and procedures of the company and create an environment that motivates people to be successful.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential duties and responsibilities are listed below. Other duties may be assigned.

· Create a Region staff that operates as a team to ultimately support Branch Management.

· Communicate “The Vision” throughout the Region.

· Responsible for the financial results, revenue and operating income of the Region.

· Implementation and achievement of Region’s goals and objectives. Make sure they are communicated to all levels of production.

· Work with Regional People Services Managers to aid and develop plans for employee growth and development.

· Monitor Results vs. Plans by evaluating daily, weekly and monthly reports.

· Develop plans with Region Marketing Manager to ensure sales and retention success.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manages two or more managers who supervise office, sales and operations departments. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees, planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university, or four to five years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, percentages, area and volume.

REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
As required by federal and state law.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Oral and written communications skills Analytical skills
Team development skills Organizational skills
Leadership skills Attention to detail

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.



WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA/M/F/D/V)

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Position of the Week - Area Manager

Happy Weekend!

The position of the week is our Area Manager position with TruGreen LandCare. Both Bob and I are searching for landscape professionals that epitomize this profile, so feel free to reach out to us if you are interested in this caliber of position. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Area Manager

Description:
As an Area Manager you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of landscape maintenance contracts, maximizing customer satisfaction, and ensuring delivery of quality services while achieving set goals for revenue, profitability, and contract renewals through effective management & coordination of personnel, equipment & facility resources, and employee training & development.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Responsible for ensuring delivery of quality services and customer satisfaction
* Develop long-term relationships with clients to ensure open-line of communication
* Schedule landscape maintenance crews and conduct site inspections to evaluate services performed
* Provide estimates for supplemental work & enhancements to improve the quality of landscape * Responsible for monitoring operation expenses. Review financial reports & seek avenues to improve the branch’s bottom line
* Develop and coordinate plans for the efficient use of personnel and resources
* Participate in branch recruitment plan to fulfill staffing needs
* Train & mentor field supervisors and crew personnel
* Participate & conduct routine training sessions to maximize production & efficiency. Promote high standards for customer service, develop a safety culture, and create a positive team environment

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

* Degree in Landscape/Horticulture or related business field preferred
* Experience in managing a landscape division to include maintenance service contracts
* Direct management of multiple landscape maintenance crews
* Basic understanding of budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting
* Proven success in profitable business management
* This position requires excellent organizational, leadership, communication, and time management skills
* Valid state driver’s license and good driving record
*Experience in recommending, pricing, and selling enhancements to improve the quality of the landscape

· Others as required by federal & state law CAREER ADVANCEMENTS * We are committed to offering the training & resources required to succeed in our business * Prepare-review-manage financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, P&L reports * Attribute to branch growth through involvement in sales and marketing * Management of personnel in multiple departments within a multi-million dollar operation COMPENSATION & BENEFITS * Excellent salary * Bonus plans & incentive programs * Company truck * Career advancement opportunities * Complete benefits package to include: Profit sharing & retirement plan (401K), stock purchase plan, medical, dental, vision,free life insurance, short/long term disability, employee discount programs, & much more! * Paid holidays & vacation
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA/M/F/D/V)

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Open Positions

Good Afternoon!

I know, I need to apologize for slacking lately now that I am in my new role with ServiceMaster and TruGreen LandCare. Please take my sincere apologies and I will make a dedicated effort to get back to my normal routine of postings.

Today is exciting as I am posting some open positions we currently have within our organization. Please also visit us at www.servicemaster.com and www.trugreenlandcare.com to view a comprehensive list of all our positions.

As of today, our Talent Acquisition team is looking for:

Regional Sales Manager - Portland or Seattle
Branch Manager - Philadelphia
Region Manager - relocatable
Area Manager - Westborough, MA
Area Manager - Orlando, FL
Small Engine Mechanic - CT

Each week, I will post a job description for your review, of one of our open positions. Please feel free to reach out to me, or have colleagues you think might be interested, to contact me at trip.young@servicemaster.com

I hope the rest of the week turns out great!

Monday, February 9, 2009

ServiceMaster and TruGreen LandCare

While my blog has been quiet for the last couple of weeks, it has not been intentional. I was recently approached regarding an opportunity that I could not pass up and as such, have been executing my transition and onboarding with my new employer and team.

It is with great pleasure that I announce my new role as Senior Corporate Recruiter for ServiceMaster, based in Memphis, TN. ServiceMaster is the parent company to TruGreen LandCare, a company I am quite familiar with and have worked with over the past few years. My new role is going to focus on recruiting high caliber talent for the TruGreen LandCare team, primarily in the areas of Region Managers, Branch Managers, Area Managers, and Commercial Sales Managers & Reps.

As I move forward in this new role, I will continue providing recruiting insight and advice, while also making you aware of happenings at both ServiceMaster, and TruGreen LandCare. If you are interested in pursuing an opportunity with either company, please feel free to reach out to me to explore what opportunities may exist.

Enjoy your Monday afternoon!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Candidate Case Study

I need to take today's posting to describe a recent situation and get your candid feedback. I am quite puzzled by a candidate's actions recently and am at a loss for words.

I have been executing a search for a client in Lower NY & Long Island and have had a difficult time recruiting qualified candidates. The difficulty comes from the company's mere location, as no one is interested in moving to Long Island. By some luck, I identified a passive candidate through a referral, who was in fact interested in the opportunity.

By "interested," I mean that this person would potentially move into a more senior role with his current company's largest competitor, have a shorter commute, and make $20K on his base salary. It was a great opportunity!

The candidate was local so they went straight to an in-person interview and supposedly hit it off. The candidate debriefed with me and indicated the interview went well and he was looking forward to taking the next steps. Shortly thereafter, the client debriefed with me and provided similar sentiments.

Four days later, Sunday, the candidate constructed a well thought out letter, removing himself from the process. No rationale was given, only thanks for our time and consideration.

And then he was gone......

I tried email and phone, no response. I left voicemails asking for a rationale and reason - NOTHING. He just up and fell off the face of the earth. The company HR Manager even tried tracking him down but to no avail.

Now I understand that people change their minds, it's human nature. But if candidates want AND expect open communication with recruiters and hiring managers, then candidates need to show a similar respect. I am obviously never working with this individual again as they have permanently burned a bridge with me - BUT someone please tell what this individual is thinking??

I mean, with a downturn economy, you would think someone would be happier going to a larger, more stable company that would provide a shorter commute and an extra $20K on the base compensation. It's a no-brainer for me, but I am obviously missing something.

Someone please tell me what I should think of this situation....

Friday, January 9, 2009

New Year

I was fascinated the other week how a single change in day could spark such a spike in stock market activity - namely going from December 2008 to January 2009. When the markets re-opened from the New Year hiatus, a flurry of trading ensued as if the New Year meant the economic woes of 2008 had been magically erased. Aahhhhhh, not so quick my profit seeking capitalist!

The difference in December 2008 and then moments later, January 2009, is merely a lapsing of minutes. No drastic changes occurred other than the ability to change calendars and date your emails/checks differently. And while I overly simplify this event for discussion purposes, I want investors and job seekers alike to realize that the economic and employment pitfalls of yester-year will follow us, at least initially, into the New Year.

One of the most telling reports will be the unemployment statistics, due out later this morning. I am little unsure of what the report will entail, but if it reflects anything close to the Charlotte market (where BofA, Wachovia, and Freightliner have all announced significant layoffs), then we are destined for additional unemployment woes.

So my advice to you, Jane and John Doe job seeker - take this opportunity to make a positive change. If you unexpectedly fall victim to the HR axe man, don't feel sorry for yourself - because most likely it wasn't your fault. Companies are putting some great individuals in the unemployment lines. Use this career transition as a time to re-focus your efforts on an area you will really enjoy. This may mean going back to school to get the advanced degree you have been talking about for the last few years. Or maybe joining the ranks of our local, state, or federal government. (The FBI announced they will be hiring 3,000+ people nationally)

At the end of the day, you have a skill set that is valuable and of great benefit to an employer. Maybe your current employer didn't recognize your value and skill, but there are companies out there hiring and staffing up. So look at this momentary lapse in employment as a brief vacation. A time to recharge your battery and get ready for the next round in your career. We can make 2009 a good year!