Tony Gets Real

Wow, am I ever wiped out, I just returned from the ASA Staffing World convention in San Antonio. Now that's a climate fit for a tree frog! It was a great time, and left everyone with a lot to think about. As the world changes, so does the world of staffing.

For example, a lot of candidates think that just because they don't have a four-year college degree they are less desirable. Not true. A survey conducted by the Conference Board, Corporate Voices for Working Families, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and the Society for Human Resource Management concluded that human resource professionals are searching for candidates with applied skills – real world skills and on-the-job experience .

Important skills like oral communication, teamwork and collaborative abilities, and overall professionalism and work ethic are all attributes that are highly valued by employers. The crazy thing is, many recent college graduates are actually lacking in those fundamental skills!

Now, I graduated from Rainforest University, but it was the years I spent sweating it out in the jungle that I acquired those essential competencies. I mean lets face it, when I first graduated from college, I was pretty green.

No one devalues an education, but an impressive alma mater isn't the only important thing on a resume.

posted by TonyPogo at 10/3/2007 | 0 comments

Judith Zacha a Beacon for the Staffing Industry

I am getting totally psyched for the upcoming Staffing World 2007 convention in San Antonio. First of all, I love to travel and secondly, I'm finally going to meet Judith Zacha, CSP, founder and CEO of Beacon Services.
Judith will be inducted into the American Staffing Association(ASA) Hall of Fame. It's a lofty goal, but someday I hope to be the first amphibian ever inducted – but enough about me. Judith founded Beacon Services in western Michigan in 1981, and later was instrumental in starting the ASA chapter there. Since then she has been super active in ASA, chairing many committees and serving as chairman of the board from 2000-2002.
Look for me at the opening ceremony where she will be inducted. I'll be the one in green.

posted by TonyPogo at 10/3/2007 | 0 comments

Move Over Kermit...

I've got a new Hero: Agapito Soto!

The American Staffing Association announced its National Staffing Employee of the Year, Agapito Soto. Agapito is an information technology consultant at the Orange County Sheriff's Department in California. He works with a department whose ultimate mission is the safety and security of residents, coordinating technology and communications between various agencies – ensuring optimal operation in the event of a disaster or crisis.

Agapito is a retired Marine who looked to contract work to help transition to his civilain career. He is known for his hard work and "willingness to go the extra mile". I think he's a great example of the type of truly important work that temporary and contract employees do every day. Work that strenghtens our communities and improves our lives.

Mr. Soto will be honored at Staffing World® 2007 in San Antonio. But Tony Pogo salutes him today!

posted by TonyPogo at 9/18/2007 | 0 comments