Adams & Garth Blog

A hiring manager’s job is to find the right person for the opening. Thanks to a challenging economy – and high unemployment rate – that job has become harder than ever.

Not only do they have to dig through piles of resumes from unqualified applicants, but they also have to uncover the “true” candidate during the interviewing process. And with less time to spend on each candidate, even the smallest error or issue can knock an individual out of the running for a job opportunity.

So, as one of Charlottesville’s leading employment agencies, Adams & Garth can tell you that if you’re applying for job after job and hearing nothing, or going to interviews without getting a call back, it may be because you’re making some of these minor – yet impactful – mistakes and leaving a bad impression on the hiring manager in the process.

To help you avoid them in the future, here’s a look at 5 of them:

1. You give off bad body language. If you’re slouching in your seat, fidgety, crossing your arms, or interrupting the interviewer, then you’re giving off an unprofessional air.
2. You look sloppy. If you’re clothing is outdated, wrinkled, ill-fitting, or just plain inappropriate, then it’s going to make the wrong impression on the hiring manager.
3. You don’t seem confident. Even if you have extensive experience and a strong skill set, a weak handshake or a lack of eye contact is going to send a different message to the hiring manager.
4. You use poor grammar or inappropriate language. How you speak is going to make a difference on whether or not a hiring manager chooses you – regardless of your background. So avoid bad grammar, swearing, and using lots of “um’s” and “ah’s.”
5. You’re hard to understand. Whether it’s because you talk too quickly, too slowly, or don’t articulate your thoughts well, a hiring manager will simply begin to tune you out if they can’t understand you.

Some of the mistakes above are easier to fix than others – for instance, the way you dress vs. the way you speak. However, if you want to land a great job, investing some time to improve all these areas will go a long way in helping you achieve your career goals.

Need More Help Finding a Great Job?

Let Adams & Garth know. As one of Charlottesville’s leading employment agencies, we know what hiring managers look for in today’s candidates. And we can help you prepare for job interviews, as well as match you with job opportunities that are a great fit. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started.

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Your search for a job is behind you. Finally! But now you have a whole different slew of challenges to face in your new position.

One of the most important (besides, of course, doing great work) is developing relationships with your co-workers. It’s far more than just a social thing; having strong relationships with co-workers can boost your career and your happiness in your new Lynchburg job.

So what can you do to make a great impression, break the ice, and forge solid connections? Here are some tips to help you:

1. Be a good listener.

There’s nothing more annoying than someone who does all the talking and none of the listening. Don’t be that person! Listen to what your new co-workers have to say. Ask lots of questions. Take an active interest and look for common ground. When you’re a good listener, you’ll get to know your co-workers better and will make friends faster.

2. Share stories about yourself.

Don’t let your co-workers do all the talking. If you’re a private person, this can be a challenge. But force yourself out of your comfort zone. When you share, not only will you gain the trust of your new colleagues, but they’ll be more willing to open up to you. Keep in mind, though, there’s such a thing as too much information.

3. Be positive.

Smile, be happy, act like you actually want to be at your new job. It will make your more approachable, which will help facilitate relationships with your new co-workers.

4. Accept invitations.

No doubt, your first few weeks on the job will be filled with invitations to go to lunch or happy hour. Even if you don’t want to, accept them. If you don’t, you’ll appear standoffish, which isn’t good for your office reputation. Remember, things will slow down after a few weeks and you don’t need to accept every offer that comes your way. But now, when you’re just starting out, each invitation is an opportunity to make a valuable connection.

5. Be yourself.

You certainly want to put your best foot forward, but you also want to be yourself. You’re going to be working with these people for the foreseeable future, so if you fake it, they’re going to eventually find out.

Looking for Some New Co-Workers?

If you’re ready to put your current job – and your current co-workers – behind you and pursue a new opportunity, let Adams & Garth know. As leading recruiters, we can match you with Lynchburg jobs that are a fit for your background, skills, and personality. Give us a call or search for Lynchburg jobs now.

You offer an idea at a meeting?
It gets shot down.

You stay late to finish up a project?
It goes unnoticed.

You ask for extra responsibility or new projects?
You’re denied.

Your co-worker, on the other hand, seems incapable of doing anything wrong and is always on the receiving end of glowing words of praise.

Sound familiar? If it does, you’re not alone. As one of the leading employment agencies in Central Virginia, Adams & Garth knows many workers out there have a boss who plays favorites. While it’s a bitter pill to swallow, there are some steps you can take to handle the situation with grace. Here’s a look:

• Be professional. If your boss is really playing favorites, then they are the one with the issue, not you. So continue to be the polished professional you are and know that the fault doesn’t lie with you (unless it does…in other words, make sure you’re not doing things to earn negative attention, like showing up late).
• Don’t target the favorite. You never know. The “chosen one” may be as uncomfortable with the situation as you are. They may be aware that they are treated differently, but don’t know what to do about it. So while it may be tempting to be uncivil or critical toward them, don’t be. Otherwise, you’ll be seen as singling out the boss’s buddy.
• Talk to your boss. Are you doing a good job? Showing up on time? Getting your work done? Adding value to the team? Then talk to your boss. Come prepared with a list of accomplishments to promote and then simply ask, in light of all that, why you’re not getting more challenging assignments or more responsibility. Be ready to offer help, not make accusations about favoritism.
• Get behind the reason for the favoritism. Knowing the reason might make it easier to swallow. For instance, perhaps the favored employee is an old college buddy. Or maybe he or she and the boss have a lot in common and have struck up a friendship.
• Be patient; your time will come. If the favored employee is really undeserving, your boss will figure it out sooner or later, probably the hard way. So when that time comes, make sure you’re performing well so the boss feels comfortable looking to you to take on more.

Is Favoritism Undermining Your Career?

If it is and you’re ready to make the leap to a new opportunity, let us know. As one of the leading employment agencies in Central Virginia, Adams & Garth will work to get to know you, your background, skills and personality – all so we can match you with job opportunities that are a terrific fit. Search our Central Virginia jobs now or contact us today.

A cover letter and resume go hand-in-hand, right? You can’t send a resume without a cover letter. But in the age of digital resumes, video interviews, and social networking, is this rule outdated? In other words, do you really need to send a cover letter?

As leading Staunton recruiters, Adams & Garth knows that in many cases, the cover letter doesn’t get read. It’s the meat and potatoes – the resume details – that the hiring manager is really after. However, that said, if a resume piques the interest of a hiring manager, then they’re much more likely to go back and read the cover letter.

The key takeway here? Your resume typically gets read first, so make it stand out.

One way to do that is to include a summary of qualifications at the top of your resume. Your summary should NOT be the same for every position you apply to. Instead, you should use it as an opportunity to match your background and skills precisely to the company’s specific needs.

However, if a job posting specifically asks for cover letter, then you need to send one. Otherwise, you’ll look like you can’t follow directions. And when you do, make sure it’s as targeted as possible. If, after writing yours, you think it could be sent to a multitude of companies for a variety of positions, then trash it and start again. The more customized your letter, the better your chances of landing an interview.

So are there times when you should send a cover letter, even if a post doesn’t ask for one?

Absolutely. For instance, if you have a gap in employment that you need to explain, then the cover letter is the perfect opportunity to go into more detail about that. Or if your career track hasn’t followed the typical level of advancement – but you have a good reason – then explain it in your cover letter.

When you do include a cover letter, be as concise as possible. Most hiring managers don’t have the time or patience to read through a two-page letter. Also, make it easy for them to see your worth quickly by using bullet points to list important accomplishments, including specific numbers or percentages related to your achievements, and focusing on how you can help the company.

Are You a Qualified Professional Looking for a New Job?

If you are, Adams & Garth can help. As leading Staunton recruiters, we partner with top employers throughout Central Virginia to offer you outstanding opportunities in a variety of fields. Contact us today to learn more or search our Staunton jobs now.

You arrived on time, asked thoughtful questions, and presumed you nailed the interview. But you didn’t get the job. What gives?

You might never find the answer about one particular interview. But, as one of Charlottesville’s leading employment agencies, Adams & Garth knows there are some general signs interviewers display to look out for in the future – these are the signs that scream “I’m just not that into you.”

Here’s a look at five of them:

Sign #1: The interviewer is texting, emailing, and taking calls during the interview.

A job interview is the employer’s opportunity to find out if you’re a good match for the position and the company. As a result, it’s pretty important.

So if an interviewer is paying more attention to their iPhone then they are to you, then it could be a sign that a) they already have someone in mind for the job and are just going through the motions or b) you haven’t impressed the interviewer or aren’t viewed as the right fit.

Regardless, acting this way is rude on the part of the interviewer and could be a sign of what is to come if you were to work at the company.

Sign #2: You’re in khakis and the interviewer is wearing a suit and tie.

You’ve researched the company and they come off as young, edgy, hip – so you take a chance and wear casual clothes to the interview. Wrong move – the interviewer is in a suit!

The lesson here is that you never really know what a company’s culture is like until you’re in the midst of it. So don’t take chances. Not only will you appear unprofessional, but your inappropriate attire will likely make you feel uncomfortable for the duration of the interview, impacting your confidence and the quality of your answers.

Sign #3: The interview is super short.

Unfortunately, if the interview only lasts a few minutes, it may be because the interviewer has concluded that you aren’t the right fit and is eager to move onto the next candidate. But if you disagree – and think you are a strong contender for the job – then be direct. After all, you don’t have anything to lose. So, for instance, ask the interviewer if they have any doubts about your ability to do the job.

Sign #4: You’re doing all the talking…or the interviewer is doing all the talking.

Interviews are like really stressful, intense conversations; but they’re still just conversations. So they should consist of a good give-and-take, with both parties talking nearly equally in time.

However, if you’re doing all the talking, then you’re signaling to the interviewer that you’re nervous and you could also reveal too much information in the process – killing your chances of getting the job. If the interviewer, on the other hand, is the one gabbing away, then it could be a sign that they’re not prepared, skilled at interviewing, or really serious about hiring.

Sign #5: The interviewer demonstrates negative body language.

If the interviewer is constantly looking at their watch, doesn’t ever crack a smile, and doesn’t make eye contact with you, then all bets are off. It’s likely a sign that they’re bored or aren’t interested in what you’re saying.

Are You a Job Candidate Looking for Your Next Opportunity?

Let Adams & Garth know. As one of Charlottesville’s leading employment agencies, we partner with top employers throughout the region to offer you outstanding opportunities in a variety of fields. Search our Charlottesville jobs now or contact us today.

Imagine this scenario:

You’re in a meeting with your boss, discussing an important project. During the course of the conversation, the name of a fellow co-worker comes up. Your boss cuts to the chase and informs you that said colleague will soon be fired.

You like and get along with this particular person and hate to see them blind-sided by such bad news. On the other hand, it’s really none of your business and you want to stay in the good graces of your boss.

What do you do?

As one of the leading employment agencies in Central Virginia, Adams & Garth knows it’s certainly tempting to give your co-worker a heads up; but you may want to keep your lips zipped. Here’s why:

Reason #1: You don’t know all the details.

For instance, you might like the colleague in question very much. But that doesn’t mean they’re good at their job. And if they’ve repeatedly been delivering sub-par performance, then the firing is earned and inevitable.

Reason #2: You’ll upset protocol.

When it comes to firing, companies typically have set protocols in place to handle the process. For example, if the co-worker has access to confidential information, a human resources representative may be tasked with notifying the employee and then security may escort them off the property. But if you give your co-worker a heads up beforehand, then you’re giving them a chance to walk off the job with confidential information.

Reason #3: You could upset your boss.

If you notify a co-worker before your boss, you could be putting your job at risk. If your boss finds out, he or she may feel you can’t be trusted with private information and could cut you loose, as well. You may like your co-worker a whole lot, but are they worth losing your job over?

Reason #4: You might upset your co-worker further.

Your co-worker might appreciate the advanced notice; or they might be humiliated by the fact that you know about the situation and fearful you’re going to share it with others. So don’t assume that just because you have their best interest in mind, your co-worker will view it that way.

Not Getting Fired…But Kind of Wish You Were?

If that’s the case, let Adams & Garth know. As one of the leading employment agencies in Central Virginia, we partner with top employers throughout the region to offer you outstanding opportunities in a variety of fields. Search our Central Virginia jobs now or contact us today.

Searching for a new job? Then you probably know that networking is an important part of the process.

But are your fellow alumni included in your networking efforts?

As one of the leading employment agencies in Lynchburg, Adams & Garth knows that if they’re not, then you could be missing out on a big opportunity. Leveraging the power of your alumni network is a great way to build mutually beneficial relationships, expand your network, and hopefully shorten your job search.

That said, there are some steps you can take to maximize your efforts. Here’s a look at 4.

Tip #1: Target the right alumni.

Many times, job candidates look for HR personnel in their search for fellow alumni. But in most instances, HR is simply the gatekeeper, not necessarily the decision maker when it comes to hiring for a particular company. So, for example, if you’re a graphic designer, then look for fellow alumni who are creative directors at organizations, rather than HR personnel. Those are the people in the positions that will be making decisions about hiring.

Tip #2: Get the inside scoop. 

A fellow alumni may not be able to get you a job or even an interview, but what they can give you is still valuable – that is, information. So if you have an upcoming interview at a company where a connection works, reach out to him or her and ask for the inside scoop on what it’s like to work for the company and what kinds of skills, attitudes, and backgrounds the company values most.

Tip #3: Ask for a recommendation. 

Weeding through hundreds of resumes and trying to determine which candidates would fit best is a difficult job for HR. What makes it easier is when your fellow alum Mike from accounting walks into HR, hands over a copy of your resume to the HR director, and personally recommends you as someone they trust.

Tip #4: Take advantage of a mentoring network. 

Many alumni associations have mentoring networks that connect alumni with alumni mentors to discuss and gain insight into particular issues. Whether you want to be a mentor or mentee, this arrangement typically creates a highly productive and mutually beneficial relationship. It can also open the other person’s professional network up to, expanding yours exponentially as a result.

Trying to Network Your Way Into a New Job? 

Adams & Garth can help. As one of the leading employment agencies in Lynchburg, we work with some of the top employers throughout Central Virginia and we can connect with opportunities that are oftentimes not advertised.

Contact us today to learn more or search our Lynchburg jobs now.

You have multiple degrees. Plenty of experience. And all the right knowledge and skills, plus some. You’re a shoo-in for an opening that requires far less, right?

Wrong. Not all hiring managers are going to be as excited about your impeccable credentials as you’d think. In fact, some might be downright wary.

Why?

Because, as one of Central Virginia’s leading employment agencies, Adams & Garth knows they view you as a potential liability. They know you could probably do the job. What they’re wondering is if you’d actually stay on the job for more than a couple months.

After all, hiring is an investment of time and money with the payoff being a productive worker who adds value to the company’s bottom line. And if you’re just applying for a position until a more attractive opportunity comes along, hiring managers know they’re better off not hiring you in the first place.

So if you’re getting shot down for positions you want – but that you’re overqualified for, what can you do? Here are some tips:

Tip #1: Sell Your Qualifications as an Advantage.

While a hiring manager might view you as a risk, sell your qualifications as a perk to hiring you. For instance, demonstrate with specifics the extra value you can deliver because you are overqualified. Also, highlight how you’ll be able to become productive faster – and without as much training, support, and resources as another candidate.

Tip #2: Reveal Your Intentions.

For example, if part of the reason you want a particular position is because you want to travel less and spend more time with your family, let the hiring manager know. You’d be surprised at how much more open a manager is to hiring an overqualified candidate if they know your true intentions.

Tip #3: Make a Commitment.

Don’t remove your credentials from your resume just to land a job. Instead, address the concerns of the hiring manager head on. One way to do that is by offering an 18-month commitment to staying on the job. That way, you’re putting their fears to rest that you’ll leave within weeks or months.

Tip #4: Focus on the Employer.

In your cover letter and resume, and during your interview, focus on what you can do for the employer. For instance, how can you help them save time, save money, or overcome a challenging problem? The more you can demonstrate your ability to deliver desired results, the stronger chance you have of landing the job.

Are You a Qualified Professional Looking for a New Job?

If you are, Adams & Garth can help. As one of Central Virginia’s leading employment agencies, we partner with top employers throughout the region to offer you outstanding opportunities in a variety of fields. Contact us today to learn more or search our Central Virginia jobs now.

As one of the leading employment agencies in Charlottesville, Adams & Garth has heard stories or seen first-hand job candidates doing some wild and wacky stuff in order to get noticed by a hiring manager. But we’re here to tell you that it’s actually some basic fundamentals you can employ that will set you apart.

So don’t even think about showing up to your next job interview in a tuxedo, ready to serenade the hiring manager; or renting a billboard outside the hiring manager’s office (trust us, it’s been done).

Instead, employ these four basic – but essential – tactics to help win the job you want:

Essential #1: Put Your Connections to Work for You.

Nobody really likes asking for help, let alone asking a contact for assistance in getting a job. We get it. But let’s face it – you need to leverage every connection you have in order to land the job you want.

So if you know someone who works for a company you’re interested in, or has a job that seems ideal to you, take a deep breath, pick up the phone, and call them for lunch or coffee. An actual referral or recommendation to a hiring manager will help you stand out in a sea of other candidates.

Essential #2: Rethink Your Resume File Name. 

Most job candidates name their resumes something along the lines of “Resume” or “Mary Jones_Resume.” While there’s not really anything wrong with doing so, it certainly won’t make your resume memorable or easy to find for a hiring manager.

Instead, rename your resume file something along the lines of “Mary Jones_Administrative Assistant_Resume.” Taking this tact will help you stand out in the mind of the hiring manager.

Essential #3: Become Familiar. 

Familiarity breeds comfort. And the more familiar you feel to a hiring manager, the more they’ll want to bring you in for an interview. So how do you make yourself familiar to a person you’ve never met?

First, get to know the company as much as possible. Research them online and reach out to those in your network who work there, or know someone who does to get the inside scoop on hiring.

If the company is having a job fair, or sponsoring a community event, attend and try to connect with those in HR.  If the company has social media profiles, where HR posts job openings, start participating and interacting online with company representatives.

The more you can learn about the internal dynamics of the organization – and even better, connect with someone doing the hiring – the better your chances will be of landing an interview.

Essential #4: Follow Up. 

It’s such a basic step, and yet – time and time again – we see candidates that fail to send a follow up note. So if you really want to stand out after an interview, be sure to send along a personalized note to those you interviewed with. Email is fine; hand-written is even better.

Are You Looking for Help Landing Your Next Job?

Call Adams & Garth. As one of the leading employment agencies in Charlottesville, we can connect you with top employers – and top jobs – in and around Central Virginia. Contact us today or search Charlottesville jobs now.

As one of the leading employment agencies in Central Virginia, Adams & Garth knows that holiday parties aren’t just a time for eating, drinking, and being merry. They can also provide job candidates with a great opportunity to network.

So how can you get the most out of the gatherings you attend this year? Here are 6 tips to help you:

Tip #1: Just Say “Yes.”

If you’re looking for jobs in Central Virginia, you can’t afford to be choosy with which events you decide to attend and which you don’t. You should accept invitations to all holiday events. You never know who you’ll meet and what kinds of opportunities will cross your path.

Tip #2: Know Who’s Going to Be There.

Do some research ahead of time so you know who’s attending and whom you should be connecting with. Set a goal of meeting at least three or four new people at an event. Your aim here should be quality over quantity with your connections. You’re trying to build relationships, not beef up your rolodex.

Tip #3: Follow Proper Etiquette.

True, holiday parties are good opportunities to network. That said, you shouldn’t be carrying around a stack of resumes, ready to hand one out to anyone you meet. If you do meet someone of interest, then simply offer them your business card and make plans to touch base in the near future.

Tip #4: Ask for Advice.

Rather than asking for jobs in Central Virginia, ask for advice. People generally love doling out advice and the ones you meet will be much more receptive to being a resource for you. So simply say something like “Do you have any advice for getting my foot in the door at XYZ company?” or “What kind of advice could you offer me on how to break into ABC career field?”

Tip #5: Take Notes on Those You Meet. 

Obviously, you don’t want to stand around at a holiday gathering with a notebook and pen in hand. But bring a paper and pen with you and leave it in your car. That way, as soon as you leave a party, you can jot down notes and important details about those you met while the information is all still fresh in your mind.

Tip #5: Follow Up. 

After the holiday party, send out a handwritten note, along with your resume, to your new contacts. Be sure to reference something specific from your conversation and to make plans for touching base; for instance, let them know you’ll call them for lunch or coffee.

Looking for More Help With Your Job Search?

Let us know. As one of the leading employment agencies in Central Virginia, we can connect you with the top employers – and the top jobs in Central Virginia. Contact us today to learn more!