However, in this world, if you’re like many people, you who have to face a boss each day at your Charlottesville job who falls a bit short. Perhaps, they aren’t a natural leader and don’t inspire confidence. Maybe they’re too soft, allowing employees to get away with murder. Or they could be too hard, micro-managing and nit-picking every detail.

The worst situation, though, is when your boss treats you with disrespect. When this happens, you can begin to question your value as an employee and want to quit. But before you do, know your options for handling this sticky situation.

Look Inward First.

Bosses have tough jobs. Not only are they responsible for delivering the best results, but they also need to rely on other people – people like you – to get the job done. And if you’re delivering a sub-par performance, you could be making their job harder; hence the poor treatment.

So, while it might be difficult to hear, perhaps you need to do a better job. Come in early, stay later, and work harder to make sure you’re meeting expectations. While your boss should never treat you with contempt, regardless of your performance, he or she will probably go a whole lot easier on you if you’re doing great work at your Charlottesville job.

Talk to Others.

Ask a few trusted co-workers whether they’re experiencing similar problems with the boss. If they are, then at least you know that you’re not alone. Maybe your boss is stressed out about a personal problem or about new sales quotas or a big project deadline…and is taking it out on his team.

Regardless, if the behavior continues, then you’ll need to talk to your boss and get to the root of the matter. But if your co-workers are experiencing the same treatment from your boss, at least you have some allies.

Talk to Your Boss.

If you feel like you are doing good work and truly don’t understand your boss’s treatment of you, then schedule a private meeting to discuss the situation. Sometimes people don’t even realize they’re behaving badly until you point it out to them. When you do talk to your boss, try not to get emotional. Stay calm and be professional.

Bring in HR.

Before taking this step, make sure you’ve done all you can do to resolve the situation. If you have, and your boss’s behavior is truly impacting your ability to do your job, then report your boss to HR. They will take steps to deal with the situation.

Consider Quitting.

If you’ve taken all the steps above, to no avail, then it may be time to leave the company for a more productive work environment. Don’t sacrifice your personal health and well being if you feel terrible going to your Charlottesville job each day.

And if you need some help searching for great jobs in Charlottesville or in Central Virgina, let us know. We partner with leading employers throughout Central Virginia to offer you outstanding opportunities in a variety of fields. Search Charlottesville jobs now.

What happens, though, when you come across a job that you know you’d be a great fit for, but requires an MBA, when you only have a Bachelor’s degree, or five years of experience, when you only have 3½?

Should you apply and hope for the best, or not waste your time at all?

The answer is: It depends.

As one of the top employment agencies in Charlotte, we can tell you that if, for instance, the job is for a senior level manager and you’re barely out of the entry-level phase of your career, it’s a waste of your time to apply (unless you’re some kind of whiz kid).

However, don’t trash the job posting.

If that’s really your “dream job,” then keep a copy of it so that you know what kinds of skills, experience, and background companies are looking for to fill this kind of position. As you search for job openings, keep your eyes open for ones that can help you acquire those skills and gain the experience you need to land your dream job in the future.

On the other hand, if the discrepancies between your background and the job posting are more subtle – such as a year or two of experience, then there’s no harm in just “going for it.”

In your cover letter, you really have to sell yourself, though. Explain why you’d be a great fit for the job. Give specific examples of how your skills and experience have produced positive results for past employers. Make yourself hard to resist for the hiring manager.

Your resume could wind up in the trash…or you could wind up with an interview.

You never know unless you try.

And if you need some extra help in finding the right jobs for your background, give us a call. As one of the top employment agencies in Charlottesville, we know where to look to find great jobs that are a match for your skills and background. Start Now>

From talking about personal problems to detailing the benefits they expect to receive in the new position, these unfortunate job candidates immediately raise red flags for hiring managers and get crossed off the list for consideration.

But besides these obvious flaws in judgment, there are more subtle mistakes many job candidates make that can impact their ability to secure the job offer. In fact, as one of the top employment agencies in Lynchburg, we see them all the time.

To help ensure you’re not making them, here is a look at what hiring managers want you to know about the interview process:

Job interviews aren’t easy to get these days. So you should treat each one seriously by properly preparing. This includes researching the company and the position, developing a list of questions to ask, and also being able to demonstrate the value you can bring to the table.

Don’t interrogate the hiring manager. While you should ask intelligent questions, don’t grill the hiring manager about every detail – from health insurance to opportunities for advancement – at your first interview. These kinds of questions are better left for later in the process, when you’re closer to the actual job offer.

Every point of contact is part of the interview process – from small talk with the receptionist to the quick phone call from an HR assistant to schedule an interview. You have to be on your game every time you speak with a company representative, regardless of whether they’re the actual decision maker or not.

Hiring managers don’t just want to see the right technical skill set in a candidate. Attitude and interpersonal skills are just as important, or even more important. Skills can be taught, but attitude is innate. And if a new hire can perform the job, but doesn’t get along with anyone, major problems will ensue. So many times, hiring managers will ask questions that help them learn more about your attitude, motivation, enthusiasm, and ability to work with others.

Be positive about your background. Even if the hiring manager asks you about your biggest weakness or failure, find a way to spin that into a positive, showing that you learned from your mistakes. Also, never speak badly about a past boss, employer, or co-worker.

If you’d like more help with your job search process, give Adams & Garth a call. As one of the top employment agencies in Lynchburg, we partner with leading employers throughout Lynchburg and Central Virginia to offer you outstanding opportunities in a variety of fields. Contact us today to learn more!

But while our clients needs change, and our candidates come and go, one thing remains the same – how grateful we are for the opportunity to do what we love. In today’s world and challenging economy, many people are working just to get by and don’t necessarily enjoy what they do.

Fortunately, for us, that’s not the case.

Every day, many valued clients entrust us with one of their most important responsibilities – finding and hiring good employees. Likewise, our job candidates come to us in search of help locating just the right job opportunity. These are challenges we embrace and enjoy. And we’re thrilled when our clients tell us what a great match a candidate was, or a candidate comes back to tell us how much they love their new job.

So even though the economy is still uncertain and we don’t know what’s to come in 2012, right now, we’re so thankful that our clients and our candidates have given our Central Virginia staffing agency the opportunity to do what we do best – help them find people and help them find work.

Thank you again! And Happy Thanksgiving!

However, working from home is not always all it’s cracked up to be. It’s easy to lose focus and get sidetracked when you could be doing other things, like laundry, cleaning, or watching TV. As a result, if you aren’t disciplined with yourself, telecommuting can actually wind up being a nightmare that could put your job and jeopardy.

Here’s how to avoid the hazards.

Maintain your schedule.

While it’s tempting to sleep in and start work at 10 am, that’s going to set the tone for the rest of your day – and it’s not a good one. So maintain the same schedule you would as if you were going into the office.

Eliminate distractions.

You might think you can get your work done while your toddler plays quietly. Think again, though. Most likely, you’ll get distracted and get less done as result. So get childcare, turn off your home phone (unless that’s how your boss and colleagues call you) and get to work.

Set up an organized office space.

When you work from home, you need a dedicated space that’s your office. Ideally, this is a separate room where you can house a desk, computer, and all the necessary equipment and supplies you need. At the very least, this is a dedicated space in a room, such as your bedroom, where you can get privacy if needed.

Stay in touch.

When you work from home, it’s critically important to stay in touch with your boss and other team members so that you remain in the loop. That said, don’t send long, rambling emails. Instead, keep your emails short. Also, use other modes of communication, like IM-ing or texting for short comments.

That said, there are times when you do need to pick up the phone or go into the office. If an issue isn’t resolved in a few emails, then it might be time for a conversation over the phone or in person.

And if you’re interested in finding a job that allows you to telecommute, give us a call. As a one of the leading employment agencies in Central Virginia, we work with many employers throughout the region and can give you access to a variety of different job opportunities. Learn more now.

There are many issues involved in the decision as to whether to go back to school after being laid off from your job in Central Virginia. For instance, were you laid off because the industry you work in is waning? If that’s the case, then perhaps you need to go back to school or enroll in a re-training program in order to transfer your skills into a new industry.

You’ll also need to consider other practical issues, such as the investment of time and money it will take in order to earn that degree. Going back to school can be especially difficult for those with small children and lots of family obligations, so it’s a decision that needs to be weighed carefully.

And, perhaps most importantly, you’ll need to think about whether going back to school will help you move forward in your career.

• If you’re not sure, then you should talk with others in your field. Ask them whether they’ve gone back to school to finish a degree or earn an advanced degree and how it’s helped them – or not – in their careers.
• Also talk to hiring managers in the field and ask them what kinds of skills are needed for that industry. It may be that you simply need an internship in that field, rather than a degree.

If you do think you need to go back to school in order to switch careers or move ahead in your Central Virginia job, don’t let the financial constraints hold you back. There are many scholarships and grants available for displaced workers; colleges and universities will have access to all that information, including how to apply.

However, that said, you don’t want any surprises when it comes to finances. So make sure you have a very clear understanding of the amount of debt you’ll need to take on before you enroll in a school.

Also, when researching schools, look for one that offers a variety of scheduling options, including day and evening classes, as well as online courses. That way, it will be easier to fit classes into your life.

And finally, be sure to do your due diligence when choosing a school. Their website is a good place to start; but also ask around to see if any friends, family, or colleagues have attended the school. You’ll likely get a better sense of whether the school is right for you from someone who’s actually gone there, rather than just the website.

The bottom line is that just because you’ve been laid off, doesn’t mean you need to go back to school to access rewarding jobs in Central Virginia. It’s definitely not for everyone and there are plenty of wonderful careers that don’t require a degree. However, there are certainly some instances when an advanced degree, finishing a degree, or enrolling in a training program is a must in order to get ahead and access the right jobs in Central Virginia.

What do you do?

Do you let your boss know you disagree, and risk reaping his or her wrath; or do you just move forward with an idea that you know isn’t going to work?

As one of the leading Central Virginia employment agencies, we know there are ways to respectfully disagree with your boss, without damaging the relationship or angering him or her. It just takes the right approach. Here’s a look:

Listen.

The last thing you want to do is put your boss on the defensive. And if you’re quick to criticize his or her plan, that’s exactly what will happen and you won’t achieve anything productive as a result. So instead listen. Sit down with your boss and discuss with him or her what they want to achieve with the plan. Ask questions to make sure you fully understand their approach before offering suggestions for improvement.

Use the right language.

Don’t negate what your boss says by using the word “but.” For instance, “It’s an interesting approach, but I think we’d be better served if we…” Instead, acknowledge their idea and then offer “suggestions” or “recommendations” to improve it.

Also make it clear to your boss that you simply have the company’s best interest at heart with your plan. Start by explaining the benefits your approach will offer to your boss personally, as well as the company as a whole. Then move onto how you’d actually implement your plan.

Pick your battles.

Being assertive in your Central Virginia job can boost your career – unless you’re overly assertive. So don’t disagree with every idea or constantly bring up every little issue you have with your boss or a co-worker. Pick your battles instead. Focus on those areas that could impact your performance, or the performance of the organization as a whole. When you do disagree with your boss, make sure your suggestion offers a clear path to achieving the desired end result.

Keep perspective.

Don’t get discouraged if your boss fails to implement your idea. Keep in mind that voicing your opinion is good for the company and it also demonstrates to your boss that you care – as long as you disagree with him or her respectfully.

However, if your boss won’t entertain your ideas or input – ever – and you’re ready for a new opportunity, give us a call. As one of the top employment agencies in Central Virginia, we can give you access to employers who welcome and encourage employee input and constructive feedback. Contact us today to learn more!

However, for some, getting a promotion just conjures up images of longer hours, more responsibility, and increased stress. And if the new position doesn’t align well with your career goals, then you could be in a tricky situation.

What should you do?

Well, you have two choices: 1) accept the promotion or 2) turn it down. Both bring with them a host of risks and benefits you should weigh carefully before making your decision. Let’s take a look:

Accept the Promotion

Risk: Should you accept the promotion to a new job in Lynchburg, you will likely be taking on more responsibility. As result, you may have to work longer hours and manage a team of employees, which comes with a variety of new challenges if you don’t have much management experience.

Reward: You can earn more money and learn new skills all at the same time, making yourself more marketable. You can also use what you learn as a steppingstone for a better position with your current employer – or a new one.

Turn It Down

Risk: Obviously, if you’ve been paying the slightest attention to the news lately, you know our economy isn’t exactly humming along. And when your boss offers you a new position in the form of a promotion, they may know something you don’t – that your Lynchburg job will be cut soon. Or, perhaps turning down the promotion is akin to committing career suicide at your company. Your boss may now view you as difficult and not a team player.

Reward: You get to stay in a position that you like and in which you feel most productive.

If, after careful consideration, you’ve decided that the promotion just isn’t for you, how can you go about turning it down tactfully? Here are some tips:

• Thank your boss for the opportunity. Make it clear that you are flattered by the offer.
• Explain to your boss why you should stay in your current position. Discuss the benefits to the company and to your boss personally of you staying put.
• Offer your boss a solution if they need someone to fill the new position fast. Tell your boss you’ll take on more responsibility or some of the critical tasks until the company is able to hire someone. Presenting a short-term solution like this will not only go a long way in mending any hurt feelings your boss may have for turning down the promotion, but it will also show you’re still committed to the company.

Turning down a promotion is certainly a big risk. But if you know you will be miserable in the position being offered, then it just might be a risk worth taking.

However, if you’re ready for more responsibility – just with a different employer, Adams & Garth can help. We work with some of the leading companies in the area and can offer you access to a full range of rewarding jobs in Lynchburg and throughout Central Virginia.

Start your search now.

But being assertive is not about hurting people’s feelings, or getting upset. It’s really about standing up for yourself, while still being respectful to others. It’s also about being direct and upfront, not trying to manipulate situations for your own benefit.

And, as Lynchburg recruiters, we also know that being assertive in the workplace can deliver a host of benefits, including the ability to communicate your thoughts and feelings without hurting others. This will improve your workplace confidence, as well as your ability to collaborate with others. It will also help you feel more in control and reduce stress at work.

To reap these benefits, here are 5 tips that can help you become more assertive while on-the-job:

1. Evaluate yourself.

In which specific areas would you like to improve? For instance, do you have a hard time making eye contact, or do you keep quiet even when you have an opinion? Perhaps you don’t ask questions, out of fear of appearing dumb, or you are constantly apologizing even when there’s no need. Whatever the case may be for you, once you find the specific areas you’d like to focus on, you can then begin to make positive changes.

2. Observe others.

Think of people that you know who display the kinds of traits and behaviors you want to exhibit. Pay attention to how they do it. You can learn a lot by watching other people who are assertive, but not mean-spirited.

3. Speak up.

Voicing your opinion can be difficult for someone not naturally assertive. But to be successful at work, it’s an absolute must. Otherwise, you’ll simply bottle up your frustrations until they eventually boil over. When you do speak up, don’t get emotional; just stick to the facts instead and get your point across in a calm and polite manner.

4. Learn to say “no.”

Saying “no” can be especially tough if you’re accustomed to always saying “yes.” But in order to avoid burnout and to achieve your career goals, it’s a must. Click here for tips on how to say “no” without creating hard feelings.

5. Be a good listener.

No one will want to listen to you if you don’t listen to what they have to say in return. So don’t tune other people out when they are talking. Being a good listener will help you build a relationship of respect and understanding with your co-workers.

What can you do?

The answer is simpler than you might think: conduct informational interviews.

Informational interviews are interviews that you conduct with people who work in the field you’re interested in. Unlike regular interviews, where your goal is to land a job in Lynchburg, the purpose of informational interviews is to garner enough information from someone with first-hand knowledge and experience so you can decide whether the career/industry is right for you and also get some tips on breaking into this new field.

So how can you find the right professionals to interview?

With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever. Reach out to your network via social networking sites. Ask friends, family, and neighbors if they know someone in your field of interest.

If you can’t find anyone through that route, then do some research online to try and find someone in Lynchburg, or beyond, who has your dream job. You can also contact your alumni association as well as associations within the industry you’d like to work in.

Once you have a list of people you’d like to contact, then either give them a call, or send an email or letter, whatever you’re most comfortable with. Don’t be too nervous about contacting professionals for an informational interview. Not only do most people like talking about themselves, but they will also be flattered to have made it onto your list of contacts.

While the purpose of an informational interview is different from an actual job interview, your approach to it should not be.

In other words, to get the most out of an informational interview, make sure you prepare. Do some research on the occupation, the company, and the person you will be interviewing ahead of time. Develop a list of questions to ask based on your research, such as:

• What’s a typical day like for you?
• How did you get into this field?
• Do you have any tips for breaking into it?
• What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first started out in the field?

Finally, be sure to send a “thank you” note after the interview. By doing so, you’ll make a positive impression with an industry contact, which could serve you well in your future career. Good luck!