Adams & Garth Blog

If you’re searching for jobs in Charlottesville, then you probably know you should apply to those that are a good match for your background.

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>

Christian Howell, Director of Business Development, and a member of the Albemarle Charlottesville Human Resource Association (ACHRA) participated on January 27, 2010 in a workshop for job seekers at the Central Library in Charlottesville.  ACHRA provided this free workshop to candidates seeking one-on-one sessions with Human Resource professionals.  Christian and other ACHRA members assisted job seekers in a variety of useful human resource skills.

Christian reports, “It was rewarding to assist candidates with interviewing, resume writing and job searches using the internet.  ACHRA members worked well as a team and the turnout was great.  I was pleased to represent Adams & Garth Staffing and Executive Search by giving back to the community in this way”.