Adams & Garth Blog

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.

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.

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 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!

Imagine this scenario:

You’ve got a great idea of how to improve a process at work. You research the costs, come up with answers to any objections and develop a detailed implementation plan.

You present it to your boss…but get shot down. Then weeks later, you find out the boss has pitched your idea to the higher-ups ­– who loved it – without giving you any credit.

If this sounds familiar, then you’re certainly not alone.

But, as one of the leading employment agencies in Harrisonburg and Central Virginia, Adams & Garth knows how you choose to handle this sticky situation can make a big impact on you and your boss’s relationship, so you need to tread carefully.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider:

Don’t Let Emotion Dictate Your Actions.

In other words, don’t angrily barge into your boss’s office and confront him or her. Instead, take a step back and try to look at the situation objectively.

First, does your boss have a habit of stealing ideas and taking credit? If not, then he or she may not have been consciously stealing your idea. They may simply have been under pressure to deliver an idea and yours was the first that came to mind.

Do Approach Your Boss.

Don’t accuse and point fingers; take a more diplomatic approach toward your boss and schedule a private meeting.

Say something along the lines of “I know you probably didn’t mean to or didn’t realize it, but that idea you pitched was one I presented to you a while back.”

This makes it sound like you’re giving them the benefit of the doubt, but also making it clear that it was your idea. Explain to your boss that by stealing the credit, he or she made you feel trivialized and de-flated.

Don’t Let It Happen Again.

It’s up to you to make sure it doesn’t happen again. To do so, make sure to document all the ideas and proposals you present to your boss.

If you offer a verbal presentation, then sum it up in an email that you send to your boss shortly after, providing a paper trail. Be sure to copy anyone else who attended the presentation on the email.

Don’t Just Take Credit.

Don’t be an attention hog. Make sure you go the extra mile to give credit where it’s due. If a colleague has a great idea, praise them for it. If a co-worker played an integral part in helping you complete a project, then let the other team members know.

Sick of Your Credit-Stealing Boss?

If you have a boss who regularly steals your ideas – and the credit – and you’re ready to move onto greener pastures, let us know. As one of the leading employment agencies in Harrisonburg and Central Virginia, Adams & Garth can work with you to match you with outstanding job opportunities in your field.

Contact Adams & Garth today or search our Harrisonburg jobs now.

As one of Central Virginia’s top employment agencies, Adams & Garth knows first-hand how American workers have been impacted by a bad economy, downsizing, and mass layoffs. As a result, gaps in employment have become a lot more common and employers today are much more understanding of them than they’ve been in the past.

That said, if you’ve been experiencing extended unemployment, you still need to deal with it on your resume and in your cover letter. Here’s how:

Don’t Ignore the Issue.

It can be tempting to ignore the employment gap and not discuss it in your cover letter for fear of highlighting it. However, if you were laid off through no fault of your own, then it’s best to explain it in a way that will assuage a hiring manager’s concerns. Your explanation doesn’t need to be long.

For instance, you can say something like:

While I was laid off from my last position due to budget cuts and a lack of seniority, I’m eager to secure a new opportunity that…

You get the picture.

In addition, include a one line explanation in your resume, as well. Oftentimes, there are many people involved in the hiring process and they may only receive a copy of your resume, not your cover letter along with it.

Be Honest.

It’s easy for employers to check your employment history (it just takes a phone call). So don’t lie about your employment gap by fudging the dates you worked at a company. If you’re not honest, you’ll likely be found out and you’ll be out of the running for the job.

Accentuate the Positive.

Got laid off? So have millions of other workers out there. It’s what you’ve been doing during this time that may set you apart from other job candidates. That means you can’t sit around in your PJs on the couch. Get involved, join an industry association, volunteer somewhere, take a class online or at your community college to learn new skills, or freelance or take on contract assignments until you get a full-time gig.

Not only does this look good on your resume, but it also gives you something to highlight during your job interview.

Get More Job Search Help.

If you’d like professional help finding your next job, let Adams & Garth know. As one of Central Virginia’s top employment agencies, we can help you find job opportunities that are a great fit for your skills, background, and goals. Search jobs in Central Virginia or contact Adams & Garth today to learn more.

We all make mistakes. But as one of the top employment agencies in Central Virginia, Adams & Garth knows that if you have a criminal record – even a seemingly minor one – it can come back to haunt you during your job search.

And in fact, according to a Society for Human Resource Management survey, 73% of HR managers reported that their company, or an agency hired by their company, conducted background checks on job candidates.

So if you’re in this situation, what can you do to minimize the impact of a criminal record? Here’s a look:

See If Your Record Can Be Expunged 

This doesn’t erase your criminal record, but it does limit who can have access to it. Your best bet may be to consult with a legal professional to look into this option. It might cost you to do so, but it could also be well worth it if it results in you being able to secure a job.

Change Employers Opinion About You 

Having a criminal record creates a stigma about you, warranted or not. But one way you can minimize that negative stigma is to create a more positive impression. How? By volunteering at non-profit organizations.

If an employer sees that you have a criminal record, but you also have a record of giving back to the community, those contributions – and the references and skills you gain from it – will go a long way in making a more positive impression.

Consider a Re-Entry Program 

If you’ve actually served time in jail, there are many different types of re-entry programs all over the country for those with criminal records to help them re-enter society and secure employment. These kinds of programs offer education, training, and support, and also connect job seekers with employers. All it takes is an Internet search to find one near you.

Be Honest About It 

While it’s tempting to deny your criminal record, you’ll likely be found it. And if you do get hired, your employer can fire you down the road for failing to disclose your record. So you’ll always be looking over your shoulder.

Need More Tips for Conducting an Effective Job Search?

Read this article about 8 common job search mistakes to avoid, or give Adams & Garth a call. As one of the top employment agencies in Central Virginia, we work with leading companies throughout the area and may be able to help you find a job that’s right for you. Contact Adams & Garth today.

You’ve probably read about how important it is to talk about your career accomplishments in your cover letter and on your resume. But what if you’re just starting out – and don’t really have any career accomplishments to speak of yet?

As one of the leading employment agencies in Staunton and Central Virginia, we can tell you that an effective cover letter is just another opportunity for you to stand out among your competition. That’s why it’s so important that you write one, even if you don’t have a lot of experience.

With that said, you might need to take a bit of a different approach than those with extensive experience. Here are some suggestions to consider:

The devil is in the details.  

Because you don’t have any experience, it’s more important than ever that every single detail you do put on your cover letter is 100% accurate. This includes the spelling of the hiring manager’s last name and the address of the company. You must also proofread your letter multiple times to ensure there are no spelling errors. Even better, ask someone else with fresh eyes to proofread it for you.

Focus on what you can bring to the table. 

Just because you don’t have any career experience, doesn’t mean you have nothing to offer. So tell the employer what you can do for them. Explain how you believe you can benefit the company specifically. For instance, talk about the fresh ideas you’ll be able to bring to the table as someone new to the industry.

Demonstrate how you’re different.  

Is there something of value that you can offer a potential employer that your competition likely won’t be able to? For instance, do you speak a second language? Did you serve as your sorority or fraternity president in college? Did you live abroad for a year? Making yourself stand out in a positive way is vital to an effective cover letter.

Attitude is important. 

Employers don’t want people who just “go through the motions.” They want to hire employees who are passionate, driven, and dedicated. So displaying your enthusiasm for the job and for the company is an absolute must in your cover letter.

If you’d like some additional job search tips, check out our post about what to do when a job sounds like a perfect fit, but you don’t meet the requirements.

And if you’d like professional helping finding a new opportunity that’s right for you, let us know. As one of the leading employment agencies in Staunton and Central Virginia, we can give you access to outstanding opportunities in a variety of fields. Start your job search now.

As one of the leading employment agencies in Central Virginia, we know that telecommuting offers a lot of attractive benefits – no more commute, reduced gas costs, and less money spent on lunches out.

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.

Your boss asks you to complete a project in a certain way that you think is misguided. You know the plan won’t get the desired results, but at the same time, the directive is coming from your boss, who can be a bit sensitive at times.

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!