Adams & Garth Blog

• In December 2011, Yale University football coach Tom Williams resigned amid inquiry about whether he lied about being a Rhodes Scholarship candidate.
• In 2006, Radio Shack’s CEO, David Edmonson resigned after it came to light that much of his resume was fabricated, including claims of earning two college degrees.
• In 2002, Sandra Baldwin, the first woman to become president and chairman of the United States Olympic Committee, resigned after she acknowledged that she lied about her academic credentials on her resume.

And the list goes on.

So how can this have happened at such respected institutions and companies?

The reality of the situation is that it’s estimated that half of all job applicants falsify their educational credentials. As one of the top employment agencies in Lynchburg, we know that companies have therefore become stricter about hiring policies – digging deeper into a candidate’s background in order to verify the information provided and avoid any embarrassing situations.

Here’s how to ensure you can prove your background to an employer, so it doesn’t interfere with a potential job offer:

Be honest.

All it takes is one phone call to a college registrar’s office in order to verify your degree. So if you went there for three years, but never graduated, don’t lie about it.

Have proof.

Keep your college diploma and any verification letters and certificates from schools and continuing education institutions on hand. With computer software and diploma mills, it’s easy for people to fake these documents, so keep the originals.

Check yourself.

Perform a background check on yourself to make sure you’re providing the most accurate information possible for your employer. For instance, if an employer asks for a college GPA, and you don’t remember, then call your alma mater to find out. Don’t just offer your best estimate.

Make sure your online profile is accurate.

Even if you don’t fabricate your resume, but you have false information on your LinkedIn or Facebook profile, a potential employer may be able to view and check that information.

And if you’d like some help creating a resume that’s effective and stands out from the crowd, give us a call. As one of the top employment agencies in Lynchburg, we can not only help you craft a strong resume, but we can also help you prepare for interviews and find jobs in Lynchburg that are a great fit for your skills and personality. Get started now.

You’d be surprised at some of the things people say during the interview process.

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!

Offensive comments. Bad manners. Inappropriate attire. The latest college party? Nope. We’re talking about office holiday parties. As a Lynchburg employment agency, we’ve heard it all. But when it comes to attending your company’s holiday party, you should really think of the event as an extension of your workday – and act accordingly. That doesn’t mean you can’t let loose a little, but it does mean to avoid embarrassing blunders like these:

1.) Not attending.

You’re busy. We get it. But guess what? So is everyone else at the end of the year. And unless you have a really good excuse for not attending, skipping out on your Lynchburg employer’s holiday party makes you look bad. You’re signaling that the party – and by extension, the company – isn’t important to you and that you’re not a team player. So suck it up and make an appearance.

2.) Sticking with your office buddies.

Of course you want to chat with your office buddies at the holiday party. But don’t devote 100% of your time to them. The holiday office party provides you with a terrific opportunity to network with other employees that you don’t work with regularly, as well as connect with your boss and other company managers. This is a great time to make a positive impression!

3.) Getting drunk.

Have a cocktail. Have two cocktails. But don’t drink much more than that. You don’t want to lose control and say or do something that you’ll live to regret. If you don’t heed this advice and you do drink too much and behave badly, then apologize the next day to whomever you offended. Don’t just ignore your bad behavior and hope it went unnoticed.

4) Bringing uninvited guests.

Don’t assume that your spouse is invited to your office holiday party. If they’ve been invited in the past, but the invitation doesn’t specify this year, then ask your boss.

5) Dressing suggestively.

Regardless of how festive the occasion, dressing provocatively for a work party is a major no-no. Not only is it distracting, but it could also harm your credibility because it can impact how others perceive you. So whatever you wear, make sure it’s tasteful and appropriate for the occasion.

6) Bad manners.

Nothing can torpedo a career faster than lack of manners. So keep the negative comments to yourself. Don’t be loud, rude, or offensive. If you drink too much and think you might say something stupid, then excuse yourself from the party. Be polite and gracious. Also, be sure to thank your boss for the party before leaving.

What about you? What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve seen at office holiday parties? We want to know!

The team at Adams & Garth would also like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

There’s no room for error in today’s tight job market. Unfortunately, even the most careful candidate can make major mistakes during the job search process – mistakes that can ultimately cost them the job offer. So what are they and how can you avoid them? Here are six:

Mistake #1. Errors in your cover letter and resume.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but as a Lynchburg employment agency, we still see plenty of mistakes in cover letters and resumes. These kinds of errors will turn off employers because they use letters and resumes as a way to screen out candidates. After all, why would they want to hire someone who can’t follow directions or check their work? So it’s important to proofread everything you submit to a prospective employer. Better yet, ask a friend or family member to proofread both your cover letter and resume for you. Their fresh eyes will be able to pick up on mistakes you may have overlooked.

Mistake #2. Being late.

The old adage “Better late than never” doesn’t ring true when it comes to a job interview. In fact, walking into an interview 15 minutes late is a major no-no and a great way to lose out on a Lynchburg job offer. Plus, your interview could get cut short if the employer is interviewing numerous candidates on a tight schedule. To avoid being tardy, plan for any unexpected delays. Give yourself an extra 30-45 minutes to arrive at the interview destination.

Mistake #3. Being unprepared.

If you are unprepared for a job interview, you are showing a total lack of interest in the position. So why would the employer want to hire you? It’s critically important that you spend time preparing for each interview. Research the company and prepare your answers for some commonly asked interview questions. Also, create a list of your own questions that you would like answered about the company and the position.

Mistake #4. Talking too much during the interview.

Another common mistake during a job interview is talking too much. Many times, candidates are uncertain of how much information to offer and just keep talking, and talking, and talking. So keep your answers as concise and direct as possible.

Mistake #5. Talking too little during the interview.

On the flip side, don’t give one or two word answers to interview questions. Also, don’t be reluctant to tout your accomplishments. Clearly state your achievements and your talents.

Mistake #6. Looking unprofessional.

A sloppy or overly flashy appearance is another great way to miss out on a job offer. So dress to impress for every interview. Wear a well-tailored suit in a neutral color and make sure your overall appearance is well-groomed and polished.

And if you need help landing a job offer in Lynchburg, please contact Adams & Garth. We have relationships with some of the leading employers in the area and can help you find a job opportunity that’s a great match for you.

It used to be that you applied for a job in Lynchburg and the employer called you to set up an in-person interview. Nowadays, though, with so many job candidates on the market, employers are finding it more efficient to screen candidates by conducting phone interviews first, and then bringing candidates into the office for an interview.

So what can you do to nail your phone interview and move on to the next step in the hiring process? Here are some tips:

Create talking points.

One benefit of a phone interview is that the person interviewing you can’t see you. Take advantage of this by writing down some points that you want to get across during the interview, such as your qualifications, why you would be a good hire, and what your strengths are.

Prepare ahead of time.

Go online to the company’s website to learn more about who they are and what they do. Also, practice your answers to some commonly asked interview questions. The more prepared you are, the smoother the interview will go.

Use your land line.

With a land line you don’t have to worry about a dropped call or getting disconnected.

Turn off your call waiting.

The beep of an incoming call can be distracting, especially if it happens repeatedly, and can cause you to lose focus.

Have a glass of water handy.

The interview may be quick, or you may be on the phone for a long period of time. So have a glass of water on hand if your mouth gets dry or you get a tickle in your throat.

Remove distractions.

Don’t expect your two-year-old to play quietly while you’re on the phone. If you have a phone interview scheduled, you need to have a babysitter.

Stay focused.

It’s a lot easier to lose focus during a phone interview than an in-person one. To help you remain focused, take notes during the interview.

Smile.

This may sound weird since the interviewer can’t see you, but if you think positive and smile during your interview, this will come across over the phone – and you’ll make a better impression.

If you need additional help preparing for an interview, or if you need help finding a job in Lynchburg, contact Adams & Garth. As a leading employment agency in Lynchburg, we can help you polish your resume, prepare for job interviews, and land a rewarding position that’s a great fit for you.

When you first started your Lynchburg job, you were inspired and motivated. But now, a few years later, you’re just not as happy as you once were. Workdays seemed to drag on, while weekends fly by. Sound familiar? If the answer is “yes,” there are some steps you can take to improve job satisfaction:

Step #1: Figure out what the problem is.

Why aren’t you happy at work? What’s eating you? Are you having a problem with a co-worker or your boss? Does the work you’re doing not interest you anymore? Do you think you should be paid more? Once you figure out specifically what’s bothering you, you’ll have a better idea about how to solve the problem.

Step #2: Put yourself out there.

If there’s an easy fix for what’s bothering you, then you need to put yourself out there and ask for it. Whether it’s a raise, or more challenging projects, your boss isn’t a mind reader and won’t know what you want unless you ask for it.

Step #3: Be positive.

While being positive won’t change your situation overnight, it can certainly go a long way in developing a more optimistic perspective. Being negative, on the other hand, will simply drain your energy, stress you out, and make you feel less productive. So think of the glass as half full.

Step #4: Re-balance your life.

It’s no wonder you’re miserable if all you’re doing is working. When you don’t have any down time, your stress level increases and as a result, you’re unhappier. So, take a look at your life overall and determine which areas are being neglected. Family? Exercise? Hobbies? Next create a list of priorities that you want to make time for – and take action to create a lifestyle that’s more balanced.

Tip #5: Re-assess your career goals.

If it’s been a while since you’ve last thought about your career goals, now may be the time. Things have likely changed in your life, and your goals may have changed with them. To assess your career goals, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you happy in your field?
• If not, what would you rather be doing?
• What do you want to achieve in your career in the next 5, 10, 20 years?

Your answers should give you a good idea of what you want out of your career. And if you want to make a big change, there’s no time like the present.

Hopefully, the steps above will help you find more satisfaction at work. However, if your goals or priorities have changed and your job is no longer a fit for you, we can help. As a leading Lynchburg employment agency, we can give you access to a variety of job opportunities in Lynchburg and throughout Central Virginia. To learn more, visit our website or contact us today.

As a leading Lynchburg employment agency, we know that writing the dreaded cover letter is one job search requirement most people can’t stand. After all, who wants to condense their wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience into a few simple sentences? What makes it even more frustrating is that a cover letter can be the determining factor in whether or not you land an interview – no matter how qualified you think you are.

So how can you craft a cover letter that not only gets attention, but also gets results?

Here are some tips:

Tip #1: Keep in mind that the goal of a cover letter is to introduce yourself, then sell yourself to the Lynchburg employer. It’s not to regurgitate all of the facts and information already listed on your resume.

Tip #2: Keep it short. No matter how tempting it can be to include a lengthy explanation of your last position, be as concise as possible – preferably less than half a page.

Tip #3: Employers will undoubtedly be asking themselves “What can this candidate do for me?” when reviewing your cover letter and resume. So, after a brief, introductory opening, explain why you think you’d be an asset to the potential employer. For example:

In my last position as office manager for The Lynchburg Employment Agency, I was able to secure new vendor contracts that saved the company approximately $25,000 in overhead costs.

Tip #4: State why you want to work for the employer. It shows them that you’ve done some research on the company. Here’s an example:

Since your company is the largest medical supply firm in Central Virginia, I want to position myself with a leader in the industry.

Tip #5: At the end of your letter, include a specific date that you will call the employer to follow up and inquire about securing an interview.

Tip #6: Have someone proofread both your cover letter and resume before sending it out to a potential Lynchburg employer. This is a no-brainer, but we have to mention it since too often we’ve seen cover letters and resumes with typos and other glaring grammatical errors.

Tip #7: If you’re still having problems landing interviews, contact a Lynchburg employment agency, like Adams & Garth. As employment experts, we can help you craft a terrific cover letter and resume – one that gets positive results. We can also give you access to a variety of rewarding job opportunities in Lynchburg and throughout Central Virginia.