Adams & Garth Blog

The answer is: It depends.

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.

Some people seem to just effortlessly rise to the top at work; while others fizzle out and stagnate in their Central Virginia jobs. If you’re part of the latter group, one of the reasons you could be falling short is because of bad habits you’ve developed at work. Some habits might be minor and simply annoy your co-workers; while others can have a seriously negative impact on your ability to perform your job and your overall career success.

So what are these bad habits? Here’s a look at 8 of them.

1. Procrastinating.

Everyone is under pressure to deliver positive results; but if your co-workers can’t start on their end of the project until you finish up yours, then you could be creating some added stress, not to mention animosity. In addition, if you wait until the last minute, leaving yourself no wiggle room, then you could face unforeseen obstacles and miss your deadline altogether. As a result, you’ll be viewed as undependable by your boss and co-workers.

2. Poor grammar and swearing.

People form an opinion of you within a few seconds of you opening up your mouth. If what’s coming out of it is profanity or “like” every other word, then that most certainly is a detriment to your career. This is especially true for entry-level hires, fresh out of school. You have to work extra hard to prove yourself and bad grammar can undermine that effort.

3. Sloppy emailing.

Many of us type up an email and send it in haste, without proofreading it for errors or double-checking that it’s been sent to the right recipient. This can be a recipe for disaster, especially if you’re emailing important or confidential information.

4. Being unprofessional.

This bad habit can range from dressing inappropriately (think tie dye and flip flops) to being chronically late to not giving your boss or co-workers an appropriate level of respect. Even if you work in the most informal office in all of Central Virginia, there’s a certain amount of professionalism that every employee should exude.

5. Not networking or getting to know co-workers.

Having good relationships with your co-workers and other important industry contacts is critical to the advancement and success of your career. So regularly skipping office parties or networking opportunities can seriously harm your career. You certainly don’t need to be the “in-house partier,” but building a sense of camaraderie at work will go a long way.

6. Playing computer games, shopping online, or checking Facebook every few minutes.

Many employers don’t mind if you quickly check your personal email or read the news headlines for a couple minutes, but keep it to a minimum. You are being paid to work; not to play games or surf the Internet.

7. Being negative/complaining.

If you shoot down every idea you hear or are constantly complaining, your co-workers will simply want to avoid you. Nobody wants to hear a steady stream of negativity.

8. Being the office gossip.

It’s human nature to want to gossip, but being known as the “office gossip” can hurt your career because your boss and co-workers won’t trust you.

If you’re displaying any of the bad habits above, now’s the time to break them. Otherwise, you’ll continue to stagnate in your Central Virginia job and wonder why all your colleagues are passing you by.

Not a fan of networking functions? Get completely stressed out when confronted with a room full of people? Prefer more intimate settings to huge conferences and events?

If so, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, walking into a room full of strangers and starting a conversation is nothing short of nerve wracking for most people. But whether you’re already on the job or searching for a new job in Central Virginia, networking is a crucial component.

So if you’re shy, and feel you’re not networking as effectively as possible as a result, here are some suggestions to help you prosper:

1. Get involved.

How active are you in the organizations you belong to? If you’re not very, or not at all, that could be part of the problem. Instead, try to get more involved by joining the board, volunteering, or participating on a steering committee. This will give you the opportunity to not only meet other people in a more intimate setting, but also to develop more meaningful relationships with each one. In addition, getting actively involved will serve to add to your name recognition and credibility, which will make it easier to connect with other people.

2. Arrive early to an event.

You might think you should arrive a little late, but earlier is better. Not only is the setting more laid back, but people also haven’t really started to form groups yet – so you won’t feel like an outsider when you walk in.

3. Befriend the extrovert.

These are the people who seem to know everybody and who are naturally friendly and personable. By befriending the extrovert, he or she can introduce you to others, acting as a link and an icebreaker.

4. Look for other wallflowers.

If you’re at a large event and feeling overwhelmed, look for the wallflowers. These are people who are just as shy and who are waiting for others to come up and talk with them. So go ahead and strike up a conversation.

5. Realize networking is an investment.

Networking is like making an investment in your career or Central Virginia job search. You may not reap the rewards right away, but they will come in time – and in many cases, when you least expect them. So don’t expect overnight success from networking. But if you get more involved and make more of an effort, you will see results in time.

And if you’re networking in the hopes of finding a new job in Central Virginia, please contact Adams & Garth. We can connect you with a variety of job opportunities in your field!

Did you know that a hiring manager only spends about 10 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding on whether or not to interview a candidate? So if you’re not getting calls for job interviews, it could be because you’re making some common mistakes on your resume. Here’s a look at 6 of them.

1. Focusing on duties, not accomplishments and results.

This is probably one of the biggest mistakes you can make. While it’s fine to include your job duties, make sure you also list the accomplishments – and the results you achieved – that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for an HR position, you might say something like: “Developed an employee recognition program that decreased turnover and improved employee retention by 25%.”

2. Ignoring simple directions.

Take the time to carefully read instructions before submitting your resume. For instance, if an employer asks you to include a certain subject line (such as “Re: Office Manager Position”) when submitting your resume via email, make sure you do it. If you don’t follow directions, you’re giving the impression that you either don’t care or you’re not detail oriented.

3. Applying…even though you’re vastly under- or over-qualified.

If you realize you’re incredibly under-qualified, don’t apply anyway because you think there is a small chance you could get hired. You’re wasting your time, and more importantly, you’re wasting the hiring manager’s time. Likewise, don’t apply for a position you’re completely over-qualified for. A hiring manager will be afraid that you’ll jump ship as soon as a better opportunity comes along. Again, you’re wasting everyone’s time.

4. Submitting a sloppy resume.

Make your resume as easy to read as possible. When formatting it, use bullet points and lots of white space. Also, make sure to keep formatting consistent. If you bold your current job title, then make sure you follow suit with all past job titles. Don’t jump back and forth between different formatting options.

5. Submitting a resume that’s too long or too short.

Despite what some experts say, there’s no rule about resume length. That said, use common sense. If you’re a new college graduate, your resume probably shouldn’t be four pages long. Likewise, if you’re a mid-level manager, don’t cut out the meat of your skills, experience, and accomplishments to jam all your information into one page.

6. Typos.

Make sure you check your resume for typos – then check it again. Even better, have someone else proofread your resume to catch any errors you might have missed.

If you’re making any of the above mistakes, then it’s time to rework your resume. And if you need some help with it, or with finding a job in Central Virginia, please contact Adams & Garth.

From Nike to Madonna, the power of a brand is indisputable. But brands aren’t just for large corporations or for celebrities. In today’s digital world, you can create your own personal brand and reap the rewards, including:

• Enhance your visibility in the job market.
• Separate yourself from other candidates.
• Position yourself as an expert or a specialist in your field.
• Land the job you want in Central Virginia.

TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

Determine your USP.

What makes you different from other candidates? In the world of marketing, this factor is called your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). In other words, what can you offer to an employer that another candidate cannot? When determining your USP, think about:

• What you specialize in
• What you do – and how you do it better
• Whom you do it for
• And the single most important trait or skill you have

Always be authenticate when creating your USP. For instance, if you say you speak French and specialize in global sales, then you must have the skills and experience to back that up.

Create a presence.

Now that you know who you are, what you do, and how you do it better, you need to let the world (i.e. prospective employers) know. So decide which outlets to use, whether it’s designing professional business cards or creating a video resume. But that’s just a start. Here are some other ideas for creating a presence:

• Pitch a story idea to the editor of an industry magazine or blog.
• Connect with and try to position yourself as an expert in your field with industry media contacts.
• Create a blog where you deliver valuable information to your target audience.
• Try to land speaking engagements.

Maintain your brand.

Not that you’ve created your brand, don’t just let it stagnate. Keep your image up to date. For instance, use tools on LinkedIn to get recommendations from colleagues and former bosses, and announce any news about certifications or places your articles have been published.

And if you need help landing a new job in Central Virginia, please contact Adams & Garth. We’ve partnered with leading employers throughout the region to offer you outstanding opportunities in a variety of fields.

Thanksgiving is a great holiday here in Central Virginia. It has all the festivity of Christmas or Hanukkah, without all the pressure and expense of shopping and gift giving. Plus, let’s face it, the food is second to none.

But Thanksgiving is about more than just spending time with loved ones and eating too much turkey and stuffing. It’s also about reflecting on the countless blessings we’ve likely enjoyed over the past year – and giving thanks for them. So, without further ado, Adams & Garth would like to take a moment to give thanks to all our clients, candidates, employees, and friends that have supported us over the past year.

To our clients, we are truly grateful for each and every one of you. Simply put, without you we wouldn’t exist. We are so thankful for your continued loyalty to our Central Virginia staffing agency and we value the relationships we’ve developed with you. We pledge to continue delivering the level of quality candidates and the creative staffing services you’ve come to rely on over the years.

Likewise, we’d also like to thank our job candidates. We know that searching for a job in Central Virgina can be a frustrating experience, especially in today’s market. And we are truly honored that you selected our staffing agency to help you along the way. Please know that we always have your best interest in mind and we will continue to work diligently to find job opportunities that are a terrific match for you.

Last, but certainly not least, we’d like to thank our internal team. Your dedication and commitment to excellence has never wavered, even during a difficult recession. As a result, you’ve helped us to not only meet – but exceed – the demands of our valued clients. We are grateful to count each of you as a part of our team and, thanks to you, we see a bright future ahead.

And of course, we’d like to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. Whether you’re celebrating with family, or just spending a quiet afternoon at home, enjoy the day and be sure to take some time to give some thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Developing leads for jobs in Central Virginia is one of the most important aspects of your job search. The more methods you put into play, the more leads you’ll develop – and the better your results will be.

So what are some of the best methods for developing leads? Here are five:

#1. Use your college’s alumni services.

Thought you were done with college when you graduated? Think again. If you’re looking for a job, your college alumni office is a great place to start. Most colleges offer networking opportunities for alumni, as well as career services for those who belong to the alumni association.

#2. Take advantage of your network.

Networking is an incredibly powerful tool when you’re searching for a job. And today, with the variety of social networking tools and online forums available, it’s easier than ever. That said, don’t overlook the importance of face-to-face networking, or reaching out to your circle of family, friends, and former colleagues to find a great job opportunity in Central Virginia.

#3. Join a trade or professional association.

Joining a trade or professional association can often be a great source for job leads. Not only will you be able to network with other professionals within your field, but you can also take advantage of any job listings the association posts, which are typically for members only.

#4. Go to a job fair.

Before attending a job fair, do some research. Visit the job fair’s website so you know which employers are attending and so you can create a plan of action to connect with employers and positions that are a good match for you.

#5. Get help from a Central Virginia employment agency.

The great thing about reputable employment agencies in Central Virginia is that their services are free to candidates. In addition, they have access to job opportunities that may not be advertised to the general public.

If you’d like to learn more about how an employment agency can help you find a job in Central Virginia that’s right for you, please contact Adams & Garth. We can help.

You might think now is not the best time to ask for a promotion at your job here in Central Virginia. But if your company is starting to see an uptick in business or is looking to hire new employees, now might be the right time to approach your boss. Here are 6 tips to help you get the job promotion you deserve.

Tip #1. It’s all about attitude.

People who get promoted are focused, upbeat, and confident in their abilities. They understand there is no room for self doubt and have a can-do attitude, regardless of the challenges that come their way.

Tip #2. A good reputation is key.

What is your reputation within the company? Are their certain skills that you’re known for? How do your co-workers perceive you? To find the answers to these questions, step outside of yourself and think about how you look to others, especially company management.

Tip #3. Establishing relationships.

Who is responsible for promoting at your company? What’s your relationship like with those people? If it’s non-existent, then you need to establish a rapport with the individuals who can help you achieve your career goals. Think of it as networking within your own company.

Tip #4. Set goals.

So you know what job you would like to get promoted to, but how will you get there? You need to create a clear path to success by setting goals, as well as developing specific plans and target dates for achieving those goals.

Tip #5. Take action.

Planning is an important first step, but it means nothing if you don’t take action. To achieve your goals, you might have to step outside your comfort zone and do things you haven’t done before. But you’ll gain nothing without taking a risk.

Tip #6. Add value.

In order to land that promotion, you have to show company management that you add value to the team. Take a look at the big picture and come up with solutions that help the company grow or sharpen its competitive edge. Set high standards for yourself and go the extra mile in trying to achieve them. By taking on more responsibility and consistently following through, you’ll show that you are willing to do whatever it takes to help the company get ahead.

And if you’re looking for a way to promote yourself to a terrific new job in Central Virginia, contact Adams & Garth. We can give you access to a variety of rewarding job opportunities with some of Central Virginia’s leading employers. Contact us today. We can help.

You’ve found a terrific job opportunity in Central Virginia. The position is right up your alley, the pay is great, and the benefits are even better.

But is the company’s culture a good fit for you? In other words, is the mission and core values in line with your own beliefs? If not, you could be in for a rude awakening when you realize that company norms aren’t consistent with your own values.

While no company culture is going to be 100% ideal, there are some things you can do to help ensure you accept a position with an employer that’s a good fit for you. For instance, there are certain questions you can ask during your interview to get a better sense of the culture, such as:

• What is your company’s code of ethics?
• How would you describe the company in three words or less?
• How would you describe the work environment here?
• Are employee accomplishments recognized?
• How would you describe the management style here?
• What are some of the qualities your most successful employees possess?

Also, after the interview, ask yourself these questions:

• How was I treated during the interview?
• What was my gut reaction to the environment? To the interviewer?
• Was the person who interviewed me on time? Prepared?
• How did I feel after the interview? Happy? Excited? Uncertain?

Just as a job interview is an employer’s opportunity to evaluate you, it’s also your chance to evaluate the employer’s work culture. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions so you can truly assess the position and the company – and decide whether it’s right for you.

And if you need any help finding job openings in Central Virginia, please don’t hesitate to contact Adams & Garth. We can give you detailed information about job opportunities, as well as about potential employers – so you can make a more informed decision.

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.