Adams & Garth Blog

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!

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.