However, for some, getting a promotion just conjures up images of longer hours, more responsibility, and increased stress. And if the new position doesn’t align well with your career goals, then you could be in a tricky situation.

What should you do?

Well, you have two choices: 1) accept the promotion or 2) turn it down. Both bring with them a host of risks and benefits you should weigh carefully before making your decision. Let’s take a look:

Accept the Promotion

Risk: Should you accept the promotion to a new job in Lynchburg, you will likely be taking on more responsibility. As result, you may have to work longer hours and manage a team of employees, which comes with a variety of new challenges if you don’t have much management experience.

Reward: You can earn more money and learn new skills all at the same time, making yourself more marketable. You can also use what you learn as a steppingstone for a better position with your current employer – or a new one.

Turn It Down

Risk: Obviously, if you’ve been paying the slightest attention to the news lately, you know our economy isn’t exactly humming along. And when your boss offers you a new position in the form of a promotion, they may know something you don’t – that your Lynchburg job will be cut soon. Or, perhaps turning down the promotion is akin to committing career suicide at your company. Your boss may now view you as difficult and not a team player.

Reward: You get to stay in a position that you like and in which you feel most productive.

If, after careful consideration, you’ve decided that the promotion just isn’t for you, how can you go about turning it down tactfully? Here are some tips:

• Thank your boss for the opportunity. Make it clear that you are flattered by the offer.
• Explain to your boss why you should stay in your current position. Discuss the benefits to the company and to your boss personally of you staying put.
• Offer your boss a solution if they need someone to fill the new position fast. Tell your boss you’ll take on more responsibility or some of the critical tasks until the company is able to hire someone. Presenting a short-term solution like this will not only go a long way in mending any hurt feelings your boss may have for turning down the promotion, but it will also show you’re still committed to the company.

Turning down a promotion is certainly a big risk. But if you know you will be miserable in the position being offered, then it just might be a risk worth taking.

However, if you’re ready for more responsibility – just with a different employer, Adams & Garth can help. We work with some of the leading companies in the area and can offer you access to a full range of rewarding jobs in Lynchburg and throughout Central Virginia.

Start your search now.

What can you do?

The answer is simpler than you might think: conduct informational interviews.

Informational interviews are interviews that you conduct with people who work in the field you’re interested in. Unlike regular interviews, where your goal is to land a job in Lynchburg, the purpose of informational interviews is to garner enough information from someone with first-hand knowledge and experience so you can decide whether the career/industry is right for you and also get some tips on breaking into this new field.

So how can you find the right professionals to interview?

With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever. Reach out to your network via social networking sites. Ask friends, family, and neighbors if they know someone in your field of interest.

If you can’t find anyone through that route, then do some research online to try and find someone in Lynchburg, or beyond, who has your dream job. You can also contact your alumni association as well as associations within the industry you’d like to work in.

Once you have a list of people you’d like to contact, then either give them a call, or send an email or letter, whatever you’re most comfortable with. Don’t be too nervous about contacting professionals for an informational interview. Not only do most people like talking about themselves, but they will also be flattered to have made it onto your list of contacts.

While the purpose of an informational interview is different from an actual job interview, your approach to it should not be.

In other words, to get the most out of an informational interview, make sure you prepare. Do some research on the occupation, the company, and the person you will be interviewing ahead of time. Develop a list of questions to ask based on your research, such as:

• What’s a typical day like for you?
• How did you get into this field?
• Do you have any tips for breaking into it?
• What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first started out in the field?

Finally, be sure to send a “thank you” note after the interview. By doing so, you’ll make a positive impression with an industry contact, which could serve you well in your future career. Good luck!

So how can you identify your transferable skills? And once you do, how do you sell them in a cover letter to a prospective employer?

Your first step should be to dissect your past positions. In other words, think about each position you’ve held in the past and what those positions entailed. Don’t limit yourself by your job titles. Oftentimes, responsibilities fall well outside the realm of a certain job title. That’s why it’s important to dissect each position and determine what it is you really did.

Here are some examples of transferable skills to get you started:

• Demonstrated strong communication skills
• Managed staff
• Organized events
• Multi-tasked
• Solved problems
• Delivered presentations
• Handled complaints or customer concerns
• Conducted research
• Managed finances
• Served as a mentor or trained others
• Evaluated the work of others
• Worked well on team projects
• Demonstrated leadership skills

Now that you know what your transferable skills are, you have to convince prospective employers of their value. You can’t simply present your job titles on your resume and in your cover letter and expect employers to see the connection. You need to break down specifically how your skills from past positions will transfer and complement the position to which you’re applying. Here’s an example for a customer service representative applying for a marketing account executive position:

“In my work as a customer service representative, I communicated with a variety of people and, in many cases, handled concerns customers were having or explained a new product we were offering. As a result, I was able to refine my communication skills to the point where I’m confident in my ability to present information in a persuasive manner, solve problems, and deliver the kind of service and results your clients are looking for.”

Keep in mind that at the end of the day, the employer is essentially trying to solve problems and make customers happy, regardless of the field or industry they are in. So if you’re able to sell them on your ability to do one or both, then you should be well on your way to securing an interview.

And if you need some help finding a job in Lynchburg, please contact Adams & Garth. We work with some of the top employers in the area and can help you find a position that’s a great match for you.

What does your company do?

At this point in the game, you should know what the company does. Before you even step foot into the interviewer’s office, you should have thoroughly researched the company online. That means finding out who they are, what they do, and who they serve. Based on the information you find, you may have some specific questions about details or processes. But such a general question will make you sound ill-informed and unprepared.

How long does it take to get a raise?

You haven’t even gotten the Lynchburg job yet and you’re already asking for a raise? Instead, ask the interviewer whether the company conducts annual performance and salary reviews.

Will I be able to transfer to a different position?

This question is a major red flag for interviewers and if you ask this, you can pretty much kiss that Lynchburg job offer good-bye. You’re basically letting the employer know that the opportunity is not right for you, but you’ll take it anyway. If it’s a company that you really want to work for, but you realize during the interview that the position is not right for you, be honest with the interviewer. If you’ve made a good impression and there’s another position opening up within the company that’s a better fit, the interviewer may tell you about it or keep you in mind for future opportunities.

I have a medical issue. Is it covered under your insurance policy?

Translation: “I don’t really care about the job. I’m only interested in this position so I can get health insurance.” Even if that’s not what you intended, that’s probably what the interviewer is thinking. Instead, if the position is offered to you, ask to learn more about the company’s benefits, including their health insurance plan, before accepting the Lynchburg job.

Do you drug test? Do you require background checks?

Nothing says “guilty” quite like these questions. If you aren’t guilty, but just trying to learn more about the selection process, then ask that question directly, i.e. “What does your selection process entail?” Otherwise, you’ll look like you have something to hide.

So now that you know which questions you should never ask during a job interview, what are some questions you should always ask? Here are a few:

• What’s a typical day like in this position?
• What are the day-to-day expectations and responsibilities of the job?
• Why is the position open?
• What’s the company’s management style like?
• What’s the company’s culture like?
• Does the company support ongoing training or continuing education opportunities so employees can stay up-to-date?

And if you need help landing some job interviews in Lynchburg, please contact Adams & Garth. We can give you access to a variety of rewarding job opportunities with some of Lynchburg’s leading employers. Contact us today. We can help.

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.

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.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS has an online handbook in which they have compiled a variety of comprehensive data on various industries and jobs. The information that is provided includes the training and education necessary, median salaries, what workers do on the job, working conditions, and job outlooks – for instance, whether a certain kind of position will be in demand, or in decline, in the coming years.

The information provided in the BLS occupational outlook handbook is based on national averages. So things like salary and job outlook may be a little different here in Lynchburg when compared with the national average.

Professional association and trade web sites
Industry web sites are a great place to look for salary information. Many times, either trade publications or industry associations will conduct salary surveys throughout the year, which provide information on the average salaries of different positions in an industry. These organizations are usually one of the most accurate sources for information on salaries. However, you may have to become a subscriber to the web site in order to access the data.

Salary web sites
Just Google the word “salary” and you’ll come up with a whole list of web sites that specialize in offering salary information. With many of the sites, you can also conduct a salary search by education, title, location, and years of experience.

If you’re searching for a new job in Lynchburg and wondering what you’re worth, please contact Adams & Garth. Not only can we help you figure out the salary you should be asking for, but we can also give you access to a variety of rewarding job opportunities in Lynchburg and throughout the Central Virginia area. Contact us today to learn more.

Instead, if you are having problems with your boss, you need to be open and pro-active about it. The result will be a stronger, more productive relationship.

Here are some tips to follow:

Take your issue to your boss.
Don’t go over your boss’s head and talk to his or her manager or supervisor. This will only result in animosity. Talk to your boss directly and give him or her a chance to solve the problem. If that doesn’t happen in a timely manner, then you may want to connect with a higher up at your company.

Leave your emotions at the door.
Whatever you do, don’t talk to your boss when you’re upset. Your conversation won’t be productive if you’re angry and accusing. Instead, let the dust settle for a couple days and use that time to gather your thoughts.

Don’t make threats.
When pushed to the limit, it can be tempting to storm out of the office or to threaten to quit. Don’t do it, though. First of all, you’ll look unprofessional. Secondly, your boss may just take you up on that offer, even if it was he or she that was in the wrong in the first place. If you get so worked up that your tempted to act out, then it’s time to just walk away and cool off.

Understand that you may be partly responsible.
Although it can be tempting to put all the blame on your boss, realize that you may be partly to blame as well. In most conflicts, both parties usually are. So what should you? Talk to a friend or colleague who can give you some objective advice and possibly a fresh perspective about the situation.

Don’t badmouth your boss.
Though tempting, don’t engage in trash talk about your boss to your co-workers. It could come back to haunt you.

If it’s gotten to the point where you know you can’t work for your boss any longer, and you’re looking for a new job opportunity, contact Adams & Garth. As a leading Lynchburg employment agency, we can give you access to a variety of rewarding job opportunities. Contact us today to learn more.