Adams & Garth Blog

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.

Ever feel like no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to gain traction and make progress on your “to do” list? If this sounds familiar, there may be a variety of reasons why you aren’t getting things done. Here are some possible explanations and what you can do about them:

1. The activity is unpleasant.

We all have things on our lists that need to get done – but we don’t want to do them. The first step to making progress with such a task is admitting you don’t want to do it. Then decide whether you really have to do the job yourself, if you can delegate it to another person, or just not do it altogether. If you do need to do it, then stop thinking about it and take action.

2. Your constantly distracted or interrupted.

You sit down to work on your “to do” list and your phone rings, or you get an urgent email, or an employee wants to talk to you about an important issue. If this is one of the main reasons you’re not getting your list done, then you need to better manage these interruptions. For instance, commit to several times each day when you are going to check your email – say 9 am, noon, 3 pm, and 5 pm. Decide that from 1 pm to 2 pm, you’re going to let your phone calls go directly to voice mail. And, close your office door to let employees know not to interrupt you.

3. Your tasks aren’t clear enough.

Your “to do” list should consist of clear tasks with precise steps for completion. But if your list is full of vague tasks, then you may have some thinking to do before you’re able to complete the task. So take a few minutes to really think through the steps you need to take to make real progress. For instance, if your task is to “Hire a receptionist,” then write down the steps you need to take:

• Write a job posting.
• Place it in the classifieds and on online job boards.
• Review resumes as they come in.
• Schedule interviews for candidates.

4. Your day is over-scheduled.

If your day is crammed with back-to-back meetings and activities, with no room for a break, then you’re over-scheduled. If you need some time to get things done, then schedule an appointment with yourself – and whatever you do, don’t cancel it! So if you know you need to take two hours to write a project report, then you need to schedule that time into your day. Put it on your calendar and treat that activity as if you were having a meeting with an important client.

If one of the tasks on your “to do” list involves hiring new employees, Adams & Garth can help. As a premier recruitment firm in Central Virginia, we can help you recruit, screen, hire, and train employees for a variety of positions. Contact us today. We can help.

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.

As a Central Virginia staffing agency, we know that many employers are doing more with less in a tight economy. While this approach may help you avoid layoffs, it can also lead to employees who are overworked and stressed out.

So what can you do to avoid employee burnout? Here are some tips:

Tip #1. Celebrate milestones.

When your company has completed an important project or increased sales, have a little celebration to let your employees know that they’re appreciated. Besides giving them some time to blow off steam and relax, it will also motivate them to keep up the good work.

Tip #2. Support your staff.

When you’re asking your employees to take on more tasks, make sure they have the necessary training and support to be successful in their new roles. Otherwise, you may be setting them up for failure.

Tip #3. Keep those lines of communication open.

Be clear about your expectations for each employee and address any concerns they may have. Not only will you build trust and loyalty this way, but you’ll also create a more positive culture at work.

Tip #4. Be realistic about expectations.

It’s only natural to expect more from each employee. But make sure you are being realistic and reasonable about your expectations. For instance, giving an employee an impossibly short deadline to complete a project will only frustrate and stress that employee out even further.

Tip #5. Encourage the use of vacation days.

In a tight economy, many employees don’t want to take any time off out of fear of getting laid off. But a day or two vacation can work wonders. So let your employee take vacations in two- or three-day increments, rather than a full week.

Tip #6. Hire star performers.

Now more than ever, good hiring decisions are critically important to the success of your company. Any new hires will need to hit the ground running. Bad hires, on the other hand, could seriously damage morale and productivity.

If you need help hiring star performers, or retaining existing ones, please contact Adams & Garth. As one of the top staffing agencies in Central Virginia, we can help you find, hire and retain the people you need to get the job done.

As a leading Charlottesville staffing & HR agency, we know how valuable exit interviews can be. Unfortunately, many employers ignore the exit interview process for a variety of reasons.

• They may never have conducted these kinds of interviews before and don’t have a formal process in place.
• They don’t want to spend the time and energy to conduct exit interviews.
• And they don’t want to hear any criticisms from departing employees.

However, many times, these departing employees feel liberated and are therefore a rich source of useful information. During the exit interview, employers can learn about why the person is leaving (if they don’t already know) and also gain some feedback from them that can be used to improve the organization, from the working conditions to the pay and benefits.

So if you’ve never conducted an exit interview before – and you don’t know where to start – here are 12 critical questions to ask to get the process going:

1. What is your reason for leaving the company?

2. What triggered your decision to leave?

3. Is there anything that could have been done to prevent your departure?

4. What did you like most about your job?

5. What did you like least about your job?

6. How was your relationship with your supervisor?

7. Did you feel like you were given the resources and support to perform your job successfully?

8. Were you given clear goals and adequate feedback about your performance?

9. What suggestions do you have to make the company a better place to work?

10. What are some key qualities and personality characteristics that you feel we should seek in your replacement?

11. What are your thoughts on the company’s benefits and compensation?

12. Would you recommend a friend or family member work for the company? Why or why not?

There’s no point in conducting an exit interview if you’re not going to use the information you gather to your advantage. So once the interview is complete, don’t just file your interview notes away. It’s time to take action on the information, details, and criticisms that were discussed.

And if you need help developing a formal exit interview process, please contact Adams & Garth. As a leading Charlottesville staffing & HR agency, we can offer you an extensive range of HR services and solutions to meet your company’s needs. Contact us today to get started.

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 Central Virginia staffing and recruiting firm, we know that employee turnover is costly for every business. Costs to replace an entry level employee can range from the hundreds to the thousands of dollars. In fact, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) determined that replacing an entry level employee can cost, on average, from 30-50% of the employee’s annual salary. So if an entry level employee who’s making $24,000 a year leaves your company, it could cost you $12,000 to replace that person. These costs include recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, and any loss of productivity.

So what can you do to retain entry level employees? Here are some tips:

Pay the highest salary possible.

Turnover due to low salary will actually cost you more in the long run. So if necessary, stretch your budget a little to pay a higher wage.

Offer rewards.

When an employee achieves an important goal or goes above and beyond, reward them. Offer a cash reward, extra personal days, or a choice of either one. Your employee will feel valued and will also be more motivated to continue doing good work.

Get to know your employees.

By getting to know your employees on a more personal level, you’ll have a better understanding of what makes them tick – and what motivates them. You can then use this knowledge to better manage them.

Offer financial assistance for education.

Paying for all or part of an advanced degree is a terrific way to encourage employee growth. You may also want to consider tying the financial assistance to the employee’s longevity with the company. For instance, an employee who takes advantage of the assistance has to stay with the company for a certain number of years.

Listen, be considerate, and value their ideas.

Entry level does not mean unimportant. And just because an employee is a rookie doesn’t mean they won’t have valuable ideas. In fact, they may be able to offer a fresh perspective. Encourage them to come to you with any thoughts or suggestions. Even if the answer is “no” to a certain suggestion, offer an explanation as to why that is and let them know you appreciate the input.

Be flexible about hours and time off.

Consider offering flexible working hours to your employees. Also consider combining sick, vacation, and personal days. The number of days allowed would be the same – but your employees then have some flexibility in how they use them.

If you need help attracting and retaining entry level – or any level – employees, please contact Adams & Garth. As Central Virginia’s leading staffing and recruiting firm, we can help you find, hire, train, and retain top performing employees.

As a staffing agency working with employers in Harrisonburg, Staunton, Culpeper – and throughout Central Virginia – we know that conflicts at work can cause great harm to your company. That’s why it’s so important to deal with them at the very first sign.

So what can you do to effectively manage issues at work? Here are some tips:

Tip #1: Don’t expect the conflict to simply go away on its own.

It may seem easier to just ignore the conflict and hope it will go away. But that would be a mistake. Even if you think the conflict is not a big deal, it’s important to address it immediately. A conflict that goes unresolved can quickly spin out of control, leading to negative results for you and your team.

Tip #2: Meet with everyone involved at once.

Schedule a meeting with all the parties involved. Go around the room and ask each to explain their side of the story. Don’t comment or interrupt. Simply listen at this point.

Tip #3: Come up with solutions together.

Brainstorm some solutions for the conflict. Ask each individual how they would like to see the conflict resolved. Don’t take sides, even if you think one employee is right over another. Your employees are professionals and should be able to resolve the conflict in an adult-like manner.

Tip #4: Help to find a middle ground.

Once you’ve all met and put everyone’s thoughts and feelings on the table, each side may be better able to understand each other. Oftentimes, conflicts are simply misunderstandings. So hopefully, at this point, there is a compromise that can be reached. If your employees are unwilling to compromise, explain that you may be forced to take disciplinary action.

Tip #5: Follow up.

Set aside some time in the near future to meet with the parties involved and check on how things are going.

Mediating a conflict isn’t fun, but it’s a necessity. Why? Because when conflicts are not dealt with effectively, they can lead to the break down of your team – and your company. If you need help resolving conflicts at work, or with developing a disciplinary action program for your company, please contact Adams & Garth. We can help.

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.

Have too much overhead? Looking to enhance your workforce flexibility? Can’t find employees with the right skills? Experiencing a high rate of turnover?

These problems sound familiar to most experienced managers. But there is a solution – and it comes in the form of working with a reputable Central Virginia staffing agency. Here’s how:

Problem #1: Too much overhead.
Solution: Consider using temporary employees.

Temporary employees allow you to convert fixed expenses to variable expenses since you only pay for temporary employees on an as-needed basis. In addition to helping you cover seasonal peaks and high demand periods, temporary workers can also help you to eliminate overtime – saving you money in the process. Plus, with a temporary workforce, you don’t have to worry about paying out benefits, such as health insurance and vacation time, since temporary employees work for the staffing company, not for you.

Problem #2: Need more flexibility.
Solution: Flexible staffing can help you meet fluctuating demands.

There are probably many times during the year when you feel either overstaffed or understaffed. When demand fluctuates, your workforce should too. With flexible staffing, you can use temporary employees to help you complete big projects, handle a peak in demand, or cover sick leaves, all without having to hire full-time staff. Then, once your need is filled, you can simply release the temporary employees.

Problem #3: Can’t find the right fit employees.
Solution: Develop a better network.

Many temporary staffing agencies like Adams & Garth have developed a network of professionals who are top performers. As a result, a staffing firm like ours can give you access to a pool of talent that has the skills and experience you’re looking for.

Problem #4: Experiencing too much turnover.
Solution: Work with a staffing agency to search deeper.

Hiring the wrong person is a painful mistake to make. But when you work with a reputable staffing agency, one that knows how to properly source and screen high quality candidates, you’ll end up with a skilled and dependable employee. In addition, you’ll also have more time and energy to focus on your core competencies, rather than posting job advertisements, screening resumes, and interviewing candidates.

Problem #5: Too small to hire an HR person, too big to do it yourself.
Solution: Outsource your HR function to a staffing agency.

Human Resources is an increasingly complex and critical function, but many companies don’t have a need for a full-time HR manager or HR department. The good news is that many staffing agencies, like Adams & Garth, provide an extensive range of HR services. As a result, you can get the HR support and expertise you need – when you need it – without having to hire a full-time HR professional.

By working with an experienced Central Virginia staffing agency, you can overcome these common business problems, as well as a host of others. Learn more today about our staffing and HR services and how we can help you.