Whitman Associates is a professional staffing agency serving businesses and job seekers in the Washington, D.C. area. Since 1972, we’ve been dedicated to matching highly qualified candidates with a wide variety of temporary, temp-to-hire and permanent positions. We prioritize the needs of both our clients and candidates to ensure successful, lasting relationships.
Debra started work through Whitman Associates in 2022 and has loved being able to slowly get back into administrative work while testing the balance with her home life and other activities. She has completed several small assignments and just started her latest at a firm she worked for previously. The part-time, work-from-home assignments allow her to also spend time with her husband and 3 teens.
Debra loves to be outdoors, either on the lake, biking, hiking trails with her dogs or camping. She also enjoys teaching strength, mobility and dance fitness classes at her local YMCA, which she has done for 12 years. Debra is a fan of the Tennessee Volunteers and cheers them on the in whatever sport is in season.
Job seekers tend to assume that all open positions are clearly listed. However, as few as 20% of open positions are posted on job boards. This means that job seekers who apply for work exclusively through job postings found online are missing a lot of opportunities. So how do you ask for a job that doesn’t exist or that isn’t listed as open? Just ask!
If you find a company you are interested in working for and don’t see any current openings listed that match your skill set, you can, and should, still submit a cover letter and resume to that company’s human resources department or to a suitable manager within the organization.
That may seem like a waste of time, but really, you will be getting ahead of the game. Whenever a position does open up, the hiring manager will hopefully already have you in mind. Take a look at this sample email asking for job openings to see what this looks like.
Sample Email Asking for Job Openings
Subject line: [Your Job Title (for instance, “Legal Secretary”)] Interested in Career Opportunities
[First Name of HR/Recruiter/Hiring Manager]
My name is [your name], and I am a [recent grad from [school] OR job title and your expertise; for instance, a “social worker with experience in child welfare.”] I hope you’re doing well.
I realize you do not currently have a job opening listed for a [job title], however, I would still like to make introductions and explore ways I can help your team with [value you can provide; for instance, “developing accessibility-focused website projects.”]
I checked out the [company’s name] website and like the projects you are currently developing, in particular:
[the name of a relevant project with an explanation for why you are interested]
[the name of a second relevant project with an explanation for why you are interested]
Note: This is also a great place to personalize your email and add information about where you heard about the company and why you would like to work for them.
For the past # years, I have worked with [your experience with examples of past clients or projects. Providing detail and showing you you will be an asset to their team is key.]
When time allows, please see a few examples of my work here:
[Link to example #1 of your work, if available; you can also attach files if it makes more sense. Be sure to reference the attachment name here instead]
[Link to example #2 OR attached file]
[Link to example #3 OR attached file]
Note: If you are a recent grad with limited real-world experience, provide links to college projects, case studies, internship projects or volunteer efforts.
I have also attached my resume to this email. Please let me know if I can provide more information.
Sometime in the near future, I look forward to speaking with you.
Warm Regards,
[Your name]
[Your email signature with contact information]
Apply for a job that doesn’t exist yet
The bottom line for how you ask for a job that doesn’t exist is that you have to take the initiative. Simply calling or sending a note based on this sample email asking for job openings can tell hiring managers that you have initiative and are eager to work with them. The company or hiring manager may not necessarily be looking for someone, or at least not yet. But when you prove yourself to be an attractive candidate, you will get your foot in the door for whatever opportunities come next. Start with this sample email asking for job openings and see where it takes you!
We are pleased and proud to announce that, for the 5th year in a row, Whitman Associates, Inc. was named one of the Top 3 Staffing Agencies in Washington, D.C. by Three Best Rated®! Top 3 Staffing Agencies face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.
Thank you to our incredible clients and outstanding candidates and employees who have made this possible. WAI has provided the DMV with excellent staffing services since 1972, and we are honored to continue in that tradition today.
Before joining Whitman Associates in July 2022, Alex was a district staff member for a U.S. Representative in the Chicago suburbs, specializing in immigration casework and outreach. He also spent two years as a Teach For America Corps Member teaching middle school in Eastern North Carolina.
Through Whitman, Alex was placed in a temp-to-hire position as an Administrative and Database Assistant at a law firm in Dupont Circle. After the uncertainty of moving from Illinois to the DMV, the position has given him an opportunity to set down roots in the area while working with a great team of attorneys and administrative staff.
Alex lives in Prince George’s County, MD with his partner, Anna, and his cat, Furiosa. When he isn’t cheering on Arsenal FC or the Florida Gators, he is likely rewatching one of Mike Flanagan’s Netflix series, playing Destiny 2, or over-thinking his fantasy football lineup as defending league champion.
Just in time for the holidays, Whitman Associates alum Donna Escorpeso has just dropped her newest single, Christmas With You. Donna was an integral part of the Whitman staffing team, and the office’s reigning karaoke champion. Now she’s pursuing her singing career in Los Angeles. Congratulations!
Chris and his family have recently relocated to Andrews AFB, Maryland after living in Las Vegas, NV for the past 10 years. His wife is in the US Air Force and received a Change of Duty Station Orders to relocate to Maryland.
Chris has a background in Market Research and Customer Service. He worked for CBS Television City for 10 years in Las Vegas. He connected with Whitman Associates in September 2022 and was quickly placed in a role as a Property Administrator. Though a bit overwhelmed initially, he was was able to adapt to this new role and looks forward to learning and taking on more job functions and responsibilities in the future.
Chris also has three children, the oldest is 18 years old and a recent high school graduate, his middle child is 16 years old, and the youngest is 15 years old. In his spare time Chris spends time with his family; they like to do a variety of things such as hiking, antique shopping, going to the beach, streaming movies, and playing video games. Chris loves collecting anything Star Wars related and comic books.
He is thankful to be working with and representing Whitman and Associates, and looks forward to all the potential opportunities that may be offered in the future.
Romona is a senior administrative professional with over 27 years of experience providing executive level operational, strategic, and program support to C-level executives, their teams, and the organizations they lead. She has been affiliated with Whitman Associates for 20+ years.
One of Romona’s winning work philosophies is that she brings her whole self to work with a spirit of fulfillment, service and authenticity. This has not only allowed her to find purpose in her work assignments, but to fully engage, continue to learn, inspire others, and thrive.
She is a proud mother, a board member of the non-profit Yet Stand, Inc., advocates for mental health for urban youth, enjoys competitive writing, and has authored several short stories.
Allison Gartner is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Wildlife Conservation. She has enjoyed working with Whitman Associates because it has given her the opportunity to participate in different professional assignments that have helped her personal and professional growth.
She loves to do anything outdoors and spend time with family and friends during her free time. Her favorite color is purple, favorite animal is an owl, and loves anything chocolate. She enjoys staying active and trying new things. She hopes to visit all the National Parks and travel the world in the future.
PTO (paid time off) days are a perk most companies offer , but be strategic on how you use your time and how you ask. When requesting time off from work, be aware of your supervisor and coworkers schedules, and keep in mind how it impacts your responsibilities when someone else is out on vacation. Being upfront and conscientious about requesting time off ensures that you and your colleagues are able to be comfortable with the time taken away from the office. Check out our top tips for what to do and what not to do when requesting time off from work.
1. Give Notice
Give your employer plenty of notice before taking time off. How much notice to give for PTO? That’s going to depend on your workplace, but a good rule of thumb is a minimum of 2 weeks notice if you’re taking 1-2 days and a minimum of 1-2 months for 3+ days. If you try to request off without much notice, chances are your request will be declined.
2. Request in writing
Speak with your manager first any time you are interested in taking time off. One you’ve had that conversation, be sure to formally submit your time-off request in writing or via email – a verbal request can easily be forgotten. At some organizations, employees can request time off via their payroll portal (ie. ADP or Paycom). Follow the protocols of your organization, but be sure to keep a copy of your approval in writing.
3. Be considerate of your coworkers
Try to plan your vacations, trips, etc. taking into account your supervisors and coworkers’ schedules to avoid taking time off at the same time as the rest of the office. No one wants to be at the office holding down the fort when multiple people are out on vacation. If at all possible, try not to overlap your vacations with those of your coworkers.
Another great way to make your time away go smoothly when requesting time off work is to provide a plan for how your responsibilities can be covered. Helping set your colleagues up for success while you’re away will make everyone’s lives easier and will give you the confidence that your work is being handled appropriately.
4. Medical appointments
Try to schedule any doctor’s appointments, etc. during your lunch break, or at the beginning or end of the day, so that you don’t need to miss much work. No one wants to use their precious vacation time for appointments if you can help it.
5. Sick time
If your sick days are separate from your PTO days, try to save your sick days for when you are actually sick – you never know when/if you will need them. If you have all of your PTO days combined, try to reserve a couple in case you get sick, so you won’t have to take leave without pay.
6. When starting a new job
Don’t request a lot of time off within the first 3 months of a new job. If you have previously planned trips that fall within that time span, let your employer know when you are going over your offer. Also, it’s a good idea to review the company’s PTO policy since some companies have a waiting period before benefits such as PTO kick in.
7. Holidays
Don’t assume that you have all federal holidays off. Review the PTO policy and clarify which holidays are observed, and which are not. All companies are different and outside of the federal government, companies observe different holidays.
Below are some examples of an in person and emailed time off request.
Time off request conversation example:
Hi [Supervisor], would you have a moment to discuss a time off request? I have [number] PTO days, and am hoping to take [number] of days off for [reason for request] in [month]. Let me know what might be a good time to discuss this further and to get something on the calendar. Thank you.
Time off request email example:
Hi [Supervisor],
As previously discussed, I would like to request to use my PTO to take off from [Date] through [Date].
I have prepared some notes regarding any active projects, and would be happy to go through them with the team in preparation for my departure.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to ensure everything is covered in my absence.
Sincerely,
[Name]
A career coach is designed to help you move your career forward, whether you’re just starting out, or you need a career pick-me-up. While the level of engagement offered by career coaching professionals may vary, there are some basic services that all career coaches offer, such as resume drafting assistance, interview tips, career mapping, and employment assistance. Here are answers to the most common career coaching questions, with a specific focus on career coaches in Washington DC.
Do I actually need a career coach?
The most common question related to career coaching is “Do I actually need a career coach?”
If you are in Washington, DC and are looking for a job, looking for a better job, or simply curious about whether you are on the right track, career coaching will likely help. According to Harvard Business Review, “Career coaches can help you figure out what you want to do, understand what’s preventing you from advancing in your professional goals, and endure the ups and downs of job hunting.”
Most people in the DC area only consider career coaches if they are unemployed or wholly dissatisfied with the position they are currently in. However, limiting your use of a career coach to times of greater desperation may be unwise. When you’re under pressure to land a new job, career coaching will likely be more difficult and less effective. The adage “it’s easier to find a job when you have a job” is equally applicable to career coaching, especially in the competitive and fast paced DC market.
So consider hiring a coach when you’re not looking in order to get the most out of their advice without the stress of having to immediately implement it. By working with a coach when it’s not an emergency, you will be better able to take advantage of programs and benefits they offer.
However, don’t let this advice stop you from using a coach when you are job hunting. There are several key times in your career that you may need advice as you are looking. For example, new graduates frequently need advice on how to choose the right career. A career counselor can be incredibly beneficial in making this decision.
What specific benefits will a career coach provide?
In the DC area, career coaching is almost a necessity. Jobs go quickly here, and if you aren’t standing out of the crowd, you’re likely to get lost. Here’s some key benefits that career coaches can provide:
Resume building – A stand out resume is absolutely critical in any location, but it’s especially important in the DC area, where competition is fierce.
Interview Preparation – Interviews are tough, no matter how experienced you are. A career coach can offer tips and tricks. A great career coach can offer tips tailored to your field and your geographic location, whether that’s Washington, DC, or another region.
Career Changing Advice – You’re never too old to learn a new field. Career coaches can advise you on every aspect of your considered career change, from outside networking to searching within your own company.
Career Advancement Advice – You may be perfectly happy in your field, but yearning to climb the corporate ladder. A career counselor can help you figure out when and how to do that.
Advice on Maintaining a Positive Attitude – Job searching can be tough, especially in a field as competitive as DC. Career coaching can be incredibly valuable in teaching you to maintain a positive attitude.
How do I find a good career coach?
Finding a good career coach can be tough and take time since you want to find a professional that will do more than just give advice. Make sure you look for coaches that understand the Washington, DC market, and look for organizations that represent both employers and potential employees. Those that do are frequently more in touch with what employers really want and can teach you the inside information on what recruiters and employers look for in cover letters, resumes, and interviews. Finally, make sure your career coach is a good personality fit for you. If you don’t get along well with them, they won’t be effective at helping you help yourself.
How much does a career coach cost?
It depends. Career coaches can cost as much as $500 an hour, far more than most people can afford. However, there are less experienced coaches that cost less. Many agencies and businesses, such as Whitman Associates, provide career coaching benefits at no cost. If you are just starting out in your career, or you are not looking for a position requiring extensive experience or education, programs such as those offered by Whitman Associates are likely just what you need.
Tell me more about Whitman Associates’ career coaching options!
Whitman Associates has an amazing team of associates committed to ensuring that our clients and our candidates get the best care.
Beyond the essential resume writing assistance and interview tips, we focus on the importance of developing critical skills, including communication and strategic thinking based on industry requirements as well as your professional goals. Moreover, we offer helpful advice on how to adjust your job search and resume to better fit certain fields and employers. Because we know the DC job market better than anyone, we offer insight that other career coaching organizations just can’t provide.
Whether you opt for the amazing benefits of Whitman Associates or another career coaching program in DC, you will likely find the process beneficial in advancing your career. Reach out to Whitman to see how we can help you take your career to the next level!
Before joining Whitman Associates in July 2022, Alex was a district staff member for a U.S. Representative in the Chicago suburbs, specializing in immigration casework and outreach. He also spent two years as a 
Chris and his family have recently relocated to Andrews AFB, Maryland after living in Las Vegas, NV for the past 10 years. His wife is in the US Air Force and received a Change of Duty Station Orders to relocate to Maryland.
Romona is a senior administrative professional with over 27 years of experience providing executive level operational, strategic, and program support to C-level executives, their teams, and the organizations they lead. She has been affiliated with Whitman Associates for 20+ years.
Allison Gartner is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Wildlife Conservation. She has enjoyed working with Whitman Associates because it has given her the opportunity to participate in different professional assignments that have helped her personal and professional growth.
