(1) Do you have a billable skill set that is in demand and organizations can make a return on investment on your skill set and time?

Typically, the primary reason a person hires you is because you have a skill set and time that the organization can make money off of you. They are looking for a return on their investment. Therefore, what is your billable skill you can sell to prospective employers?

 (2) Are the skill sets you have in demand?

Many people have many fine skills that are simply not in demand within the local economy. With increased competition, you must differentiate yourself among other similar job seekers with similar skill sets.

 (3) What are you doing personally to make yourself employable through continuous learning?

Many jobs that are being filled now that were not even comprehendible 15 years ago. This trend will continue, therefore continuous learning in job skills and industries of high demand are essential.

 (4) How are you connected local to key decision makers?

A recent study revealed that 92% of people in Roanoke are natives of Virginia. Therefore, it is important to know as many people in the community as possible.

 (5) How much time are you investing in your job search process?

The two rules of thumb are it will take you three months of searching for 40 hours a week to get the job you want. Also, for every $10k you want in starting salary, it will take you a month of searching.

 (6) How are you spending your time in your job search process?

80% of all jobs are never advertised and are uncovered through networking. Therefore, only 20% of job are advertised offline and online. Only 10% of people get jobs through online resources. As a result, spend 80% of your time networking with other people by going to events, scheduling meetings, attending social functions, volunteering, etc. and spend only 10% of your time with online searches.

(7) When asking for help from others on your job search, be specific in your request.

It is much easier for someone to help when you are specific in your request. For instance, I would like to work in Roanoke for a financial services company, specifically as a financial advisor for Smith Barney or Merrill Lynch. Being specific in your request will yield better results.

 (8) Are you talking to headhunters and staffing agencies?

These people and firms talk to dozens of employers each day who outsource their staffing to these firms. A growing trend is occurring among these firms to place direct hire professional level individuals for their clients. These firms are not just recruiting for clerical and part-time positions.

 (9) How are you following up on job leads?

Many job seekers do not adequately follow up on potential leads whether they take a very passive approach of any of the following: unsolicited emails to hiring managers, not calling to talk to a decision maker, not sending a thank you note after an interview, etc. Follow up is a key component in the job search process.

The Bicycle Friendly Community Workshop presented by Andy Clarke, Executive Director, League of American Bicyclists is 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on January 8, 2008 at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. Admission is free, but space is limited, so you must register by sending an email to bikewalkroanoke@yahoo.com.