Andy Rooney perfectly illustrates what we mean by practicing humility as one of the four steps in becoming a perfect job seeker. Sometimes a job seeker may temporarily have to take something he/she did not intend to do. He is right there are jobs out there, if people want to do them. Unfortunately, many do not want to do those that are available and unemployment benefits are too generous that prevent some from doing them. If you are looking for work, submit a profile.

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I have received numerous inquiries from people asking for job search assistance and it has prompted me to create a simple database capturing some information from the requester. If you would like assistance with your job search, then please complete this online form.

This video clip was shown on the CBS Evening News. It is a staggering visual and statistical attempt to show the current state of the labor market, especially for college students.

As I am beginning to work more closely with college students beginning to enter this market, this clip should grab their attention. At this week’s on campus job fair, there was not a good turnout of students despite over 80 employers in attendance.

A friend sent this chart from Payscale, which shows that Virginia Tech is one of the best publics in the US in terms of earning potential. Of course, you must select the right major and industry/location matters. But nonetheless, this is great news for Hokies and Hoos!

Methodology Annual pay for Bachelors graduates without higher degrees. Typical starting graduates have 2 years of experience; mid-career have 15 years. See full methodology for more.

The Blue Ridge Business Journal asked this question to me and several folks in the region. Thanks to BRBJ for asking. These are the types of questions we should be asking and holding people accountable whose job it is to produce this growth. Below are the folks who chimed in and here is the link to the full article. Follow BRBJ on Twitter.

Nancy Gray is president of Hollins University.

Beth Doughty is executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership.

Cory Donovan is executivedirector of the NewVaCorridor Technology Council.

Wayne Strickland is executive director of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.

Joyce Waugh is president of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Jay Foster is president of Roanoke-basedSoftSolutions Inc.

Matt Bullington owns the Texas Tavern in Roanoke.