Career Connections

Networking is not a dirty word!

Our topic for the 5 o'clock Career Network this week is networking- what is it, how do you do it, and why is it so misunderstood? The session will be held at the economic development offices at 111 Franklin Rd (The Franklin Plaza building) on the third floor. All are welcome, it should be another great opportunity to learn how to sharpen your job search skills and network with others who are trying to change their situations! Thanks to Stuart Mease and the Roanoke City Economic Development department who are trying to help people in our area reach their goals!

Networking

At our 5 o'clock career network meeting this week (5/14) we are discussing networking and how it is misunderstood. I thought that I would post a question from Stuart's list that dealt with the subject.

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.

Roanoke is a wonderful place. It is possible to actually know people here! Most of us either know a decision maker, or know someone who does. Networking is not using people for your own ends, as is often thought. It is developing relationships that are valuable for everyone involved. Reaching out to a decision maker may help you, but it might also help them!

Job seekers questions

Stuart Mease recently sent me a list of questions that job seekers should have in mind during a job search, but rarely consider. These are questions that are truisms in the employment industry, but that most people who come to us for help in their search really don't consider until they are brought to their attention. They are really informative, so I thought I would share them-check back and I will post them all. Thanks Stuart!

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

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

Employers hire people to make them money or save them money. It is your job to show them how your abilities will do that!