Last week in “Occupational Resources Part 1,” I described ONET online, a sophisticated, interactive career research and assessment tool in aiding individuals seeking to transfer their skills into parallel fields of work or contemplating a career change.

Another resource is the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 updated periodically and accessible on www.bls.gov.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (or as it is affectionately known at One Stop Career Centers as OOH) is compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics out of Washington. The vast career information reflects statistics and information across the national regions on every career title imaginable. Related or parallel occupations are also identified and further research online or through writing directly to associations in the described field, is available, as well.

Information is extensive and once again, different industries are subdivided by the myriad job titles within each field of work. Characteristics and descriptive factors of each job include working conditions, low, median and high wages, expectation of growth in number of hirings or decline in same, where in the industry one can expect the most openings, educational requirements and advancement opportunities. This information is gathered from reports all over the country.

For example, nursing as an occupational category is detailed in registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, specialty nursing such as HIV nursing, nurse practitioners, related nursing field occupational titles, such as nursing assistants, and other nursing function titles. Each job title within the nursing field is subdivided with extensive reports particular to that title. One can get an idea where projected hiring increases will take place, doctor’s office or hospital.

There are also economic charts and employment/unemployment statistic charts for all the regions of the United States.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is another valuable source for career research and exploration.

-By The Job Enthusiast Who Won’t Rest Till Everyone Is Put To Work!

Read about more helpful resources from The Job Enthusiast here.