More specifically, you can use the OOH to identify the skills needed in the job you want or to find skills from previous jobs that you can emphasize in an interview. It can also help you discover related jobs that you might have overlooked.
The Occupational Information Network (O*NET)
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains an up-to-date computer database of occupational information. call the O*NET, it provides detailed information for more than 900 jobs. Although the OOH is more useful for most situations, the O*NET describe many more jobs and provides more details on each other. The complete set of O*NET information is available on the Internet at online.onetcenter.org. A book version published by JIST and titled the O*NET Dictionary of Occupational Titles provides the O*NET information of greatest value to most job seekers in an easier-to-use format.
The New Guide for Occupational Exploration
The U.S. Department of Labor has also developed an easy-to-use system that organizes all jobs by interest. This interest-based system is presented in a book titled the New Guide for Occupational Exploration (GOE). The current edition of the GOE organizes all jobs into 16 major interest areas. These areas are further divided into more specific work groups of related jobs. The GEO allows you to quickly identify groups of jobs that are most closely related to what you want to do and then provides helpful information related to each group.
Research the Company
The best employer information comes from people who work (or used to work) for that organization. These people can often provide you with inside information that can be invaluable in an interview.
If you do not know anyone who works there, then go to the source. Often a receptionist can get you product catalogs, brochures, reports, or other literature that explains the purpose, products, or services of the organization. Studying this information and being able to bring it up during your interview will give you an advantage over most other applicants.
According to librarian Mary-Ellen Mort in Oakland, California, the best sources for information on local organizations are local newspaper articles, local directories, and area trade journals. Some libraries have clipping files of articles on area companies, CEOs, and industries. Ask a reference librarian for assistance.
Quick Tip
You may not be able to find much information on small or privately owned companies. In that case, explore comparable companies or puck up the phone and talk with the organization's suppliers, customers, and current employees.
0 comments:
Post a Comment