How To Use Job Descriptions To Find Your Next Job
A lot of people can envision the types of tasks they would love to be doing as part of their job, but they don’t know how those tasks translate into a particular job they can apply for.
If this sounds like you, you’re in luck. All you have to do is start reading job descriptions and you’ll soon zero in on your life’s dreams. Job descriptions are summaries of job responsibilities and requirements.
Here are some ideas on how to start your career search by simply firing up your web browser.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes The Occupational Outlook Handbook that you can access online. Updated annually, this handbook includes a job description for each position it covers as well as all of the following information:
- The training and education needed
- Earnings
- Expected job prospects
- Working conditions
You can use the search box that is on every page to enter occupational keywords, or access the listing of all occupations in alphabetical order by using the A-Z Index.
The U.S. Department of Labor contracts with a firm called O*NET which publishes a Directory Of Occupational Titles along with a skills search database that lets you match job titles with your specific skills. Once you have compiled a list of job titles, you can head back to the The Occupational Outlook Handbook to review job descriptions to learn more about what the job requires and offers.
CollegeBoards.com, the organization charged with the responsibility of managing college entrance exams, has an in-depth career research tool that you can use to drill down to find your dream career.
If you’re not really sure which career is right for you, take a step back and assess your personality traits and skills first. CareerExplorer.com, has a free career assessment to review your compatibility with over 800 careers.
Think of job descriptions as a tool to help you turn your career dreams into reality.
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