1. The job market is highly competitive
Employment Opportunities
The job market is highly competitive

2. Many persons find themselves either unemployed or in unsatisfactory job situations because they lack the information needed to investigate job opportunities

3. What is a Satisfying Job?
One that allows individuals to use their skills & talents
And allows them to use their education & training to develop a meaningful career

4. A Major Factor . . .
Involved in securing a satisfying job is learning to correlate career goals & skills w/knowledge of job opportunities & the education or training that is required

5. The Job Market Has Changed Dramatically. . .
It is competitive
And requires knowledge of human relationship skills, communication skills, & various job skills

6. A Wide Range of Employment Opportunities. . .
Are available in Today’s industrialized and highly technological

7. 5 Primary Sources to Explore Employment Opportunities -
Career Information Guides
School Counselors
Libraries or the INTERNET
Career Fairs
Part-time & Summer Jobs

8. The United States Department of Labor published several guides that are useful tools for identifying different careers and employment opportunities

9. Two Handy Search Guides -
The Dictionary of Occupational Titles
The Occupational Outlook Handbook
Check for these resources on the INTERNET

10. The Dictionary of Occupational Titles
Commonly referred to as DOT
Contains job listings that are classified into large, general areas
This classification system consists of the DOT code to describe positions & qualifications

11. The Occupational Outlook Handbook
Provides information on job preparation requirements & salaries
Contains the future outlook for hundreds of jobs
Copy of each publication is readily available in all libraries

12. School Counselors
Can provide information regarding various career fields
May be able to help you with ability testing and interest inventories

13. Part-time & Summer Jobs -
May help a person discover what job responsibilities he or she likes or dislikes
Gives the opportunity to develop and grow as a person

14. May help you zero in on the things you like or dislike in a particular career field

15. Other Benefits - Teach important job skills Provides work experience
Improves communication skills
Practice in job interviewing skills
Teaches responsibility
Provides income & future job contacts

16. Locating Employment Opportunities -
Common Job Leads (information concerning prospective openings & employers)
Friends, relatives & acquaintances
Direct employer contact
School placement service
Help wanted ads

17. State employment services
Private employment agencies
Cooperative education & work experience programs
Chamber of Commerce
Public libraries

18. United States Civil Service Commission
Telephone & Industrial directories
Previous employers
Trade & professional journals
Local community organizations

19. For Best Results - When seeking a job, use a combination of leads
Many job openings are not advertised but filled by word of mouth
Using contacts like friends and relatives is called “networking”