Q&A: Tools to Help With Your Career Change


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Question:

“I know I want to get out of my current line of work. But how do I decide which careers might be a better fit for me?”

Answer:

When making a career move, you wants to have a clear idea of where you are going, not be focused on what you are leaving behind. Career changers want to find a new path that will fit their interests, skills and work values.

GetReadyForCollege.org Interest Assessment
This is a quick version of the popular Holland Code Interest Assessment, or RIASEC Code. Everyone falls into 2-3 interest groups and these groups match typical job duties. Take this simple assessment and find out if you would enjoy a job that is Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional or any combination of those interest types.

CareerOneStop Skills Profiler
This free skills assessment is based on the O*Net standard occupation index. That means the data behind it is accurate, from the U.S. Department of Labor. Use the Skills Profiler to rank yourself on each of your skills, and then see how they compare to what’s need for selected careers.

Question:

“I can’t take another lay off. How do I find a new line of work that will be going strong for the next several years and pays what I need?”

Answer:

Before applying for jobs, do your homework to know which occupations and industries are “in demand,” and which are shrinking. You can also use labor market information to find out how much occupations pay, the skills required, and what education or credentials you need to enter the field.

Compare Employment Trends
CareerOneStop is a free website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. That means that all the salary and other job information on the site is accurate and up to date. The Explore Careers section has lots of occupation information, including which are the fastest-growing occupations in your state, salary ranges for local jobs, and the largest employers in your area.

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