The ONET Occupational Database

The information I will describe below was developed by United States Government agencies including but not limited to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The ONET database is a treasure trove of occupational data and is the largest of its kind. 

At the heart of the process is a concept called the ONET Content Model.  Open this link now to read along or read the entire on-line help feature on the web site. My purpose in presenting this concept is that I think it will be helpful for your career search to be acquainted with the job titles that the leading occupational source identifies as related occupations.

How They Do It

In order for the ONET database to provide what I call the ‘transition trees’ for every occupation, they needed to develop a codification and classification system that they call the SOC taxonomy.  SOC stands for Standard Occupational Classification and the taxonomy is a group of standardized characteristics they use to develop job profiles in hundreds of occupations. The taxonomy includes 812 occupational classifications/profiles today.

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Why It is Important for You

The ONET database is the only database that combines and relates occupational classifications with Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.(KSA's). It is the KSA library of characteristics that make up the backbone of every occupational profile. Each worker possess a unique set of knowledge, skills, and abilities – but you also share commonalities among and between many other occupational profiles. These are referred to as the ‘related occupations’ that are discussed and analyzed below.

Breakthrough Tip:

Once you understand how your special combination of skills relates to other occupational classifications (what I call the Depth and Breadth of your talent tree), you will be able to develop a new strategy to market yourself and find that transition job.