Department of Labor Provides Useful Tools for Human Resource Managers and Job Seekers Alike

Fair O*Net Online web site is a very comprehensive and useful tool for HR managers. The site is a part of the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Association Site. A review of the site provided good information on different job descriptions and requirements for such jobs. It also provided information that job searchers would find valuable such as salary information as well as education and experience expectations.

It was very easy for me to locate information on numerous specific occupations. I found the information about the occupations I searched for to be fairly thorough and detailed. Considering the vast differences between jobs within the same occupations I felt that O*Net Online was comprehensive in including all general descriptions and requirements for occupations I am familiar with.

O*Net Online could be a useful tool in conducting a job analysis. Using O*Net as the sole resource in conducting a job analysis would, in my opinion, not be a wise decision. Although the information is accurate, well organized and easily accessed, all companies have different requirements which require different and often unique skills or experience. Using O*Net as an outline, or a starting point in conducting a job analysis could save time and assist in constructing an intelligible and usable final project. Discovering an organizations unique requirement is a critical aspect of completing a successful job analysis which would most benefit a company.

There are other HR activities that could be utilized based on data provided within the O*Net web site. Using the skills search function of the site could assist HR in finding what aspects of the company employees could be best suited. It can be used as a skills match profiler, assist in selection and placement decisions as well as a means to analyze the companies' compensation and rewards system. Relying solely on O*Net for these HR activities would not be a wise course of action. All of these HR activities are still going to have organizational specific needs which O*Net does not address. Although relying strictly on O*Net for these activities would provide consistency and structure without the organization having to exert much effort in developing their own systems, results would be less successful than a company specific system.

The occupations that O*Net suggested were extremely varied. Some, such as orthodontist and nuclear physicist, made me laugh and shake my head. I did find the occupations I am most interested included within the list of suggested fields. Security Management and Post secondary education are areas I am currently exploring and those were included in the list.
In conclusion I found this site to be very interesting and enjoyable. Once again, I have saved this site for future reference. Although I would discourage a company from using O*Net as a sole source for related HR functions I would highly recommend it be used as a reference and a tool. Its ease of navigation and simplicity of use makes it accessible to people for all walks of life and levels of education.

To view this site visit http://www.onetcenter.org/overview.html