1. How easy was it to find the specific occupation you were looking for, and how comprehensive was the information provided about that occupation?
Locating my specific field was not difficult, especially with the instructions given to locate the correct path. I will definitely peruse the site more in depth at another time. The occupation I am currently in and the one I am working my way towards were fairly accurate in the skills needed, education requirements and experience levels. What was not accurate was the median wage information. In my current position I am slightly over the 25%, but a several thousand below the median level. For the occupation I am working towards, the individuals I know already in the occupation are at more around the 25% than the median. An interesting fact I did see and looked a little into was my occupation, both the one I am in and the one I am working my way towards are both offered through an apprenticeship program which advertises on this site and offers a paycheck while you learn your trade in lieu of raking up thousands in student loans. I must say this would have been a welcome site two years ago when I started with school at the age of 39. I could have been done and in my chosen occupation without the $30,000 in debt. 2. What did you think of the occupations O*NET suggested as matching your skills? Was the occupation you are in or preparing for among those listed?
The number one suggested occupation was Chief Executive which honestly made me laugh. I have never aspired to be a C-Level Executive though I know I could do it, the pressure of those types of positions is not something I wish to introduce into my life. Number 13 (I realize they are not actually numbered) is Lawyer. I am a legal assistant working my way up to Senior Legal Assistant/ paralegal so that isn’t too far off from my goal. Being a lawyer is something I could see myself doing but I fear the cost involved as well as another three years in school, so Senior Legal Assistant is acceptable. I did not see Legal Assistant/ Paralegal on the list, which actually surprised me since Lawyer, Police Detectives, Criminal Investigator/ Special Agents, Law Teachers, and Judicial Clerks. What I took from this was I don’t give myself enough credit in my abilities and that my skills set could help me obtain a higher position that I previously thought I would be qualified for or able to accomplish. It also helped me realize that if I put forth a bit more effort in school and obtained my Master’s degree these occupations could become a reality; such as teaching law or a school counselor. As for the occupations as a whole that were listed, medical and legal dominated but towards the bottom of the list there was truck driver, mechanical door repairers, ship mate, construction inspector and plumber to name a few. Those surprised me as they seem to be more in line with a more masculine occupation, though nearly all of the occupations are male dominated making me think my skill level is more in line with a male than female. All in all, this was very interesting.

3. How could O*NET be useful in conducting a job analysis? Explain specifically how you would use the data from this site.
For me, using O*Net to conduct a job analysis would be extremely helpful. A lot of employers looking to expand or create new position, but have an idea of what they want could use this site to streamline the requirements such as experience and education and also see what the median wage for the position should be. If I wanted to hire a legal assistant, but also a legal secretary who acted as a receptionist I would use this site to determine what each position entailed. First I would highlight those duties that are similar within each occupation then select those duties I would like to incorporate from each. Second I would determine what level of education the individual should have as well as their experience level. Technical, work skills and values should be similar within each occupation, but I would evaluate those next then lastly determine what the wage should start at for less experienced (minimum skills) versus a more experienced applicant. The job analysis would be written through notes taken from each occupation then a job description would be written for publication. I would compare the resumes I obtain through my “Want Ad” with my analysis to determine which applicants meet the criteria needed then schedule my interviews. 4. As a director of human resources, would you have your staff use this site? Why or why not?
I would like see this site used in high schools, colleges and institutions such as Texas Workforce Solutions who help those individuals that have lost their jobs and are seeking employment. In high schools and colleges this site would be valuable to help establish a career path suited for each individual’s talent as so many high school students do not know what they want to do as an adult. Same could be said for college students in their first or second year, trying to figure out what they want to major in, but ideally this would be better suited for junior or senior in high school students so they could actually choose a college suited to their needs. Texas Workforce Solutions assists people in Texas who have lost their jobs through lay-off or other releases that were not the applicants fault find permanent positions. They also help with scholarships, paid directly to the school if the occupation they’re pursuing is an “in-need” occupation in Texas. This would be an absolutely invaluable tool for them in placing the displaced in a proper occupation.
As a director of Human Resources at a retail, or similar type employer, with various positions available, I would find it helpful to incorporate the skills “test” to determine where to place an individual. You wouldn’t want to place someone who had no social skills in a selling position, or a critical thinker cleaning out dressing rooms. I could see how this would alleviate turn-over as well. If the employee is happy and feels fulfilled they are more likely to remain in the position.