O*net Provides a Comprehensive Online

O*NET provides a comprehensive online free source of public information relating to all occupations. The database incorporates information on descriptors that are both general, standardized, and occupation-specific. This translates to a search facility, in which users can explore and search for information on any occupations of interest. A further feature is the Career Exploration Tools, which provides the user with the opportunity to assess the available occupations in terms of various criteria.

The O*NET Content Model addresses various areas related to occupations, their nature, and their suitability to specific individuals. The model for example incorporates the areas of Worker Characteristics, Worker Requirements, Experience Requirements, Occupation-Specific Information, Workforce Characteristics and Occupational Requirements. As such, it is a comprehensive model that covers all the information relating to the character of occupations themselves, and how these relate to the ideal characteristics of workers performing the job. Selected Occupation: Technical Writer: It is indicated that professionals in this area are in high demand.

Persons holding this profession are also known as Information Developers, Documentation Specialists, Documentation Designers, Engineering Writers, or Technical Communicators. Tasks include the organization of written materials, maintenance of records and files, editing and standardization of materials, working with other professionals in preparation for publication, reviewing published materials, sketches, drawings etc., and arranging for typing, duplication and distribution of the material. The most important knowledge element for the occupation is all aspects of the English language, the use of computers and electronics, communications and the media, and education and training.

Skills include reading comprehension, communicating effectively in writing, time management, active learning and listening, and critical thinking. Abilities include written comprehension and expression, near vision, oral comprehension in terms of listening for and understanding the details of clients' requirements, oral expression, deductive reasoning, information ordering, originality and speech clarity. Persons in this occupation are required to perform the following activities: obtain information, interact with computers, document information, communicate with a variety of professionals, evaluate information, think creatively, establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, and prioritize work.

The work context involves telephone conversations, electronic mail, face-to-face discussion, a high amount of sitting time, freedom to make decisions and therefore the importance of being accurate, an indoors environment where the work can become repetitive. Considerable preparation is needed for entry into this occupation, with a minimum of two to four years of experience recommended, on the basis of a four-year bachelor's degree.

Technical writing is both an artistic and investigative occupation, in which the work styles are both adaptable and flexible, but also with a high level of need for attention to detail. Initiative is also needed, and high level of tolerance for.