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A Career Coach’s Favorite (Free) Career Exploration Tool


“I wish I had known about this website years ago.”


This is something I hear all the time from clients once they discover O*NET, a powerful—and completely free—career exploration tool.


When I’m working with clients in career transition, researching possible paths is a critical part of the process. One of my favorite tools to introduce them to is O*NET, a federally funded database of detailed occupational information.


Yes, the website interface is a little “old school,” but the content is current, comprehensive, and incredibly helpful.


What You Can Learn on O*NET


Just type any occupation into the top right search bar, and you’ll find a goldmine of info, including:


  • Common tasks and technology skills used in the role

  • Detailed work activities

  • Required education or training

  • Necessary skills and knowledge

  • Abilities essential for success

  • Typical interests, values, and work styles

  • Local, state, and national wage data

  • Job outlook and projected growth from 2023–2033

  • Related occupations

  • Professional associations connected to the field


That’s a lot of great information—all in one place.


Want to Start Broad? Try These Approaches:


If you’re still figuring out what roles might be a good fit, O*NET offers several helpful ways to explore. These are a few of my favorites:


🔍 Start with Job Duties


  • Go to Advanced Search > Job Duties

  • Select an occupation

  • Check off the tasks you currently enjoy—or imagine enjoying

  • O*NET will generate a list of occupations with similar duties

  • You can also filter by Job Zone 1–5, (the higher the number, the more education or training is required for the job)


💡 Start with Interests


  • Go to O*NET Data > Interests

  • Choose your top Interest Area(s), like Social, Investigative, or Artistic

  • Not sure what your interests are? Take the Interest Profiler—linked at the top of the page

  • Filter by one, two, or three interest areas to find occupations that align


🏢 Start with Industry (or Job Family or Job Zone)


  • Go to Find Occupations > Industry

  • Select an industry that intrigues you

  • Pro tip: click on the “Projected Growth” column header to sort by roles expected to grow much faster than average

  • Keep an eye out for the Bright Outlook sun icon.☀️This indicates roles that are:

    • Growing at least 6% nationally from 2023–2033,

    • Expected to have 100,000+ job openings,

    • Or are considered “new and emerging” occupations


Why This Matters


O*NET is especially valuable if you’re exploring new directions and want to make informed, intentional decisions. You’ll gain insight into whether a path aligns with your skills, values, and goals—and whether it’s viable in today’s (and tomorrow’s) job market.


Many of my clients say they’ve found O*NET eye-opening and empowering—it helps them uncover options they hadn’t considered and builds confidence that their experience does translate.


Your Turn

Have you used O*NET before? What features have been most helpful for you? What other career exploration tools do you love?


If you’re still feeling stuck or unsure where to begin, I’d love to support you. I help professionals find clarity on their next steps and move forward with purpose.


Schedule a Discovery Call with me here!

 
 
 
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