Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13

"The Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/ooh/  has been published biennially by the Bureau of Labor Statistics since 1949. It is one of the most authoritative and comprehensive sources of career information in the US. The Handbook, 2012-2013 features 341occupational profiles covering approximately 85 percent of all jobs in the economy, along with employment projections for 2010-20. Each occupational profile features a brief job description, discussion of the typical work environment, outline of educational/training requirements, median level of pay, projected job outlook, and list of similar occupations. Profiles also contain a section with links to related professional associations. Available online since 1996, the web-based Handbook recently underwent significant changes to enhance its overall usability. Enhanced search features now include a more prominent search box, an Occupation Finder section, and an A-Z Index. Each profile now includes a summary page listing key facts, and features several charts/color photographs. The home page has links to lists of the highest-paying occupations, fastest-growing occupations (projected), and occupations with the most new jobs (projected). A short introductory paragraph about a featured occupation rounds out the new, streamlined home page.

This version also includes more in-depth coverage of various occupations in the science, technology, and health care fields. The Handbook continues to be an indispensable source of free career information in the US, and the recent redesign makes the site more accessible and easier to navigate. Students, job seekers, educators, and workforce development/human resources professionals all will find it invaluable. For additional career information, consult the Occupational Outlook Quarterly http://www.bls.gov/ooq/, which updates and supplements the Handbook; and O*Net http://www.onetonline.org/, which provides more detailed information about occupations, along with links to state-level wage data and employment projections. Summing Up: Essential. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general audience.
 -- L. L. Leavitt, Michigan State University". Reviewed in 2012oct CHOICE.