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Labor Market Survey*
What is a labor market survey?
A labor market survey is one way for a counselor and/or participant to gain insight into the local labor market. These surveys help to identify current jobs that are available, the minimum hiring requirements, and wages and benefits. Note: There is a distinction between a labor market survey and an employer/informational interview. The focus of a labor market survey is to gather information on an occupation in order to choose a career. The focus of an employer/informational interview helps to identify employers hiring people in a specific occupation.
Why would one want to conduct a labor market survey?
Information gathered from a labor market survey may help the participant to make an informed decision about whether a particular job goal is the right choice for them.
How does a labor market survey work?
Essentially, the labor market survey matches up the participant’s interests, values, personal qualities, skills, and abilities to the “nuts and bolts” of a particular occupation. Thus, it is a tool that will indicate whether or not the job best fits with the individual situation of the participant.
How do I prepare for a labor market survey?
Before you begin a labor market survey, you need to be aware of basic career information. You need to know what you are interested in doing, what your work values are, and your personal qualifications, skills and abilities.
Identify your personal qualifications, skills, and abilities as they relate to occupations you are investigating.
Consider special job functions that are necessary or helpful, such as fluency in a foreign language, the ability to type 60 words a minute, etc. Consider opportunities for initiative, creativity, self-management, and recognition. Recognize the capabilities, abilities, skills, or aptitudes needed to enter the occupation. This includes the physical strength required to do the job, etc. For instance, a singing waiter should be able to sing! Understand your personal interest. Do you like to work with things, people, data, and/or ideas?
Identify your personality traits so that you can compare how they relate to people who are working in the occupations, in which you are interested.
Think of those traits that are typical of people working in this profession, such as the ability to work under pressure, the ability to work with accuracy, and logical thinking.
With this information in hand, you are ready to begin the Labor Market Survey.
How do I conduct a labor market survey?
Answer the following questions or complete the Labor Market Survey Form that is located at the end of this handout.
What occupation are you interested in?
Describe the occupation. Refer to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) or the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Does this occupation have a positive growth forecast?
Consider the outlook, trends, and anticipated openings related to this occupation.
Where is this occupation located?
Identify the geographical areas where the occupation is predominately found throughout the nation, certain regions, or locally.
What other occupations are similar or related to this occupation?
Consider the sub-categories within this occupation and note other related occupations of interest.
What special training or education is required for this occupation?
List the relevant college courses or fields of study and length of time required to complete the education.
List the relevant vocational/technical training and/or type of on-the-job training that is provided by the employer and length of time required to complete the training.
What work experience is needed for this occupation?
Describe previous work experience that is needed to enter the occupation and the length of time required to develop the necessary work experience.
How are new employees recruited for this type of occupation?
Does this occupation typically use private employment agencies, a Human Resources or Personnel office, headhunters, or some other hiring method?
Does this occupation allow for promotional opportunities?
What are the prospects for advancement?
What are the earnings, salary range, and benefits of this occupation?
Identify the beginning income earned, the average income earned, the top earnings, regional differences in income, and the fringe benefits (e.g. retirement pension, medical insurance, vacation, sick leave, etc.) typically offered by businesses or organizations to people in the occupation.
What are the qualifications of this occupation?
Are you required to obtain a certificate (e.g. Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor)? Are you required to obtain a license? Are there any other legal requirements for employment? If so, what are they?
What is the percentage of individuals employed in this occupation?
What is the work environment of this occupation?
Describe the physical working conditions of the worksite (e.g. office, factory, etc.). Describe the inside, as well as the outside of the facility and identify the noise level, hazards associated with the kind of occupation, and physical demands (e.g. lifting expectations, etc.) of the job.
What is the typical work schedule of this occupation?
Does the work usually take place during the day or night? At what time? For how long? Is the work seasonal? Is overtime required?
What employers are currently hiring individuals in this occupation?
Identify the work organizations, companies, agencies, institutions, and businesses that employ people in the occupation. Consider the opportunities for self-employment.
What else should I know about Labor Market Surveys?
Collect and keep your information. You may want to refer to older labor market surveys and compare the data collected to help with future job searches.
Surf the Internet. You may find the following two websites helpful when increasing your awareness of, preparing for, and completing labor market surveys.
Virtual Job Resource Center
http://www.cmoet.org/
(Click-on Labor Market Information)
America’s Career Infonet
http://www.acinet.org/acinet/
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