This category focuses on supplementary materials available to support the job search process. Topics typically covered in this arena might include how to prepare for an interview; how to conduct company or industry level investigation; how to choose the right career, etc. Resources listed in this area may point you to a local bookstore or public library for further reading.
The Online Career Center mentioned in our "Best of the Best" makes reference to a number of supplemental readings under the heading "Career Assistance." Summaries, citations, pricing, and publisher contact information are provided for close to 50 commercial publications. Titles included range from Joyce Lain Kennedy's well known "Electronic Job Search Revolution" and "Electronic Resume Revolution" to "Sweaty Palms: The Neglected Art of Being Interviewed" and "Power Networking." OCC's "Career Assistance" is an especially useful tool for those without access to a local college or university's career resources center.
Designed as a resource for both career service practitioners and students, Catapult offers an amazing variety of career development resources for individuals at any stage of the job search. Catapult's "Help Guides and Career Library Resources" provides a point of entry into the world of resume writing, correspondence with employers, and preparing for employment interviews. For those continuing on to graduate or professional school, Catapult links to resources on applying for financial aid, information on standardized testing, and an overview of the graduate or professional school application process. Additional selections are available for information on overseas employment opportunities; services for persons with disabilities; and an array of publications on how to choose a career.
The wonderful career library notwithstanding, Catapult provides job seekers with practical points of departure with active links to employment centers; colleges and universities; employers; and professional associations. Professionals charged with assisting job seekers will gain immediate access to college and university career office home pages; a selection of career assessment tools; and an open door to countless other information rich resources. Catapult's creator has designed an easy to use resource that will quickly become an essential part of any serious career research effort.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis gopher server makes available online copies of two key resources in the career and business information fields: the Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Dept. of Labor) and U.S. Industrial Outlook (U.S. Dept. of Commerce). Each of these resources provides insight into government projections, not only for specific careers, but for entire segments of the national economy. Figures are based on census and industrial production statistics and often offer projections for occupations and industries five years in advance. Students in the initial stages of planning a career or professionals contemplating a career change should find such information especially helpful.