Career Guide: Occupation Information

A guide for researching careers, applying for jobs, or preparing for interviews or graduate school

Career Descriptions & Requirements

Career InfoNet/CareerOneStop (website)
U.S. Department of Labor site with job and career descriptions, skills assessment tests, and salary information.
WOIS / The Career Information System
Comprehensive tools for exploring careers, educational opportunities, and schools.

If accessing from off-campus, you will need a site key to access most services and create a personal account. During open hours, contact the Campus Library for your access key, unique to either UW Bothell or Cascadia College. You can also contact your Career Center for support.

O*Net Online (website)
Public database sponsored by US Dept of Labor containing occupational survey information.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (government website)
Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook data has a description of the occupation, necessary training, projected occupation outlook, and potential salary.
Occupational Outlook Quarterly (government website)
Quarterly online magazine created by the Bureau of Labor Statistics with most current projections about job outlooks, plus descriptions for specific jobs.
Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance
- This link opens in a new window

Salary Websites

Salary.com
Salary information for various job titles by location, plus advice on negotiating for a compensation package, links to government wage sites, salary surveys, and trade associations.
Salary.com (cost of living)
FreeErisa.Com
Written for benefits managers, View or download copies of employers’ most recent 5500 form filed with U.S. Dept. of Labor (must register for access) for pension and benefit info.
Be Money Smart
UWB Career Center page with resources to calculate your budget and salary needs
Washington State Employee Salaries
See what a Washington State job in your field is paying this year
Washington State Classified Job Listing
All job classes supported by Washington State, including minimum position requirements and salary brackets

Exploring Careers

Champion your career: Winning in the world of work
Bellows, H. (2016). Seattle, Washington: Champion Your Career.
I don't know what I want, but I know it's not this : A step-by-step guide to finding gratifying work
Jansen, J. (2016). (Revised and updated ed.). New York, NY: Penguin Books.
What Color Is Your Parachute?
Bolles, R. (1971). A yearly-updated, comprehensive guide to finding and applying for jobs that match your skillset (we have the most recent 2 years in the Careers collection, including the 2020 edition)
Sustainability jobs: The complete guide to landing your dream green job
Wilhelm, K. (2016). Seattle, WA: Sustainable Business Consulting.
Job hunting after 50
Silvis, C. (2012). Boston, MA: Course Technology/Cengage Learning.
The career guide for creative and unconventional people
Eikleberry, C., & Pinsky, Carrie. (2015). (Fourth ed.). New York: Ten Speed Press.