1. DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles) is the most comprehensive career resource with more than 20,000 titles. Each job has a nine-digit code:

xxx digits describe an occupational category.
yyy digits describe tasks along a Data-People-Thing category. Remember this as: (D)ata - pe(O)ple - (T)hings.
zzz digits alphabetize the order of titles within the six-digit code groups.

The first three digits (xxx) describe an occupational category.

In the middle three digits (yyy), the more difficult and complex the task, the lower the number. 0-6 for Data, 0-8 for People, 0-7 for Things.

Here are a few examples:

If you had 267, what would that mean? 2 would indicate lots of math and computation, 6 would indicate little interpersonal relationships or working with the public, and 7 would indicate that you don't work much with machines, tools, equipment, or products.

If you had 611, what would that mean? 6 would indicate you never do math or work with data, 1 would indicate you are with people all the time, and the last 1 would indicate you are working with machines, tools, equipment, or products all day long!

The middle codes (yyy) help identify transferable skills and jobs that are similar for individuals who are changing careers.

The last three digits (zzz) alphabetize the order of titles.

2. The GOE (Guide for Occupational Exploration) is brought to you by the U.S. Employment Service, and it matches interests and abilities with jobs. Occupations are in categories by interest, abilities, and traits that are felt as necessary for someone to be successful in that field.

3. The OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook) provides a list of occupation groups along with details associated with each occupation (job summary, education needed, and median pay).