Read the task reference for all 24 guided professions
O*NET occupation descriptions and five source tasks for each guided profession. These task examples describe work; they are not automation scores. Open a profession in the interactive guide to inspect its full task list and published usage data.
Marketing manager · O*NET 11-2021.00
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
- Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
- Advise business or other groups on local, national, or international factors affecting the buying or selling of products or services.
- Initiate market research studies, or analyze their findings.
- Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
- Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
Explore marketing manager tasks and workflowsAccountant · O*NET 13-2011.00
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
- Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to project future revenues and expenses or to provide advice.
- Prepare, analyze, or verify annual reports, financial statements, and other records, using accepted accounting and statistical procedures to assess financial condition and facilitate financial planning.
- Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
- Prepare adjusting journal entries.
- Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
Explore accountant tasks and workflowsSoftware developer · O*NET 15-1252.00
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
- Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
- Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
- Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
- Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
- Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
Explore software developer tasks and workflowsElementary teacher · O*NET 25-2021.00
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Assign and grade class work and homework.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
Explore elementary teacher tasks and workflowsGraphic designer · O*NET 27-1024.00
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
- Write or edit copy for clients.
- Research new software or design concepts.
- Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- Research the target audience of projects.
- Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
Explore graphic designer tasks and workflowsTechnical writer · O*NET 27-3042.00
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
- Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
- Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
- Develop or maintain online help documentation.
- Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
Explore technical writer tasks and workflowsEditor · O*NET 27-3041.00
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
- Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
- Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
- Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
- Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
- Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
Explore editor tasks and workflowsSales representative · O*NET 41-3091.00
Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.
- Emphasize or recommend service features based on knowledge of customers' needs and vendor capabilities and limitations.
- Answer customers' questions about services, prices, availability, or credit terms.
- Develop sales presentations or proposals to explain service specifications.
- Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and provide ongoing support.
- Contact prospective or existing customers to discuss how services can meet their needs.
Explore sales representative tasks and workflowsCustomer service representative · O*NET 43-4051.00
Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.
- Confer with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services, take or enter orders, cancel accounts, or obtain details of complaints.
- Contact customers to respond to inquiries or to notify them of claim investigation results or any planned adjustments.
- Resolve customers' service or billing complaints by performing activities such as exchanging merchandise, refunding money, or adjusting bills.
- Solicit sales of new or additional services or products.
- Keep records of customer interactions or transactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints, or comments, as well as actions taken.
Explore customer service representative tasks and workflowsHR specialist · O*NET 13-1071.00
Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.
- Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
- Advise management on organizing, preparing, or implementing recruiting or retention programs.
- Analyze employment-related data and prepare required reports.
- Contact job applicants to inform them of the status of their applications.
- Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
Explore hr specialist tasks and workflowsProject management specialist · O*NET 13-1082.00
Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.
- Develop or update project plans including information such as objectives, technologies, schedules, funding, and staffing.
- Propose, review, or approve modifications to project plans.
- Produce and distribute project documents.
- Plan, schedule, or coordinate project activities to meet deadlines.
- Report project status, such as budget, resources, technical issues, or customer satisfaction, to managers.
Explore project management specialist tasks and workflowsManagement analyst · O*NET 13-1111.00
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
- Document findings of study and prepare recommendations for implementation of new systems, procedures, or organizational changes.
- Analyze data gathered and develop solutions or alternative methods of proceeding.
- Gather and organize information on problems or procedures.
- Design, evaluate, recommend, and approve changes of forms and reports.
- Confer with personnel concerned to ensure successful functioning of newly implemented systems or procedures.
Explore management analyst tasks and workflowsData scientist · O*NET 15-2051.00
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
- Create graphs, charts, or other visualizations to convey the results of data analysis using specialized software.
- Write new functions or applications in programming languages to conduct analyses.
- Propose solutions in engineering, the sciences, and other fields using mathematical theories and techniques.
- Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
- Clean and manipulate raw data using statistical software.
Explore data scientist tasks and workflowsFinancial and investment analyst · O*NET 13-2051.00
Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.
- Prepare plans of action for investment, using financial analyses.
- Recommend investments and investment timing to companies, investment firm staff, or the public.
- Monitor fundamental economic, industrial, and corporate developments by analyzing information from financial publications and services, investment banking firms, government agencies, trade publications, company sources, or personal interviews.
- Interpret data on price, yield, stability, future investment-risk trends, economic influences, and other factors affecting investment programs.
- Monitor developments in the fields of industrial technology, business, finance, and economic theory.
Explore financial and investment analyst tasks and workflowsLawyer · O*NET 23-1011.00
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
- Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
- Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
Explore lawyer tasks and workflowsParalegal · O*NET 23-2011.00
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
- Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Explore paralegal tasks and workflowsRegistered nurse · O*NET 29-1141.00
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
- Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
- Refer students or patients to specialized health resources or community agencies furnishing assistance.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
Explore registered nurse tasks and workflowsElectrician · O*NET 47-2111.00
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
- Perform business management duties, such as maintaining records or files, preparing reports, or ordering supplies or equipment.
- Construct or fabricate parts, using hand tools, according to specifications.
- Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
- Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
Explore electrician tasks and workflowsChef · O*NET 35-1011.00
Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
- Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.
- Estimate amounts and costs of required supplies, such as food and ingredients.
- Collaborate with other personnel to plan and develop recipes or menus, taking into account such factors as seasonal availability of ingredients or the likely number of customers.
- Meet with customers to discuss menus for special occasions, such as weddings, parties, or banquets.
- Record production or operational data on specified forms.
Explore chef tasks and workflowsReal estate agent · O*NET 41-9022.00
Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
- Advise clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements, and related matters.
- Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds, and leases.
- Compare a property with similar properties that have recently sold to determine its competitive market price.
- Answer clients' questions regarding construction work, financing, maintenance, repairs, and appraisals.
- Inspect condition of premises, and arrange for necessary maintenance or notify owners of maintenance needs.
Explore real estate agent tasks and workflowsArchitect · O*NET 17-1011.00
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
- Prepare operating and maintenance manuals, studies, or reports.
- Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
- Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
- Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.
- Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.
Explore architect tasks and workflowsMechanical engineer · O*NET 17-2141.00
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
- Provide technical customer service.
- Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
- Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
- Write performance requirements for product development or engineering projects.
- Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.
Explore mechanical engineer tasks and workflowsLibrarian · O*NET 25-4022.00
Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.
- Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
- Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
- Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment.
- Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
- Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
Explore librarian tasks and workflowsAdministrative assistant · O*NET 43-6014.00
Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.
- Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.
- Conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet.
- Develop or maintain internal or external company Web sites.
- Prepare conference or event materials, such as flyers or invitations.
- Review work done by others to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensure that company format policies are followed, and recommend revisions.
Explore administrative assistant tasks and workflows