[Questions 23-29 asked of all persons 10 years and over.]
26. Main type of job or occupation during past 12 months ____
One of the main purposes of this section is to determine which individuals have been in the working force of the country at any time during the 12 months preceding Census Day. It is essential that the enumerator understands the definition of the term work as given in question 2.3 and makes use of it in his interviews. Generally work done
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outside of the country is not relevant to the Census, but work done under contract on U.S. farms by residents is to be included, as also is work on ships and aircraft operating outside of the country.
57. Question 25 - Months worked during past 12 months
It must be remembered that periods spent on vacation or sick leave with pay are to be regarded as periods of work, as are also periods spent doing unpaid labour. This question must be asked of all persons aged 10 and over, including those whose main activity is something other than work, as it is possible that they could have worked for one or two months during the past 12 months. Particular attention must be paid to persons who worked for themselves, especially when this involves short periods each day. Some estimate of the overall time worked in number of months must be scored.
58. Question 26 - Occupation
You are required to write the type of job that the person has held for most of the past 12 months, and this must refer to questions 24 and 27. Where the person has done more than one job during this period the question relates to the principal job which, in general, will be the one at which he spent most time.
The type of job should be written in as much detail as possible and vague terms should be avoided. Descriptions such as agent, apprentice, attendant, clerk, engineer, proprietor, salesman are insufficient - they must be qualified.
For all other individuals who for most of the year were seeking their first job, were retired, disabled, were mental defectives, students and so on, write "not applicable"
The following are examples of acceptable designations: house agent, insurance agent, accounts clerk, shipping clerk, electrical engineer, bus inspector, police inspector.
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If the individual has never had a job or occupation write in "never had a job" and ignore Questions 27-29.