If you knew Chicago employment rates were far lower than the national average, would that be enough incentive to relocate to this American city? What if you discovered Chicago is home to a world-class economic development team that has been declared the best in the country? Perhaps the country’s busiest airport might be an incentive? Then again, it could be that Chicagoans represent all that’s good in human nature; they are indicative of what good neighbors symbolize, they are friendly and welcome everyone to this astonishing city that has a little something for everyone – whether you’re a visitor wishing to tour the museums or a new resident looking to call Chicago ‘home’.
Although currently feeling the effects of a national and deepening recession, Chicago employment rates are only slightly higher than the national average. As of May, 2009, Chicago’s metropolitan area’s jobless rate is 10.7%, up less than one percent from the April, 2009 figure of 9.9%. Despite these numbers, there remains an excellent job outlook. Chicago is home to many large corporate companies, both American-based and international conglomerates. Abbott Laboratories, Motorola and Bank One are three of the city’s largest employers and each has a home office located in Chicago proper. Abbott Labs employs over 15,000 people, our own U.S. Government has on its payrolls nearly 85,000 Chicagoans and the public school system reflects around 44,000 on its payrolls. United Parcel Services (UPS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) both have large hubs within the city limits, with UPS employment numbers hovering near 19,000. Clearly, there exists an extremely strong foundation for the Chicago employment outlook. One might also consider the Chicago Transit Authority as well as Chicago’s airport for transportation job opportunities.
Other unique employment opportunities are those within the hospitality and tourism industry. Chicago hosts the world’s largest restaurant industry gathering. The annual National Restaurant Association draws close to 100,000 restaurant and bar owners each year in May. With a strong convention and tourism draw due to its many theatres, convention centers and even fairgrounds, Chicago proudly hosts many such meetings on an annual basis, each with its own employment needs to ensure these gatherings run smoothly. One recent noteworthy announcement was a wind power convention, with over 17,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors who would spend a week in Chicago. Employment opportunities, albeit temporary roles, were expected to surpass 3,000. The possibilities are many and those in Engineering, retail sales, mechanics and other blue-collar roles should easily secure employment.
For those wishing to further investigate Chicago employment opportunities, there are many resources available online, including a multitude of temp agencies who have a consistent need for loyal and dependable employees. One such agency is Total Staffing Solutions, located at www.4tssi.com. This Chicago employment agency offers staffing services for every sector, in both full time and part time positions. It touts clerical, industrial and security placements and is considered by many to be the premiere staffing agency within Chicago. Employment agency Chicago Job Talk, found at www.chicagojobtalk.org is a one-stop source for locating all of its city’s temp agencies and firms. It hosts such agencies as Banner Professional Staffing (bannerprofessional.com), Godfrey Personnel, a firm that specializes in insurance industry positions (godfreypersonnel.com) and Advanced Resources, LLC (advpersonnel.com) that specializes in administrative positions. This is ideal for new residents within the area, as they can build a profile, select a user name and password and then have access to all of the agencies that are a part of this organization. Even teens who are seeking part time or summer employment can find many career resources as they search the available positions on this site. Of course, Chicago’s largest newspapers, such as the Chicago Sun-Times, offers extensive classifieds for both those looking for qualified employees and those seeking Chicago employment.
Indeed, Chicago employment opportunities are there for the taking. Amidst all of the readily available opportunities, there remains one incredible possibility: the 2016 Summer Olympics. Chicago has made the short-list and is preparing for the possibility of playing host to the world. This, of course, will send Chicago employment opportunities soaring should the announcement be made that this beautiful city is the committee’s final selection.
Once you’ve relocated to Chicago, employment has been found and you’ve settled into your new residence, you’re most likely wondering what there is to do in Chicago for entertainment. Not surprisingly, this beautiful city, also known as Chi-Town, is home to the Chicago Bears football team and for those more drawn to baseball, there’s nothing like catching a Chicago White Sox game at world-famous Wrigley Field. It doesn’t stop there. Other educational and fun family attractions include:
Lincoln Park Zoo
Shedd Aquarium
Sears Tower
Brookfield Zoo
Chicago Children’s Zoo
Art Institute of Chicago
Speaking of families, the Chicago Public School District makes education a priority. It’s not uncommon for the school board to invite well-known entertainers to drop in for an impromptu concert for the city’s high school students on the last day of school. Both the current mayor and the school board believe in rewarding excellent work – and Chicago’s youth certainly deliver; especially when there’s the possibility of seeing Kanye West entertain them as both a reward for their hard work and an incentive to continue with their education after receiving their high school diplomas. Elementary students consistently score high on their ISAT’s, each year setting new benchmarks. Nearly 70% of these students meet or exceed state standards for math, reading and science. Further, the 2008-09 school year produced nearly three hundred students who had perfect attendance their entire high school careers.
This will certainly bode well for the youth of Chicago. Employment potential is high for these young people who are setting records as they apply for, and receive acceptance to, some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges.
Very few cities can match the full-package that is Chicago. Employment opportunities, educational opportunities and a rich culture combine to make it a warm area many are proud to call home. With an eye to the future and a firm grasp of what the past has taught, it’s clear Chicago is indeed the first choice of those who wish to relocate. With the potential for hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics, the incredible nightlife and of course, the warmth of Chicagoans as a whole, it’s clear the collective city hasn’t rested on its laurels. In summary, Chicago employment opportunities are plentiful, the city’s crime is down and the leaders of Chi-Town are keeping a close watch on how to continuously evolve their city to ensure it remains one of the best in the country.
