Because of the state’s diverse economy, people seeking Illinois employment opportunities have a variety of available options that span several job sectors. With many options for leisure and recreation along with well-rated living conditions, Illinois could prove to be an ideal location for work and pleasure. Located in the midwestern part of the country, Illinois has a varied geography that makes it appealing to workers, residents and visitors alike. Bordering on both Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River, which provide scenic, natural landscapes, Illinois also boasts of major metropolitan regions like Chicago and Springfield. People interested in exploring Illinois employment opportunities have a wide range of areas in which to begin their job searches.
Illinois unemployment
Illinois unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) increased from October 2008 to October 2009 by 4.2% to a rate of 11%
[Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]
Illinois Employment Opportunities
Its diverse economy affects Illinois employment prospects, offering a choice in fields for those interested in finding work in the state. According to projections by the Illinois Economic Information and Analysis Division, by 2016, the state will see a 12% increase in job growth. In the retail sector, food and beverage stores will have the highest demand for employees, followed by general merchandise stores.
The education and health services sector will also see a steady increase in open positions. The over 70 colleges and universities in the state also affect Illinois employment. Postsecondary faculty positions will continue its impact on education jobs. In the field of healthcare, hospitals and residential care facilities will continue to be major employers of health service professional. Nurses, rehabilitation specialists, hospital staff and geriatric staff will be in demand over the next few years.
In addition, agricultural work exists in the southern part of the state where a variety of specialty crops, such as pumpkins, soybeans, wine grapes, watermelon and popcorn, provide a large percentage of Illinois’ economy. The optimistic picture for Illinois employment in retail, health services and education are not the only promising areas for jobseekers.
The state’s manufacturing concerns include chemicals, food, metal, plastics, machinery, transportation, computers and other electronics. Illinois employment outlooks are positive for skilled laborers with experience in the productions of these products. One with the right skills can find a variety of opportunities in the manufacturing field. In addition to manufacturing, construction jobs are also an appealing option for those specifically interested in finding Illinois employment opportunities that pay extremely well.
According to the 2008 annual report from Northern Illinois University and the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, workers in the construction field earned more weekly than those in manufacturing, education, retail and information jobs. The state’s’ 2009 unemployment rate was listed as 10% by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, putting it slightly above the 2009 national unemployment rate of 9%. However, with some of the largest companies working out of the Chicago area, such as United Airlines, Inc., the Boeing Company, Motorola, Inc. and the McDonald’s corporation, as well as the presence of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, there are growing opportunities for those interested in exploring the diverse options of Illinois employment.
Illinois Employment Resources
There are several valuable online resources for Illinois employment seekers. The state’s Department of Employment Security (DES) offers many of these resources. On the DES website (http://www.ides.state.il.us/), users can find a variety of links for labor market information, job listings and other information beneficial to the job hunt. One Source (http://www.ilworkinfo.com/) is a DES web portal that connects users to the Illinois Career Development Network. The Career Development Network offers useful employment listings, career projects, resume resources and articles suggesting the best ways to find Illinois employment.
Another helpful resource is the Guides to Career Choices (http://lmi.ides.state.il.us/careerguides/career.htm), which gives clear descriptions, pay rates and requirements for specific jobs in various fields. For those interested in finding Illinois employment within the state government can search the listing found at the state’s employment page (http://work.illinois.gov/).
In addition to these job resources, a site called Illinois Unemployment Insurance offers a page (http://www.illinoisunemploymentinsurance.com/) with a list of the state’s top staffing agencies, which includes user reviews and ratings, each agency’s focus as well as contact information about each company. Armed with these Illinois employment tools and knowing where to look for career opportunities, those in the job market can make informed decisions as they seek work.
Illinois Living Conditions
When seeking Illinois employment opportunities, it is important to understand the many advantages of choosing to live and work in the state. Like its diverse economy, Illinois’ diverse geography plays a role in the state’s quality of living by providing an option of communities. The northern part of the state offers the benefits of city life with access to arts and cultural attractions as well as historical sites. The capital city, Springfield, is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which is the country’s largest presidential library.
In Chicago, Illinois’ most famous city, the Art Institute of Chicago is only one of the many attractions that make this city a popular destination. Chicago’s major sports teams are a driving force in the state’s love of spectator sports. National League baseball team the Chicago Cubs, with their home stadium Wrigley Field, and the American League’s the Chicago White Sox thrill fans during baseball season. The Chicago Bears football team, the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and National Hockey League’ team, the Chicago Blackhawks give sports fans a year-round opportunity to enjoy major league sports.
Aside from the urban excitement offered by Illinois, the central and southern parts of the state offers suburban communities and small towns that attract people preferring quaint and charming neighborhoods. With over 100 parks and recreational wildlife areas, Illinois has plenty of scenic views and landscapes. People interested in Illinois employment have many choices in deciding where to live and where to concentrate their job searches.
Illinois Employment
The state’s diverse economy has a major impact on Illinois employment opportunities. With projected growth in the areas of retail, health services and education, those looking for work in these fields can anticipate increased opportunity. The industrial and manufacturing focus in the northern part of the state is expected to provide more jobs for experienced skilled laborers. In the southern part of Illinois, where cultivation of specialty crops is responsible for much of the area’s economy, people skilled in agriculture can find employment opportunities. In addition, jobseekers can take advantage of the many career resources that the state has made available online. With an interesting geography, opportunities for leisure and entertainment as well as the benefits of both urban and rural settings, people seeking Illinois employment can take advantage of all this state has to offer.
