Are you looking to take the next step in your career? Finding a job that provides you with a solid foundation for longevity, benefits, and an opportunity for growth. 

Working for the government provides you with all of these components, as well as allowing you to be a part of supporting your community and country in a fulfilling way. If you’ve never worked for the government, you may wonder how to even start finding available jobs in government. 

Don’t worry; that’s why we’re here. We’ve compiled our favorite online resources for finding government job postings without having to scroll through both government and non-government positions. 

In this article, you’ll discover where to find government jobs and what to expect throughout the process. 

The State of Illinois

Living in Illinois provides you with plenty of opportunities to work in the government. Whether you’re living in Springfield or a large city like Chicago, there are many job opportunities available today. 

Illinois offers both urban and small-town living, and both are great for raising families. The economy in the state is constantly growing, drawing in businesses in all industries. Areas like Chicago are a melting pot for culture, entertainment, and cuisine–and have a little something for just about everyone. 

If you’re currently living in the state or thinking about relocating to this state, right now, finding government jobs in Illinois is easy–but only when you know where to start. 

Before Applying

Before you start applying to government jobs in Illinois, decide what types of positions you’re looking for. 

Are you looking for a role in human services, information technology, administrative support, legal, Air Force, or any other government sector? There are plenty of opportunities available right now. 

Use your past experience and training to help you decide which jobs to apply for. The job resources in this article allow you to filter by department, salary, location, entry-level or non-entry-level, and many other components. So if you’re looking for government jobs in Maryland as well as Illinois, or anywhere else in the country, these resources can also help you.

Why Work for the Government?

Working for the government means you receive a superior benefits package. 

• Paid Time Off
• Sick Leave
• 401K
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life Insurance
• Healthcare

Benefits may vary depending on state, city, department, and location. 

Department of Health and Human Services

The department of health and services is a government sector that focuses on supporting the health and well-being of the country. In Illinois, you can find available positions as a nurse, physician, contract specialist, health technician, or health insurance specialist. For a more extensive list of available opportunities in healthcare, check out this resource. 

Department of Education

Working in education is an impactful way to work in a government position. These jobs include student care advisor, special education data manager, information technology auditor, administrative support for educator effectiveness, and many other positions. Find these opportunities here, where you can read each job’s requirements, expectations, salary, and other essential information.

Chicago.gov

One of the best resources for job hunters in Illinois is www.Chicago.gov. To use the site, register your account and create a candidate profile. Creating an account allows you to apply for multiple positions without needing to enter your personal information each time. After that, begin searching for available opportunities. 

If you have any questions or concerns, Chicago.gov offers a Candidate Experience guide that walks you through the site and application process. 

You may be required to have proof of identity or other required documentation, which can be uploaded directly into your candidate portal. 

Once you’ve created your candidate profile, you can review their available positions. If you’re looking for a specific title, enter it in the keywords section. Or, you can filter results by job field, location, or organization. 

Your Resume & Cover Letter

When was the last time you updated your resume and cover letter? These documents are essential for creating a great first impression for employers. Before you start applying, make sure you’re updating both of these documents and utilizing a resume builder if necessary. 

If you’re creating a candidate profile, make sure the information entered in your profile matches what information is on your resume in order to provide a legitimate outline of your experience, talents, and abilities. 

Mock Interviews

It’s important not to go into interviews blindly. During an interview, you want to put your best foot forward and be prepared to answer questions fully and authentically. 

Use mock interview questions to help you get prepared. Ask a friend or family member to stage a mock interview with you, and practice until you’re comfortable with your demeanor and ability to answer the questions. 

Research

Finding stories of people who have an employment history in a specific department or position is helpful for understanding whether a job is right for you. Learn about salary, hours, work environment, and whether a job provides opportunities for growth before making a decision. You can find testimonials through YouTube or on certain job sites. 

After that, you’re ready to go! Using the resources listed above, you’re sure to find plenty of jobs to choose from.