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FAQs for Job Seekers

Common Questions

Finding a Job

How do I search for a job?

Visit IllinoisJobLink.com to search 100,000+ job postings for free. If you applied for unemployment insurance benefits, you already have an IllinoisJobLink.com account!  

And, don’t forget to visit Illinois workNet for training tools, job fairs, and more information for your job search. 

Are there preparation programs before applying for jobs? (e.g. interview prep tools).

You can find resources online at Illinois workNet or at your local American Job Center.

What if I am having difficulty finding a job due to a prior record of arrest or conviction?

The Re-entry Employment Service Program (RESP) provides resources to Illinoisans who are currently, or have in the past been, subject to any stage of the criminal justice process and who require assistance in overcoming barriers to employment resulting from a record of arrest or conviction.

How can I explore new careers?

Illinois workNet has many resources to help you explore a new career. You can also use the Illinois Career Information System to dig deeper into how to plan your education pathway.

How can I learn about training, education, and credential programs?

Illinois workNet has tools to help you begin training or education programs – and even find a way to work while you learn.

How do I get in contact with potential employers? Are there job fairs I can attend?

Illinois workNet hosts many Virtual Job Fairs (VJFs) to connect job seekers and potential employers. You can create an account and meet with employers in a wide variety of industries. 

Can I get help paying for training?

You might be eligible for assistance to pay for training under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Training programs. These programs offer people the chance to build skills and find new career paths. To learn more, visit the job seeker page on Illinois workNet.

What are other ways I can reach out to find a job?

Virtual or actual job fairs are a great place for job seekers to get started. After compiling and organizing important information like a resume, check out the Illinois workNet calendar for upcoming employment events. Going to social media also a step in the right direction as some companies will get connected with potential employees through social media sites. Social media presents a great opportunity to market yourself and showcase the skills you have that make you a good candidate. Networking is an essential skill for anyone looking for a new opportunity, and social media can help you get noticed and connected with your future employer.

How can I learn about upcoming events?

Visit Illinois workNet for a calendar of upcoming events, such as job fairs. Events may be held virtually or in your local community.

How do I create a resume?

Illinois workNet offers a resume builder tool that will help you build an effective and professional resume. And, don’t forget to upload or create your resume on IllinoisJobLink.com to connect with new employers!

Navigating Illinois JobLink

What is Illinois JobLink?

Illinois JobLink (IJL) is a free, online job matching service with 100,000+ job postings where job seekers can create or upload a resume and look for jobs.  Finishing your Illinois JobLink registration may be a requirement for receiving unemployment benefits.

How do I find my username in Illinois JobLink?

Your username is in the "Welcome to Illinois JobLink (IJL)” email you received from IDES. If you cannot find it, go to IllinoisJobLink.com and click "Forgot Username" and follow the directions provided there.

How can I reset my Illinois JobLink password?

Go to IllinoisJobLink.com and click “Forgot Password.” You will be provided with one or more of these options:

·         Reset Code
·         Security Questions
·         Email
·         Text Message 

Select the option that works best for you.

Note:  If you select “Security Questions” your security answer must exactly match the way you typed it when you set it up. This includes if you used capital or lower-case letters. For dates, it means using the same format, like 01-01-1992 or 01/01/1992.

How do I create or upload my resume?

If you do not have an ACTIVE resume in Illinois JobLink, click “Continue” next to the message at the top of the page. Choose one of these options:

·         Answer all the questions on the “New Resume Page”

·         Upload a PDF or WORD document of your resume 

·         Use the Illinois JobLink Resume Builder to create a new resume. 

What does it mean to have an “active” or “published” resume in Illinois JobLink?

An “active” resume means that your resume can be seen by employers who post their jobs in Illinois JobLink.  When you hit the “publish” button, you make your resume “active.” Employers can then find your resume when they search for people who have specific skills or experience.

How can I update my email address in Illinois JobLink?

1.      Log into Illinois JobLink and go to “My Home Page” 
2.      Click “My Profile” link in the top menu bar
3.      Next to “Address Book” click “Edit” 
4.      Enter your email address in the “Email Address” box and “Confirm Email Address” boxes. 
5.      Scroll to the bottom and click “Save Email.”  

How can I update my Security Question and Answer in Illinois JobLink?

1.      Log into Illinois JobLink and go to “My Home Page”
2.      Click “My Profile” link in the top menu
3.      Under “Account Information” click “Change” next to “Security Question or Answer.”
4.      Select a Security Question from the drop-down box and enter your Security Question Answer. Security Answers are case and format sensitive.  

When I log in it says: “Your registration is not complete and your ability to do a job search, receive unemployment insurance, or receive other services will be restricted until your registration is complete.”

This means that you need to complete your “Personal Information.” When you log in, click “Continue” and answer all required fields. 

When I log in it says: “You do not have an active resume, and your ability to do a job search, receive unemployment insurance, or receive other services will be restricted until your resume is complete”

This means that you need to create a new resume using the Illinois JobLink Resume Builder or upload one you created in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word.

If you already created or uploaded a resume, you may need to renew the expiration date.  Resumes usually are no longer active, or visible, after 90 days. If you think you have a resume in Illinois JobLink, follow these steps to see if the expiration date needs to be extended:  

1.      Click “Continue
2.      From your “Resume” page click “Renew” 
3.      Enter the number of days you want your resume to be active

Click “Submit

How do I contact the Illinois JobLink Help Desk?

There are two ways to contact the Illinois JobLink Help Desk

·         Call 877-342-7533 and choose option 1 for job seekers or option 2 for employers.
·         Email  DES.IJLSysadmTech@illinois.gov