Employment Resources

The Illinois Department of Employment Security and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, have dedicated personnel that specialize in provided employment assistance to veterans.  For all employment opportunities, the Department of Employment Security can be contact at Veteran Services  and for assistance in employment with the State of Illinois, CMS can be contacted at Veterans Outreach Program.

Job-seeking veterans -- whether unemployed, underemployed, or just seeking a change -- should enroll in the Illinois Department of Employment Security's (IDES) new, free jobs site, Illinois Job Link (IJL). IJL is an Internet-based job search tool that features current job openings and includes both statewide and nationwide job banks. By enrolling in IJL, veterans will be able to navigate job opportunities; may qualify for assistance from IDES's veteran employment representatives; and will be included in the main database used to search for qualified veterans as IDES works directly with major employers seeking to hire veterans.  For advanced job notifications for veterans, skill certification and training programs, and access to other services, sign up for a "Plus Account" today, it's free! For additional information on setting up an account, FAQ's, and IJL resources, please visit IDES's website

In addition, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has a statewide network of trained Veteran Employment Representatives, fellow veterans who help eligible veterans find employment. Contact your local Employment Security office for more information. Or contact us for Veterans wanting employment assistance at: DES.MyVetRep@illinois.gov

Illinois' Workforce Development system offers helpful resources and programs for job-seekers, including several specific to veterans.

Through Illinois Work Net, sponsored by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, veterans can access online tools as well as in-person assistance at more than 1,150 partner sites providing services. These sites include comprehensive one-stop centers, one-stop satellite offices, community-based organizations, community colleges, libraries, and more. For more information on these available resources or to locate your nearest Work Net Center, please visit the page at Illinois Work Net. Here, veterans can utilize a customized  Assistance Employment Guide to update their resume, explore careers and training, prepare for a job search, and apply for jobs. They can also utilize tools for identifying current interest and skills, mapping career options by required training, and locating transportation, child care, and other support services.

Unemployment insurance provides financial protection to ex-service members of all ranks who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. If you were on active-duty with a branch of the U.S. military and separated under honorable conditions, you may be entitled to benefits based on that service. Please contact your local Employment Security office for more information.