How to Get a Good Government Job in IL
Interested in getting a government job in Illinois? With some of the best benefits, job security and opportunity for advancement in the workforce today it’s no real surprise that many people would like to be employed by the Illinois government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are many IL government job opportunities at the city, county and state level. They run from basic level positions to highly specialized jobs which require years of training and expertise.
Benefits of Government Jobs in Illinois
One of the most appealing aspects of Illinois government jobs is the benefits. Pay is usually comparable to averages in an industry, however when you are looking at the extras like health care insurance and paid time off government jobs are likely to out-do the private sector alternatives.
Illinois government job benefits to take into consideration include:
- Insurance
- Paid time off
- Sick leave
- Job security
- Retirement benefits
Even if pay isn’t quite as competitive as working for-profit companies, the benefits are a part of the overall compensation package that you should be taking into account.
Where to Find Illinois Government Jobs
Despite the recent economic turmoil there are many government job openings waiting to be filled. You just need to know where to find them.
There are several websites where you can find government job postings and submit an application for them online. USAJOBS.gov is the official website for finding jobs in the federal government but it also has helpful information and advice on getting a government job . If you’re interested in government jobs within Illinois the Department of Labor sponsor’s the website CareerOneStop.org which supplies links to state-specific job sites. These sites will list both state-wide and local positions.
Applying for a Government Job in Illinois
In numerous ways applying for a government job is like applying for any other job. However, there are particular requirements to consider.
Citizenship – Most all government jobs are available only to U.S. citizens. You will find exceptions, and at the federal level there are agencies that will consider non-citizens. There’s a special hiring process for non-residents and employability requirements that has to be met.
Background checks – You will probably have a background check done when applying for government jobs in IL. It’s common for people in government positions to have entry to sensitive information and that's why background and drug tests are typically an integral part of the hiring process.
Qualifications – Pay attention to the qualifications section of a job posting. Government jobs can be competitive and the government is only looking for highly qualified individuals. There is what’s known as KSAs which are given during the hiring process for many government jobs. KSA stands for knowledge, skills and abilities.
Age limit – Most government jobs in Illinois are restricted to people 18 years or older.