Jobs and Job Training

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Looking for work takes real courage, especially when money is tight or life has thrown you a curveball. I'm cheering you on.

Here is the easy first step: find your local Illinois workNet Center. Their help is at no cost, and they can help with job leads, resumes, training and more. This guide walks you through it, plus unemployment pay, help for people with disabilities, and a fresh start if you have a record.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a job, money or a spot in any program.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I get no cost help finding a job?

Start with Illinois workNet. Illinois workNet Centers, also called American Job Centers, offer no cost help with job searches, resumes, training and job fairs.

The Illinois workNet website also has virtual job fairs, resume and job skills guides, and a guide for people coming home from incarceration.

• Find a center near you with the Illinois workNet Service Finder. Search by city, ZIP code or county.
• Search jobs on IllinoisJobLink.com, the state's no cost job board from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). For help with your IllinoisJobLink.com account, call 877.342.7533.

Sources: https://apps.illinoisworknet.com/Locator/ and https://www.illinoisworknet.com/ and https://ides.illinois.gov/about/contact-ides.html

BUNKLY TIP

Use the library, too

No computer at home? Your public library has no cost computers and WiFi, and many libraries have no cost help with resumes and applications. Easy peasy!

What if I just lost my job?

IDES runs unemployment insurance (UI) in Illinois. Here's what IDES says to know before you file.

• File online at the IDES website. Questions about a claim, certifying or payments? Call Claimant Services at 800.244.5631.
• Finish the application in one sitting. IDES says the session ends after an hour if you step away, and what you entered is lost.
• List every employer from the last 18 months. Check your pay stubs or W2s if a name looks unfamiliar.
• Tell the truth about why your job ended. Not reporting it accurately can delay your benefits or affect whether you qualify.
• Want an in person or phone appointment? Call the IDES scheduling line at 217.558.0401. Walk ins are welcome too, but appointments help avoid a wait.

Sources: https://ides.illinois.gov/unemployment/file-a-claim/10-things-you-should-know.html and https://ides.illinois.gov/about/contact-ides.html

Losing a job doesn't say anything bad about you. It's a season, and seasons change. One phone call at a time, friend.

From the Bunklow team

How does Illinois unemployment work after I apply?

It can feel like a lot of rules at once. Here's the path, in plain words, from the IDES Unemployment Insurance Benefit Handbook.

How you get paid

• IDES pays by direct deposit or paper check. After you certify, allow 2 to 3 days for direct deposit, or 8 days for a check.

Working part time while you look

• Report all your gross wages (before taxes) for the week you earned them, every time you certify.
• If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you may still get a full or partial payment. IDES only takes off the part of your earnings that's more than half your weekly benefit amount.

Who qualifies

• You must be able and available to work each week. IDES says things like being sick, being away on vacation, or having to stay home to care for family can mean you aren't available that week.
• Questions? Call Claimant Services at 800.244.5631.

Sources: https://ides.illinois.gov/unemployment/resources/unemployment-insurance-benefit-handbook/ui-benefit-handbook----certification.html and https://ides.illinois.gov/unemployment/resources/unemployment-insurance-benefit-handbook/ui-benefit-handbook---appeals.html and https://ides.illinois.gov/unemployment/resources/unemployment-insurance-benefit-handbook/ui-handbook-when-and-where-to-file.html and https://ides.illinois.gov/unemployment/resources/partial-benefits.html and https://ides.illinois.gov/unemployment/insurance/employment-registration-requirement.html and https://ides.illinois.gov/about/contact-ides.html

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Keep your log

IDES says to keep a record of all your work search efforts, because you may be asked for it later. If you search on IllinoisJobLink.com, your efforts are recorded there. A simple notebook or phone note works great too!

What if I have a disability?

The IDHS Division of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs. Its Vocational Rehabilitation program helps people get ready for work, find a job and get the support they need to stay on the job.

• Who can get it? IDHS says many people with disabilities qualify. To be eligible, you need a significant physical or mental impairment that makes it hard to work.
• How to start. Use the online Rehabilitation Services Web Referral, or find one of the 47 local offices with the IDHS Office Locator. You can also call 1.800.843.6154 (TTY 1.866.324.5553).
• Special help. There are services for people who are blind or have low vision, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and Hispanic or Latino people with disabilities, plus programs for high school students.
• Getting SSI or SSDI? The Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program can explain how working affects your benefits.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29737

Can I get a job if I have a record?

Yes, many people do. Here's what to know.

• Ban the Box. In Illinois, many employers wait to ask about a record until later in hiring. Questions about when an employer can ask? Check the official page below.
• Fair review. If an employer wants to turn you down because of a conviction, you may get a notice and a chance to respond. Check the details on the IDHR page below.
• Think you were treated differently because of your record? You can report it to the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Call 312.814.4320 (TTY 866.740.3953).
• CareerOneStop, from the U.S. Department of Labor, has a no cost ReEntry Program Finder for help with jobs, housing and other needs. Illinois workNet also has a Formerly Incarcerated Persons Guide.
• Need your ID first? See Guide 11, Getting ID and Documents Back.

Sources: https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/fls/job-opportunities-for-qualified-applicants-act.html and https://dhr.illinois.gov/about-us/idhr-faqs/know-your-rights-faqs/conviction-record-protections----faq.html and https://www.careeronestop.org/JusticeImpacted/default.aspx

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Practice your answer

Practice a short, honest answer about your record, then turn it toward what you learned and what you can do now. Saying it out loud a few times makes it so much easier. You've got this!

Where can I get no cost job training?

• Training money. Ask your local Illinois workNet Center about training accounts and on the job training. Illinois workNet lists approved training programs and apprenticeships.
• Apprenticeships. You earn a paycheck while you learn a trade. Search Apprenticeship Illinois on the Illinois workNet site.
• Adult education. Illinois workNet also lists adult education programs, like help earning a high school equivalency.
• Job Corps, ages 16 to 24. Job Corps says it is the nation's largest at no cost, residential career training and education program for young adults with low incomes, with no cost housing, meals and basic medical care while you train. Call 800.733.5627.

Sources: https://www.illinoisworknet.com/ and https://www.jobcorps.gov/

How do I get ready for interviews?

• Write a simple resume. One page is fine. List your jobs, skills, and any training. Your job center can help at no cost, and Illinois workNet has a Resume Writing Guide.
• Plan the trip. Know the bus route and leave early. Dial 211 to ask about ride help.
• Dress neat and clean. Need interview clothes? See Guide 5, Clothing and Hygiene.
• Bring copies. Your resume, your ID, and a list of references with phone numbers.
• Follow up. A short thank you call or email the next day helps you stand out.

What if my boss didn't pay me?

That's not okay, and Illinois has a way to help. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) takes wage claims.

• Questions about when you should be paid, or about final pay? Check the official page below.
• File your wage claim as soon as you can. IDOL uses an online Wage Claim application, and you'll need an Illinois Public ID account.
• Questions about minimum wage or overtime? Check the official page below, or call the minimum wage hotline at 800.478.3998.

Sources: https://labor.illinois.gov/faqs/wage-payment-faq.html and https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/fls/minimum-wage-law.html

Questions people ask a lot

Sources: https://ides.illinois.gov/unemployment/insurance/employment-registration-requirement.html and https://ides.illinois.gov/unemployment/resources/unemployment-insurance-benefit-handbook/ui-benefit-handbook---appeals.html and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29737

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One step at a time

Every application, every call and every workshop counts. I'm proud of you for showing up for yourself, and I'm happy you're here!

Who can I call in my county?

Here are job centers and programs near you. If your county isn't listed, use the Illinois workNet Service Finder or dial 211.

Federal

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Illinois

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Chicago

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

DuPage County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Madison County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

St. Clair County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Neighborhood and other counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My job plan for this week

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. I'm proud of you for taking this step. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 17, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 17, 2026