No Cost Human Resources Services

Learn how to assess employers, pre-screen candidates, and identify local talent.

Illinois workNet quickly connects employers to job posting sites and provides options for no-cost job postings available to them. Illinois workNet helps businesses:

• Explore recruiting opportunities.
  
• Post jobs.
  
• Advertise information on local area news and events, such as job fairs.

To get started, follow the steps below.

1. Employer Assessment

The designated Business Service Team (BST) member should meet the employer at their place of business and conduct meetings to:

• Let the employer know about the benefits of services.
• Learn more about the employer's business and needs.
• Identify and describe the possible position(s) and training required.
• Share information on potential cost savings through Employer Hiring Credits.
• Observe the work settings and environment. This will give the candidates a better idea of what that job really requires and what they would experience on the job.

Employer visits will help you articulate the purpose of your outreach plan. They will also help you identify potential job seekers and employers to target for Business Services.

Here are some additional tools and resources:

• Use the SWOT Analysis Template to help assess employers.
• Look over the Employer Outreach and Marketing page for tips and resources.
• Use the LMI page to research the regional economic data and labor market data in specific industries.
  
• Become familiar with the WIOA Certified Training Providers available to local employers.

2. Job Seeker Pre-Screening & Referrals

Pre-screening candidates is a value-added service that you can provide to employers. Business service teams are making an investment. The employer and job seekers must ensure that candidates can meet the employer's needs. Methods may include:

• Finding pre-employment screening and other valuable workforce services provided to Illinois businesses.
• Become familiar with the benefits of hiring older workers, people with disabilities, and more. Review training options and hiring credits.
• Measure a candidate's skills, interests, attitude, and behaviors with formal and informal assessments.
• Make sure candidates are prepared for their job search.

Here are some tools and resources that can help during the process. Illinois workNet users can access all three from their My Dashboard when logged in to the website:

• Employment 101 – Work with your clients to establish a career path that matches employers seeking someone with their skills.
• Illinois workNet Resume Builder Tool – Access "ResumeGPS" to find and review resumes that job seekers have posted using the Resume Builder tool.
• Identify Your Skills and Interests – Review your clients' skills and interests to match potential employer requests.

3. Recruiting Resources

Below are some ways local employers can use recruiting resources:

• Match employers to job seekers through Illinois JobLink.
  
• Post job fairs and recruitment events on the Illinois workNet Event Calendar.
• Become familiar with your unique applicants.
  
• Share social media recruiting tips and flyers.

Illinois workNet Resources

Additional resources can be useful as you create an outreach plan, coordinate with community partners, and reach out to your local employers. Illinois workNet provides the following tools and resources to help you in this process:

• Tools and resources that all business customers can use for their hiring needs.
• Articles that dive into the details and provide guidance based on an employer's specific situation. Articles will continue to be added over time.
• NOTE: If you have a suggestion for an article, or you would like to contribute your original work, send the information to info@illinoisworknet.com.
• Videos for those who prefer or learn better by watching them.
• Related Resources for online tools and resources that have been reviewed.