Chicago Jobs: Overview
If you're going to Chicago to experience "da Bears," deep-dish pizza, and windy streets, native Chicagoans say "fogetta 'bout it!" While these have made Chicago famous, you'll find many locals eating thin-crust, tavern-style pie. Plus, the city isn't on any list of the windiest cities in the U.S.—a local newspaper named it "The Windy City" after the Chicago elite's propensity toward boastfulness and self-promotion. And while the Chicago jobs list (hit jobs, that is) includes notorious mobsters from Chicago like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, linguists are noticing that the "Chicago accent" is disappearing.
However, there's a reason Condé Nast Traveler has named Chicago the "best big city in the U.S." Chicago is home to top universities, including Northwestern University, Wheaton College, and Valparaiso. And if you're looking for Chicago jobs, you can relocate to any one of the city's unique neighborhoods, such as North Center with its cozy Irish pubs and breweries or Uptown, the lively entertainment district. For those who want to live further out from the city, you can also find jobs in popular suburbs including Cicero, Oak Park, and Evanston.
Popular Jobs in Chicago
You can find jobs in all kinds of industries in Chicago. About 65% of all jobs are classified under business operations. With more than 40 major hospitals and nearly 8,000 hospitals beds in Chicago, it's no surprise that you'll find healthcare jobs in and around the city. In fact, a section of Chicago called the Medical District is home to three of the city's biggest hospitals within a few blocks of each other. Tourism and service jobs also play a substantial role in the Chicago economy.
To dig further into the Chicago job market, check out these listings:
Update Your Resume
If you want to rise above other applicants, make sure your resume is top notch. A good place to start is by looking at Monster's resume samples to get ideas for how to format and word your resume. We also have a library of articles with tips for what to include in your resume. Did you know that job recruiters spend just a few seconds looking at a resume before they decide to read on or discard it? Here's a checklist to help your resume land in that "yes" box.
Even if a job posting doesn't ask for a cover letter, you should always send one. Whether you're a recent graduate or a senior professional, your cover letter needs to help your application stand out. Check out all our articles with cover letter tips to consider as you write.
Interviewing for Chicago Jobs
Getting an interview is a win! But if you want to get the job, you need to be ready to make a good impression. In your interview, you can expect to be asked the usual questions about your experience and education. But what if the interviewer throws a really odd question your way? Here are some questions that are off the beaten path, with suggestions for how to answer them.
How Much Do Chicago Jobs Pay?
The median household income in Chicago is $58,247, but your future salary will depend on your job title, experience, and location. To focus in on what you should be making in your new job, take a look at Monster's Salary Tools. Along with what to expect for a fair wage, you'll also learn what your job pays in other areas and what next steps you might plan for in your career.
Want to Learn More About Companies Near You?
Would you be happy with just about any job? Your short-term answer might be yes, but we know that getting a job that's the right fit is a long-term solution. Research a company before you send a resume or interview to see if it feels right. We can help you with our company profiles. You'll get insight into things like:
- products and services the company offers
- company history
- training and education opportunities
Grab a Slice of Chicago Job Opportunities at Monster
Don't just go anyway way the wind blows—start searching for your right-fit job today. Create a Monster profile to get the inside scoop on Chicago jobs in your field, with job alerts and tips from our career experts sent to your inbox.