Starting next week, new rules go into effect for those filing for unemployment insurance benefits. Those seeking unemployment must register for employment services and upload at least one resume to www.illinoisjoblink.com.
"The change is instead of encouraging folks to do it, we're doing what the federal law requires and saying it's a prerequisite to actually drawing the claim," explains Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Jeff Mays.
Mays believes having this new requirement will help job seekers get back to work sooner.
"The average draw in Illinois is about 17 weeks and that's at the high end of the country. We want to bring that down as a result of this program," says Mays.
It's easy to register: go to www.illinoisjoblink.com, create an account, and upload your resume.
"On job link, you can see the employers that are listed, the kinds of jobs and skills that are required, and where it is. You can make that link for yourself. Our folks will certainly be looking at your resume to try to help you find a job, as well," says Mays.
There are currently 180,000 job openings on illinoisjoblink.com.
Executive Director of Workforce Investment Solutions, Robyn McCoy, believes having this requirement will have a positive outcome.
"Employers are putting their openings on this system. If the resume is not on there, then they don't have an opportunity to get matched with that position. So this is a good thing for job seekers."
The work registration requirement goes into effect July 17.
