Illinois Moves to New Electronic Hiring System

Top officials from Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich's office and the state's Department of Central Management Services (CMS) last week announced the state will move to a Web-based electronic hiring system that will significantly expand access to state employment while increasing transparency and consistency in the state hiring process. Upon completion, all state agencies under the governor's authority will convert to a centralized, electronic system for posting job openings, accepting applications and tracking status. Processing all job applications through a uniform electronic system will reduce the potential for human error as well as intentional manipulation.

"The state's hiring system has gone significantly unchanged for the past 20 years," said Deputy Governor Sheila Nix, "despite revolutionary advances in technology. And while we've taken steps in recent years to improve the system, what we're announcing today will finally bring our hiring system into the computer-age. That means thousands more people will be able to find out about and apply for state jobs. They'll be able to go online and check the status of their application. And with all applications going into the same electronic database, records can't be lost or given preferential treatment. Once it's up and running, we will have a system that's more accessible, more transparent and more accountable than ever before."

At a press conference last Wednesday, administration officials provided a demonstration of the concept, which was developed in coordination with Deloitte Consulting and the law firm Schiff Hardin after an extensive review of the state's hiring systems as well as best practices across both public and private sectors.