Things You'll Need:
- The Chicago Tribune
- Chicago Magazine
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Step 1
Purchase The Chicago Tribune to get a feel for Chicago and its business community. Pick up the Sunday edition to look job listings downtown and in surrounding suburbs.
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Step 2
Seek business magazines that list the "best" places to work. Review the national lists to determine which companies have their headquarters or offices in the Chicago metro area. Purchase Chicago-based magazines, such as Chicago Magazine, to gain a more local perspective on the best places to work. Begin to form a list of prospective employers, considering the size and location of each employer on the list.
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Step 3
Expand your list of potential employers by researching your industry specific companies in "Reference USA", a database that provides industry specific profiles for companies located within a defined geographic region. Find "Reference USA" at your local library and be sure to note the names of key company personnel located in each companies listing.
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Step 4
Compare advancement opportunities, benefits and the financial health of a company when searching for the best employer. Find information on corporate websites and in annual reports.
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Step 5
Talk to friends and business associates who work at companies you are interested in to get a better understanding of the corporate culture. This is also a good way to get more details on health insurance and other benefits.
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Step 6
Determine if a potential employer is on Chicago's mass transit system. Consider a company's location and commute time when searching for the perfect employer.
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Step 7
Evaluate if you need your personal beliefs to be reflected in the corporate culture of the best employer for you. Research potential employers for active community programs, volunteer opportunities and a positive reputation in the environmental community.
