IowaWORKS offers no-cost résumé, interview and job-search assistance, while state, city, county and school systems maintain separate employment portals.
People looking for jobs in Des Moines can search thousands of Iowa openings through IowaWORKS and use several local public-sector job boards for positions with the state, city, Polk County and Des Moines Public Schools.
People looking for jobs in Des Moines have several places to start. IowaWORKS lists jobs across the state, while the State of Iowa, City of Des Moines, Polk County and Des Moines Public Schools each have their own job sites.
IowaWORKS also offers free job-search help. Services include résumé reviews, interview practice, career planning, job applications and workshops.
The Des Moines IowaWORKS office is at 200 Army Post Road. The phone number is 515-281-9619.
Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday, the office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
People do not have to be unemployed to use IowaWORKS. Employed workers can also use the system to look for a different job or career.
IowaWORKS offers job listings and free career help
IowaWORKS is Iowa’s state job bank. It includes openings from private companies and public employers across the state.
People can run a basic job search without creating an account. However, an account gives users access to more tools, including an online résumé and personalized career services.
In addition, IowaWORKS staff can help with résumés, online applications, interviews and job searches.
The program also offers free workshops. Topics include résumé writing, interview skills, career planning, digital skills and job-search strategies.
Des Moines-area employers use several different job sites
Not every opening appears on the same website. For that reason, job seekers may find more options by checking several local job boards.
| Job source | Types of openings |
|---|---|
| IowaWORKS | Private and public jobs across Iowa |
| State of Iowa Careers | Jobs with state agencies |
| City of Des Moines Job Board | City and municipal jobs |
| Polk County Careers | County government jobs |
| Des Moines Public Schools Careers | Teaching, support and district jobs |
Each employer sets its own requirements and deadline. For example, State of Iowa applicants generally use the state’s NEOGOV system.
State applicants also need to complete the employment and education sections of the application. An attached résumé does not replace those sections.
Health care and finance are among the region’s largest job sectors
The Greater Des Moines job market extends beyond the city limits. Several industries employ tens of thousands of people across the region.
In the 2026 regional employment profile, health care and social assistance employed about 65,200 workers. Finance and insurance employed about 51,600, while retail trade employed about 50,800.
Other major sectors include manufacturing, education, construction, food and hospitality, professional services, and transportation and warehousing.
Health care, transportation and hospitality have also added jobs in the region. Meanwhile, finance and insurance remain especially important to the Des Moines-area economy.
IowaWORKS can help with résumés, interviews and applications
People who want help preparing for a job search can use IowaWORKS workshops or work directly with staff.
Services include:
- résumé writing and review;
- interview practice;
- help with online job applications;
- career and skills assessments;
- job-search assistance;
- career planning; and
- connections to training programs.
Also, many workshops are available online. That gives people another option if they cannot visit the Des Moines office.
Some one-on-one IowaWORKS services require eligibility documents
Anyone can use IowaWORKS for general job information and a basic job search. However, some one-on-one services have additional federal requirements.
People who request personalized help may need to show proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States. This can apply when IowaWORKS has not already verified eligibility through unemployment benefits during the previous 12 months.
The rule can apply to services such as individual résumé help, personalized job-search advice and one-on-one career counseling.
However, people can still access general workforce information and basic job-search tools without those personalized services.
Related: Two Iowa cities made the top 100 places in the U.S. to find a job
Finally, the IowaWORKS Des Moines office is at 200 Army Post Road, Des Moines, IA 50315. Job seekers can call 515-281-9619 for current service information. IowaWORKS also posts workshops and employment events online.
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