Non-compete clauses are frequently added to severance agreements, though some employees are asked to sign a covenant not to compete when hired or during the course of employment.
Some of these non-compete agreements are unenforceable because they are overly-broad or for some other reason. However, even if a non-compete would be unenforceable under Illinois law, its may still cause a prospective employers not to hire an employee.
Be sure to have an attorney review any non-compete or severance agreement before signing it.