June Programs for Job Seekers at the Greater Portland CareerCenter

May 26, 2016

For Immediate Release: May 26, 2016 Contact: Mike Roland, Greater Portland CareerCenter, 822-3300 Media Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, Maine Department of Labor, 621-5009

PORTLAND?The Greater Portland CareerCenter announces June programs for job seekers and those who are considering training for a new career.

?Mainers learn new job search skills when they visit their local CareerCenter,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?Workshops facilitated by the Department of Labor?s career consultants provide helpful advice and resources to job seekers, from entry level to executive positions. With monthly job fairs and more than 9,500 jobs on the Maine Job Bank, a visit to MaineCareerCenter.com is where Mainers should start or jump start their career search.?

Events are held at the Greater Portland CareerCenter, located at 151 Jetport Boulevard in Portland unless otherwise noted. Maine veterans receive priority of service in all CareerCenter programs.

Greater Portland CareerCenter Job Fair: Wednesday, June 1, Noon to 3 p.m.

Employers and job seekers know the place to connect with each other is the Greater Portland CareerCenter monthly job fair. Employers will be available to accept resumes, interview, and provide listings of open positions, information on training resources, and answer question on positions for which they are recruiting. Come dressed for success and bring copies of your resume!

Resume and Cover Letter Workshops: Fridays, June 3 and 17, 9 to 11 a.m.

This not-to-be-missed workshop will teach you how to write a dynamic resume, promoting and targeting your qualifications to directly match the employer?s needs. You will learn how to insure that your resume and cover letter make the best first impression to employers. Call the reception desk to register at 822-3300.

Veterans' Career Connection and Collaboration Council: Fridays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24, 9 to 11 a.m. at Goodwill Workforce Solutions, 190 Lancaster Street, Portland

Are you a Veteran looking for work? Come join the Portland Job Search Group run by Veterans for Veterans. You will be able to meet, network and share best practices with fellow Veteran job seekers. A Veterans CareerCenter Consultant and a panel of Veteran professionals will be available to discuss job search issues. Pre-registration is required by contacting Rhiannon Guzelian at rhiannon.guezelian@maine.gov or 207-822-3352.

Gateways to Employment: Tuesdays, June 7 and 21, 1 to 4 p.m.

This is the first in a series of workshops offered at the Greater Portland CareerCenter. Topics include assessing individual abilities, interests and skills, discovering the unadvertised job market, cover letter tips, job search strategies, and other resources for job seekers. This workshop is targeted to both first-time job seekers and those who have not yet been successful in their job search. Contact Senja St. John at 822-3347 to register.

Unemployed Professional Group: Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Offers real-time networking, professional advice, current information as to what employers are looking for in resumes, and invitations to networking events and contacts with the ?hidden? job market. This workshop is a great resource for the unemployed, under-employed, and employers seeking individuals looking for looking for work as well as a useful tool for career exploration. Open to the public; no registration required.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults: Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28, by appointment

Attendance is by appointment only. You will discuss college and trade schools in our region, entrance requirements, readiness and transitional issues, admission issues and financial aid. Please bring your 2015 Federal Tax Return and your High School or GED Transcripts (if available). Contact Randi Paine 1-800-281-3703 to register.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Orientation: Wednesdays, June 8 and 22, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

This program assists eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain viable employment by providing information and services to overcome barriers to employment, and assistance with job search and job placement.

A video of the orientation can be viewed online at http://www.maine.gov/rehab/videos/vr_orientation.shtml .

Manufacturing Technician Certificate: Thursday, June 9, 10 a.m.

Get trained. Get hired. The Portland CareerCenter is providing Assessment testing for the Manufacturing Technician Certificate program. As a graduate of this program you will have the skills that may lead to jobs paying $14 per hour. Call Ruth Anne Haley at 822-3354 for information on scholarships, grants and tuition reimbursements for the Manufacturing Technician Certificate. Applications for this program are available at the CareerCenter reception desk.

Information Session: Careers in Banking: Monday, June 13, 1 p.m.

If you are considering a career in banking or finance, the CareerCenter can help get you started. Hear from community banks and commercial lenders about current opportunities in the field. Learn about career paths for tellers, customer service, personal bankers, and mortgage specialists. Talk directly with hiring managers from local banks and financial institutions. This is a great opportunity to network and learn about the industry. Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. Registration is required; please call 1-877 594-5627.

Job Interview Workshop: Friday, June 24, 9 to 11 a.m.

In this Workshop you will explore interview preparation and have the opportunity to practice the most commonly asked questions in an interview setting. You will learn how to emphasize your strengths, to motivate employers to want to hire you, how to make a great first impression to employers, and how to answer tough interview questions.This workshop is targeted for people just beginning the job search process, or those who have not had success in finding work. Pre-registration is required. Call the reception desk to register at 822-3300.

The Greater Portland CareerCenter is part of a two-story, 75,000 square foot facility, co-located with the Department of Health and Human Services. The new facility offers a high-tech information center and computer lab for job seeking, resume writing, and applying for jobs, and spacious conference rooms and interview rooms to host workshops, job fairs, and individualized employer recruitments.

The CareerCenter is a stop on Portland Metro Route 5 and is located just off Exit 46 of the Maine Turnpike, and offers free parking. The CareerCenter is is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information is available on the CareerCenter website, http://www.mainecareercenter.com or by calling 822-3300 (TTY users call Maine Relay 711).

CareerCenters, part of the Maine Department of Labor, offer a variety of services to help people find employment or upgrade skills. Each center provides several public-access computer workstations with Microsoft Office software, resume writing and cover letter software, Internet access and O?Net software for skills assessment. All CareerCenter services are free of charge.

Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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