January Programs for Job Seekers at the Skowhegan CareerCenter Bookmark and Share

December 21, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 19, 2016 Contact: Peter Diplock, Skowhegan CareerCenter, (207) 645-5831 Media Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, Department of Labor, (207) 621-5009

SKOWHEGAN? Maine CareerCenters bring job seekers and employers together. For those who are looking to make a change in careers or get a new job, the Skowhegan CareerCenter will be offering a variety of programs for job seekers in January.

?Mainers looking for a new or better job should connect with their local Maine CareerCenter," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "There is no-cost help available to improve your job search with a better resume and interview tips, workshops for people of various backgrounds, and computer labs for online job searches and word processing. Training for a new career may also be available.?

All workshops and events are held at the CareerCenter unless otherwise noted. To register for sessions held at the CareerCenter, call 474-4950.

Job Search Tips for People with a Criminal History?Tuesday, January 3, 1 to 2 p.m.

Do you have a criminal background? Are you having trouble finding work? Looking for tips on how to respond to those hard to answer questions? This workshop will help you become a successful job seeker. Please register in advance as space may be limited (workshops start promptly at scheduled time. Please understand admittance may not be possible after the start time).

Resume and Cover Letter Writing?Tuesdays, January 3 and 17, 1 to 3 p.m.

This workshop provides valuable tips on completing job applications, the importance of cover letters, resume content and formatting, resume writing using computer software programs and much more. Learn why having a great resume is so important in today's job market. A well written resume can get your foot in the door, and the interview - the next step to employment.

It All Starts Here?Monday, January 9, 1 to 3 p.m.

Take the first step towards a great career. In this valuable session you can pinpoint your interests and strengths and find career options that have real potential. This highly validated and reliable vocational assessment is the start in determining your future path or career. Are you investigative? Are you realistic? Are you enterprising or social? This self-directed assessment test will assist in determining a career or vocation choice based upon your personality traits. Find out what types of careers are right for you, right now! ?Sometimes you need a change, and sometimes a change is your only option.?

Successful Interviewing Skills ?Tuesday, January 10, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Gain the confidence needed to ace that interview and get the job! Go in thoroughly prepared and positive you are the applicant the employer needs! Successful Interviewing Skills Workshop covers communication techniques, before-the interview research, attitude and appearance, examples of questions you may be asked, what you can ask the employer, post interview follow-up, and more. Discuss all the "Do's and Dont?s" and what to expect during the process.

Training Program Orientation?Monday, January 30, 1 to 3 p.m.

Do you have the skills you need to advance in your career or get a new job? Thinking about education or training options that will help you get ahead? If you qualify, CareerCenters can work with you to set goals, find training and identify financial resources to make your plan possible. CareerCenters are the providers of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services in Maine. If you live in Somerset County, the Skowhegan CareerCenter may be able to help.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults ? To be announced. Please check http://meoc.maine.edu/workshops/workshop-schedule

This interactive workshop touches on the four steps in the college process: admissions, financial aid, career planning and study skills. The financial aid portion of this workshop will provide an overview of financial basics and the completion of the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Bring last year?s income tax forms to this appointment.

Please call 1-800-281-3703 to pre-register. This session is held at the DHHS offices located next door to the CareerCenter. It is the same building but go through the DHHS entrance doors.

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 at no cost to participants.

Call 474-4950 (TTY users call Maine Relay 711) for additional information and to register for workshops held at the CareerCenter. The CareerCenter, located at 98 North Avenue, Suite 20, Skowhegan, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information is available on the CareerCenter website, www.mainecareercenter.gov .

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

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