January Programs for Job Seekers and Employers at the Greater Portland CareerCenter

December 28, 2017

For Immediate Release: December 28, 2017

Contact: Dawn Self-Cooper, Greater Portland CareerCenter, 822-3372

Media Contact: Laura Hudson, Maine Department of Labor, 626-6232

PORTLAND?The Greater Portland CareerCenter announces January programs for job seekers, those who are considering training for a new career, and employers in need of workers.

?As Maine continues its historic run of low unemployment, now is the perfect time to find work as we head into a new year," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Maine employers have over 10,000 jobs listed on Maine JobLink, from entry level to professional. CareerCenters continue to sponsor monthly job fairs and provide no-cost job search assistance, resume writing workshops and career counseling. You may also qualify for support to train for a new career. I encourage you to connect with your closest Maine CareerCenter for help with your 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.

Unemployed Professional Group - Tuesday, January 2, 9, 16 and 23, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

The Unemployed Professional Group offers real-time networking, professional advice, current information as to what employers are looking for in resumes, invitations to networking events, and contacts for the ?hidden job market?. This workshop is a great resource for the unemployed, under-employed, and employers seeking individuals looking for work. It is a great tool for career exploration. Join us for the kind of networking where every Tuesday morning brings something special to the group. No registration is required.

Career Exploration Workshop (CEW) for Current Vocational Rehabilitation Clients

• Required Pre-Assessment: Thursday, January 4
• Two-Day Workshop: Monday, January 8 to Tuesday, January 9

Vocational Rehabilitation clients will be able to explore a variety of career paths and research the required skills needed for these careers. Registration through Vocational Rehabilitation is required. Please call 822-3300 and ask for Vocational Rehabilitation to register.

Gateways to Employment - Thursdays, January 4, 11, 18 and 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This workshop is an introduction to the job search process covering a variety of topics tailored to entering the job market. Topics may include assessing individual abilities, interests and skills; discovering the ?hidden job market?; cover letter tips; job search strategies; and other resources for job seekers. These sessions are 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 or senja.st.john@maine.gov for information.

Resume Information Seminar - Fridays, January 5 and 19, 9 to 11 a.m.

This not-to-be-missed workshop will teach you how to write a dynamic resume. It provides you with the tools to promote and target your qualifications to directly match the employer?s needs. You will learn how to ensure that your resume and cover letter make the best first impression to employers. Registration is required as the workshops fill quickly. Please call the Reception desk at 822-3300 to register.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Orientation - Wednesdays, January 10 and 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

This program assists eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain viable employment. The orientation provides persons with disabilities information and services to assist them to overcome barriers to employment. Assistance with job search and job placement is also discussed. If interested, please call 822-3300 and ask to speak with the Counselor of the Day to sign up. Alternatively, you can view a video of the orientation online at http://www.maine.gov/rehab/vr_orientation.shtml .

Employers' Emporium - Wednesday, January 24, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

This workshop is designed to help employers identify and develop tools that will enable them to attract and retain the workforce they need in this very tight labor market, and cover hiring incentives and workforce training opportunities that may be available to employers in our area. Please contact Cindy Edwards at cindy.edwards@maine.gov for more detailed information.

Job Interview Workshop - Friday, January 26, 9 to 11 a.m.

Be prepared to successfully interview with the employer you want to work for and for the job you seek. Explore interview preparation and have an opportunity to practice the most commonly asked questions in an interview setting. Learn how to make that great first impression to employers, emphasizing your strengths and motivating employers to want to hire you, and tips on how to answer employer?s 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. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call 822-3300.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults - Tuesday, January 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, by Appointment Only

Discuss college and trade schools in our region, entrance requirements, readiness and transitional issues, admission issues and financial aid. Bring your 2017 Federal Tax Return and your High School or GED Transcripts (if available). Contact Randi Paine at 1-800-281-3703 to register.

About the CareerCenter

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, www.mainecareercenter.gov 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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