October Programs for Job Seekers at the Northern Kennebec Valley CareerCenter

October 1, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2018

Contact: Linda Hussey, Northern Kennebec Valley CareerCenter, (207) 474-4950

Media Contact: Laura Hudson, Department of Labor, (207) 621-5009

HICNKLEY - 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 Northern Kennebec Valley (NKV) CareerCenter is offering a variety of programs for job seekers in October.

"Maine needs more workers with specific skills to fill our open jobs, now, in this era of historically low unemployment, and in the future to replace our aging workforce when they retire," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "I signed President Trump's 'Governor's Pledge to America's Workers' to connect Mainers and employers and get better skills. Better jobs and a skilled workforce means higher wages. Connect with your closest Maine CareerCenter and get the skills you need. Visit mainecareercenter.gov for more information."

All workshops and events are held at the CareerCenter, inside the Averill Building at Kennebec Valley Community College - Alfond Campus, 23 Stanley Road, Hinckley, unless otherwise noted. To register for sessions held at the CareerCenter, call 474-4950 unless otherwise noted.

Resume and Cover Letter Writing - Tuesday, October 2, 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 next step to employment--the interview.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults - Wednesday, October 3, 10 a.m., DHHS Offices, 98 North Ave, Skowhegan, ME

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. Call Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) at 1-800-281-3703 to pre-register. Visit their website: http://meoc.maine.edu/workshops/workshop-schedule/ for specifics.

Successful Interviewing Skills - Tuesday, October 9, 1 to 3 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 "Dos and Don'ts" and what to expect during the process.

Computer Skill Basics: Start at the Beginning - Friday, October 12, 9 to 11 a.m.

This course is designed for the novice user to learn the basics of the computer components:

• Understanding the mouse and Keyboard
• Cover the "basics" of typing a document using Microsoft Word
• Learn to get you "up and running" with your job search

It All Starts Here - Monday, October 15, 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!

GATEway to Employment - Thursday, October 18, 1 to 3 p.m.

This workshop will provide you more information about the resources that the CareerCenter has to offer, including the newest tools to assist you in conducting an efficient and productive job search. Topics covered include: how to tap into the "hidden job market," identifying the skills you have to offer employers, tips on successfully completing applications, resumes and cover letters and how to register and apply for jobs posted through the CareerCenter.

About the CareerCenter

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 NKV CareerCenter is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information is available on the CareerCenter website, http://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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