Maine CareerCenters Launch 'Success Story' Blog To Aid Job Seekers Bookmark and Share

July 9, 2014

Stories of clients who found confidence and success through CareerCenters may inspire others

For Immediate Release: July 9, 2014

Media Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, Maine Department of Labor, 207-621-5009

AUGUSTA?The CareerCenters of the Maine Department of Labor, part of the Bureau of Employment Services, has launched a new blog that shares stories of job seekers who have successfully accessed resources at CareerCenters throughout the state. The blog illustrates how staff can help job seekers jump start a search or decide on a new career direction. The blog is available at http://careercenterme.blogspot.com/ .

?Many people who are looking for work don?t know where to turn for assistance, and they can become discouraged if they have been unemployed for a long time,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?CareerCenters provide a true 'hand up', rather than a hand out. These success stories illustrate how asking for help can lead to positive changes. CareerCenters provide many resources, and these stories will inspire job seekers to take advantage of them. Our expert staff can provide the boost of confidence you need to take the next step.?

Using the stories of real Maine residents at different stages in their careers, the blog provides examples of the many programs and types of services people have used to get a job, change careers, access training or simply get out of a rut in their job search.

The initial posts include a story of a woman named Victoria who, with the help of the CareerCenter staff, is retraining after 35 years as a medical assistant; a client named Deb who said "the CareerCenter helped me know I was not alone" and another story of a woman named Amanda who gained a long-lasting mentorship and a way to get back to school at the CareerCenter after being laid off for the first time.

This blog will post stories periodically about clients who have gained the confidence to go back to school or find jobs.

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 provided at no charge.

Call 1-888-457-8883 (TTY users call Maine Relay 711). More information is available on the CareerCenter website, http://www.mainecareercenter.com .

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

-end-