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

November 28, 2016

For Immediate Release: November 30, 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 December programs for job seekers, those who are considering training for a new career, and employers in need of workers.

?As employers hire for the winter season and in preparation of 2017, no Mainers should feel that the job market is too competitive for them. There are good-paying jobs available,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?Maine JobLink has about 10,000 jobs from hundreds of local employers, and our CareerCenters continue to hold monthly job fairs with dozens of companies looking to hire. Visit your closest CareerCenter to help you find a job by improving your resume and practicing for that interview, not to mention many opportunities to train for a new career.?

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, December 7, Noon to 3 p.m.

Employers will be available to accept resumes, interview, 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.

A list of employers from Cumberland and York Counties will be found online at http://www.mainecareercenter.gov/employment/jobfairs.shtml .

Veterans Career Connection and Collaboration Council: Friday, December 2, 9 to 11 a.m.

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 Veteran CareeerCenter Consultant and a panel of Veteran professionals will be able to discuss job search issues and other issues that you feel are creating a barrier to your successful employment.

Pre-registration by emailing allen.blackstone@maine.gov is suggested but not required.

Resume Information Seminar: Friday, December 2 and 16, 9 to 11 a.m.

This is a not-to-be-missed workshop that 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 insure that your resume and cover letter make the best first impression to employers.

Registration is required as the workshops fill up quickly. Please call the Reception desk at 822-3300 to register.

Career Exploration Workshop: December 5, 6, 12 and 13

This extensive and informative workshop is offered to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) clients at the Greater Portland CareerCenter. VR clients will be able to explore a variety of career paths. Registration through Vocational Rehabilitation is required. Please call 822-3300 and ask for Vocational Rehabilitation to register.

Gateways to Employment: Tuesday, December 6 and 20, 1 to 4 p.m.

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.

Pre-registration is necessary. Contact the Reception Desk at 822-3300 to register.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults: Every Tuesday in December by Appointment Only

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

Unemployed Professionals Group: Every Tuesday in December, 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon

The 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.

Open to the public. No registration required.

Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation: December 7 and 21, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

This program assists eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain viable employment, and 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 .

Job-Seeking Workshop for French-Speaking Adults / Atelier Francais: Thursday, December 8 and 22, 9 a.m. to noon

The class is offered at Workforce Solutions, 190 Lancaster Street, Suite 200, Portland, ME. The class, taught in French, will help you discover all CareerCenter services and receive the information you need to find a job. For more information, please call Alida Nisabwe at (207) 822-3346 or email her at alida.nisabwe@maine.gov .

Employer Emporium: Recruiting Strategies for Employers in a Tight Job Market Workshop: Thursday, December 15, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

This workshop brings together employers from different sectors to share their best practices, explore creative solutions and learn about CareerCenter resources that can assist employers and employees. December's topic is "US Citizen and Immigration Services, Understanding the law and employment status."

Seating is limited. Please call RuthAnne Haley at 207-822-3354 to reserve a space.

Job Interview Workshop: Friday, December 30, 9 to 11 a.m.

Be prepared to successfully interview with the employer you want to work for and for the job you seek. 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 and motivate employers to want to hire you, and how to make that great first impression to employers.

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 to sign up.

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, 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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