February Programs for Job Seekers at the Greater Portland CareerCenter

February 3, 2017

For Immediate Release: February 1, 2017 Contact: Mike Roland, Greater Portland CareerCenter, 822-3300 Media Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, Maine Department of Labor, 621-5009

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

?Our CareerCenters help Mainers put their best foot forward when looking for a new job or starting a new career,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?CareerCenters? no-cost workshops help you improve your job applications, write a targeted resume, strengthen your interview skills and prepare for our state?s many upcoming job fairs. I encourage both job seekers and employers to connect with their local CareerCenter this hiring season for job search and recruiting services.?

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.

Veteran?s Career Connection and Collaboration Council: Friday, February 3, 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 CareerCenter 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 is suggested but not required. You may register by emailing allen.blackstone@maine.gov.

Resume Information Seminar: Fridays, February 3 and 17, 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: Monday, February 6 through Tuesday, February 7

This extensive and informative two-day workshop is offered to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) clients at the Greater Portland CareerCenter. Pre-assessment will be February 2, 2017. 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, February 7, 1 to 4 p.m.

This is the first workshop in a group of workshops offered for job seekers at the Greater Portland CareerCenter. Topics include assessing individual abilities, interests and skills; discovering the ?hidden 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.

Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation: Wednesday, February 8 and 22, 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 .

Employer Emporium - Employer Engagement: Thursday, February 16, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

This event brings Employers and the Employer Relations Team together with a common goal to share best practices, explore creative solutions, and learn about CareerCenter resources that can assist employers and employees. This group meets the third Thursday of each month. February?s topic will be Employer Engagement. Seating is limited so please call RuthAnne Haley at 822-3354 to reserve a space.

Job-Seeking Workshop for French-Speaking Adults / Atelier Francais: Thursday, February 9 and 23, 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 .

Job Interview Workshop: Friday, February 24, 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.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults: Every Tuesday in February, 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 February, 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.

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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