October Programs for Job Seekers at the Skowhegan CareerCenter

October 4, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2017

Contact: Peter Diplock, Skowhegan CareerCenter, (207) 474-4950

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

SKOWHEGAN? 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 Skowhegan CareerCenter will be offering a variety of programs for job seekers in October.

?Maine reached an all-time high in payroll jobs this year, and our unemployment rate has been under 4.0 percent for 23 consecutive months,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?There is no better time to find work than now, especially as we head into the fall hiring season. Maine CareerCenters can help you update your resume, practice interview skills, or connect you with education or training, and you may qualify for free tuition. Our employers need you. Make yourself standout from other applicants?take the first step and contact your closest CareerCenter.?

All workshops and events are held at the CareerCenter unless otherwise noted. To register for sessions held at the CareerCenter, call 474-4950.

Successful Interviewing Skills - Tuesday, October 10, 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.

GATEway to Employment - Wednesdays, October 11, 18 and 2, 9:30 to 11:30 a.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.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults?Wednesday, October 11 and 25, 10 a.m.

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. Please call 1-800-281-3703 to preregister.

This session is held at the DHHS offices located next door to the CareerCenter. It is the same building but go through the DHHS entrance doors.

It All Starts Here - Monday, October 16, 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. This self-directed assessment test will assist in determining a career or vocation choice based upon your personality traits.

Computer Skill Basics: Start at the Beginning - Wednesday, October 18, 1 to 3 p.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

Training Program Orientation - Monday, October 23, 1 to 3 p.m.

Do you have the skills you need to advance in your career or get a new job? Thinking about education or training options that will help you get ahead? If you qualify, CareerCenters can work with you to set goals, find training and identify financial resources to make your plan possible. CareerCenters are the providers of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services in Maine. If you live in Somerset County, the Skowhegan CareerCenter may be able to help.

Resume and Cover Letter Writing - Wednesday, October 25, 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 interview - the next step to employment.

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 CareerCenter, located at 98 North Avenue, Suite 20, Skowhegan, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information is available on the CareerCenter website, 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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