February Programs for Job Seekers and Employers at the Greater Portland CareerCenter Bookmark and Share

January 31, 2018

For Immediate Release: January 31, 2018

Contact: Dawn Self-Cooper, Greater Portland CareerCenter, 822-3372

Media Contact: Laura Hudson, Maine Department of Labor, 626-6232

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.

?2017 was a tremendous year for our economy, with all-time highs in the number of private sector jobs reported and an historic unemployment rate of 3.0 in December,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?What this means for job seekers, is there are jobs out there to be had. You don?t have to search alone. No-cost workshops, career counseling, and free computer and Internet use to find work are some of the resources available at Maine CareerCenters. You may even be eligible for free training. I encourage you to visit mainecareercenter.gov to learn more.?

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.

Job Fair at the Greater Portland CareerCenter - Wednesday, February 7, 12 noon to 3 p.m.

Approximately 30 employers that are recruiting will be available to meet job seekers, accept resumes, and discuss current open positions. Come dressed for success and bring copies of your resume! View an exhibitor list under "Job Fairs" at http://www.mainecareercenter.gov . Available positions are also posted online at http://www.maine.gov/joblink .

Career Exploration Workshop (CEW) for Current Vocational Rehabilitation Clients

  • Required Pre-Assessment: Thursday, February 1

  • Two-Day Workshop: Monday, February 5 to Wednesday, February 6

Vocational Rehabilitation clients will be able to explore a variety of career paths and research the required skills needed for these careers. Registration through Vocational Rehabilitation is required. Please call 822-3300 and ask for Vocational Rehabilitation to register.

Resume Information Seminar - Fridays, February 2 and 16, 9 to 11 a.m.

This not-to-be-missed workshop 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 ensure that your resume and cover letter make the best first impression to employers. Registration is required as the workshops fill quickly. Please call the Reception desk at 822-3300 to register.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults - Tuesday, February 6, 13, 20 and 27, by Appointment Only

Discuss college and trade schools in our region, entrance requirements, readiness and transitional issues, admission issues and financial aid. Bring your 2017 Federal Tax Return and your High School or GED Transcripts (if available). Contact Randi Paine at 1-800-281-3703 to register.

Unemployed Professional Group - Tuesday, February 6, 13, 20 and 27, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

The Unemployed Professional 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. Join us for the kind of networking where every Tuesday morning brings something special to the group. No registration is required.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Orientation - Wednesdays, February 14 and 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

This program assists eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain viable employment. The orientation 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 Interview Workshop - Friday, February 23, 9 to 11 a.m.

Be prepared to successfully interview with the employer you want to work for and for the job you seek. Explore interview preparation and have an opportunity to practice the most commonly asked questions in an interview setting. Learn how to make that great first impression to employers, emphasizing your strengths and motivating employers to want to hire you, and tips on how to answer employer?s tough interview questions.

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.

Gateways to Employment - Call for schedule and to register

This workshop is an introduction to the job search process covering a variety of topics tailored to entering the job market. Topics may include assessing individual abilities, interests and skills; discovering the ?hidden job market?; cover letter tips; job search strategies; and other resources for job seekers. These sessions are targeted to both first time job seekers and those who have not yet been successful in their job search.

Contact Senja St. John at 822-3347 or senja.st.john@maine.gov for information.

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, www.mainecareercenter.gov 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.

-end-