December Programs for Job Seekers at the Lewiston CareerCenter

November 23, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 23, 2016 Contact: Mary LaFontaine, Lewiston CareerCenter, 207-753-9094 Media Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, Maine Department of Labor, 207-621-5009

LEWISTON ? The Lewiston CareerCenter continues its workshop programs for job seekers and those considering training to upgrade their skills and increase their employability.

?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.?

CareerCenters can assist businesses by offering workshops on location, at local businesses or other organizations at no cost. The following workshops and programs will be held at the CareerCenter in Lewiston unless otherwise noted.

Job Fair ? Monday, December 5, 10 a.m. to Noon

More than 30 employers, all of whom are hiring, will be on hand to talk with job seekers. Be prepared with a resume and to have an ?interview-like? conversation; and dress to impress!

Resume Basics and Build a Resume Workshop ? Thursday, December 1, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn the basic do?s and don?ts of resume writing; how to stand out in a positive way by marketing yourself?on paper?in a way that directly matches employer needs. Computers will be available and you will be able to compose a draft resume with staff assistance. Please bring your work history profile from Maine JobLink. Must be able to type your own resume.

Career Decision Making ? A two-part workshop ? Tuesday, December 6, 9:00 a.m. to noon and Friday, December 9, 10:00 a.m. to noon

Review the factors involved in making career decisions, assessment tools used, and other resources. Apply the information you gain from assessments to identify career & training steps to achieve career goals.

Job Search Skills/ Criminal History ? Wednesday, December 7, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The first hour, open to everyone, will give you the tools you need to be successful in your job search. We will discuss strategies you can use to highlight your skills and set yourself apart from the others?it?s all about marketing yourself! The second hour will be for those with a criminal history and will focus on how to sell your skills rather than your background, tips on answering difficult questions, and ideas to encourage employers to give you a chance.

Introduction to Self-Employment Workshop, Thursday, December 8, 10 a.m. to noon

This introductory workshop will help you decide whether self-employment is the right choice for you. The class covers the pros and cons of owning your own business, the elements of a business plan, and the many resources available to help you succeed. To register contact Karleen Andrews at 207-557-1885.

New Mainers Workshop ? Thursday, December 15, 9 to 11 a.m.

How to complete paper and online job applications. Somali interpreter will be on hand; if other language interpreters are needed, request by December 5.

Interview Skills/ Mock Interviews ? Thursday, December 15, 2 to 4 p.m.

Attend this workshop to learn the basics about interviewing and get the tools you need to feel comfortable in an interview. Session will include a brief overview of interview skills and employer expectations and will also include mock interviews so that you can practice, get feedback, and observe other participants!

Orientation for people with disabilities ? Wednesday, December 28, 2 to 3 p.m.

For people who are considering vocational rehabilitation services. Service providers are also welcome to attend. Held the fourth Wednesday of the month. Registration not required.

Training Orientation ? Call to schedule

is an overview of training programs at the CareerCenter, eligibility requirements, and information on accessing services. This is for people interested in pursuing training and education. If you are interested in job search only, consider the ?Job Search Skills? workshop. NOTE: If you live in the South Paris area, call 743-7763 x1 for information on the South Paris CareerCenter orientation dates/times. Call 753-9005 for meeting schedule and to register for the Lewiston location.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults ? Call to schedule

Basic steps for successful college enrollment: learn about college and trade schools, entrance requirements, readiness and transitional issues of adult students, admissions procedures and financial aid. To register, call: 1-800-281-3703. Bring last year?s income tax forms to the appointment.

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.

The Lewiston CareerCenter, located at 5 Mollison way in Lewiston, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and can be reached at 753-9005 (TTY users should dial Maine Relay 711). You can also find more information at the CareerCenter website, http://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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