6,900 Jobs on Maine's Job Bank

*Hiring is picking up this spring with job fairs scheduled across the state*
Augusta, Maine - Maine's Job Bank, at www.mainecareercenter.com, has posted about 6,900 open positions, up around 1,000 positions since the beginning of March. The job bank, a service of the Maine Department of Labor, is an online job board that is free for both employers and jobseekers.

"In addition to the openings on Maine's Job Bank, employers are hiring at job fairs all over the state," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "The Department of Labor is coordinating or participating in 13 job fairs between now and June, and more are in development. Now is a great time to get a job in Maine."

Three jobs fairs will be held the week of March 24 in Portland, Springvale and Machias. Hundreds of employers will be hiring for both permanent and seasonal positions.

"The Department of Labor's network of 12 CareerCenters provide free, expert assistance to job seekers who are looking for a job or need advice about their career choices," said Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette. "They also host free networking events, workshops about financial aid for education and how to start a business. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help people learn how to use a computer, create a free email address, apply for jobs online and register with Maine's Job Bank."

"Maine's economy is growing, and we can make sure that you are part of that growth," she stated. "You do not have to look for work on your own, and if your job search has hit a rut, our staff can get you back on track. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh approach and some encouragement."

People who need to update their resume or practice their interviewing skills should contact a CareerCenter for free help. To find more information about how to prepare for a job fair, update a resume, and other job-search programs and to locate the closest CareerCenter, visit the CareerCenter website, http://www.mainecareercenter.com .

Businesses interested in participating in these events and taking advantage of other free hiring services the department provides, such as the job bank, interviewing space, and referrals, should contact their local CareerCenter.

The following job fairs have been scheduled to date around the state:

- Portland: March 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Maine Sunday Telegram/Monster Spring Career Fair at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland.

- Machias: March 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Lee-Pellon Event Center.

- Springvale: March 28, 4th Annual York County Regional Job Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nasson Community Center, 457 Main Street.

- Lewiston/Auburn: April 4,11th Annual Androscoggin County Job Fair, Friday, 9 a.m. to noon at Central Maine Community College, 1250 Turner Street, Auburn.

- Presque Isle: April 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northeastland Hotel.

- Calais: April 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Washington County Community College Gymnasium.

- Lincoln: April 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mattanawcook Academy, 33 Reed Drive, Lincoln.

- South Paris: April 24, 9 a.m. to noon at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in the cafeteria.

- Augusta: April 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hiring Maine's Heroes (general public welcome) at the Augusta Armory, 179 Western Ave.

- Pittsfield: May 14, Pittsfield Area Regional Job Fair, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Warsaw Middle School Gym and Cafeteria, 167 School Street.

- Farmington: May 22, Western Maine Community Job and Resource Fair, 9 a.m. to noon at the Fitness and Recreation Center at UMF, 152 Quebec St.

- Bangor: May 28, 9 a.m. to noon at the Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Rd.

- Augusta: June 17, First Annual State of Maine Government and Maine Municipal Government Job Fair for Veterans at the Augusta Armory.

CareerCenters offer a variety of workshops and 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.