February Programs for Job Seekers at the Skowhegan CareerCenter

SKOWHEGAN, Maine - 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 February.

"Job fairs are starting up again all across the state," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Our CareerCenters help Mainers put their best foot forward when meeting employers. Their no-cost workshops help you improve your application or resume as well as strengthen interview skills. I encourage both job seekers and employers to connect with their local CareerCenter this hiring season for job search and recruiting services."

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

**CareerCenter Orientation - February 5 and 19, 9 a.m. to noon**

This workshop will provide an overview of all available programs and resources that can be found at
your local CareerCenters, including the Maine Job Bank, the Competitive Skills Scholarship, and the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, as well as addressing eligibility requirements associated with some of these programs.

If you are or know someone who could use assistance in preparing for, seeking, securing, and/or maintaining employment please come to this valuable information session the first and third Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon to learn how the Maine Department of Labor CareerCenters help those seeking employment.

To ensure adequate seating, registration is requested; please call (207) 474-4955.

**Resume and Cover Letter Writing-Tuesday, February 2, 1 to 3:30 p.m.**

This workshop provides valuable tips on cover letters, resume writing, the contents and format and much more. Learn to make a new, highly effective resume using the techniques taught in this workshop.

**GATEway to Employment-Mondays, February 8 and 22, 8:30 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.

**Successful Interviewing Skills -Tuesday, February 9, 1 to 3:30 p.m.**

Discussion of the purpose of the interview, types of interviews and general preparation for interviews. "Tough" interview questions will be discussed so that you can answer them with confidence.

**Essentials of College Planning for Adults - Wednesdays, February 10 and 24, 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 pre-register. 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.

Job Search Tips for People with a Criminal History-CALL TO SCHEDULE

Do you have a criminal background? Are you having trouble finding work? Looking for tips on how to respond to those hard to answer questions? This workshop will help you become a successful job seeker. Call us at 474-4950 to pre-register. A workshop will be scheduled when three-to-four attendees express interest.

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.com .

Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.