Written by Sherrie Brann, Central Region Workforce Specialist The good news in today’s job market is that unemployment rates are low. However, for some employers, this makes it hard to fill key positions with strong candidates. So what are hiring managers looking for when selecting employees? Every field requires a unique set of technical skills, but what sets one job applicant apart from the rest? The answer may be in the …
Written by Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau, Northern Region Workforce Specialist and Regional Manager Gender and My Career Path As a young woman or young man, or even as a child, do you remember what kinds of jobs interested you? Where did your ideas about jobs and work come from? I worked on a farm starting in the 6th grade until I finished high school. Yet, as I grew older, my thoughts about …
Written by Chris Davis, Western Region Workforce Specialist Networking – Using Our Connections Roughly, seven out of ten people got their new job last year through networking. Oddly, many of these jobs weren’t posted. Defined as hidden, the only way to access these jobs is by connecting with people. Any guesses about what a forest has to do with it? Trees build network connections as little saplings through an underground …
Written by Lisa Sweet, Southern Region Workforce Development Specialist Spring provides an opportunity for growth and new opportunities. If you are looking to change careers, or want to explore the local job market, a job fair is a wonderful opportunity to connect with employers and learn about job openings. There are many benefits of attending a Job Fair: You can talk face-to-face with lots of employers – depending on …
Written by Sherrie Brann, Central Region Workforce Development Specialist Goal-setting is key to building confidence and success. It is important to keep our goals realistic, even as we stretch and grow. How do we set goals we can meet in 2018? There are several tools that can help: Write it down. Writing a clear goal with a specific deadline keeps you accountable. Break it up. Dividing …
Are you or someone you know thinking about a career change? Interested in starting college or completing a degree and want to find a field that will lead to job opportunities? The “My Next Career Move” class, offered online and in your community, will help you take charge of your career and create an action plan to achieve success. Join this multi-session career exploration and planning class to: …
Written by Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau, Northern Region Workforce Specialist and Regional Manager You have been diligently searching for work. You contact and approach employers, network with friends and others, and have even had a few interviews that you thought went well. Yet, no successful job offer has been made. At first, you might feel a bit annoyed and frustrated. After months of trying and still no job, many of us …
Nearly 350 female students in total attended Totally Trades! conferences this fall. Events were held at the Mid-Coast School of Technology (Rockland), Washington County Community College (Calais), and Foster Career and Technical Education Center (Farmington). Totally Trades! conferences are day-long events designed to encourage girls to consider careers in fields traditionally underrepresented by women. Each conference provides hands-on workshop sessions focused on trade and technical careers. Large group …
Written by Janet Smith, Regional Manager and Workforce Specialist in NVME’s Western Region There are many good guidelines and tips for writing an effective resume. One good rule of thumb is to “Think like a Boss.” The following tips will help you do just that! Highlight Your Skills A boss wants to hire someone who can do the job and do it well. The job description and advertisement for the …
We are very excited about the positive response to our Totally Trades! Conferences for middle and high school girls around the state! The Conferences provide hands-on opportunities for girls to explore careers in trade and technology fields, to learn about education and career pathways in these fields, and to be inspired by role models. The Conferences are supported by the Maine Departments of Transportation and Education along with …