BANGOR—The TriCounty CareerCenter in Bangor is offering many programs in February for job seekers and those who are considering training to upgrade their skills to increase their employability this spring.

“Our falling unemployment rate is a strong indicator of our improving economy,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Now is a good time to use CareerCenter services to make sure that your resume rises to the top of the hiring manager’s list. Our staff can give you a fresh perspective and solid advice on your job search and career options.”

Workshops and events are held at the CareerCenter unless otherwise noted. To learn more, like the Bangor CareerCenter on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bangor-Career-Center/511892328834004 . Maine Veterans receive priority of service in all CareerCenter programs.

Winter Job Fair –Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, at Maine Hall on the Eastern Maine Community College Campus from 9 a.m. to noon. Almost 40 employers have already signed up!  Bring your resume and have it critiqued.

February Recruitments at the Bangor CareerCenter:

Bangor Glass will be recruiting at the CareerCenter on Feb. 7from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring your resume.

Eastern Maine Medical Center will be recruiting at the CareerCenter on Feb. 25 from 8 to 11 a.m.

GateWay to Employment: This workshop provides an overview of basic information on resumes, interviews and job search skills as well as CareerCenter and community services that are available to you during your job search. Sessions and times: Bangor: Every Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Computer Club: Meets every Tuesday, 8 to 9 a.m. This interactive class begins with basic computer use for those with no experience. The instructor explains the different parts of a computer and students do a series of exercises to learn how to use the tools. Topics covered: computer components, drives, mouse, keyboard, using a mouse, radio buttons, arrow/finger/text, navigating the Internet, using search engines, and different types of media storage. This is basic, introductory class limited to 10 individuals. To sign up, please visit the Bangor CareerCenter or call 561-4050 or toll free at 1-888-828-0568.

Computer Boot Camp: This course is a series of four workshops every month that run in order. It is specifically for customers who have very limited, if any computer skills. Call for more information and to register. Each customer will have a laptop computer to use during each class. Classes are 1.5 hours long and are limited to eight customers. Anyone who takes Workshop 1 through 4 will be “comfortable” using a computer and can access what they need to assist them in finding employment in the CareerCenter Information Center. By the end of the series, each customer will understand the parts of a computer and keyboard and be able to use the Internet, be registered with Maine’s Job Bank, have an active email account and be able to open and send emails.

Week 1: Explores parts of the computer/laptop, the keyboard, using the mouse, the basics of using the Internet and search engines.

 Week 2: Explains email and the importance of an active email address for job seekers. Students will obtain an email address and learn to send and receive email.

Week 3: Covers Maine Job Bank registration and use including maintaining and editing your account, searching for jobs, accepting referrals and changing/editing your information and job search profile.

Week 4: Demonstrates how to complete online applications, and staff will ensure that all students can log in and access their email and Maine Job Bank accounts.

Interviewing Workshop: Held the fourth Tuesday of each month, 9 a.m. to noon. This interactive workshop covers preparing for an interview, making first impressions, different types of interviews and interview questions and following up with thank-you letters. Limited to 20 participants per session. To sign up, please call the Bangor CareerCenter at 561-4050 or 1-800-828-0568.

Resume Workshop: First and third Tuesday of each month, 9 a.m. to noon. Provides the information and tools you need to successfully create your own resume. Learn how to use key words and phrases to catch an employer’s attention. Discover websites that identify skills and abilities of different types of jobs and learn how to produce the resume that will work for you. Open to everyone with a limit of 20 slots per session.. To sign up, please call the Bangor CareerCenter at 561-4050 or 1-800-828-0568.

Essentials of College Planning: Feb. 7 and 14. Registration required, call 1-800-281-3703. This workshop introduces people to educational opportunities in general and MEOC services in particular. This interactive workshop touches on the four steps in the college process: admissions, financial aid, career and study skills. The admission section reviews college options, the college search process and the application structure. The fundamentals of financial aid, including the filing process and the applications are covered in detail. Career options and counseling are introduced. Effective transitions into college, college readiness and study skills are discussed. The participant receives 101 The Essentials of College Planning Workbook, the Post Secondary Guide to Education in Maine, the Student Guide, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

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.

Call 753-9005 (TTY users call Maine Relay 711). More information is available on the CareerCenter website,http://www.mainecareercenter.com .

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