Employment

There are many traditional ways you can search for a job:

• Read the Help Wanted section of your local newspaper;
• Read special newspapers that just list job openings, such as My Job Wave (you can pick up print copies or read My Job Wave online);
• Visit a company’s website online;
• Visit a company to talk to someone there; or
• Ask friends and families for job leads.

This web page shows you some excellent resources that you might not know about!  Did you know there are places in Maine where you can get FREE one-on-one help to create and send a resume?  Well, see below!

The Maine CareerCenter System

CareerCenters across Maine have staff available to help job seekers prepare for and find employment. CareerCenters have computers, printers, phones, fax machines, accessibility equipment and software available to you at no charge to assist you in your job search.

Each CareerCenter holds workshops on resume writing, interviewing techniques, job search, career exploration and other topics. To find a local CareerCenter near you use the dropdown menu below.

Find your local CareerCenter:

CareerCenters Augusta Bangor Bath Calais Lewiston Machias Portland Presque Isle Rockland Skowhegan Springvale Wilton

Maine's Job Bank

Maine's Job Bank is an online resource that allows you to search for all jobs that match your interests and experience. The Job Bank will send automated emails when employers post jobs that match your profile. You can register and post your resume at www.mainecareercenter.com by clicking on the Maine's Job Bank icon.

Seek Support Services

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals who qualify and who need these services to access and obtain employment.

• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
• Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI)
• Division of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (DoD)

Department of Health and Human Services

• Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS) provides long-term vocational support services to individuals with mental health needs. Adults who are eligible for adult mental health case management services may be eligible for employment support funding.
• Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) provides long-term employment support services to individuals with developmental disabilities who are eligible and receive waiver level of services through MaineCare.

Internships

Though generally used as part of training, internships can be an excellent way to build skills and get yourself seen by an employer which can lead to regular employment. See the Employment for ME training page for more detailed information on internships and internship opportunities.

Volunteering

Similar to internships, volunteering is a way to get experience and be seen by an employer and can also be a path to regular employment. However, some programs rely heavily on volunteers, such as animal shelters, and don't often have regular employment opportunities.

Networking

Use your personal network of family and friends. Ask people about where they work and what they do there. Do you know other people who are employed who might help you with a job lead? Let people know you are interested in employment. For more information, check out “Networking: A Consumer Guide to an Effective Job Search”.

Network Using Social Media

Social media sites and applications like Facebook, Twitter and Google+ make networking easier than ever. You must be careful, though, since more and more employers are doing searches and viewing online profiles and comments on social media sites before they make hiring decisions.

A few helpful hints:

1. Pay attention to your privacy settings and understand what your friends and the public can view
2. Be aware of what other people post about you — and that includes photos!
3. Make sure your online profile reflects a person employers would want to hire
4. Let everyone know you’re looking for a job, and post updates about your job search
5. Follow employers that interest you. This will give you an opportunity to learn more about the company and the jobs available.
6. Follow employment websites like jobsinme.com, snagajob.com, the Maine CareerCenter, etc.
7. Create a LinkedIn profile. It’s a great way to network and get your resume out to potential employers, and a basic profile page is free.

For more networking guidance and tips, check out the Networking Resource Manual created by the Institute for Community Inclusion.

Other Employment Resources

• Employment Websites: This is a list of websites where you can list your resume or search job openings and listings.
• Job Fairs: Job fairs bring together a number of employers in one location. You can learn about current job openings, get more information about the business, and sometimes have the opportunity to fill out an application or have an initial interview right at the fair.
• Labor Market Information: This is a website where you can find information about businesses and careers in Maine, including trends in employment by county or region and information on growth industries in Maine.

---