The MaineLinks Newsletter

The MaineLinks Weeks of April 11, and April 18, 2022

What to Know!

The theme for National Library Week 2022, “Connect with Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers, and other resources. Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas, and classes—in addition to books. Most importantly libraries also connect communities to each other.

CareerCenters and libraries in Maine often work together, providing access to technology and assistance in using the resources needed for career exploration and finding a job. If you would like to schedule a Zoom meeting with a CareerCenter Consultant, using a computer at the library, ask if your local library is part of this partnership.

To prepare for a job interview, one important recommendation is to research the employer online. Libraries often have computers that can be used for the job search and to learn more about the values, work culture, mission, and communication style of a business. To be well informed, job candidates should research what the company says about themselves, how their employees speak about them, and what their competitors say about the company.

Candidates should not need to ask a recruiter in an interview, "What do you guys make here?" because there is so much information online. Look at the company website and see how they speak of their history and their plans for the future, and who they target as their customers. Then, see if you can find additional supporting evidence of the company's ability to live up to its values and support its goals by reading media reports or industry news, seeing what their customers and employees say about the company on review sites and social media sites, and how they are positioned.

This gives you an idea of whether you'd fit in with the company culture and support its values. It might also spark some informed and pertinent questions you can bring up in the interview.

April is:

The month when we recognize and show appreciation for libraries! National Library Week (April 3 - 9, 2022) is a time to celebrate our nation's libraries, library workers' contributions and promote library use and support. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is observed in libraries across the country each April.

Notable Quote:

“Information helps you to see that you're not alone. That there's somebody in Mississippi and somebody in Tokyo who all have wept, who've all longed and lost, who've all been happy. So the library helps you to see, not only that you are not alone, but that you're not really any different from everyone else.” – Maya Angelou

Training Talk!

*CSSP – the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program is open to qualified Maine residents and pays for education and training for high-wage jobs in demand in the state. Applications for CSSP are accepted online  during a Statewide open application period – which is now!

*Veterans! Your local CareerCenter and affiliate sites offer specialized employment and training services for Veterans. If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces, your local CareerCenter representative can help you receive help finding a job, obtain new skills, and get matched with other state or federal resources available to veterans. Veterans are a priority for all CareerCenter services at all levels.

Hiring Events: (Click on the “Hiring Events” link for full list)

• April 13 – in Lewiston – Lepage Bakeries
• April 14 - Virtual  - York county Hospitality & Seasonal positions
• April 14 – in Portland – Paradigm Windows
• April 14 – in Augusta – Maine General
• April 19 – in Hinckley – Maine General
• April 20 – in Lewiston – John F. Murphy Homes

Workshops: (click on the “Workshops” link for more)

Pre-register online for these virtual opportunities:

• April 12 - Maine CareerCenter Services
• April 13 – Create and Promote Your LinkedIn Account
• April 14 – Searching for Work Age 55+

And MORE!

*AARP is working in Maine on issues that matter to you and your family!

*Western Maine Transportation Services has been serving Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin counties’ transportation needs since 1976. 

*Register SNAP EBT Card on Amazon for exclusive benefits and discounts  - Customers with a valid Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card can use SNAP benefits to shop for groceries on Amazon Fresh and Amazon.com groceries in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia.

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Maine Department of Labor and Maine CareerCenters provide equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.