The MaineLinks Newsletter

Weeks of July 4 and July 11, 2022

What to Know!

It’s summertime, and maybe you are thinking about a summer job? Summer jobs are not just for students! Seasonal employment can be a good way to get back into the workforce if you have been without a job for a while – or if you aren’t sure what you want to do next – or, if you have retired and then discovered that you miss having a role and being part of things.

Committing to a seasonal job means that you take on a schedule and a set of responsibilities for a short time. When you complete the agreed upon term, you can feel a sense of satisfaction for having achieved your goal and that of your employer. You don’t have to end things awkwardly by resigning or by being laid off – good news for everyone!

Holding seasonal employment while you are seeking a longer-term position puts you in good standing and can help you build a new set of professional connections and references. This is important if you left your most recent job on less than positive terms.

A summer job can give you the opportunity to try something new and to demonstrate your transferable skills. This helps people who want to move into a different field of work. What are transferable skills? They are talents and abilities that can be used in many different jobs and career paths. Collaboration across a team, leading effective meetings, and performing data entry are examples of skills that can be used in many different work environments.

If it ends up that you don’t love your summer job, you can change your career direction at summer’s end. If you want to convince a future employer that you are flexible and able to succeed in a different field of work, you will now have a track record that shows you in action!

If retirement is not for you, but you do not want to go back to your former job, making a temporary move back into the workforce might be just the right way to be active, add to your income, and be part of a team.

Whatever your plans this summer, we hope things turn out the way you want!

July is:

In the United States, July is designated as National French-American Heritage Month and was established to honor the significant contributions made to the country by people of French descent. Currently, approximately 11.8 million Americans of French or French Canadian descent live and work in the United States, with about 2 million of those speaking French at home. 

Notable Quote:

“Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” – Margaret Mead

Training Talk!

Have you got an entrepreneurial spirit? New Ventures Maine is ready to work with you! Venturing Forth— a 60-hour tuition-free course in business planning—will be offered once again, starting in Aug. These  topics are covered in depth: your customer, competition, marketing, record keeping, taxes, financing, & legal aspects. At the end of the class, participants will have a completed business plan. Class will be held online on Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., from Aug 23 through Nov 22. Venturing Forth is open to entrepreneurs across the state. 

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

• July 7 – Oxford Outside Hiring Event in Oxford
• July 11 – MaineGeneral in Augusta
• July 14 – Downtown Hiring Event on the Brunswick Town Mall

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

Pre-register online for these virtual opportunities:

• July 6 – Resume & Cover Letter Development presented by ACAP
• July 7 – Preparing to Apply for a New Job presented by EMDC
• July 13- Preparing for Your Virtual Interview presented by the CareerCenters
• July 14 – Searching for Work: Age 55+ presented by Workforce Solutions

And MORE!

• The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission benefit program to help  households afford the broadband they need for work, school, and healthcare. It provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. 

• Working hard does not mean you have to be a workaholic. In search of well-being, read more about 9 Work-Life Recovery Tools to Empower, Satisfy, Grow, and Delight

Did you miss the last newsletter? Ensure you subscribe for more updates from the Maine Department of Labor.

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