The Maine Labor Department has launched an online service that can connect Maine workers with employers who have job openings, Commissioner Laura Fortman says.

Maine's Job Bank is an online job posting board that offers a number of interactive features for workers and employers and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any computer connected to the Internet.

"Maine's Job Bank is integrated with the unemployment system. This unique feature allows any worker filing for unemployment benefits online to easily register and search for jobs," said Fortman.

Employers can use the Job Bank to upload and manage job postings at no cost. While there, they can also receive and review resumes and generic applications from interested job seekers. All jobs posted on Maine's Job Bank are uploaded to Job Central, a national job search site with an audience of millions of job seekers.

Job seekers can search for jobs using a variety of preferences -- for example, regionally or by occupation. Users have the option of creating an account that allows them to upload resumes, save job referrals and get e-mail updates on jobs that match their qualifications and preferences. Job seeker information is kept confidential unless the individual gives permission to share with potential employers.

Maine's Job Bank was developed and tested with feedback from workers and employers. The site is encrypted and secure for users and accessible for people with disabilities.

Maine CareerCenters provide a variety of employment services for businesses and workers in Maine. Services to employers include worker recruiting, use of interviewing rooms, screening and assessment, labor market information and training resources.

Job seekers can receive one-on-one assistance with their job search or career planning or participate in one of many regularly scheduled workshops on resume writing, interview skills, self-employment, college planning, and job hunting. Veterans' representatives are available to provide counseling on programs and benefits available to qualified veterans. Specialized employment services are also provided to assist people with disabilities in finding or keeping a job. The CareerCenter also provides information on training and health care benefits available to job seekers and workers.

For more information on Maine's Job Bank, visit www.mainecareercenter.com or call 1-888-457-8883 (TTY: 1-800-794-1110).