Once you have polished your resume to perfection, the next step is to sell yourself at the job interview. The interview process can be long and stressful, but you can give yourself an advantage if you do your homework.

• Research the company you are interviewing with. This will give you an idea if the corporate climate is a good match for you.
• Present yourself professionally. Dress one step above what you think the workplace requires. So if it's usually business casual, wear a sportcoat or blazer. First impressions count!
• Know your resume inside and out. If your resume says that you managed a project in 2002, be ready to give details about that experience. Make sure you are clear on dates and titles before you have to talk about them.
• Write down your answers to the most common interview questions and practice your responses. Be ready to explain gaps in your resume or the reasons why you left previous positions. It's much easier to give great answers under pressure if you prepare.
• Find the office where you'll be going ahead of time. You will make a much better impression if you are on time and calm. Getting lost or not being able to find parking adds stress. If you will be late, call if you can to let them know.

The interview process is also a two way street. You want to sell yourself to the employer, but you also want to find out as much as you can about the company and the people you would be working with. You need to find a good fit for yourself as much as the employer needs the right hire.

The Work Certified Academy class scheduled in Washington on November 9, 2009 has been cancelled. The instructor is ill and will not be available to teach the class as scheduled. The class beginning November 9 at the PA CareerLink Mon Valley in Donora will be held as scheduled.
The next class at the Academy in Washington will begin on December 2, 2009. Space is available in that class. We regret any inconvenience that this may cause.