Do you absolutely love job interviews and eagerly anticipate your next opportunity to tell strangers about yourself? Or do you have nightmares where you go to an interview and forget your own name? The following online resources (available with your library card number and PIN from Workplace) can help take the stress out of preparing for the perfect interview.

Lynda.com is the place to learn for free by watching videos! Search the keywords "job interview practice" and you'll find over 1,200 video courses taught by industry experts. You can learn how to interview, how to manage stress, and even what to wear, all presented in a user-friendly format. You can also add your completed course credits to your LinkedIn profile.

Pennsylvania Job Resources is a site with many helpful resources, including PA CareerLink. You will have to create a free account to use this site. Access CareerLink, scroll down and click on the square marked "Learn About Online Services". Then select Interview "Practice" under "Online Resources and Tools". This feature is called "Big Interview", and you can watch even more videos of experts giving you practical interview advice and guidance.

Big Interview has a unique feature—a webcam. At the bottom of the page (below the lists of videos) select "Practice Section—Mock Interview" and follow the instructions. You will first watch a video of an interviewer asking a typical interview question, and then you will have an opportunity to film yourself answering the question. Then you can critique your interview skills or allow others to offer advice. This feature is an excellent way to improve your speech and demeanor—find out if you stare at the floor while talking, say "umm" all the time, or nervously play with your hair. Don’t get upset if you think you look terrible at first, because you can practice until you are a polished job interview star! Don’t worry about your filmed answers, because you control who sees them and you can delete them at any time.

Job interviews don’t have to be stressful! Keep practicing and get the perfect job!

The Free Library is here to assist you in your job search. For more tips and information, visit the Workplace at Parkway Central Library in person and subscribe to our monthly email newsletter!