Well, there's your problem! You were interviewing for a laborer position, not an upper management position. We all know those suits hate competition! Remember - Certificates = management Hands on skills in the real world = laborer.You must not live in Virginia! We have a shovel for every employee to lean on. I once applied for a job with Virginia DOT. During the interview, I was asked for my special skills that would help on the job. I said that I could lean on a shovel as good as the best of them. Didn't get hired? No idea why?