From my conversations with Human Resources professionals to identify what interviewers thought were the most common mistakes candidates make during job interviews, I elicited some interesting observations. Most commonly quoted comment was "Little or no knowledge of the organisation (or company) and/or job they applied to join". Another frequent comment was, "A lack of preparedness to discuss career plans and goals". "Limited enthusiasm" was another reason identified as a reason for eliminating prospects from the running. So what can you to do improve your chance of a successful interview?

Before Applying For The Job

Research the organisation. Visit their website, read their mission statement and goals, read up on the past financial history, etc. Peruse their advertisements (if applicable) to assess how the company is marketing themselves. Find out more about the products or services they offer. Check out what has been written about the company in the media. Visit their sales outlets and pick up leaflets and brochures to read and understand the business.

Avoid applying for jobs blindly. You are more likely to receive a rejection if no reply at all. In an employment marketplace where job hunters exceed jobs, employers are more critical and selective. Find out more about the job on offer before applying. Really evaluate whether you are qualified and eligible to be considered. The more rejections you receive, the more 'negative' and downhearted you will progressively become.

If you are short-listed for the interview, go prepared for the unexpected. Interviewers are getting creative and innovative in their recruitment and selection techniques. For example, asking two differently worded but related questions at different stages of the interview, interviewers attempt to see the consistency of your responses. Avoid faking it! Remember, interviewers also ask questions where there are no right or wrong answers.

Prepare some questions to ask at the interview. This is your opportunity to stand out. These questions should demonstrate your research, understanding of the company, preparedness for the job you applied for and show you are keen and interested. However, avoid showing off that you are 'very clever and smart'.

Listen carefully to the interviewer and pay attention while trying to avoid thinking about what you will say next. Maintain eye contact, use non-verbal cues, such as nodding to show interest in what the interviewer is saying. Avoid being fidgety or restless. Ask for clarification when anything is unclear, and paraphrase to ensure you understand what was said. But avoid doing it repeatedly as you might be mistaken to be 'dumb'.

Keep your answers brief, focused and concise. Your task is to demonstrate that you have the skills, knowledge, attitude, aptitude and attributes the job requires. Ensure your response has sufficient clarity and are unlikely to be misinterpreted.

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want ; if you like the sound of the job but the salary or benefits don't fit your needs, find out if they are negotiable. But be reasonable. You must have done your 'homework' beforehand to know the worth of the job and what the potential employer can afford to pay for your talent. Remember, the potential employer may be having difficulty, making ends meet just like you.

Think entrepreneurial when negotiating salary and benefits. Move away from the paradigm of cost plus profit to arrive at your 'price'; think instead price minus cost to arrive at 'profit'. In the cost plus paradigm, you are putting yourself first. In the price minus cost paradigm, you put the customer, your potential employer, before yourself!