a well-written resume that is compatible with the employer’s specific needs will tend to gather the attention of a corporate recruiter - usually the company’s first line of defense during the job search process.

before applying for the job, utilize the Internet, business publications, annual reports and press releases to prepare yourself. This demonstrates initiative to the employer early in the selection process. It also sends a clear signal to the company how sincere you are at joining the organization and will also better prepare you for the interview.

- prepare some brief statements that differentiate yourself from your competition, and explain how hiring you can provide the prospective employer’s organization with a competitive advantage. Applicants who are able to articulate during the interview how they will bring value to the organization in the form of an individual "elevator speech" will also do more good than harm.

job seekers who are not intimidated by behavioral-based questions during interviews, and who provide specific and insightful answers, will distinguish themselves from other applicants. For example, a candidate who articulates how he/she worked on a project that required leadership or the ability to consider alternative options to meeting a goal on time and on budget will help the employer evaluate how you could be successful or not in the job.

an employer prefers someone who can fit into their culture. Show the employer how you are the candidate of choice. You might be used to a fast-paced, formal work setting in your former position, but this current job opportunity may require you to work a flexible schedule or in a cubicle environment vs. the posh office space you have now or before. You owe it to yourself as well as to the employer if there are specific aspects about an organization’s culture that you are amenable to versus others that would make you uncomfortable.

the biggest mistake a job applicant can make is to fabricate a resume. Many professionals have lost out on excellent career opportunities (or their jobs) due to false information on a resume.

Another pitfall that drives employers crazy is applicants not preparing in advance for the interview. If a company is going to invest their time, as well as in some cases resources to compensate you for travel to and from their facility, it is critical for you as the applicant to treat this as a business meeting, not a free vacation for you and/or your family.

Not asking questions is another mistake candidates can easily fall into. The lack of questions demonstrates two things to the employer: you are not interested in the job, and/or you do not have the ability to think objectively when it counts.

there is a difference between coming across as confident versus appearing arrogant. Confidence is measured in your ability to answer all questions without difficulty; candidates who are arrogant tend to brush off serious questions or discount them altogether. Arrogant job seekers focus their energies solely on selling themselves to the company, which quickly becomes apparent as employers do not want a "know-it-all" working for them. Overselling and overstating one’s qualifications is an immediate turnoff to an employer and is a good way to end the interview within ten minutes. Instead, be polite, be prepared and ready to address the questions being asked naturally.

trying to rehearse answers to common interviewing questions is a waste of time. Instead, try to craft insightfulness into some of your potential answers.