Here is a list of the typical errors candidates make during an interview. Have you made any of these?

1. Not realizing that this is a selling situation. Don't be passive and wait for the interviewer to recognize your hidden talents. You need to communicate why you are unique and valuable and how you are a good fit to the company's needs.

2. Not knowing what "features" you are really selling to an employer. Many candidates forget to sell specific capabilities, advantages and benefits that they can provide the employer.

3. They cannot articulate or bridge their specific abilities for an employer. Most candidates know that they are good. However, they don't know how to communicate that belief. Doing so takes practice and does not come naturally.

4. Poor communication skills. Candidates must practice looking people in the eye and communicating clearly and concisely what they can do for a company that nobody else can.

5. Dressing improperly and/or conducting one's self unprofessionally. Candidates should dress professionally and be relaxed yet serious in their body language.

6. Failure to research the company or the position. The people who are getting jobs usually know more about the company and people they are interviewing with. They do their homework on the Internet by looking at the company's website and picking up facts about the company's products, acquisitions, and slogans.

7. Unable to articulate what they would like to do in a new job or company. Candidates must be able to communicate their professional goals and what they are striving for personally and professionally. Not, "I just need a job."

8. Bad mouthing your current (or past) employer. Most candidates don't recognize that employers identify with other employers. The relationship you have with past and present employers must appear positive. It is harmful to you to reveal that you left because you did not like (or get along with) your last supervisor. If you were laid off or fired, it was still a valuable learning experience to work for company X. There are a number of "good things" you learned which you can bring into your relationship with your next employer.

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