• Too gimmicky

You want to “stand out” from the others, so you send in a fancy resume and have it delivered overnight.  These tactics might work for some industries or employers, but if you want to really stand out, focus on writing a great cover letter that will not put the reader to sleep and a resume that highlights the skills and achievements necessary for the job.

• Lack of enthusiasm
  

In any activity, showing a lack of enthusiasm will generate negative energy. A teacher is more willing to teach when students are enthusiastic about the lesson, and athletes competing for the championship will perform better when the fans are showing support. Enthusiasm shows interest; therefore, without it, your interviewer will only lose interest in you.

• What’s in it for me?

Ultimately the goal of an interview is to get hired. You want the interviewer to see that you are capable of doing the job while also asking questions that will help you decide whether the company is right for you.  If you go to an interview thinking only about the vacation time or compensation, it will show.

Everything about you, from your answers to your body language, is saying, “What will I get out of the employer?”, which ruins everything for you. In an interview, an employer wants to know what you can do for them, not just what they can do for you.

• Unclear job goals
  

You feel like you just want to get a job regardless of the position or industry, and you are applying to every opening you can find without considering whether your skill set is what they are looking for. If you feel that the job search is one of those situations in which quantity is more important than quality, think again. When employers post openings, they want a permanent solution to their problem.

Only apply for a job this is what you want, not what you need, and go to an interview with clear objectives so that an employer can assess whether you are the right person for the job.

• Interview answers
  

After every interview, think about your answers. Did you give negative answers to negative questions? How did you end your responses? Think back upon your interview and reflect on what actually happened. Your answers are typically the biggest obstacle to your success in any interview situation.

Job interviews are complex; there are many factors that are out of your control. The only thing that you can control is yourself, so only apply for jobs that you want, write a great cover letter and resume, and prepare thoroughly for the interview.