Landed an interview? A job interview round the corner doesn't really warrant panic. However when you've been given the chance to meet your prospective employer, it is does not necessarily mean that you can take things easy either. In today's competitive job market there are a lot of takers; thus ensuring that you're considered the ideal hire, requires some real good branding and strategy. Hence if you want the job real badly, then make sure you don't make any of these mistakes.

Dressing Inappropriately
An oft quoted warning, what you wear can send out tons of unspoken message that could have varying effects on the outcome of your interview. Whether your clothes are bursting at the seams, showing too much skin or completely shoddy, they can be quite a distraction. Moreover when you first walk in, it is your appearance that will noticed and gauged, so make sure you pick the right outfit and try it on a day before the interview to avoid bloopers that can cost you the job. So make sure you dress conservatively and pick colours that are not garish or provocative.

Avoid blabbering
When you're nervous, chances are that you would talk a little bit too much. At an interview this can prove to be quite irksome. So when you think you're getting a little too chatty, make a conscious effort to keep responses to under a minute and keenly watch if the interviewer looks interested in what you're saying. Watch for signs and when you see your interviewer looking glazed; you know where your responses are going.

Feeling Anxious
Yes, not finding the right job sooner could make you anxious, but if you really want to bag a job badly, make sure your anxiety never shows. After months of searching you could be a tad bit disappointed and even worried if you'd ever make it, but if you end up looking scared or desperate that's a sure way to never be hired. No employer would want to hire someone who could get hysterical at the drop of a hat. Besides if you seem desperate, it is a sure sign that you're not confident about your capabilities, because a person who knows what s/he is capable will definitely be aware of the fact that it is not the last job on the planet. There is also another pitfall to looking anxious, a desperate jobseeker will settle for any remuneration that is being offered, which is not what you really want. So relax, think positive, take it easy and don't let your anxiety show. When you feel positive you can be sure the outcome will be too.

Sounding unconfident
No matter what you're asked, sound bold and confident. If you've attended interviews earlier, you would know what kind of questions to expect. Make sure you practice answering them well in advance, so that you don't fumble and fidget, when the interviewer touches upon topics like gaps in your resume. The other area that jobseekers mishandle is the one that revolves around family. If there are particulars that you would rather not have touched upon, keep the reply short, yet confident. The last thing that you would want your prospective employer to feel is that you're not happy with things back home.

Don't bluff
When you're asked something that you don't know the answer for, just be honest about it, albeit subtly. You don't have to make a confession, just make sure you let the employer know that you're not too sure and would check and get back. This would be a more professional approach to the situation rather than bluffing your way through the interview. Sadly most people overlook the fact that it is quite obvious when someone is fibbing about something. Unless you're a practiced liar it makes no sense even trying to weave a tale.

Don't Badmouth
Mudslinging can be quite satisfying especially if you were laid-off by your previous employer. But when you're facing a prospective new employer, cut the bitterness, anger and slander from your speech. Because not only will it make you seem unprofessional but most importantly when you talk about a past that you are not too happy about, the bitterness and anger is bound to show in your speech, which can never really help your cause.

Not Loosening-Up
Most people are good at connecting and opening a conversation. So when you're at an interview let your personality and positive attitude shine through. Don't stiffen-up when you're face-to-face with your prospective employer. Sound interested and alert and open-up, however making sure that it is not too much.

Forgetting to Market Brand You
You're a commendable brand and you know that. But for you to bag the job, you will have to let the recruiter feel the same way too. That does not mean you become arrogant and boastful, nor should you be too modest. Thus showcase your talents and achievements logically, yet impressively to make sure that you're considered the best hire for the position you'd applied for.

Failing to Negotiate
A lot of times people take up the salary they are offered, without even putting up a fight. Don't forget that your skills are being put to use and it is but a right to be appropriately remunerated. If you're offered lesser than your expectations, ask some time to get back on it and make a counter offer. If it matches the industry standards you'll be surprised that most of the time, employers will agree. But first, you will have to ask.