Make sure you prepare beforehand, outlining specific accomplishments in brief story form. Convey slices of life rather than dull job descriptions.

Interview mistake #3: Not knowing enough about your target organization

It's not enough to read just job description in an advertisement before you walk into an interview.

All other candidates have that same information. If that's all you know, you won't be able to distinguish yourself nor be able to tailor your responses to what they're really looking for.

Do your research. Tap your network, online sources, company's website, people who currently work there -- in short, use any lead that can give you information about organization and job.

Apart from basic facts about organization, find out a bit about their culture, what position you're applying for is actually all about, people you'll be working with and more. This kind of information serves two purposes.

One, you'll get a feel for whether this organization will truly fit in with what you're looking for. Second, it helps you prepare better for interview. You'll be able to fine-tune your responses to anticipated questions.

Both are critical to success in your job search.

Interview mistake #4: Not being natural

A remarkable thing happens during job interviews. Someone who's normally down-to-earth, genuine and personable transforms himself into someone else who's formal, stiff and obviously on his best behavior.

He sits with an erect posture, dutifully answers all interviewer's questions and in general, tries to do everything just right.

By not acting naturally, he ends up not connecting with interviewer. When that connection doesn't happen, he will lose out. Irrespective of how much research he has done or how well he has prepared his responses.

That's why one of best pieces of advice for job interviews is -- be yourself.

Stay clear of these big interviewing mistakes and you'll automatically better your odds or winning. Here's to your success in acing job interview!

Never sound passive or disinterested when following up. Don't say, "I'm calling to see if you have made a decision" Project a proactive stance by asking something like "I'd like to let you know I'm very interested in position. Is there anything I can do to help you with your decision?"

After a while, step back and see if follow up is going on to point of absurdity. If you've followed up for months with no results, it may be time to cut loose and move on to other opportunities.

Consider sending a polite but firm fax saying that you'll need to have an answer either way so that you can pursue other opportunities. And that you'd appreciate an email or phone call to let you know where it stands.

If you have been rejected, make a conscious attempt to not take it personally. Hiring someone for a job involves many variables and you can't control all of them. Instead, consider doing this.

If you've developed a good rapport with an interviewer, call and ask if he or she would be willing to share reasons why you were not selected.

They won't always tell you. But sometimes, they are willing to give you real reasons. And that can be valuable feedback for you in your job search. Learn from them and move on.