5 biggest job-applicant mistakes
Abridged: Diversity Inc.

LOS ANGELES, CA -- According to a recent survey of recruiting experts by Diversity Inc, here are the five biggest mistakes job applicants make and how not to make them:

1: Not researching the company before the interview.
Thorough research will reveal what positions are available and what type of employee the company wants. Network with people already working at the company; call professional organizations the company is associated with, and ask people you know who work at the company about their experience.

2: Inability to articulate needs and desires.
Companies are hiring because they either need to solve problems or have opportunities that require more employees, which is why the best applicants are those who can articulate how their experience is best for the particular position.

3: Being unprofessional in the interview.
Applicants often commit faux pas that can be excused among friends but that make them less desirable to recruiters. Examples of unprofessional actions include: bringing food to an interview, sharing personal information not relative to the job, and speaking ill of a former employer.

4: Demonstrating poor communication skills.
Be prepared to talk with confidence and expertise about who you are and why you're the best fit. Practice the basics of communication before going to the interview, listening and responding and not talking over the other person. At the same time don't be dull or fear showing enthusiasm.

5: Not keeping the personal to yourself.
Don't put your social-network identification on your resume or mention it in the interview. Make sure your voice mail message reflects a professional attitude. Use an email address with your name before the @ sign, from a professional email address provider.