What follows is a transcript of a conversation between Peter Dallimore, General Manager, Careerzone Director and John Nevill Managing Director, Numero (New Zealand) Ltd.

Peter: Hi John, thanks for taking the time out to do this discussion about the top seven mistakes candidates make. Would you like to start off with one of the first mistakes you see.

John: Sure thing, the first mistake I usually see is negativity, not just about the interview, but the interview process as well. Such issues include being late and negative about current employers and/or past employers. Some even go so far as to blame other people for situations which may sometimes be their own fault. Other mistakes include typos on their CV's and inappropriate dress attire.

Peter: Thanks, perhaps you could expand on that last point. What sort of standard would be appropriate?

John: It really depends on what job you're going for. Say for example you were going for an assistant-accountant job. For guys it would most likely be a suit and tie, however we're not always looking at office jobs and you do need to be dressed accordingly to the role you're going for. I know that some people looking for temp work in the construction industry just show up in their work clothes, but that's not really our audience. But generally speaking, smart/casual or business attire is usually well-accepted.

Peter: Would you say it's best to overdress a little bit?

John: Definitely. Other issues also include bodily hygeine such as cigarette smoke. If you do smoke, make sure you get rid of the smoky smell. Again, the issue of other people can arise, especially if this theme continues during the interview. There are people who seem to have excuses for everything. They left because they disliked their former employer or the company failed because of everyone else. It's really all about being honest and people are generally happy to hear good honest answers

Peter: Yes, but thats because there are mistakes made. People leave roles because they got it wrong, that does happen from time to time doesn't it?

John: Yes. You have to be careful about it, but you certainly don't just take accountability for successes. The flipside of that is taking total accountability for all success. People say, 'I was working for that company and I increased sales by 300%.' Or 'I was working for that company and I restructured the whole engineering department.' If you're part of a team, say that you're part of a team. Don't think that the interviewer's going to believe you if you seem to take sole responsibility for everything great that has happened during your career.

Peter: Most interviewers would understand that it was not a one-person deal.

John: Definitely, especially in a recruitment company, you hear these kinds of things all the time. A lack of research is also a common issue that people make; going into the interview knowing little or nothing about the role, the company or the people. If you are going to go for an interview, invest some time into these areas.