NEW YORK: Just as you spend hours on your resume, you need to invest some time on your attire to look the part in employment interview and better

the chances of clinching the job, says a survey.



According to a survey by the jobsite CareerBuilder, which asked over 2,700 hiring managers about mistakes that can effect a prospective candidate new job.



The survey found that dressing inappropriately is the most common mistake committed by a job seeker during the interview. Nearly 57 per cent respondents said they dressed inappropriately for a job interview, while 55 per cent said they appeared disinterested during the interview procedure.



Some of the other most common mistakes committed by a job candidate during the interview process are speaking about previous jobs in a negative mode (52 per cent), appearing to be arrogant (51 per cent) and using a mobile phone (46 per cent) during the interview.



In addition, the report also revealed some of the more unusual blunders that the hiring managers had encountered in the past included a candidate filing fingernails and another one looked at the ceiling during the interview.



Another candidate recited poetry during the interview, while one person who didn't get the job said that "Dungeons & Dragons" as an example of teamwork.



Interestingly, the survey said that total honesty may not be the best path in getting a new position. One candidate applying for a customer service role said "I don't really like working with people."



Job seekers could make a good impression during the interview by staying positive and knowing about the company they are applying for. The report suggested that candidate should be professional while interviewing as it is not the time to discuss personal issues.



The report also noted that honesty is the best policy. If you don't know the answer to a question do not lie it or pretend you know that, but then explain how you would go about to find a solution proving that you are resourceful.



"With heightened competition for open positions in today's economy, it's important for candidates to put their best foot forward in an interview," CareerBuilder Vice President (Human Resources) Rosemary Haefner said.



"You want to stand out for the right reasons. Even though the job search process can be frustrating, candidates should stay positive, focus on their strengths and be prepared on how to best sell their skill set," Haefner added.



The survey was conducted online within the US by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder between November 5 and November 23, 2009.