Rely on this one thing: knowledge. Before going into the interview, educate yourself on what goes on in employers’ heads and think of ways of making things easier for them—and yourself. In other words, don’t just be you; be the person they are looking for!

In today’s world, only the savvy few will make it. And those that don’t want to change to stay on top? They get left behind. Don’t be one of them.

Honestly, who are you kidding? Can you really be objective about your own unique attributes, professional accomplishments and goals? Moreover, can you articulate them in way that is clear and concise yet persuasive to the hiring authority?

In the words of the almost now forgotten Peter Principle, “it [the resume] has risen to its highest level of incompetence.” It can no longer honestly function as a spokesperson for that rare and special individual behind the piece of paper or electronic byte.

“I knew that he would be frowned upon for wearing white sports socks to the formal interview. Yet, there was no time to go and get him another pair. The clock was ticking; we had exactly nine minutes to figure something out. What to do?”