Relevant -- The first question the interviewee needs to ask is whether his or her answer is related to the targeted position?

Specific -- The second principle is to be sure that the response to the interview question is specific, i.e., that it includes details and an example with quantifiable results whenever possible, which is the area where most job applicants come up short.

Positive -- The final principle is to always respond positively to every question by reframing any negative questions or responses into positive ones. In the initial interview stage, many of the questions asked are negative. This technique is to screen out applicants with negative attitudes and identify individuals who have a positive attitude and can turn challenges into opportunities.

CareerWomen.com asked leading employers and recruiters for their top tips on gaining the interview edge.

1. Be prepared
Familiarize yourself with the company as well as the position. Get up-to-date on current corporate issues, so you can address any questions about direction and opportunity. Develop a list of questions prior to the interview to demonstrate your interest and curiosity about the company. According to one recruiter, "I'm always stunned at how many times someone applies for a new job that they know nothing about or are unqualified for. Be prepared, professional and qualified if you want to go to the next step."

2. Be qualified
Highlight related experience, education and skills. Have solid references that will validate your qualifications. A leading recruiter comments, "Be good at what you do. Create great references by being the best you can at the job you already have."

3. Make a Positive Impact
Highlight your strengths and what you uniquely bring to the job opening. Show how you can make a positive impact. Demonstrate interest, insight, initiative and enthusiasm. Do you want the job? A CareerWomen.com employer suggests, "If you're applying for a marketing job, for example, bring in a sample campaign or ideas. Doing this would demonstrate an extraordinary candidate."

4. Be professional
Common courtesies will take you a long way at setting the right professional impression. For example, be sure to turn off the cell phone before the interview. If your interview is over lunch, watch your manners. Most importantly, be on time!

5. Be a good communicator
Get to the point quickly and say what needs to be said. A leading employer suggests, "don't be too talkative or try to act like you know it all." Practice and prepare by answering sample interview questions found at sites like CareerWomen.com, and create responses for different levels within the organization. [Editor's note: You can also find such questions at our Interview Question Database.]

6. Follow-up appropriately
Email a thank-you note immediately that summarizes the interview and your ability to contribute to the organization. Be sure that your email address is professional, not "hotchick@aol.com."

Additional resources to enhance professional development and advance women's careers can be found at CareerWomen.com, including career-development tools, career and employment news, professional associations and employment opportunities across the U.S. with some of the best women-friendly companies.

What's the biggest blunder you ever made during a job interview? Fell asleep? Put on makeup? How about try to sell the interviewer your car? In a survey of 600+ hiring managers completed in March 2005, CareerBuilder.com asked respondents to share the most memorable mistakes that caused them to pass on a particular candidate. Richard Castellini, CareerBuilder.com's senior career advisor, offers the following survey highlights and tips:

#1 -- There's No Crying in Baseball ... or Interviews
Examples:

• "Candidate got so nervous, she cried."
• "Candidate argued with the interviewer, got up and left. The best part is he called later to see if he got the job."