Benjamin Todd

Ask yourself what's most likely to go wrong and what you'll do if that happens.

And eight, learn.

After each interview, jot down what went well, what could have gone better, and what you'll do differently next time.

Improve and adapt your process.

Applying to jobs is a difficult skill that takes time to learn.

After every interview or other important interaction with an employer, jot down what went well, what could have gone better, and what you'll do differently next time.

If you've done five to ten interviews and didn't make it through to the next stage, then it's time to do a more thorough reassessment.

You might be making a mistake in how you present yourself.

Ask someone in the area, ideally someone with hiring experience, to check over your materials and do a mock interview with them or explain what happened in the interviews.

Similarly, if you've made 20-plus applications and haven't been invited to any interviews, ask someone in the area to review your application materials.

If you can't find a mistake, then you might be applying to jobs that aren't a good fit and should consider a different area or position.

If you've done 10 interviews and have made it through to the later stages a couple of times but haven't yet had any offers, then keep going.

Often 3 to 10 people make it through to the final stages, so you'll probably have to do at least 5 final stage interviews before you get an offer.

On the other hand, if you're getting offers relatively easily, then apply to more stretch positions.

Stage 3.

Negotiation Negotiation begins after you have an offer, once the employer has said they'd like to hire you.

Most people are so happy to get a job, or awkward about the idea of negotiating, that they never try.

But 10 minutes of negotiation could mean major benefits over the next couple of years.

So the key message here is to actually consider doing it.

For instance, you could ask the employer to match your donations to charity.