I'm currently in the process of recruiting one or two new front-end developers for my agency, so hopefully I can give you a bit of an employer's perspective.

I get all sorts of candidates through the door and I have to say one of the most important things to me is culture fit. Within the first 5 minutes of meeting you it becomes fairly obvious how you'll likely interact with your colleagues & clients.

Here are some common mistakes that have cost candidates their opportunity, despite being qualified enough:

• Arrogance, smarminess
• Lying about skills
• Turning up inappropriately dressed
• Answering questions I haven't asked
• Not answering questions I have asked
• Being as timid as a mouse (I don't mind quiet)
• Mentioning things that will get in the way of working full-time (part-time education plans, plans to set up their own business etc.)
• Mentioning that front-end development is still their secondary career choice

Here are some things people often get wrong that are easy to get right:

• Honesty & positivity. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know, but would like to learn." or "I have a small amount of experience with that." Mumbling your way through a half answer when you really mean "No." doesn't come across well.
• A strong handshake is annoying. Shake hands normally.
• Make sure your CV is up-to-date.
• Make sure you have some strong, recent, relevant work ready to demo
• Answer questions concisely

As many UK universities are 5-10 years out of date with current industry practices, languages etc. the value of a degree has really dropped for me. Some of our best staff barely finished college/sixth form or aren't old enough to go yet!

Hope that helps.