Many of the clients I work with haven’t interviewed in years or have had bad experiences that haunt them. They are understandably nervous, and this can get in the way of their success. Their anxiety may reveal itself in over-talking, monosyllabic responses, a tendency to veer off topic, sharing too much information, or appearing overly shy. These idiosyncrasies make it hard for the hiring manager to accurately evaluate the candidate’s qualifications. Here are some suggestions for combating these challenges with confidence, competence and commitment.

One of the biggest mistakes a candidate makes during an interview is filling the silence with excess chatter. This is especially true when asked about a weakness, the reason for leaving a previous job or other uncomfortable questions. Stop talking when you answer the question. Continuing to blather on will reveal far more information than necessary. Stay on topic and remember, the longer you talk the deeper the hole.

On the other hand, don’t make the interviewer drag information out of you. This requires too much effort and hiring managers quickly tire of this game and move on to less taxing candidates.

Shy or introverted clients often express concern about being overconfident or appearing to have a big head. In my experience, those who worry the most about this are the least likely to demonstrate the behavior. Sharing relevant examples of your experience and achievements isn’t bragging. It’s highlighting value. Be bold! Your job is to sell yourself at the right level. It is possible to humbly tout your successes and enthusiastically express how your expertise will benefit the company. Don’t oversell but certainly don’t undersell yourself. Pretending to be less than who you are will result in missed opportunities and lower than market-rate compensation.

Other candidates continue to sell well past the point when the employer is ready to buy. This can result in talking themselves out of a job. Pay attention to the employer’s verbal and nonverbal buy signs and shift gears when the conversation changes.

Don’t share information the employer cannot legally ask you about. Do not tell the employer about your impending divorce. Do not share the fact that you are a single parent, or that you are in rehab. It is none of the employer’s business. While it may feel “right” to bring up these issues, doing so is likely to reduce your chances of getting an offer. If you have made mistakes in the past and are asked about them, take responsibility for your actions. Share what you have learned and what you are doing differently as a result. What the employer wants to know is, can he count on you not to make the same mistakes again. Your job is to provide evidence that you are a safe, reliable hire.

Additionally, it is not your job to tell the employer what you can’t do or which qualifications you are lacking unless they ask you. If the interviewer doesn’t bring it up, then it likely isn’t a major concern.

If it has been a while since you’ve interviewed or your confidence is shaky, get feedback on your interview skills. If your skills aren’t where they need to be, hire a professional to coach. It is essential that you put your best foot forward during conversations with hiring managers. Your long-term success is worth the investment.

Mary Jeanne Vincent, career expert and strategist, has a coaching practice in Monterey. She may be reached at 831-657-9151, mjv@careercoachmjv.com or www.careercoachmonterey.com