Are you one of the many people that get the jitters when you go to a job interview? Chances are that you become nervous just as most of us do. Of course this is a normal and expected reaction. No matter how extensive your list of qualifications are, a lack of self-confidence will be apparent to a prospective employer which may undermine your chances of getting hired.

If you've lacked self-esteem your entire life you certainly aren't going to become confident overnight but you can present yourself in the most positive manner possible. So what can you do to help yourself relax?

First and most importantly, be yourself. Those two words can't be stressed enough. Be yourself. Just take a deep breath, smile and be you. Don't try to be something or someone that you are not. Most of the time it will just make you appear phony. You're probably thinking that it's not always easy to relax and be yourself. You're absolutely right; it's not always easy. But unless you are an actor going to an audition it's best to be yourself.

Be honest. Don't inflate your level of expertise. Don't claim to have knowledge or experience that you don't have. You may fear that your chances of being hired won't be as good if you admit to a lack of experience in a particular area but if you do get hired, your knowledge level will show in your job performance. It's best to be open and honest up front.

Be friendly and professional. We've all been taught to be professional at a job interview which is very good advice but don't forget to be friendly too. You want to be approachable not cold and often professionalism taken to extremes can make one appear cold. Employers may want to get a sense of how you will interact with other employees so try to walk the path of professionalism but be warm and personable as well.

Ask questions. By asking questions you show the employer that you are genuinely interested in the position. Often people let the prospective employer do all of the talking and there is no dialogue between the two. While you should never interrupt or talk over the employer, you should not leave the person feeling as if he or she is talking to a wall. People often feel uncomfortable initiating conversation or asking questions but the employer expects you to ask questions and may interpret your silence as a lack of interest.

People that are nervous usually do one of two things at an interview. They may tend to clam up, only speaking when they are spoken to or they may tend to talk too much, rattling on incessantly. Try to find a middle ground in the area of conversation. Don't start talking at the speed of light so that they person conducting the interview has to interrupt in order to stop you. But don't sit there like a statue acting as though you are afraid to speak. Try to be comfortable and make eye contact. Let the person know that you are interested in what he or she is saying and that you are paying attention. Once again we are brought back to the first rule of thumb: be yourself.

One important bit of information to keep in mind when your nerves get the best of you is to remember that the person interviewing you also went through the same process. At one time, that person was the one being interviewed. He or she also sat on the opposite side of the desk. The employer understands that you are nervous. They interview people with all sorts of personality types from those who stare at the floor and bite their fingernails to those who are filled to the brim with confidence and steadily singing their own praises. Interviewers don't expect you to be perfect. Just be yourself and someday you may land the job of your dreams.

Author: Darlene Zagat