Attending a job interview is a stressful and nerve-racking experience for most people. Unfortunately, extremely nervous candidates have a greater chance of failure.

Interviewers can immediately sense a lack of confidence in interviewees, be it in their weak handshake, lack of eye contact, uneasy and fidgeting body language, or failure to give relevant and detailed responses.

It is important to be confident and able to sell yourself with a positive and determined attitude in an interview, but arrogance will not get you the job. An experienced interviewer will be able to tell the difference between individuals who give an honest account of what they can offer and deliver, and those who only exaggerate their accomplishments.

For senior positions, multiple interviews are common, including panel interviews with the board. Being consistent in your answers, maintaining a professional attitude, and continuing to display passion for your particular industry after the fifth round can be a tiring process.

Nonetheless, you should never assume that, after meeting with the immediate supervisor or department head, the other interviews are merely a formality and do not carry much weight. Ensure that you treat the fifth round as seriously as the first: you must be able to impress all interviewers, and recognise that each of their comments is important.

If you are not sure how to best present yourself in an interview, or have difficulty hiding your nervousness, you should consider asking a professional to train you, and remember to use mock interviews to help you prepare.

This article appeared in the Classified Post print edition as Combat your nerves .

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