If you are like me, you turn into a motor mouth when you get nervous. As a child, anything from having to get a shot at the doctor's office to standing in line for a scary ride at an amusement park could get my mouth going a mile a minute. If you have the gift of gab, be careful during job interviews. It could cost you the job.

According to a recent survey, talking too much is one of the most common mistakes that job candidates make during an interview. Deborah Walker, in her article about interview bloopers, tells us some of the things an interviewer may assume when encountering an over-talker. She says that taking too long to answer a direct question can lead an interviewer to think that you don't know the answer or can't seem to get to the point. If you are a nervous-talker, the interviewer may think that you may not be telling the truth or that you may be exaggerating. This situation could lead the interviewer to wonder about your skills and also whether a nervous person would be a good fit for the company's work environment.

Being a big talker could also indicate that you aren't a very good listener. During an interview, you should also be able to listen thoroughly to what the interviewer has to say and talk or answer the question when appropriate. When you do give your answer, stay on topic and get to the point.

A good way to ensure that the chatterbox in you doesn't come out during an interview is to be prepared.  Research the company as well as the job that you are interviewing for. After you have done this, you should be able to choose specific things about your education and experience that relate to the position you are applying for. It is also a good idea to practice before an interview. It is important to be prepared without sounding rehearsed. The practice will make you more comfortable and confident. You can also bring examples of work you have done. In the case that you can't think of a way to answer a question, you may be able to refer to your work and get your mind back on track. Just knowing that you have these examples handy may make you feel more confident and less worried that you might forget something.

Once prepared, there are also things you can do during the interview to move it along smoothly. Try to start the interview in a relaxed state. Know that you are prepared and ready to answer any questions they might have. Listen carefully to the questions you are asked. Be sure to present yourself in a positive manner, avoiding the impression that you are nervous. Another way to hold the interviewer's attention is to ask questions at the end of your responses. This will help keep the interviewer engaged in two-way communication with you during the interview.

Talking too much may make the interviewer want to get rid of you as soon as possible, even if you are right for the job. So, chatterboxes, be prepared, relax, listen and engage. Remember those four things to have a successful interview!