I've had a really good success rate with interviews throughout my career. I've also interviewed a lot of people. What works for me (from both sides of the fence) is this:

Don't treat it as an interview. Treat it as an opportunity for a first conversation with a future co-worker or boss. If someone calls you in for an interview, it means based on the facts of your experience they already think you're potentially a good fit; what they want to know now, besides some clarifications and details, is whether you're a good fit for the company and its individuals.

This means it's pretty much out of your hands in that regard. The only thing you can do is be your best self, relax, and have a chat. If a question stumps you, treat it as you would a conversation with a colleague: joke about it, be honest about being stumped, answer to the best of your capacities. The last thing you want is to be over-prepared and stiff.

Another thing is, don't go in wanting the job desperately. Take this as two parties sizing each other up. Ask questions about the company. Express doubts and see if they try to reassure you. Don't be a naysayer, of course, but if there are aspects of the job that you're not sure would work for you, express them politely and let them try and convince you otherwise.

This not only sets you up for a strong impression as an easy-going, authentic guy, but it also allows you some leeway to negotiate if they make an offer. You can use these (valid) claims you raised in the interview to negotiate conditions and salary.

I want to stress that you should see this as a conversation between two equal parties. What you don't want is to enter the interview room with the mindset that you want this job desperately and need to trick your way in. People can sense it.

(And by the way, reframe all the above in the context of a first date and you've got a pretty good guide to dating, toon. Except the part about negociating, sheesh. :D)

If you want to get there early because it's better safe than sorry, don't cross the door early! If you're there an hour earlier, great but go for a coffee somewhere in the vicinity of your target. There are few things more annoying than an early candidate because we were busy doing other stuff when you showed up.

Google the company. You'll either find more info about them which can help you or find horrile warning signs that you should run away. Either way, the more you know, the better.

Don't forget that an interview is also an occasion for you to ask questions too!

Don't come off as desperate. We all can be in a dire situation but it never helps to show it.

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Remember to smile when appropriate. :)

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