Don't let the interview freek you out!
Follow these tips... you will survive!

Do your homework before interviews...
...by researching the interviewing organization.

There are a variety of ways to research:

Books, periodicals, magazines, etc.
Literature from company's public relations department.
Annual reports.
On line information.

You should become familiar with the organization's products, services, competitors, reputation and recent major changes.

Arrive about 10-15 minutes ahead of time so that you can make sure that your appearance is intact.

Always leave the interview with the knowledge of the next step and a sense of how your candidacy will be evaluated.
Always ask:
"How would you like to proceed?
Have I provided you with the information you need?
What will happen next?
When should I follow up?"

To be prepared for any interview, first be able to identify these things in yourself:

Skills
Accomplishments
Management style
Personal and professional strengths

Career counselors and outplacement specialists alike, remind transitioning executives and professionals of the necessity to look and act the part of a self-confident and successful person.


Prepare:

Keep yourself calm
Research the company
Know what kind of interview to accept
Know why you want the job
Identify your wants and needs... know the difference
Express, specifically, the skills you have to offer the organization
Prepare for the standard interview questions and know your answers to them
Be prepared to answer the killer question
Know how to deal with illegal questions tactfully
Prepare questions you would like to ask, ask only questions you would not be able to answer yourself
Prepare your references in advance... verify that they will be good ones

Presentation:

You will not have a second chance to make a good first impression
Dress conservatively
Arrive early
Bring extra resumes, notepad, and pen
Be polite to everyone you meet... they all count
Be personable as well as professional
Assume all questions are asked for a good reason... answer accordingly
Ask for clarification before answering a question
Do not express disrespect for former employers, or employees

Persevere:

Make notes about the interview after you leave
Send a thank you letter ASAP to each interviewer.

How have the goals for the organization changed over the past years

Note: It is generally most unwise to ask about salary or benefits during or after the interview. The reason is that it tends to make you seem more interested in what the position can do for you. Having no questions at all makes you appear passive rather than curious and interested.