Studying for a job interview - anyone else hate doing this?

[Myrina]

I have an interview next week for a 1 year contracting gig - doing exactly what I'm doing now but for a different company.
The recruiter sent me an ENORMOUS email of tips, questions, links about the company etc and suggested I 'study up beforehand'.

I find that these exercises actually make me more nervous because I'm trying to cram all this shit into my brain, and I probably come across like I'm at an Inquisition rather than just having a conversation with whoever is interviewing me. And, 8 times out of 10, most of the points/questions that I studied don't even come up.

Anyone else? How do you approach interview prep?

And what's a good way to 'seal the deal'? I'm not a good closer and I fear that's cost me a couple positions already this year.

Thanks!!

[MissMillie]

1. I think sometimes it's best

to study not w/ the idea that you're going to learn everything, but to see what it is you need to ask more about.

I think a lot of interviewers like it when someone is interested and inquisitive about the organization.

[Scuba]

2. After 14 years on one job I found a good way to prepare ...

I was out of practice, and wanted to interview very well for a job I wanted very much. So I went to a "job fair" and had six interviews in one day, all for jobs I didn't care about. I didn't leave any resumes behind.

When I interviewed for the job I wanted, I was well prepped. Practice makes perfect.

[Wounded Bear]

3. Just remember to study...

for the drug test. Fail that and you're definitely out.

[Callmecrazy]

4. Beat me to it...

And take lots of practice tests.