First off remember job interviewing is really stressful, so everybody gets nervous, not just people with social anxiety.

I try to show up 10 minutes early for every interview and just practice deep breathing - I find that helps a lot.

One of the things I was told when I was job hunting last year was to have a bunch of STAR stories ready.

That stands for
Situation
Task
Action
Result

What was the situation the organization or you were in?
What task had to be performed?
What action did you take. Remember this is really important, talk about what your role was, not the team. Say I did, not we did.
What was the result - the more concrete the better. Did it save money? raise money? Save time? Improve teamwork?

Write out about 5 or 6 of these and memorize them until your comfortable talking about them. That way you'll have a supply of stories for those "Tell me about a time when" questions.

I used an interview coach who did mock interviews with me on videotape and gave me feedback. It was really worthwhile and helped me loads, after I did that I started getting called back for second interviews. I've e-mailed the outplacement consultant I worked with to see if she knows anyone who does this kind of thing in Ottawa. If she does I'll pm you.

Check out Monster.ca - they have lots of great interview tips on-line there.

The other reference that I've used in the past and really liked for ideas about how to go about answering questions is "What colour is your Parachute." Most bookstores will have it, or you can probably get it at your local library.

Definitely wear a suit and make sure you look nice. Maybe get a haircut a few days before - that always makes me feel more confident.

One other tip. If your hands get the least bit sweaty when you're nervous, mine do - arrive a few minutes early, and ask the receptionist to use the rest room. Run your hands under cold water for a few minutes.

Good luck.

---splitimage