How to hack an interview

We would like to see job interviews as a perfect objective assessment of skills, but in reality things are somewhat different. Like on a date, there you also have to make a good impression of yourself. Sometimes an experienced professional can be embarrassed, while a newcomer will prove himself right away.

How to show your best side? Which sections in interviews are truly necessary and useful, and which are not? How do you tell the difference between a middling and a junky? Is it worth doing an interview if you already know the candidate in the job and your opinion of him or her is already formed? Let's get to the bottom of all this and more.