I have spent a lot of time interviewing job candidates. I don't follow the standard HR protocol because I'm not an HR person, I'm the guy who needs folks to produce.

The best candidates are those folks who have the requisite skills and experience and who also voice their interest in contributing to the success of the company. If you a good technical fit then please tell the interviewer that you're looking for work (not a job), that you want to contribute (and sound like you nean it), you're anxious to learn how to help the company grow, that you understand that the company's success is yours (not the other way round), that you're confident in your abilities and you enjoy a challenge.

If you can also point to examples of tasks done/work experiences that show these qualities, the specifics will re-inforce your position.

Try to relax. Remember that the interviewer has a problem. He/she needs somebody to fill a position. He wants to do that with the least amount of work possible. If you can make her believe that you are her solution, the deal's done.

One last thing, please do not ever say "How will taking this job help me get my next job?" I hear that all the time from IT folks. My answer is always, "You can starting looking now". End of interview.