Keep in mind that interviews are not only the interviewer's way of getting to know you, but also your opportunity to evaluate the company and the people with whom you might work.

You are likely to be asked "Do you have questions?" The answer is always YES!

Here's another instance where your research comes in handy. For example, "I know from my research that ABC Company is planning to expand into the international market. How might that affect the department's activities?"

If you are replacing an existing employee, you might consider asking what your predecessor's biggest challenges were.

You could also ask about opportunities for advancement, availability of corporate training programs, plans for expansion, and so on.

Ask questions that matter to you. You need to make sure that the position is a good fit for you. In a big company, different departments have different cultures. Find out about the particular department in which you would be working.

Is teamwork important to you? Try "Could you tell me about the last big project that the team worked on together?"

If you are interviewing in the person's office, notice the environment. See a picture of something you can relate to like golfers, sailboats, or sunny beaches? Make a mild comment about it and observe their response. Does their reaction look positive? If so, start a brief conversation about your mutual interest in the subject matter. The more you learn about the interviewer's personal interests, the better your interview is going.

Other possible interview questions to ask:

• What problem is this job going to solve? What steps need to be taken by the new hire to tackle that problem?
• What was your first job with this company?
• What do you like most about working here?
• What are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this position?
• How will you know that the person you select was the right choice?
• What tools are available to achieve the goals?
• How will the work that is done contribute to the company's profits? (How will it lower costs or increase revenues?)

Tips:

• Be passionate! Show enthusiasm for the position, the industry, and the company. Love filing, coding, marketing, or planning company functions? Talk about it! Don't apply for positions that don't interest you. Throughout the interview, find connections between your personal interests, your love for the industry, and the opportunity at hand.
• Do not ask about the benefits program in your first interview.