By Kevin Donlin

No doubt about it -- job interviews can be intimidating. Especially when it comes time to ask your own questions of the interviewer.

Do it right and you'll set yourself apart from every other candidate for the same job. Do it wrong, and you'll end up looking awkward.

Your questions give you a chance to show off the research you've done about the company beforehand. And because so many employers are so uncomfortable (or just plain inept) at conducting job interviews, a good set of questions from you can take the burden off an interviewer who doesn't know what to say next.

During an interview, you can ask such questions as these:

"Are there any parts of my resume you'd like me to elaborate on?"

"May I tell you a bit more about (insert a strong part of your experience here)?"

"Could you explain how this job fits into the overall structure of your company?"

"What's the single most difficult problem facing your staff right now?"

"What results would you like to see the person in this job produce?"

"Have you considered (insert a suggestion you've come up with during your research of the company/industry)?"
Following the interview, the single most important thing you can do is send a thank-you letter to everyone you met. Get their names, titles and mailing addresses from the receptionist as you leave.

Sending a thank-you letter will put you ahead of 90% of other applicants, who don't take the time to follow up. Best: bring blank cards and envelopes to the interview and write your letters in the lobby, while the interview is still fresh in your mind. Then drop them in the nearest mailbox -- they'll likely arrive first thing next morning and make a tremendous impression.

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes. He is also author of "Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed," a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30 days. For more information.