All interviews eventually turn to the section where the person being interviewed is given the chance to ask the interviewer questions. This is one of the most overlooked areas in interview preparation and can be very costly. I have had interviews where, had I not prepared several solid questions, the interview would have been over in 10 minutes. I go into this more in my book, the Big 4 Guru's Book of Secrets http://big4guru.com/big_4_hiring_guide, but for now I'll talk about one great question that you can ask in any interview. Here it is:

"How long have you been with and what do you like most about working here?"

This question seems simple, but there is alot going on under the surface. First of all, people love to talk about themselves. One of the basic lessons in how to build rapport with someone is to get them talking about themselves. People feel good when they talk about their own lives and interests and will leave the conversation feeling that it went well. By asking the interviewer to share some personal information, you are planting the seeds of rapport. Second, you will learn more about the environment and culture that you will be working in. The person interviewing you was once in your shoes. He/she made the decision to join the firm and will like to explain why it is that they are still there. This reaffirms in their own mind that you respect their position of leadership and value their wisdom.

One of the keys to interviewing, especially in such a cutthroat job market, is to stand out from the crowd. At the end of the day, when countless people just like you have sat in front of the interviewer, you want to be remembered. Asking questions such as this one and those in my book will make you easy to remember. Your interviewer will think, "well, many of these people looked the same on paper, but there was that one guy/girl who I really hit it off with. I gave him/her advice and I have a vested interest in them succeeding." Often, interviewers are just waiting to find that one person that clicks with them. Build rapport, make yourself memorable and you will be one step closer to the job of your dreams.