How Should You Greet During an Interview? (With Examples and Suggestions)
During the interview process, your first impression can be essential. Your welcome can have an impact on how your interviewer perceives you. This post will show you how to greet your interviewers with guidance and examples.
What is the purpose of the interview greeting?
The interview greeting is important to your success since it creates a favorable first impression with the interviewer. People form opinions in just a few seconds. You just have a few minutes to convince your boss that you are trustworthy and the best candidate for the job.
Your interview greeting reflects your personality. Etiquette includes what you wear, say, and bring to the interview. You can use all of these aspects as successful communication tactics.
What should you say to your interviewers?
Making a good first impression includes being aware of oneself and others, as well as following certain simple unspoken norms of professional etiquette and human connection. A few tiny behavioral adjustments can make a big effect. Your introductory lines and attitude may indicate your enthusiasm in the position as well as your drive. Remember to greet your interviewers as follows:
- Be considerate.
- Employ formal language.
- Shake hands confidently.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Take note of your nonverbal greeting.
- Thank your interviewer.
Interview greeting examples
While these guidelines should be helpful, the interview greeting is anything but consistent. Here are some scenarios and examples to assist you understand and deal with welcoming experiences:
Throughout the reception
It is vital to be nice to all corporate representatives on-site, including the parking attendant, receptionist, and, of course, your interviewer. Greet the receptionist with a formal “hello” rather than “hi” or “hey.” You should then introduce yourself. Declare your identify, the name of the person you’ve come to meet, and the time you’ve agreed to meet.
Example: “I’m Paul Maden, and I’d want to introduce myself. At 2 p.m., I have an appointment with Mrs. Winters.”
In the waiting room
While you’re waiting, pay attention to your nonverbal greeting. Nonverbal communication will be critical in generating a positive first impression when you meet in person. Make an effort to appear relaxed and open to the conversation. Here are some ideas for keeping a cheerful and focused disposition while waiting.
- Make sure you’ve turned off your phone.
- Keep your feet flat on the floor or cross your ankles.
- If you’re wearing a jacket, leave it open. It communicates that you have nothing to hide.
- If you bring documents or a binder to the interview, instead of clasping them to your chest, place them to the side.
- When seated, keep your hands in your lap or on the armrests.
- While you wait, sit calmly and avoid fidgeting or playing with your phone.
Begin by introducing yourself to your interviewer.
When your name is called, smile, stand up, and lift your purse or briefcase smoothly. Maintain a pleasant mood as you approach them with confidence. When you first meet your interviewer, introduce yourself and greet them with a firm handshake. Check that your grip on the interviewer’s hand is neither too firm nor too loose. Also, unless otherwise advised, address your interviewer with titles and last names.
Example: “Hello. It’s a joy to finally meet you. I’m interested to discuss how my skills might be a good fit for the role.”
Greeting an interview panel
If there are numerous interviewers in the room, wait to be introduced. When you hear their names, smile and shake their hands confidently. Everyone should be welcomed.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Young.”
If they don’t have nameplates, try to remember as many as you can; you’ll need to mention them later when addressing them.
Wait for a seating assignment. If the interviewer does not direct you to a specific chair, you can place yourself in front of it. Maintain a pleasant and easygoing manner throughout the meeting. Make a note of your contact information. Declare unequivocally at the end of the interview that you want the job for which you interviewed.
Interview over the phone
During the application process, you may have a phone interview before meeting in person. Employers can use it to filter candidates and reduce the number of applications they receive. It is more convenient and less expensive for out-of-town candidates. If you apply for a distant job, though, phone interviews may be your only meeting. Here are some ideas for greeting your phone interviewer.
- Professionally answer the phone: If you live with roommates or family members, warn them that you are expecting a call. Make a point of being in a tranquil location and answering the phone instead of leaving it on voice mail. Speak in a friendly and vibrant tone, and smile while you do so.
- Please introduce yourself as you answer the phone: This way, interviewers know they’ve reached out to the right person right immediately. For example, “Hello, Nicole Spark speaking!” “Hello, my name is Nicole Spark,” for example.
- Keep your formality: Give your title and last name to the interviewer. As an illustration, “Good day, Mr. Don. Yes, I had expected your call. How are things going for you?”
- Please thank your interviewer: Follow the interviewers’ lead, whether they engage in small talk or proceed directly to the interview method.
- Because the interviewer will only hear your voice, smiling and standing will give you a good tone and impression. Standing up may also help you stay alert and focused during the presentation.
