If you want to land a job, start your interview by making a positive impression. A professional greeting will set the tone for the rest of the interview and provide you with the right platform to make a lasting impression. Take steps to start your phone or face-to-face interview with a confident step, rather than an awkward stumble.
Step 1
Open by introducing yourself and stating that you are here for an interview. This is especially important in a phone interview, where the interviewer may be distracted or may not remember you by name. Try opening along these lines: "Hello, I'm Sara Martin. It's my pleasure to interview with you for marketing section manager today."
Step 2
Smile and express your gratitude for the interviewer's time. A smile can be apparent in the tone of your voice, even in a phone interview. Not everyone thanks the interviewer for taking time out of her day for you, so you may gain positive marks for doing so.
Step 3
Greet the interviewer with a firm, confident handshake while making eye contact. A firm handshake will convey your professionalism and help you get into the correct frame of mind for the interview. A handshake should last two to three seconds.
Step 4
Answer the phone using your name when expecting a phone interview. Simply saying, "Hello," and waiting for a response can leave both interviewer and interviewee in an awkward position. When your phone rings, answer with, "Hello, Joanna Jones speaking. How may I help you today?" in a warm tone to impress the interviewer from the get-go.
Step 5
Take the lead in the conversation to demonstrate your proactive attitude, but be patient and don't interrupt when the interviewer is speaking.
References
Writer Bio
Chris Daniels covers advances in nutrition and fitness online. Daniels has numerous certifications and degrees covering human health, nutritional requirements and sports performance. An avid cyclist, weightlifter and swimmer, Daniels has experienced the journey of fitness in the role of both an athlete and coach.