Nothing gets the nerves going quite like a job interview. Don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of the most effective expressions you can use during an interview. Adapt them to your situation and use them as you prepare.

Don’t fire off all your prepared phrases at once, as you might sound like a robot, especially if they don’t fit the context of the conversation. Keep them in mind for the right moment so the conversation flows naturally.

Your goal is to make a good first impression. You want to present yourself as a polite, professional, and conscientious person. However, don’t spend too much time on pleasantries; remember that your interviewer is a person who will appreciate ordinary courtesy. This will help set the right, friendly tone for the interview!

Opening the Interview:

• Start the interview with a polite greeting: “How are you doing today?” or “It’s nice to meet you!”
• Thank the interviewer for meeting with you: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.”
• Mention someone you know at the company (if applicable): “I was so happy when _____ told me this position was open!”
• Express gratitude for being considered: “I really appreciate being considered for this role.”
• Show that you’ve researched the role and company: “I’ve already looked through your website and social media, and I’d love to learn more about your company from you.”
• Emphasize that you’re a great fit for the job: “I’ve reviewed the job description, and the responsibilities align well with my experience and qualifications. I’d be happy to tell you more about that.”

Closing the Interview:

The end of the interview is your time to ask questions. It’s the moment to reiterate why you want the job and why you would be the ideal candidate. And don’t forget to end the interview gracefully.

• Mention your research and ask for more details: “I’ve looked into your organization, and I really like _____ about you. Could you tell me more about…?”
• Ask about the company’s goals for the quarter/year: “Can you tell me more about the goals the company has set for itself this quarter/year?”
• Show genuine interest and reiterate why: “I would really like to work here because…”
• Express your readiness for the next steps: “I’m very excited about this position. I’m ready for the next steps, so please let me know if you need anything else from me.”
• Thank the interviewer for their time: “Thanks again for your time today! Have a great day.”

In Your Post-Interview Follow-Up Email:

After the interview, you should send a thank-you email.

• Mention you enjoyed the meeting: “I enjoyed speaking with you and learning more about the _____ role and the company.”
• Thank them again for their time: “Thank you very much for taking the time to talk today.”
• Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I would be thrilled to join your team.”
• Reiterate that you’re a good fit: “As I mentioned, having learned more about your work, I firmly believe my experience is an excellent match for your position.”
• Show openness and availability: “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions about my experience or if you would like to schedule another time to talk.”

You can read more about the thank-you letter in our article.