What is the first thing to say in an interview?

The First Thing to Say in an Interview

Start with a Polite Greeting

  • Example: Begin with a warm and professional greeting like, “Good morning, thank you for having me here today.”
  • Why It’s Important: A polite greeting sets a positive tone and creates a good first impression.

Introduce Yourself Briefly

  • Example: “My name is [Your Name], and I’m excited about the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.”
  • Why It’s Important: A concise introduction establishes your identity and enthusiasm for the role.

Express Gratitude

  • Example: “I appreciate the chance to meet with you and learn more about this position.”
  • Why It’s Important: Showing gratitude demonstrates professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s time.

Establish a Friendly Rapport

  • Example: “How are you doing today?” or “I hope your day has been going well.”
  • Why It’s Important: A brief, friendly question can help break the ice and ease the conversation into a natural flow.

Mention Your Excitement for the Role

  • Example: “I’m really looking forward to discussing how my skills and experiences align with this opportunity.”
  • Why It’s Important: This statement showcases your interest in the position and readiness for the interview.

Conclusion

The first thing to say in an interview should be a combination of a polite greeting, a brief introduction, and an expression of gratitude. Setting a positive and enthusiastic tone creates a strong initial impression and helps establish a comfortable environment for the discussion.

TAGS
Behavioral Interview
CONTRIBUTOR
Design Gurus Team
-

GET YOUR FREE

Coding Questions Catalog

Design Gurus Newsletter - Latest from our Blog
Boost your coding skills with our essential coding questions catalog.
Take a step towards a better tech career now!
Explore Answers
How do I handle stress answers?
What are the most difficult behavioral interview questions?
How to answer what motivates you?
What are the most common behavioral interview questions at Google?
How hard is an IBM interview?
How should I dress for a behavioral interview?
Related Courses
Course image
Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions
Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns in Java, Python, JS, C++, C#, and Go. The most comprehensive course with 476 Lessons.
4.6
Discounted price for Your Region

$197

Course image
Grokking Modern AI Fundamentals
Master the fundamentals of AI today to lead the tech revolution of tomorrow.
3.9
Discounted price for Your Region

$72

Course image
Grokking Data Structures & Algorithms for Coding Interviews
Unlock Coding Interview Success: Dive Deep into Data Structures and Algorithms.
4
Discounted price for Your Region

$78

Image
One-Stop Portal For Tech Interviews.
Copyright © 2026 Design Gurus, LLC. All rights reserved.