What to Say in Small Talk Before a Job Interview Starts
Before the interview, keep small talk short, warm and positive: greet the receptionist by name if you can, answer "Did you find us okay?" with a sentence and a thank-you, and ask one easy question on the walk, such as how long they've been with the company. Avoid complaints about traffic or nerves, and let the interviewer decide when the formal questions start.
Why the first two minutes matter
Before the first real question, the interviewer already has a sense of you: how you greet people, whether you seem calm, whether you're easy to talk to. Small talk isn't scored, but it sets the tone for everything that follows. The good news is that it's short and predictable. You can prepare almost all of it.
The four moments, and what to say in each
| Moment | Typical length | Your goal |
|---|---|---|
| Reception | 30 seconds | Polite, clear, friendly |
| Waiting | 2–10 minutes | Calm; small chat only if invited |
| The walk to the room | 30–90 seconds | One easy exchange |
| First minute in the room | 30–60 seconds | Warm, brief, ready to start |
1. At reception
Give your name, who you're seeing and the time, in one sentence:
"Hi, I'm Daniel Okafor. I have a 10 o'clock interview with Sarah Lin."
Thank them, and use their name if they give it. Receptionists sometimes share impressions with the hiring team, and either way, being kind to everyone is the point.
2. While you wait
Sit, put your phone away or keep it on silent, and review your notes quietly. If the receptionist chats, answer warmly and briefly:
"It's a lovely building. Have you been here long?"
Don't start a long conversation if they're busy.
3. On the walk to the room
This is where most interview small talk happens. The interviewer will often ask one of three questions. Have a one-sentence answer for each, then one question back.
| They ask | You say |
|---|---|
| "Did you find us okay?" | "Yes, thanks, the directions were really clear. Is this whole floor your team?" |
| "How's your day going?" | "Good, thanks. I've been looking forward to this. How about yours?" |
| "Have you come far?" | "About forty minutes on the train, it was easy. Do most people here commute in?" |
Other easy questions to ask:
"How long have you been with the company?"
"Is the team mostly in the office, or hybrid?"
"This space is great. Did you move in recently?"
4. The first minute in the room
Take the seat they offer, put your things down neatly, and wait for them to begin. A short line is enough:
"Thanks for making the time today."
If they continue chatting, follow along. When they say something like "So, let's get started," your small talk is done. The next thing will very often be Tell me about yourself, so have that ready.
What not to say
| Avoid | Why | Instead |
|---|---|---|
| "The traffic was a nightmare" | Your first words are a complaint | "Yes, found it fine, thanks" |
| "I'm so nervous" | Draws attention to nerves and puts them in the role of reassuring you | A calm "I've been looking forward to this" |
| Asking about salary or holidays on the walk | Too early and too transactional | Save it for later stages |
| Long stories about your journey | Eats into the interview | One sentence, then a question back |
| Jokes about the company or the interview | They can land badly with someone you've just met | Warm and plain |
| Silence for the whole walk | It can read as cold or anxious | One question is enough |
Video and phone interviews
Online, small talk happens in the first 30 seconds of the call. Join a minute or two early, check your sound, and have a line ready:
"Hi, can you hear me okay? Thanks for having me."
If there's a small delay or a technical hiccup, stay relaxed and say so plainly: "Sorry, you froze for a second there, could you repeat the last part?" For more, see video interview tips.
If nerves make small talk hard
Nerves usually show in pace: you rush, or your answers come out clipped. Two things help:
- Prepare your three walk answers above, word for word if needed, and say them out loud the night before.
- Breathe out slowly before you stand up to greet them. It slows your first sentence.
Our guide on calming nerves before an interview has a plan for the night before and the morning. To rehearse the opening out loud, the Speaking Coach app has an interviewer partner who follows up on what you say, and feedback afterwards includes your pace and how quickly you started answering.
Questions people ask
Should I make small talk before a job interview?
Yes, briefly. Answer friendly questions with a full sentence and ask one back. It shows you're easy to work with, but don't let it run long.
What do you say when the interviewer asks "How are you?"
"Good, thanks, I've been looking forward to this. How's your day going?" Positive, short, and it hands the conversation back.
Is it okay to talk about the weather?
Yes, if it comes up. Keep it positive or neutral: "Lovely to see the sun today." Don't complain about it.
What if the interviewer doesn't make small talk?
Some interviewers go straight to questions. Follow their lead. Smile, say thanks for having you, and start answering.
Does the receptionist's opinion matter?
It can. Some companies ask front-desk staff how candidates behaved. Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet in the building.