If you did some reading on effective interviews, you already have a clear idea of what you can't reveal in an interview. But what you're supposed to mean may not be so clear. It can be hard to know how to make a convincing argument for an employer to hire you.

It's also easy to get swept up in practicing interview questions and responses, and totally neglect to look at the simple concepts you need to convey in order to make a strong first impression on your interviewer. Remember, an interview isn't an exam, or at least it's not just a test. It's also dialogue and a chance to figure out if you're going to be a good match for a job.

Relevant things to say in a work interview

We did the job for you and assembled a list of the most common terms to use in an interview. However, when you make these statements in the interview, you need to use common sense.

Don't feel like you've got to touch every single one: frankly, it may sound a little dumb. You don't want to sound like a robot outlining pre-planned comments that don't blend into a wider discussion. Instead, keep these in your back pocket so you can take them out if it makes sense.

Important words to be used during a work interview

Here are some of the things you need to mention in an interview, and when each statement can be most helpful. Familiarize yourself with these discussion points, and you're going to be able to tie them effortlessly into a conversation.

At the beginning of the interview,

Your goal at the beginning of the interview is to make a positive first impression on the interviewer. You want to be respectful, competent, and conscientious. Although you're not expected to expend so much time on fun, note that your interviewer is a human being who can respect basic courtesy. This is also going to launch your interview on the right foot!

Start the interview with a friendly greeting, "How are you today? "Or, "I'm very happy to meet you! 

Thank you to the interviewer for meeting you: "Thank you for taking the time to meet me today."

Express your appreciation for being chosen, "I really appreciate being considered for this role."

Convey that you've been studying the job and the business: "I've already done a lot of research and I'm excited to learn more about your company from you."

Note that you're a perfect candidate for the role: "I've read the job description and it suits my background and skills well. I'm looking forward to talking to you more about these."

When the interview is moving on

When the interview continues, the primary focus should be to give the interviewer a thoughtful response to his concerns. However, if possible, you can also try to weave any of the following statements:

Don't just say that you're a fit for this job: say why. Check the work posting and follow the resume criteria in advance to decide which credentials are most valuable. Then use descriptions of real-life experiences, success stories, and successes from the experience. Be sure to adapt the anecdotes to the particular conditions and duties of the work: "I'm a match for this job because..."

Explain how you can add value (and boost the bottom line of the business): "In previous roles, here's what I did... and this is how I will add value to your company."

Convey that you are a team player: "I consider working with others to be one of my strengths."

Suggest that you intend to remain with the organization: "This role is consistent with my long-term goals, and I would really like to continue my career at this company."

Emphasize that you are willing to learn and improve yourself personally and professionally: "I'm always looking to build up my skills, and I've recently ______(take a course, read a book, study a subject, etc.) that I think has really sharpened my edge in this field."

 After the interview,

When the interview is done, you can follow up with a thank-you note delivered via email or letter. The following note should:

State that you enjoyed meeting: "I really enjoyed learning more about that role."

Thank you to the interviewer for your time: "Thank you so much for taking the time to speak today."

Convey your passion for the opportunity: "I would be thrilled to work with this organization."

"As I mentioned, after learning more about your operations, I strongly believe that my qualifications make me an excellent fit for this role."

Keep the lines of communication open: "Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions about my experience, or if you would like to schedule another time for a chat."