
When you write or say "looking forward to meeting from you" before a job interview, sales call, or college meeting, you’re doing more than picking a polite closing — you’re signaling tone, intent, and professionalism. Used well, it sets positive expectations and opens the door to rapport-building. Used poorly, it can feel premature, repetitive, or inauthentic.
This article explains what "looking forward to meeting from you" communicates, when to use it, how to craft effective pre-meeting messages, and how to convert that small phrase into real interview advantage. You’ll get examples, cultural cautions, and step-by-step tips to make your pre-interview communication count.
What does looking forward to meeting from you signify in professional communication
At its core, the phrase "looking forward to meeting from you" — and the more common variant "looking forward to meeting you" — communicates anticipation, respect, and intent to engage. It signals:
Positive expectation: You show you value the upcoming time together.
Professional courtesy: You affirm the appointment, which reduces ambiguity.
Openness to connection: The phrase implies you come ready to listen and learn.
Use this phrase after logistics have been confirmed (date, time, platform, location). Saying "looking forward to meeting from you" before details are clear can sound presumptuous. When a meeting is confirmed, a concise response such as "Thank you — looking forward to meeting you" balances warmth and professionalism. For tips on simple interview etiquette like punctuality and courtesy, see resources on interview etiquette from Indeed and campus career centers like Northeastern Graduate Hub.
How should you balance warmth and professionalism when saying looking forward to meeting from you
Tone matters. You want to express enthusiasm without slipping into overly casual or effusive language. Consider context:
Formal hiring manager or admissions officer: "I appreciate the opportunity and am looking forward to meeting you."
Hiring team peer or recruiter you’ve already connected with: "Thanks — looking forward to meeting you and learning more about the role."
Sales prospect or networking contact: "Looking forward to meeting you and discussing how we can help."
Avoid slang, emojis, and overly familiar constructions. Keep sentences concise and error-free; small mistakes undercut the sincerity of "looking forward to meeting from you" and your overall credibility. Career-launch resources stress the importance of polished communication as part of interview etiquette Career Launchpad.
When is it appropriate to write looking forward to meeting from you in an email or message
Appropriate moments to use the phrase include:
After an invitation has been accepted or a meeting time confirmed.
When replying to an interview schedule or calendar invite.
In a brief confirmation message to a recruiter or admissions liaison.
As a polite close to a scheduling conversation once details are settled.
Formal confirmation: "Thank you for confirming the interview on Tuesday at 10 a.m. I am looking forward to meeting you."
Short reply to recruiter: "Confirmed — looking forward to meeting you on Zoom Thursday."
After a networking introduction: "Thanks for the intro. I’m looking forward to meeting you and learning more."
Examples:
If logistics are not yet set, replace anticipation with a scheduling phrase: "Please let me know a convenient time to meet; I’d love to schedule a conversation." This prevents sounding premature or assuming.
How can you craft concise messages that use looking forward to meeting from you effectively
A short, clean structure works best:
Greeting/thanks: "Hello [Name], thank you for the invite."
Confirmation detail: "I confirm the interview on [date] at [time]."
Polite close with intent: "I’m looking forward to meeting you."
Signature: Name, phone, relevant link (LinkedIn, portfolio).
Example email:
Hello Ms. Patel,
Thank you for scheduling the interview on Tuesday, June 10 at 2:00 PM. I confirm and am looking forward to meeting you.
Best regards,
Alex Johnson
(555) 555-5555 | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson
Keep it short — hiring teams appreciate succinct confirmations.
Mirror the sender’s level of formality. If they used first names, you can too.
Avoid stuffing the message with multiple exclamation marks or overly lavish compliments; it can read as insincere.
Tips:
For general interview message standards and follow-up etiquette, consult GCFGlobal’s interviewing skills guide and hiring etiquette tips from staffing blogs like AllStar Staffing.
What are common mistakes when using looking forward to meeting from you and how do you avoid them
Premature use: Saying it before logistics are clear can seem presumptuous.
Overuse: Repeating the phrase in multiple messages diminishes authenticity.
Generic or rote tone: If every message ends the same way, it loses warmth.
Cultural mismatch: Direct expressions of anticipation are normal in some cultures but too forward in others.
Common pitfalls:
Confirm logistics first. Only use "looking forward to meeting from you" after date/time/platform are set.
Personalize when possible: reference one topic you’ll discuss (e.g., "looking forward to meeting you and discussing the product roadmap").
Use alternatives for variety: "I look forward to our conversation," "I’m eager to learn more about the role," or "See you on [date]" can fit different tones.
When communicating with international contacts, use a slightly more reserved phrasing and follow up with clarifying details to avoid misinterpretation.
How to avoid:
Resources on etiquette and cultural awareness are useful; for example, generalized interview etiquette guidance underscores tailoring tone and clarity to the context University career center guides.
How does looking forward to meeting from you help build rapport and support interview success
Pre-interview communication sets a micro-first impression. Saying "looking forward to meeting from you" in a concise confirmation:
Signals reliability: You’ve acknowledged the meeting and confirmed logistics.
Shows engagement: Anticipation suggests you value the meeting.
Opens a soft bridge: It prepares the interviewer to expect a candidate who is courteous and communicative.
These signals matter because interviewers unconsciously pick up on small behavioral cues. Following that confirmation with punctuality, a professional appearance, and attentive listening during the meeting reinforces the positive impression you initiated. Career advice materials emphasize the combined value of verbal professionalism and behavioral reliability in interview performance Indeed interview etiquette.
After the meeting, a targeted thank-you note that references specific parts of the conversation amplifies the sincerity suggested by your initial "looking forward to meeting from you" — and it helps you stand out in a competitive pool Northeastern Graduate Hub.
What specific wording examples show productive uses of looking forward to meeting from you
"Thank you for the invitation. I confirm our meeting on May 5 at 11:00 AM and am looking forward to meeting you."
Formal:
"Confirmed — looking forward to meeting you on Zoom and discussing the role."
Neutral professional:
"Sounds great, I’ll be there. Looking forward to meeting you and the team!"
Informal/recruiter:
"Appreciate the time — looking forward to meeting you and exploring potential collaboration."
Networking/sales:
"I look forward to our conversation."
"Eager to learn more about the opportunity."
"See you on [date] — thank you for arranging this."
Alternative phrasings to avoid monotony:
Be sure to include small personal touches when appropriate — mention the agreed-upon platform, time zone, or a specific agenda item to make the interaction feel deliberate and not templated.
How do cultural differences affect the use of looking forward to meeting from you and what should you consider
Cultural norms influence how direct expressions of anticipation are received.
Some cultures prefer formal, reserved language; keep phrasing more measured ("I look forward to our meeting").
Others welcome warmth and small talk; a slightly friendlier "Looking forward to meeting you and hearing about your work" can be fine.
When communicating internationally, always confirm time zones, include full meeting links, and use clear phrasing to avoid assumptions.
Considerations:
If unsure, model the tone used by the interviewer or sender. That mirroring technique simplifies etiquette choices and reduces the chance of cultural mismatch. For deeper guidance on cross-cultural communication and basic interview etiquette, consult campus and career center resources such as Career Launchpad and practical tips from employment resources like MSB Resources.
What practical interview-prep steps should accompany your use of looking forward to meeting from you
Saying "looking forward to meeting from you" is a small but effective step — pair it with these actions:
Confirm logistics (time, date, format, and contact person) immediately upon scheduling.
Prepare a short note or calendar entry with the meeting link, agenda items, and questions.
Practice answers and key stories tailored to the role or meeting objective.
Plan your outfit, technology check, and a quiet, well-lit environment for virtual meetings.
Arrive 5–10 minutes early for in-person or virtual sessions and be ready to start on time.
Send a concise thank-you message within 24 hours that references a specific point from the conversation.
These practices create consistency between your pre-meeting tone and your in-meeting behavior, reinforcing trust and professionalism. Many career guides highlight punctuality, appearance, and follow-up as essential components that complement polite pre-meeting messages VWA interview etiquette and AllStar Staffing.
How can Verve AI Copilot help you with looking forward to meeting from you
Verve AI Interview Copilot can draft, personalize, and optimize your pre-interview messages, including tailored confirmations that use "looking forward to meeting from you" appropriately. Verve AI Interview Copilot helps you practice answering questions, craft follow-up emails, and maintain a professional tone across contexts. Visit https://vervecopilot.com to create polished confirmations, rehearse responses, and get real-time feedback from Verve AI Interview Copilot before your meeting.
What Are the Most Common Questions About looking forward to meeting from you
Q: When is it okay to say looking forward to meeting from you
A: After date/time/platform are confirmed; not before logistics are clear
Q: Should I vary looking forward to meeting from you in follow-ups
A: Yes — personalize with a reference to the agenda or prior exchange
Q: Is looking forward to meeting from you too casual for formal interviews
A: No if you precede it with a concise confirmation and formal tone
Q: How soon should I follow up after saying looking forward to meeting from you
A: Send a thank-you within 24 hours and reference specifics from the interview
Q: Can cultural differences make looking forward to meeting from you awkward
A: Yes — mirror the sender’s tone and choose more reserved phrasing if unsure
Q: What if I didn’t confirm logistics before using looking forward to meeting from you
A: Send a quick clarification message confirming date/time/platform
Final note: "looking forward to meeting from you" (or the clearer "looking forward to meeting you") is a small phrase with big influence when used correctly. Keep it timely, personalized, and matched to the tone of your interaction. Pair it with professionalism in punctuality, preparation, and follow-through, and you turn a polite line into a meaningful first step toward interview success.
