Greetings, small talk, and formality
US interviews often open with a few minutes of genuinely casual small talk, weekend plans, sports, before moving to questions, and first names are used almost immediately. UK interviews tend to include shorter, more reserved small talk and slightly more formal address until invited otherwise. Indian interviews, especially with senior panel members, often keep a more formal tone throughout, with sir or ma'am still common even after first names are offered.
Punctuality and directness
All three markets expect punctuality, but the tolerance for a late start from the interviewer's side differs, an Indian panel interview running behind schedule is common and not read as disrespect, while a US interviewer running late usually apologizes explicitly. On directness, US interviewers expect candidates to state opinions and disagree respectfully when relevant, UK interviewers tend to appreciate understatement, and Indian panels generally respond better to measured agreement with room to add nuance than outright pushback.
Mistakes candidates make across these cultures
Being too casual too fast in an Indian or UK panel interview can read as underprepared even if the answers are strong. Being overly formal and stiff in a US interview can read as a lack of natural confidence or team fit. Watch how the interviewer opens the call and mirror that register rather than defaulting to one style everywhere.