A customer approaches your window. What is the BEST way to begin the interaction?

First-impression interactions set the tone for the entire transaction. The exam is screening hard for candidates who: (1) GREET WARMLY — a basic 'Good morning' or 'How can I help you?' establishes the customer as the priority; (2) EYE CONTACT — signals attention and respect; (3) FULL ATTENTION — finish other tasks at appropriate stopping points before next customer (or acknowledge them if you can't); (4) READY POSTURE — at the window, facing them, ready to listen. USPS retail is one of the most public-facing operations in federal government — millions of customer interactions daily. Customer experience drives perception of the Postal Service overall. The exam wants candidates who treat each customer as a real person with a real need, not as an interruption. Continuing without acknowledging fails. 'Tell them to wait' fails (unless you're already serving another customer, in which case eye contact and 'I'll be right with you' is appropriate). Looking serious without warmth fails — customers want competent AND friendly. The right pattern: warmth + attention + readiness to help.