Jenna Fischer, who won the role of Pam Beesley, prepared for her audition by looking as boring as possible. The look that Fischer wore to her audition became her character's signature look.
Michael asks Ryan if he has ever seen Punk'd (2003). B.J. Novak (Ryan) began his career as a cast member in that show.
Angela Kinsey originally auditioned for the role of Pam Beesley. The producers felt that Kinsey was "too feisty" for the character and called her back for the role of Angela Martin, which she won.
The pilot episode is nearly an identical remake of the first episode of the British version, upon which the show was based.
John Krasinski accidentally insulted Greg Daniels while waiting to audition for the series by telling him, "I hope they [the show's developers] don't screw this up," as had been done to many British series adapted to American television. It was at this point that Daniels introduced himself to Krasinski as one of the show's developers.