Customer service positions are all about working with people: listening, empathizing, solving, and communicating. There are various interview questions that employers can use to test candidates on whether they will succeed in a customer service position. Here are ten of the most common interview questions asked when interviewing for a customer service position:
- What was the most challenging customer service situation you have faced and how did you handle it? When answering this question, you can choose to talk about dealing with a difficult customer or a difficult situation in your past experience. Make sure that you choose an example that highlights how you handled the situation with ease, patience, and communication. Be sure that you don’t fail to show a successful outcome.
- What do you think is the most important attribute for a customer service rep to have and why? Here, you should be choosing attributes that have to do with strong communication, listening skills, and empathy. Study the job description of the role and the qualities that they are looking for so you can align your answers with the company. Make sure you are prepared to back up your answer with the reason why you chose the attribute that you chose.
- Why do you want to work in customer service? You should be prepared to share why you’re passionate about working with people. Employers want to know that you enjoy customer service, because having a passion for it will assure them that you will succeed in the role.
- What does “good customer service” mean to you? To answer this, think about a time you have given or received exceptional customer service and highlight everything you remember about it. This should mean going above and beyond for a customer; empathizing with their needs, focusing solely on their solutions, and following up with them periodically.
- Tell me about a time you have provided excellent customer service/went above and beyond for a customer. You should always be prepared with your best example of giving exceptional customer service. Talk about how you communicated with the customer, what actions you took to solve their needs, and their reaction and experience with you after the fact.
- How do you deal with stress at work? Given that customer service can sometimes be a high-stress environment, employers want to make sure that you can handle it. Provide examples of how you calm yourself down when you’re feeling pressured, techniques like organizing yourself, writing down priorities, and even meditation breaks. Here are our best techniques for reducing work stress.
- What do you know about the product or service? Make sure that you have studied the company and their product or service before the interview. It’s important to know what you would be selling as best as you can, so that the employer can see that you really care about the position and have studied the company.
- What motivates you? While this is a vague question, it gives the hiring manager an answer as to why you chose customer service and what would keep you in that career long-term. Whether it be working with people, or the self-fulfillment from helping others, make sure you give a reason that shows that you want to stay in that field.
- What is your biggest weakness? When preparing to talk about your weakness, make sure it isn’t relevant to your position, and is especially not a skill that is required. Once you’ve chosen it, describe your weakness, acknowledge it, and show dedication that you’re improving. Check out our blog on how to answer what your greatest weakness is (with examples.)
- Where do you see yourself in five/ten years? Employers want to be assured that you will plan to stay with them and grow, so use this answer to show them that you see yourself moving up within their company. Given that the position has growth opportunities, you can answer this by re-assuring that you see yourself continuing to better yourself in the customer service field.
For more tips on all things job search, professional development, staffing, and hiring check out our Employee Tips and Employer Tips or contact us at mglenny@franklinprofessionals.com.
