Describe a situation where you had to handle a dissatisfied customer


 Theme: Customer Satisfaction  Role: Sales Engineer  Function: Sales

  Interview Question for Sales Engineer:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Sales Engineer: Provides technical expertise and support during the sales process. This role falls within the Sales function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here

 Sample Answer 


  Example response for question delving into Customer Satisfaction with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

  •  Identifying the issue: I encountered a dissatisfied customer who was unhappy with the performance of our product
  •  Active listening & empathy: I listened attentively to the customer's concerns and empathized with their frustration
  •  Investigating the problem: I asked probing questions to gather more information about the specific issues they were facing
  •  Offering a solution: Based on the information gathered, I proposed a solution that addressed the customer's concerns
  •  Collaborating with the team: I worked closely with our technical team to implement the necessary changes and improvements
  •  Keeping the customer informed: Throughout the process, I maintained regular communication with the customer, providing updates on the progress made
  •  Ensuring customer satisfaction: Once the solution was implemented, I followed up with the customer to ensure their satisfaction and address any remaining concerns
  •  Learning & improvement: I took the opportunity to analyze the root cause of the issue and suggested improvements to prevent similar problems in the future

 Underlying Motivations 


  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

  •  Customer service skills: Ability to handle difficult customers and resolve their issues
  •  Problem-solving skills: Capability to identify and address customer concerns effectively
  •  Communication skills: Capacity to listen actively, empathize, and communicate solutions clearly

 Potential Minefields 


  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

  •  Blaming the customer: Avoid blaming or criticizing the dissatisfied customer for their concerns or complaints. Instead, focus on understanding their perspective and finding a solution
  •  Lack of empathy: Avoid showing a lack of empathy towards the dissatisfied customer. It is important to demonstrate that you understand their frustration and are committed to resolving their issues
  •  Inability to handle conflict: Avoid showing an inability to handle conflict or difficult situations. Instead, highlight your ability to remain calm, listen actively, and find mutually beneficial solutions
  •  Lack of problem-solving skills: Avoid demonstrating a lack of problem-solving skills. Instead, emphasize your ability to analyze the situation, identify the root cause of the customer's dissatisfaction, and propose effective solutions
  •  Poor communication skills: Avoid displaying poor communication skills, such as interrupting the customer or failing to clearly articulate your thoughts. Instead, showcase your ability to actively listen, ask clarifying questions, and communicate effectively to address the customer's concerns