How do you handle a situation where a customer is dissatisfied with the company's policies?
Theme: Conflict Resolution Role: Live Chat Agent Function: Customer Service
Interview Question for Live Chat Agent: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Live Chat Agent: Engages with customers through live chat platforms, answering questions and providing real-time support. This role falls within the Customer Service function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Conflict Resolution with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Empathy & Active Listening: I would start by empathizing with the customer and actively listening to their concerns. I would let them know that I understand their frustration and assure them that I am here to help
- Clarifying the Issue: Next, I would ask the customer to provide specific details about their dissatisfaction with the company's policies. This would help me understand the root cause of their dissatisfaction and address it effectively
- Explaining the Policy: Once I have a clear understanding of the customer's concerns, I would calmly and clearly explain the company's policies to them. I would provide them with the rationale behind the policies and any relevant information that may help them see the bigger picture
- Offering Alternatives or Solutions: If appropriate, I would explore alternative options or solutions that could potentially address the customer's dissatisfaction. This could involve suggesting different policies, offering exceptions, or finding a compromise that meets both the customer's needs and the company's requirements
- Escalating if Necessary: If the customer remains dissatisfied despite my efforts, I would escalate the issue to a supervisor or manager. I would provide them with a detailed summary of the customer's concerns and the steps I have taken to address them. This would ensure that the customer's dissatisfaction is handled appropriately and that further action can be taken if needed
- Follow-up & Feedback: Finally, I would follow up with the customer after the initial conversation to ensure their satisfaction or to address any additional concerns they may have. I would also provide feedback to the relevant teams within the company regarding the customer's dissatisfaction, in order to contribute to continuous improvement of policies and customer service
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Conflict resolution skills: Assessing how well you handle customer dissatisfaction and find solutions
- Problem-solving abilities: Evaluating your ability to address issues related to company policies
- Customer-centric approach: Determining your focus on customer satisfaction and willingness to go the extra mile
- Adaptability: Assessing your flexibility in handling different customer concerns and adapting to company policies
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 the customer for their dissatisfaction as it shows a lack of empathy and customer service skills
- Disregarding company policies: Avoid suggesting that you would ignore or bypass company policies to satisfy the customer, as it indicates a lack of adherence to guidelines and procedures
- Lack of problem-solving skills: Avoid not providing any solution or demonstrating a lack of problem-solving skills, as it shows an inability to handle difficult situations
- Lack of communication skills: Avoid not mentioning the importance of effective communication and active listening when addressing customer dissatisfaction, as it indicates poor interpersonal skills