How do you handle a situation where a customer is not satisfied with the resolution provided?


 Theme: Customer Satisfaction  Role: Help Desk Support  Function: Customer Service

  Interview Question for Help Desk Support:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Help Desk Support: Provides technical assistance and support to customers with software, hardware, or system issues. 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 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

  •  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 that I am here to help
  •  Clarification & Understanding: I would ask the customer to provide more details about their dissatisfaction and clarify their expectations. This would help me understand the root cause of their dissatisfaction and identify any gaps in the resolution provided
  •  Apologizing & Taking Responsibility: I would apologize to the customer for any inconvenience caused and take responsibility for the situation. This would show the customer that I value their feedback and that I am committed to finding a satisfactory solution
  •  Offering Alternative Solutions: I would explore alternative solutions that could address the customer's concerns. This could involve consulting with colleagues or escalating the issue to a higher level of support if necessary. I would explain these options to the customer and seek their input
  •  Follow-up & Resolution: Once a solution is agreed upon, I would ensure that it is implemented promptly. I would also follow up with the customer to confirm their satisfaction with the resolution provided. This would demonstrate my commitment to resolving the issue and maintaining a positive customer experience

 Underlying Motivations 


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

  •  Problem-solving skills: Ability to find alternative solutions and address customer concerns
  •  Customer service skills: Ability to empathize, communicate effectively, and maintain customer satisfaction
  •  Conflict resolution skills: Capability to handle difficult situations and manage customer expectations
  •  Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust approach and find suitable resolutions based on individual customer needs

 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. Instead, focus on understanding their concerns and finding a solution
  •  Lack of empathy: Avoid showing a lack of empathy towards the customer's frustration. Demonstrate understanding and genuine concern for their satisfaction
  •  Inflexibility: Avoid being inflexible in finding a resolution. Show willingness to explore alternative options and go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction
  •  Lack of problem-solving skills: Avoid demonstrating a lack of problem-solving skills. Instead, showcase your ability to analyze the situation, identify root causes, and propose effective solutions
  •  Poor communication: Avoid poor communication skills, such as not actively listening to the customer or failing to provide clear explanations. Demonstrate strong communication skills to ensure the customer understands the resolution process
  •  Lack of follow-up: Avoid neglecting to follow up with the customer after providing a resolution. Show commitment to ensuring their satisfaction by checking in and addressing any further concerns