How do you handle a situation where a customer is unsatisfied with the resolution provided?
Theme: Customer Dissatisfaction Role: Customer Service Representative Function: Customer Service
Interview Question for Customer Service Representative: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Customer Service Representative: Handles customer inquiries, complaints, and provides information about products or services. 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 Dissatisfaction 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 resolution
- Offering Solutions: I would then offer alternative solutions to address the customer's concerns. This could involve providing additional information, escalating the issue to a supervisor, or offering a refund or replacement if applicable
- Follow-up & Assurance: I would assure the customer that their feedback will be taken seriously and that appropriate actions will be taken to prevent similar issues in the future. I would also follow up with the customer after the resolution to ensure their satisfaction
- Maintaining Professionalism: Throughout the conversation, I would maintain a professional and calm demeanor. I would avoid getting defensive or argumentative, and instead focus on finding a mutually beneficial solution
- Documentation & Feedback: Finally, I would document the customer's feedback and the steps taken to resolve the issue. This documentation would be valuable for future reference and for providing feedback to the relevant teams or departments
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Problem-solving skills: Assessing my ability to handle difficult situations and find satisfactory resolutions for customers
- Customer service mindset: Evaluating my commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction and willingness to go the extra mile
- Conflict resolution skills: Testing my capability to handle conflicts calmly and professionally
- Empathy & communication skills: Assessing my ability to understand and empathize with customers' concerns and effectively communicate solutions
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 finding a solution and addressing their concerns
- Lack of empathy: Avoid showing a lack of empathy towards the customer's dissatisfaction. Demonstrate understanding and a willingness to help
- Inability to handle conflict: Avoid displaying an inability to handle conflict or difficult situations. Show that you can remain calm, professional, and work towards a resolution
- Lack of problem-solving skills: Avoid not providing any solutions or alternatives to address the customer's dissatisfaction. Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to find suitable resolutions
- Poor communication skills: Avoid unclear or ineffective communication when addressing the customer's concerns. Demonstrate clear and concise communication skills to ensure the customer understands the resolution provided