How do you handle rejection or objections from customers?


 Theme: Customer Service  Role: Sales Support Specialist  Function: Sales

  Interview Question for Sales Support Specialist:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Sales Support Specialist: Provides administrative and operational support to the sales team. 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 Service with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

  •  Maintaining a positive attitude: I understand that rejection and objections are a normal part of the sales process. I always maintain a positive attitude and do not take it personally. I remind myself that it is not a reflection of my abilities or worth
  •  Active listening & empathy: When faced with objections or rejection, I actively listen to the customer's concerns and empathize with their perspective. This helps me understand their needs better and find appropriate solutions
  •  Addressing objections with solutions: I address objections by providing relevant information and offering solutions that align with the customer's needs. I focus on highlighting the benefits and value of our product or service
  •  Building rapport & trust: I strive to build rapport and trust with customers by being transparent, honest, and reliable. This helps in overcoming objections and turning rejections into opportunities for further discussion
  •  Seeking feedback & continuous improvement: I see objections and rejections as learning opportunities. After each interaction, I seek feedback from customers or colleagues to understand how I can improve my approach and better handle objections in the future
  •  Maintaining professionalism: Regardless of the customer's response, I always maintain professionalism and respect. I avoid becoming defensive or argumentative, and instead, focus on finding common ground and reaching a mutually beneficial solution

 Underlying Motivations 


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

  •  Resilience: Assessing how well you handle rejection and objections from customers and if you can bounce back from setbacks
  •  Problem-solving skills: Evaluating your ability to address customer concerns and find solutions to overcome objections
  •  Customer focus: Determining your commitment to understanding customer needs and providing excellent service despite objections or rejection

 Potential Minefields 


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

  •  Lack of resilience: If the candidate shows an inability to bounce back from rejection or objections, it may indicate a lack of resilience and ability to handle challenging situations
  •  Defensiveness: If the candidate becomes defensive or argumentative when discussing rejection or objections, it may suggest an inability to accept feedback or adapt their approach
  •  Lack of empathy: If the candidate fails to demonstrate empathy towards customers' concerns or objections, it may indicate a lack of understanding or ability to address customer needs
  •  Inflexibility: If the candidate is unable to adapt their sales approach or find alternative solutions when faced with rejection or objections, it may suggest an inflexible mindset
  •  Negative attitude: If the candidate displays a consistently negative attitude towards rejection or objections, it may indicate a pessimistic outlook or lack of motivation to overcome challenges