How to Answer: How have you dealt with irate customers in the past?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Taxi Drivers job interview.
29. How have you dealt with irate customers in the past?
How to Answer
When you work in customer service, you will often come across rude individuals. And, for one reason or another, it's passengers often find it easier to be rude to a taxi driver. Perhaps it's because you're usually picking people up from a night out after they've had a few cocktails. It's the name of the taxi driver game, unfortunately. Seeing as it's unavoidable, the interviewer wants to know that you can handle such a situation with professionalism. Give an example of a time that you had to deal with a challenging customer situation. Be sure to include the positive outcome.
Some ways that you can efficiently handle a rude customer:
- Remain kind, polite, and pleasant
- Actively listen to their grievances
- Apologize for the situation
- Maintain a neutral tone of voice
- Avoid taking anything they say, personally
Assure the interviewer that through previous experience, you've learned not to take things personally and that you focus on doing your job.
Written by Ryan Brown on January 3rd, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I'm not bothered anymore by rude or angry passengers. My experience as a cab driver in a heavily-populated area has taught me how to deal with frustrations brought about by traffic, the rush hour, personal emergencies, or intoxication."
Written by Ryan Brown on January 3rd, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"When I first began as a taxi driver, I had to take most of the night shifts. I have seen and heard it all from very rude passengers. I have thick skin when it comes to customers. This resilience to rude allows me to remain calm kind, and polite while they unload their feelings. Also, it's amazing what a warm smile will solve when a customer is rude to your face. Try it - it's nearly impossible to be mean to someone who is smiling at you!"
Written by Rachelle Enns