How would you handle communication with a customer that was visibly upset?

How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

In this position with Capital One Bank, you may be faced with a customer that is upset and/or mad at the situation they are in. Because of the shoes you will be filling as a Teller, you will be expected to help deescalate the situation through solid and effective verbal communication with the customer. As you answer this question, talk about your ability to remain calm, cool and collected in any situation and explain how you take an empathetic approach with any person that you will work with in this role. If you have an example of a time that you were faced with this situation, don't hesitate to walk your interviewer through that situation and how you handled it.

"Having worked in customer facing roles for my entire career, I have handled many angry customers and feel I have a great method in the way that I communicate with them. First, I start by hearing them out and letting them vent in any means that they want. From there, I calmly repeat back the key points and then begin brainstorming solutions for them. By maintaining a calm demeanor during these situations, angry customers are often able to calm down rather quickly. After I understand the customer's needs, I take all steps necessary to help solve their problem. If this entails bringing in another colleague, I don't hesitate to do so in a team based approach."

"When this happens in my current role, I make sure that any other duties I am currently working on are put on hold so I can give full attention to that customer. Last week, I was the only person on staff handling a busy lobby when a customer came in very upset with a vehicle that they had just purchased. I immediately put the phones on hold to take the time to listen to their concerns. After hearing the causes of their frustration, I had them wait in our lobby and I went and talked to our Sales Manager. He made time for the customer immediately. In these instances, providing swift action to help alleviate any further issues is the most important thing that can be done."

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How to Answer: How would you handle communication with a customer that was visibly upset?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Capital One Bank job interview.

2. How would you handle communication with a customer that was visibly upset?

How to Answer

In this position with Capital One Bank, you may be faced with a customer that is upset and/or mad at the situation they are in. Because of the shoes you will be filling as a Teller, you will be expected to help deescalate the situation through solid and effective verbal communication with the customer. As you answer this question, talk about your ability to remain calm, cool and collected in any situation and explain how you take an empathetic approach with any person that you will work with in this role. If you have an example of a time that you were faced with this situation, don't hesitate to walk your interviewer through that situation and how you handled it.

1st Answer Example

"Having worked in customer facing roles for my entire career, I have handled many angry customers and feel I have a great method in the way that I communicate with them. First, I start by hearing them out and letting them vent in any means that they want. From there, I calmly repeat back the key points and then begin brainstorming solutions for them. By maintaining a calm demeanor during these situations, angry customers are often able to calm down rather quickly. After I understand the customer's needs, I take all steps necessary to help solve their problem. If this entails bringing in another colleague, I don't hesitate to do so in a team based approach."

2nd Answer Example

"When this happens in my current role, I make sure that any other duties I am currently working on are put on hold so I can give full attention to that customer. Last week, I was the only person on staff handling a busy lobby when a customer came in very upset with a vehicle that they had just purchased. I immediately put the phones on hold to take the time to listen to their concerns. After hearing the causes of their frustration, I had them wait in our lobby and I went and talked to our Sales Manager. He made time for the customer immediately. In these instances, providing swift action to help alleviate any further issues is the most important thing that can be done."

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