Sling TV Interview
Questions

6. In your opinion, what has been the most significant advancement in streaming technology this past year? Display to the interviewer that you have an invested interest in the technology industry by discussing your thoughts on recent advancements. Be sure to include how you stay up to date on industry changes and new technology. Here is an answer example: "This year has seen many great advancements in streaming technology. Recently, I was reading an article on what to watch for streaming this year. The one that stood out most to me was the topic of Virtual Reality and 360 video streaming. The article discussed how experts believe that immersive content is becoming more accessible, and more of a focus now." Here is an answer example: "A lot of people complained in the past about the latency on live broadcasts and other interactive broadcasts. Often, when streaming, the viewer is behind a few seconds, which may seem trivial, but it's a real issue for live shows that are audience interactive. I will use American Idol, for example, where the viewers text in their votes. I know there has been a call for internet delivered content to offer higher speeds and, this year alone, we are already seeing latency improvements up to 5 seconds, which is incredible."7. How long have you been looking for a job? The interviewer would like to know if you have been looking for a job for quite some time or if you are new to the market. Talk to the interviewer about your job search. Have you been on the lookout for a long time? How successful has your search been? You can also ask the interviewer how quickly they are hoping to hire. Here is an answer example: "I have been on the search for perhaps a month or so. I am now just beginning to become more aggressive in my job search. How quickly are you looking to make a decision?" Here is an answer example: "I just started my search this week! Your job posting was the very first opportunity to catch my eye, and I feel so lucky to be here interviewing with you today!"8. What questions do you have for me? It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the Sling TV website and other online resources to ensure the queries you have are not mundane or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of items you could have found the answers for from merely watching a video on their company site! Here are some sample questions: - When would you like to have this position filled? - How long has this role been vacant? - Is this a replacement search or a newly created role? - What is your favorite part about working here? - What is Sling TV's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months? - Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you? - What do you see as the most significant change in the satellite TV industry in the past three years? - Is there any reason why you would not hire me? Here is an answer example: "Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?" Here is an answer example: "I would like to ask if there is anything in my background on which you need clarification? Also, after discussing everything today, is there any particular reason why I would not be the best fit for this customer service role?"9. How would you prefer to be compensated? The interviewer would like to know what type of compensation structure makes you the most comfortable. Are you looking for a compensation structure based primarily on salary, commission, or a blend of both? Maybe additional perks are more critical for you, such as vacation time, flex days, a health spending account, a generous medical plan, pension, shares, RRSP matching, car allowance, cell phone allowance, expense account, and more! Discuss with the hiring manager how you would prefer to be compensated but be sure not to pigeonhole yourself. Freely ask the interviewer what they offer, if you are unsure. Here is an answer example: "I am currently compensated primarily on a base salary with the opportunity to earn a quarterly bonus based on my sales. I am certainly open to hearing more about your compensation structure as I know every company is unique." Here is an answer example: "I am currently paid on an hourly basis, with the opportunity for overtime - which I like. Some commission earnings would be nice. Could you share with me what you offer here?"10. Do you have previous experience in the television or entertainment industry? The interviewer would like for you to walk them through your experience in the television or entertainment industry. Although your work is outlined in your resume, the interviewer wants you to bring that experience to life for them. If you have experience in the entertainment industry, discuss how your gained skills will benefit Sling TV. If you do not have experience in the entertainment industry, review the skills you currently have that would help Sling TV. Here is an answer example: "I have worked in traditional broadcast for about five years now, first as a part-time program writer, and then in sales. Through this time, I learned a lot about viewer behavior and preferences. I also have a full understanding of how advertising efforts work in the television industry. I look forward to bringing this experience and expertise to work at Sling TV." Here is an answer example: "Although I have not worked in the television or entertainment industry, I do have experience in traditional advertising. Much of my background can be transferred to skills that would be helpful to Sling TV, such as data analytics, marketing approaches, and building sales strategies."11. How does Sling TV service compare to our competitors? The interviewer would like to see that you have done ample research on Sling TV before your interview. Check on their website to see if you can find any information on how Sling TV is more competitive than its competitors. The biggest television providers in the US include: - DirecTV - Charter - Comcast Xfinity Here is an answer example: "Through my research, I noticed that Sling TV has more robust offerings when it comes to your DVR equipment, recording capabilities, and the ability to skip commercials since you are internet based as opposed to cable-driven. These features are ones that would convince me that Sling TV is a stronger option than its competitors." Here is an answer example: "Compared to your competitors such as Comcast Xfinity or Charter; Sling TV offers the ability to record primetime content from channels such as ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC on demand. Also, you can instantly skip commercials with the Sling TV service, since you are internet and streaming based, which is a great selling point for me."12. What are your thoughts on the way media is rated for the public (IE: PG, 14A, NR, Mature)? Media ratings have changed a great deal over the years, and the interviewer at Sling TV would like to know your thoughts on this. Be sure to keep your answer productive and thoughtful. Here is an answer example: "Media ratings have most definitely loosened over the years. What used to be rated 14A is now often classified as PG. I feel this is because our kids and youth are exposed to so much more now than we ever were as kids and we are becoming desensitized. I do wish that some guidelines would remain tighter, especially surrounding violent content." Here is an answer example: "Because I am newer to this industry, I would need to conduct more analysis on media ratings before I could give you a fully researched answer. With that said, I feel that the majority of media I am exposed to seem to be rated adequately, and clearly. I think it's important for viewers and consumers to easily see ratings before making their decision on whether or not it's appropriate for them."13. Why do you think you will be successful in this role? Rather than just sharing how you have gone above and beyond, focus on how your qualities will help you to meet and exceed expectations. Discuss the reasons why will you be great at this job. Talk about your qualifications and skills that will help you to do this job well. If you can, match your strengths to the requirements outlined in the job description. Here is an answer example: "I know I will be successful in this role because I have been working in the television and internet service industry for five years with great training and mentorship. I have a solid understanding of selling package upgrades and overcoming customer objections." Here is an answer example: "I am prepared with experience, equipped with passion, and opportunistic about making a valuable contribution to your organization's work through this role."14. How would you sell our internet TV services to someone who thinks they have what they need with Netflix and Apple TV? Millions of people are cutting their television services while millions of others continue to be loyal, keeping their services intact. Then, there is another group riding the middle, and those are called 'cord-shavers.' These customers are ones who cut back on their packages but keep what they consider to be most important to them. Discuss how you would approach selling internet television services to people considered 'cord-cutters.' Here is an answer example: "If I were to sell the services of Sling TV against that of Netflix or Apple TV, I would begin with discussing the fact that Sling TV offers the best in live TV including the most exciting sports coverage. You can't get this kind of product from a streaming service like Netflix. So, unless someone wants to miss out on some great tv, they should consider keeping even the basic channels from Sling TV." Here is an answer example: "I would first ask the potential customer if they like sports, awards shows, talk shows, live news broadcasts, and more. If so, I would remind them that these services are not readily available by streaming services such as Netflix."15. What are the most significant differences between internet TV and streaming services such as Netflix? There are so many ways to watch your favorite shows these days. The interviewer is looking for your level of knowledge when it comes to internet television versus other popular streaming services. Do some reading online to see if you can learn about the ways these sources of tv broadcasting are competing. Here is an answer example: "I have been learning a lot about Sling TV and how it's being affected by streaming services such as Netflix. Interestingly, I found that internet television remains much more profitable than I initially thought. There are many loyalists on the traditional television side. I believe these loyal customers have to do with the fact that internet television offers more exclusivity to certain live television shows, sports, music, and premium stations." Here is an answer example: "Netflix is great for people who want to watch the tried and true television shows, as well as some very well done original content. However; when it comes to sports broadcasting and live television shows, soap operas, and even game shows - nothing beats the offering from internet TV services such as Sling TV."16. Do you have experience in direct sales? The term 'direct sales' means selling a product to a customer directly, not through a traditional retail environment. Examples of direct sales in the cable industry would be 100% commissioned salespeople who sell door-to-door in a residential setting. If you have experience with direct sales, talk to the interviewer about your training and your sales results. If you do not have experience with direct sales, be sure to ask a few questions about the direct sales model at Sling TV. Here is an answer example: "I have worked in direct sales for three years now, working for a residential alarm company. My goal is to approach 50 homeowners per day, with a closing percentage of 5%. My first six months were a struggle, but as I became more comfortable with the sales model, my results increased. Now, I am at a 9% close rate, amounting to about 4 to 5 sales per day." Here is an answer example: "I do not have experience in direct sales, although I do have some understanding of this sales model. I would appreciate if you could take some time to walk me through your direct sales models, to see if this type of approach would be a good fit for me and the skills that I bring."17. How do you feel about having your inbound calls monitored or recorded? Nearly all television service providers will have a call-center where their calls are monitored and recorded. If you work in this type of environment, you will likely be required to sign an agreement related to disclosure and privacy. Let the interviewer know that you are comfortable with having your calls recorded and that you understand why this practice is in place. Here is an answer example: "I believe all businesses should record their incoming and outgoing calls; to help with training new employees, and as a way to protect both the business and the customer. Rest assured, you would have my full consent to record my customer-service calls." Here is an answer example: "Although I have not worked in a recorded environment, I fully understand the importance of this step. Should I be offered this job, I will sign any disclosure you require related to the recording of customer interactions."18. How do you think video-on-demand services are affecting the media advertising industry? The interviewer would like to see that you have insight when it comes to the video streaming industry, and how it's changing the way companies advertise. Raymond James, a financial services firm, conducted an extensive survey in 2017 showing that 40% of people asked, said they choose video streaming over traditional television, to avoid commercials. This statistic indicates that video streaming has a massive impact on the advertising industry. Give a thoughtful response, showing to the interviewer that you have a keen interest in what's happening in the world of media, today. Here is an answer example: "I believe that video-on-demand services are hugely affecting the media advertising industry. People have changed how they consume media, and advertisers have had to adapt. Look at YouTube, and their 15-second ads played before loading a video. Consumers now watch commercials on mobile and social networking sites versus on television between episodes of their favorite sitcom. Advertisers have had to make a significant pivot over the last few years, leaving those unwilling to adapt, in the dust." Here is an answer example: "I believe that the convenience of video-on-demand has made people impatient when it comes to how they digest advertising. The quick 3 second blurbs we see now, on social networking sites, means that advertisers have to be incredibly sharp in their messaging. I think this is an excellent change, ensuring that advertisers spend their dollars wisely, getting the best message out to consumers in as short of time as possible."19. How would you react if a customer threatened to cancel their television service? If you have ever worked for a service provider, you know that customers cancel, or threaten to cancel, every day. The reasoning behind this could be budgetary, or they feel they don't watch television enough. Maybe they are dissatisfied with the service and want to check out a competitor. The interviewer wants to see that you have the ability to dig and troubleshoot when it comes to these types of customer interactions. Discuss the actions that you would take to save the customer. Here is an answer example: "If a customer were to threaten to cancel their television services, I would first find out why the change of heart. Once I had a solid understanding, then I could present viable solutions. For instance, if the customer needed to tighten up on their spending, I could check which specials we had going and then offer them a temporary discount. One thing I have noticed about Sling TV is that you offer very flexible packages so I do not doubt that there would be a great solution for nearly every customer who needed to tweak their current package." Here is an answer example: "Of course, we would never want to see a valued customer leave; however, to win them back, I would first need to understand where we lost them in the first place. Then, I would ask the customer what we could do to win them back. Often, they will tell you exactly what they need and want. If I could deliver their request within reason, I would."20. What is the first thing you would do to put a customer at ease if they were upset about their television service? If you work in a customer facing role, chances are you have received training on how to best handle an upset customer. Discuss any formal customer dispute training you have received, and give an example of what you would do in this situation. It's vital that you exude confidence and empathy, showing the interviewer that you would professionally represent Sling TV, through any customer dispute or complaint. Here is an answer example: "I believe that customers need to be treated with care and kindness, at all stages, even if they are upset or being rude. If a customer were to be upset about their television service, I would let them know that I was there to listen. I would ask them to tell me everything that is upsetting them so that I could get a full picture. From there, it is much easier for me to solve the situation because I have already spent time 'troubleshooting.' I learned this first step during some call-center customer training that I received at Company ABC." Here is an answer example: "The first step that I would take to ease a customer dispute is to begin repeating the customers' pain point, in their own words, back to them. This action shows that I am actively listening. My dispute resolution training has taught me that when customers feel heard, they are more likely to be put to ease, making it easier to come to a resolution."21. At Sling TV, reliable communication is at the forefront of what we do. How would you describe your communication skills? Rate your communication skills from 1-10. In any service-based company, you must be a clear and concise communicator. Talk to the interviewer about your communication style and how you feel it will work with the communication standards set by Sling TV. Here is an answer example: "I would rate my communication skills as a 9 out of 10 because they are exceptional; yet, there is always room for improvement. I would describe my communication style as thorough, upbeat, yet concise. I firmly believe that my communication skills will meet the standards you have set at Sling TV." Here is an answer example: "I will rate myself an 8.5 because I consider myself a strong communicator. It is the foundation of all success in business. I am always striving to be a better communicator, so I leave the rest of the scale as an aspirational measure."22. Would you violate Sling TV policy to make a customer happy? Your response to this honesty based question will show the interviewer your level of awareness when it comes to the delicate balance of 'the customer is always right' and what is suitable for the company. Chances are, should you be the successful candidate, Sling TV will train you and provide you with evident boundaries when it comes to customer retention. Mention that you are eager to learn their customer retention strategies and that you will respect the limits given to you, in this role. Here is an answer example: "I do not believe that violating company policy is necessary since the policy is in place for good reason. If I could not make a customer happy within the parameters given to me, I would escalate the situation to my manager. If there was further flex available, I believe my management team could find a way." Here is an answer example: "I do believe that the customer is always right; however, that does not mean that I have the right to override well-established company policy. If I could not make a customer happy with the solutions at my fingertips, I would escalate the call to my team lead."23. Have you ever worked in a call center environment? Most television service companies will have call-center hubs where customers can call in to change or cancel their services, report technical difficulties, and make payments. Talk to the interviewer about any exposure you have in a call-center environment, along with any formal training you have received. If you do not have experience working in a call-center environment, mention a bit about your phone skills, and your customer service experience in general. Here is an answer example: "I worked for a cable competitor about two years ago, as an outbound telephone agent. My focus was on new customer acquisition as well as upgrading the services on existing accounts. I made about 200 calls per day with a 15% conversion rate. My target was 12%, so I am happy to say that I always exceeded these goals." Here is an answer example: "Although not in a call-center environment, I do have experience in customer-facing situations. My very first job was as a host in a popular family restaurant. From there, I moved into serving tables. The restaurant industry is highly customer-driven, so I understand the urgency associated with call-center environments. It's important that we resolve customer issues and needs quickly and efficiently. I look forward to furthering my customer-service training, here at Sling TV."24. What is your favorite TV show, right now? Do you know if Sling TV offers it? The interviewer would like to get to know you on a personal level while also seeing if you are in-the-know when it comes to the hottest TV shows available on Sling TV. If you do not watch TV, try to avoid saying this in a negative tone. Mention a related activity you do instead. Perhaps you have a blog where you critique movies, or maybe you prefer to watch classic films. Here is an answer example: "I have seen a lot of great shows come out in the past year or so. Currently, I am still addicted to Game of Thrones, as well as Westworld, which I know Sling TV offers. I like to watch premium shows that have complex and deep storylines. With that said, I am always open to suggestions should you have them!" Here is an answer example: "I prefer spending my time watching movies from the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s. I have a pretty popular blog focused on writing reviews for cult classic films from those eras, across multiple genres. I am an avid movie buff and can offer your clients endless suggestions for movies they can find on Sling TV."25. What are your thoughts on illegal streaming and content downloading? Illegal streaming or unlawful downloading is running rampant these days, forcing legitimate companies to drop their pricing or find other ways to draw in honest customers. The interviewer would like to know your thoughts when it comes to sites that offer illegal or pirated video downloads. Here is an answer example: "I think that sites offering illegal or pirated versions of television shows, movies, and other videos are doing a terrible disservice to the entertainment industry. Taking profits away from the studios, actors, producers, and content distributors is a short term gain, but in the end, will greatly affect the future of media." Here is an answer example: "I recently read an article stating that illegal media and sites with pirated content are becoming less popular among the general public. I believe we are more educated today than we were ten years ago, on the negative effects that pirated content has on media as a whole."26. How comfortable are you up-selling a customer on their internet television package? Television companies know all about the upsell! As a cable service customer, you may have noticed how different channels come together in packages, usually requiring a package upgrade of some sort. There are sports package upgrades, movie bundles, and DIY show packages, speaking to the hobbies and interests of nearly any customer demographic. But not with Sling TV! With Sling TV, customers get to choose what channels they want. Discuss your level of comfortability when it comes to upselling Sling TV customers on additional channels and other service options. Here is an answer example: "I have been cleverly upsold on products in the past and believe there is an art to it. I look forward to receiving sales training to learn how to influence customer purchases. So long as the upsold items are ones that I know the customer will love having, I am happy to upsell them." Here is an answer example: "Businesses need to remain profitable; hence, the importance of an upsell. With that said, I would only be comfortable if I knew I was offering the customer something of value that was in line with their interests. For instance, I would not want to push an upgraded sports package to a customer who already told me their young children enjoy particular cartoons. Instead, I would offer to upgrade their package to include the premium kids' channels."27. What do you know about the part that AI and Machine Learning play when it comes to on-demand video streaming? Artificial intelligence and machine learning are both very hot topics in technology, and the hiring authority would like to see awareness when it comes to what's happening in the world of AI and how it relates to on-demand video streaming. Some options for answering this question include referring to a press release by Sling TV, discussing how they embrace AI technology to improve their services. You could also answer this question by talking about a topic you recently researched, or a news article you read on this topic. Here is an answer example: "I recently attended the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas where I was able to get an insiders' peek at how AI and machine learning are forming streaming services. One of the factors that stood out to me is the fact that AI helps greatly with precise content curation. This assistance is not limited to on-demand video streaming but also more traditional forms of broadcasting, media, and entertainment." Here is an answer example: "I have been reading up on AI technology and how it is affecting streaming media. I was fascinated to learn all about how machine learning helps with predicting customer behavior, allowing companies to save money by making educated and pointed advertising efforts the first time."28. Have you ever used Sling TV as your television provider? If so, what has been your experience? The interviewer would like to know your personal experience with Sling TV. If you have used them as your television provider, discuss what you enjoyed. Be sure to keep your response positive but be prepared to provide constructive feedback. If you do not have television service at all, mention why you would choose Sling TV, if you were to start using these services. Here is an answer example: "As a student who works part-time, I am not home a lot and also have to be very selective on how I spend my money. At this time, I do not have a television or cable service of any kind. With that said; once I am working full time, I am excited to enjoy your streaming services and catch up on all of the HBO shows everyone has been raving about!" Here is an answer example: "I currently use Sling TV services and have been a customer for the past three years. Around that time you had a two-year contract special offer, and it was great! I have seen the prices creep up slightly over time; however, that is fine with me as the offering has become higher quality and premium channels are now more widely available."29. What are your 3 favorite forms of entertainment? The interviewer would like to know the types of media and entertainment that you enjoy consuming regularly. Talk to the interviewer about your favorite forms of entertainment and be sure to include why they are your favorite! Here is an answer example: "My favorite forms of entertainment have always been reality tv, podcasts, and celebrity-based news. I have always wanted to become a gossip columnist and find that these forms of entertainment spark my creativity and keep me informed on trends in the media." Here is an answer example: "There are so many great forms of entertainment media available to us. I am more traditional and would say that my favorite forms still include print media, documentaries, and podcasts that focus on economics and business."30. How has on-demand video streaming changed the way you consume content? The interviewer is curious how often you stream versus using more traditional broadcasting methods to consume your content. Share how the introduction of on-demand video streaming has changed the way you watch your favorite shows, look for videos, and even how you pay attention to media advertising. Here is an answer example: "I watch a lot of on-demand video streaming through sources such as Sling TV, YouTube, Netflix, and even IGTV. I believe that on-demand video streaming saves me a lot of time as it's now effortless to search for, and find, the videos that I want to watch. I also find that I pay more attention to ads since they are more interesting and relevant than many of the ads seen on television." Here is an answer example: "On-demand video streaming certainly simplifies life; however, it puts me on my device more than ever. I like to consume content in smaller bits now, but that also means picking up my phone or tablet more often during the day. I think that streaming reduces the time I spend watching commercials, but the ads that I do see are much more targeted and relevant to me."