30 Sling TV Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

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.

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

Rachelle's Answer

"I am prepared with experience, equipped with passion, and opportunistic about making a valuable contribution to your organization's work through this role."

2.

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?

Rachelle's Answer

"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?"

Rachelle's Answer

"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?"

3.

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.

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

4.

What do you feel are the most significant differences when it comes to selling a service versus a physical product?

The hiring authority would like to see your depth of knowledge when it comes to the sales of services versus physical products. If you do not have sales experience, do some research on what you believe to be the most significant difference when it comes to selling services vs. physical products.

Rachelle's Answer

"When selling a product, often the consumer gets to physically see and touch the product, making it easier to sell based on physical features. When it comes to selling a service, you have to sell based on emotion, or on what problem the service will solve for the customer. At Sling TV, I would focus more on how an internet-based television service would benefit their everyday life."

Rachelle's Answer

"Pricing a service can be harder to do, than pricing a product; however, this can also mean a bit more wiggle room when it comes to closing the sale of a service. Another difference is that with a service, you lean on selling a feeling or an emotion more often than with a physical product."

5.

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.

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

6.

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.

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

7.

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.

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

8.

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.

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

9.

Why would a consumer choose Sling TV over other companies offering internet television services?

The hiring authority wants to know that you understand what sets Sling TV apart from their competitors. The way you answer this question will show the interviewer how much research you have conducted on Sling TV before your interview. Discuss what edge Sling TV has on their competitors, highlighting exactly why you believe streaming customers should use Sling TV as their first choice.

Rachelle's Answer

"I feel that a consumer should choose Sling TV over other companies for internet television services because you are often first-to-market with popular content. I trust that Sling TV will always have what I am looking for."

Rachelle's Answer

"Not only is your user platform very convenient, but I also find that Sling TV has content that not everyone seems to get. The fact that you are a sister company to Dish Network gives Sling TV a lot of leverage that the smaller companies do not have"

10.

Give me one suggestion for Sling TV to grow our customer base in this region.

The way you respond to this question will show the interviewer how much research you have conducted on Sling TV, before your interview. Think of one way you feel they could grow their customer base. If they have a healthy competitor, be sure to check out what the competition is doing differently. By conducting this market research, you will show the interviewer that you are eager to land this role and are engaged in the interview process.

Rachelle's Answer

"My suggestion to grow your customer base would be to launch a competitive new customer offering such as a free HDTV or a price reduction on a long-term plan or commitment. Many people, especially in a down economy, are feeling the stretch when it comes to cash flow. By offering a deal on an electronic such as a television, wireless speaker, or even a tablet, you are answering that problem in exchange for a small monthly commitment from them."

Rachelle's Answer

"I have heard of other television service companies offering apps for iPhone and Android users where they can log in to their tv account and stream from anywhere. I believe this would be a particularly attractive offering to sports enthusiasts who want to catch the game while on-the-go."

11.

Why do you believe people still pay for expensive, traditional cable television?

The interviewers at Sling TV are curious to know what your thoughts are on cable versus internet-based television. Talk to the interviewer about why you believe certain people have cut the cable cord, and why some are still hanging onto expensive cable solutions.

Rachelle's Answer

"I had cable and Netflix both, at one point. I found that cable was good for the hockey and football games that I wanted to watch, and then most of my favorite shows were available to stream on Netflix. I think that most people who keep their cable have this as their reasoning."

Rachelle's Answer

"Access to local news and a few live sporting events are the only reasons why I could see someone remaining committed to cable. Sling TV meets all of my television and movie needs; however, I understand that many people spend more time watching television than I do."

12.

How do you keep up-to-date on new technologies and trends in this industry?

One way that a potential employer will gauge 'fit' is by ensuring that you are passionate about your particular industry. Show the interviewer that you are passionate about your industry by openly discussing how you stay on top of industry trends.

Rachelle's Answer

"I keep up to date on new technologies and trends through a variety of sources. I follow the TED blog so that I can learn from industry leaders as well as read multiple articles online per week. My favorite resource at the moment is Streaming Media Magazine. I am also very open to new suggestions!"

Rachelle's Answer

"Of course, the Sling TV blog is in my repertoire, as is Mashable and The Verge. I also keep up on new trends in this industry by taking additional coursework online, whenever possible."

13.

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.

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

14.

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.

Rachelle's Answer

"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?"

Rachelle's Answer

"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!"

15.

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.

Rachelle's Answer

"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."

Rachelle's Answer

"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?"

16.