Behavioral Interview
Questions

Behavioral Interview Questions

1. 1.

   How would you approach making a good impression on a new client?

   First impressions are everything, and there are many ways to make a significant impact on a new client. You can start by being attentive, researching them or their company before your initial meeting, and having a go-getter attitude. Show the interviewer your engagement level with clients and that you know how to make a lasting impression.
   
   Since this question is framed as, 'How would you...' it is acceptable to use a hypothetical story example, giving a general overview of how you would react in this situation.
   
   However, if you want to use a real-life example, try forming a response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "My favorite way to make a lasting impression on a new client is to know their name and a little bit about them before our first meeting. When it shows that I prepared for our initial meeting, it tells the client that I care about our working relationship."

   

   Rachelle's Answer

    for a Admin interview

   "I am on the phone quite often, so one of the ways I show new clients that I am interested in them is to repeat their words back to them to show my understanding. I also think it makes a huge difference when I am prepared with strong product knowledge and answer the phone with a smile."

   

   Rachelle's Answer

    for a Manager interview

   "Our new clients always receive a personal call from me, where I let them know that we appreciate their business. I ask a few targeted questions so that I can better understand how we can exceed their expectations. From there, I take the information to my team. We most often blow our customers' expectations out of the water."

   

   Rachelle's Answer

    for a Marketing interview

   "New clients need to feel like they can trust me instantly, and, in my opinion, the best way to do that is to get to know them and show them that I care. I am a fantastic listener and will always deliver on a project early. This level of service is rare these days, and my new clients always comment on how refreshing my approach is."

   

   Rachelle's Answer

    for a Retail interview

   "Most retail outlets are known for having low-performing employees, and I always aim to stand out from that stereotype. I like to get to know my customers, what they need, and ask if I can make further suggestions. Most of the time, my customers love the added input and help. This approach also makes my days more fun because I am making genuine connections with people versus treating them like just another customer."

   

   Rachelle's Answer

    for a Sales interview

   "Sales professionals often get a bad rap for being untrustworthy. Knowing this, I approach my new clients in a way that will build instant trust. I keep my appointments, I am always 5 minutes early, and I will call them with updates on their orders before they feel the need to reach out to me."

   

   Rachelle's Answer

    for a Teacher interview

   "One thing that sets me apart from other teachers is that I book a one-on-one meeting with the parents of my students at the very start of the school year. We create a learning plan that will work for all, and I also ask questions that position me as the expert and also have the parents fully committed to their child's' learning. The rest of the year is better when communication goals become established from the start."

   

   Rachelle's Answer

    for a Mortgage Loan Processor interview

   "Yes, helping clients is very satisfying and also helps hone my skills. I recently spoke to a couple whose application was delayed because they hadn't submitted the proper information. They were very worried and frustrated. I explained why we needed the information and was able to walk them through obtaining it. It gave me a sense of satisfaction to know that my skills helped them reach their goals."

   

   Heather's Answer

    for a Cardiovascular Technologist interview

   "A former co-worker and I had a strain in our working relationship, and I wasn't sure from what it had stemmed. I invited her to lunch away from the office for a chance to talk and just get away for a bit. I asked her if I had done anything to offend her, which thankfully I had not. It turns out she was feeling overwhelmed in our office environment. I took the time to clarify a few procedures and the 'isms' of the physicians we worked alongside. After a great lunch and open talk we were able to be more productive together, working as a united front."

   Anonymous Answer
   "I work as a customer service representative. I ask customers their names and welcome them. I also tell them about our offers and promotions and any updates to provide them with clear and correct info. I listen to them carefully, stay calm, and talk to them politely."
   
   Stephanie's Answer
   Great examples of how you engage positively with clients!
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   Anonymous Answer
   "It's essential to be on time and give a good first impression. I like to show up prepared by having done my homework about the client and the market. Additionally, scanning for nonverbal cues and mirroring body language is just as important. My first meeting with a new client is always about listening to them so that I can learn about what they need."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   Excellent! Your answer shows a lot of self-awareness.
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   Anonymous Answer
   "Making them as comfortable as possible and building personal connections. I think it's very easy to get lost, especially when you're working in a fast-paced environment so whenever it's possible to jump on a call or meet in person, it's an opportunity to build a strong connection and represent yourself in the best way while understanding their values."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   This answer is a good start! Next, I recommend changing the 'you' language to 'I' and make your answer personal by discussing your own approach. Since this is a behavioral-based question, you could also sprinkle in a story example for good measure :)
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   Anonymous Answer
   "There are two main aspects to ensuring that a client has a wonderful service encounter. The first is technical competence, and the second is the human touch. First, I would make sure that the client is fully confident that they will get nothing short of stellar support from me. This involves having a positive attitude that is calm and self-confident. Of course, the issue of technical competence is directly tied to your level of knowledge, so I would always work hard to stay on top of my game. Second, it is crucial to make the other person feel that you are personally invested in the resolution of their problems and their business success. If you can get this feeling across, you can win over them and ensure that the relationship functions seamlessly."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   Your diligence is highlighted very well in this reply, and it's evident that you have exceptional client skills. One suggestion is to stick with personal 'I' language vs. moving to the 'royal you' in some aspects. I have provided a slight revision for you below.
   "There are two main aspects to ensuring that a client has a wonderful service encounter. The first is technical competence, and the second is the human touch. First, I would make sure that the client is fully confident that they will get nothing short of stellar support from me. This involves having a positive attitude that is calm and self-confident. Of course, the issue of technical competence is directly tied to my level of knowledge, so I would always work hard to stay on top of my game. Second, it is crucial to make the other person feel that I am personally invested in resolving their problems and their business success. If I can get this feeling across, I can win them over and ensure that the relationship functions seamlessly."
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   Anonymous Answer
   "I would use my customer service skills to talk to them and find out what their needs are and try to come up with a plan to address their needs while showing them that I care about their problems or issues."
   
   Kristine's Answer
   Good answer! It's clear you care about making a good impression on a new client. Since your response is brief, you can elaborate on anything you do before, during, or after you talk with the client to make a good impression.
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   Anonymous Answer
   "I would love to understand what was the pain areas of a client when they were with the other vendor. I will try to provide a solution to pain areas and later will give suggestions on how we can improve the current situation also."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   It would be best if you could provide an example of a time when you used this method (uncovering client pain points) to make a good client impression. I believe that approach would make your answer more direct and distinct.
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   Anonymous Answer
   "The way I would make a good impression with a client is before visiting with them, I try to find out a little about them. When the time comes to make a good introduction of myself, my company, and the services we provide, make them aware that I know a little about them and their company."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   Excellent approach! Knowledge and research of the other party are key to a great first impression.
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   Anonymous Answer
   "I take a similar approach to all of my professional interactions, with a smile, direct eye contact and active listening. I want to portray a confident yet approachable personality."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   Excellent and professional approach, indeed! If you have a story-based example of a time when you used this approach to forge a healthy new client relationship, it may be a nice touch to add in that information :)
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   Anonymous Answer
   "New clients need to feel that they can trust you instantly. In my opinion, I would get to know them and listen to their expectations because I want to build a good working relationship. I will show how my company can do an exceptional job with them as a client based on track record."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   Showing through results and actions! These are both excellent ways to make a good impression and build trust with a new client.
   "New clients need to feel instant trust. To accomplish this, I would get to know them and listen to their expectations. I would want to build a good working relationship. I would show the client how my company could do an exceptional job and would base this on track record and previous client success."
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   Anonymous Answer
   "I always want to make a good first impression with a customer. The best way that I know how to do this is by discussing a situation with a new client. After having received feedback about what the customer considers a good impression, I was able to modify my characteristics to be in alignment with the customer's personality."
   
   Kristine's Answer
   Great answer! You provide specific actions you take to make a positive impression on new clients. Try to elaborate more about the effect your actions has on new clients. Do you build trust? Are clients more cooperative?
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