How would you approach making a good impression on a new client?
The interviewer wants evidence that you understand the foundations of building positive relationships with your client base or other key stakeholders. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you know how to make a lasting impression on clients and add assurance that your approach is the right fit for the hiring company.
"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."
"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."
"Our new clients always receive a personal call from me. 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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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. I also ask questions that position me as the expert and 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."
First impressions are everything, and there are many ways to impact a new client significantly. You can start by being attentive in meetings, researching the company before your initial appointment, and having an enthusiastic attitude towards your clients' goals. When you answer, be sure to give a detailed overview of how you would approach making a good impression on a new client. If you have some work experience, consider telling a brief story of when you built a relationship with a new client. You should include specific details of how you developed a relationship with this person. At the end of your response, remember to connect your client relationship-building skills and how they will benefit the hiring company, should you be the successful candidate.
Since this question begins with '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.
Avoid providing an answer that is too simple such as saying, 'I would approach making a good impression on a new client by being nice to them.' Dig deeper and provide details that show you have a keen sense of what your customers need.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
New students need to feel that they can trust you instantly. In my opinion, the best way to do that is to get to know them and show them that you care. I would send an invitation to my new students to book one on one meeting with me as early as possible before they start the school year. I would prepare well for the meeting with the information I have and work along with the student to create a learning plan that will work best for the student.
Rachelle's Feedback
Very good action steps, and well outlined. Perfect answer!
Anonymous Answer
I am genuinely interested in my clients. I think my caring tone carries through in my phone calls and correspondence. I think getting to know what makes them tick and learning the varying styles is an important part of forming my long-term client relationships.
Rachelle's Feedback
I would recommend avoiding cliches like 'what makes them tick' and use real examples that would show the interviewer you understand your clients' needs and journey. I have added an example below.
"I am genuinely interested in my clients, and my caring tone carries through in my phone calls and correspondence. I would approach a new client by asking them questions about their business, what they are struggling with, and what type of solutions they have been seeking. From there, I could provide well-researched solutions that fit their needs."
Anonymous Answer
Learn as much about them before meeting them and let them know you can meet their expectations.
Rachelle's Feedback
Doing your research on a client is a solid way to make a good impression. Great response!
Anonymous Answer
I try to get a bit of background information of the client to know what the client likes; this helps in creating good conversation. I always try to show interest and show that I care. I try to understand the needs of the client and make sure the requirements are met. I also check on them regularly to make sure the seat is always warm.
Rachelle's Feedback
It sounds as though you pay very close attention to your clients and their needs. Replace 'I try' with language that is more confident.
"When making a good impression on a new client, I get some background information to know what the client likes. This background information helps in creating good conversation. I show interest and care by understanding the clients' needs and ensuring that I meet those needs. I also check in on them regularly, keeping our relationship warm."
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 Feedback
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?
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 Feedback
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.
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 Feedback
Excellent approach! Knowledge and research of the other party are key to a great first impression.
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 Feedback
Excellent! Your answer shows a lot of self-awareness.
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