How to Answer: Give me an example of how you delivered excellent customer service at your last position.
11. Give me an example of how you delivered excellent customer service at your last position.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that your definition of excellent customer service exceeds minimal expectations. You could talk about a time when you calmed an upset customer or went above the expectations of your role to make a customer want to return.
Perhaps you had a customer dispute and were able to smooth over the issue using your great instinct and friendly disposition. Be sure to close with how happy the customer was when they left. Include any feedback that you received from your supervisor or co-workers afterward.
Here are some ways that you can deliver exceptional customer service:
- Exercise endless patience with challenging customers.
- Use positive verbiage at all times. For instance, instead of saying 'I don't know,' say 'I am happy to find out for you.'
- Actively listen to your customers' needs and be able to repeat them back.
- Have the ability to explain product pricing, so the customer knows what to expect on their bill or invoice.
- Display exceptional product knowledge.
- Ask the customer if you have met their expectations before they leave.
- Smile and maintain positive body language.
- Support your coworkers and encourage a positive workplace culture.
Written by Ryan Brown
Answer Example
"In my last role, as a server, I went above the customer service expectations by introducing myself to each table when I sat them. Having that small personal touch made all the difference. Once the customers knew my name, and I knew theirs, they felt more confident in my capabilities. Over time, I would have customers coming in and requesting a table in my section. It felt nice to make that connection, and the increase in tips was a nice bonus too! After a few weeks, the restaurant manager made this a general practice across all serving staff."
Written by Ryan Brown
Admin Example
"In my last position, I had a great deal of challenging customers who would call in nearly every day. Although my patience was often tested, I always remained level-headed, helpful, and positive. Becoming outwardly frustrated would have only made the customer feel bad or even upset them, which is something I would never want."
Manager Example
"I ensured the delivery of excellent customer service by training my team to be positive minded and encouraging to everyone around them. Customers can tell when someone wants to help them versus being forced to because it's their job. I created a friendly and welcoming environment which my customers greatly appreciated."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Marketing Example
"Before I close up any client accounts, I will phone my client and ask them if there is anything more I can do to help, and if I exceeded their expectations. On a phone call, I can hear if they are truly excited about the service or seem emotionally flat about their experience. If they do not sound truly elated, I ask for feedback on what I could have done differently. I want to improve at all times and am very good at implementing feedback, which my clients like."
Retail Example
"I showed great customer service by having a great amount of product knowledge. I made sure that I was the product expert so that I could be a wealth of knowledge to my clients. I would never want to say "I don't know" to a customer. I will always find an answer if I don't already have one."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Sales Example
"I ensured excellent customer service in my last role by having regular conversations with my accounts on what they needed, where I was exceeding, where I could do better, and what services they felt they were missing. This active communication meant that I could quickly pivot if a client were not happy with the way their project was going."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Kevin's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I apologized for the inconvenience to the customer and explained how it was store policy to check the age proof before selling alcohol. I offered to him I could hold on to the wine bottle so that he can make the purchase at the customer service desk rather than standing in the line again."
Rachelle's Feedback