How to Answer: How do you deal with customer rejection?
25. How do you deal with customer rejection?
How to Answer
Being rejected by a customer can be hurtful and frustrating. The interviewer wants to know that you have the maturity, professionalism, and confidence to be able to withstand someone saying 'no' to you. Explain that you realize not everyone will be super friendly, warm, and buy from you right away. And that is okay! Display your maturity level and ability to let situations like this go, rather than dwell.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I know not to take it personally when a person doesn't want my product or service. There are many reasons why they could be saying no. Maybe the item is out of their price range, or maybe they are having a bad day and don't feel like interacting. Onto the next opportunity, I say!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Admin Example
"I expect that not everyone I speak with is going to want to give me their time, or fully hear what I have to say. People are busy, and they will say no, or 'I don't have the time for this,' more often than not."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Manager Example
"No matter the situation, or how the customer rejection makes me feel, I vow to remain professional. I need to be a solid example for my team and show them that a good attitude will get you everywhere. I move on quickly from rejection and train my group to do the same."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Marketing Example
"I am an inherently curious individual so, when a customer rejects my offering, I always ask why. I want to know if there was something I did that made them dislike the product or service. By gaining feedback from each rejection, I can build a better approach."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Retail Example
"When a customer rejects me, it's frustrating, especially when I am trying to hit a sales quota and am feeling the pressure. To offset this, I will always focus on the positive. Perhaps the customer will return, or maybe the next person to walk into the store will purchase double the amount of product from me. I like to believe that it will all work out in the end."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Sales Example
"One trick I learned early on in my sales career is to send a proposal, either way. Perhaps my competition gained the clients' business, but you never know if that partnership will go sideways. I want to be top of mind if that happens. So, I never take the first-time rejection as a final answer."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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