Advice
The interviewer is looking for a specific answer that showcases your ability to deliver excellent customer service. You need to go beyond 'service with a smile' when answering this question. Make your reply memorable! This question offers you an excellent opportunity to be a stand-out candidate.
Admin answer example
"I used to work the front desk in a hotel where we were given a budget specifically to use for making a customers' experience better. I recall one couple in specific who left their phone and laptop chargers in the room after they checked out. I same-day couriered the items to them with a friendly note. It felt great to deliver that added touch."
Animal Shelter Worker answer example
"I love to impress my employer. I currently work at a pet store and will often stay late to help out a customer who arrives just as the doors are closing. I get to know our regular customers, and even remember the names of their pets! It keeps customers coming back when they feel like they are part of a community."
Baker answer example
"I had a customer come to me with 1 days' notice that she needed a wedding cake. Her original baker did not provide her with the cake that she wanted and she was very panicked about it. We worked overtime and went far beyond the call of duty to ensure that her cake was perfect, and ready for her big day."
Bank Compliance Officer answer example
"I am particularly proud of the time I (X project you are the most proud of). I went above and beyond because the client's satisfaction mattered to me and my employer, and (X other reasons why you went above and beyond). The client was so satisfied by the high level of commitment and quality of my work that he hired our company for all of his upcoming projects."
Basic answer example
"I often look for opportunities to go over and above when it comes to customer service. One memorable time was when a senior woman was struggling to get her groceries into her car. I was on break but saw her through the window. I ran out and greeted her, asking if I could assist. She was so thankful that she ended up calling my manager that day to compliment my kindness."
Home Health Aide answer example
"I had a patient last year who had an accidental fall when she was home alone. She ended up being hospitalized for a few weeks because of a broken hip. I took time after work to visit her a couple of times per week. She really appreciated the gesture, as did her family."
Landscape Architect answer example
"I am particularly proud of the time I (X project you are the most proud of). I went above and beyond because the client's satisfaction mattered to me and my employer, and (X other reasons why you went above and beyond). The client was so satisfied by the high level of commitment and quality of my work that he hired our company for all of his upcoming projects."
Landscaping answer example
"When I worked at a cafe, I made sure that I had a great attitude at all times. I was friendly with every customer. I had a customer come in feeling very stressed and rushed. I moved as quickly as I could to fill his order and asked questions to make sure I was giving him exactly what he wanted. He was so impressed with my attitude that he smiled and relaxed when I gave him his sandwich. I told him I could tell he was stressed and if there was anything else I could do to please let me know. He asked for a coffee, and I responded right away. He gave me a big tip and continued to come back and see me every week!"
When a customer seems stressed, they don't always realize it. They might need to relax and unwind and have no idea that they are coming across as grumpy or demanding. This is where it's your job to go above and beyond! Learning to anticipate needs before a customer makes a request is a skill! This will definitely come in handy while you are working as a landscaper. Customers can be stressed, demanding and have no self-awareness about how they are coming across. It's up to you to pay attention! Your attitude and your consistent work ethic will go a long way. Give an example from any of your previous work experience that shows off some of the skills and qualities that will make you an excellent landscaper!"
Library Assistant answer example
"Interviewers love hiring people who go above and beyond the call of duty! Think about a time when you went above and beyond in your job or in your studies. Share what project you were working on, what your basic requirements were, and how you went above-and-beyond. Be sure to mention why you desired to go above-and-beyond for this project to help the interviewer see your drive to be successful in your work."
Manager answer example
"Everyone likes options, and after receiving consistent feedback from my customers that they felt limited when they had to choose our service packages, I decided to take the concern up with our corporate head office. Before doing so, I polled my clients to find out exactly what they wanted to see from our service menu. I made a compelling presentation to my senior leadership, and our company ended up agreeing to add these service options. We will be rolling out the first round of changes next month. It is important to listen to your customers and deliver what they ask."
Marketing answer example
"Many of our customers do not understand social media fully, which is why they come to us. I recently launched a private YouTube channel with video tutorials and how-tos. I sent the login information to all of our clients so that they could access the information on-demand. This effort saves them a phone call and email and also ensures that the information they need is at their fingertips, no matter the time of day or night. The response has been incredibly positive."
Retail answer example
"Customer inquiries come through my desk at a rapid rate whether it be through email, voicemail, or social media. I make it my aim to never leave for the day until every inquiry has a response. This commitment may mean staying late an extra hour sometimes, but my valued customers are worth the added effort."
Veterinarian School answer example
"Example Answer:-
"Whilst at my previous company we had redundancies in the middle of an already understaffed project. The 5-person team I was in was demoralised and also needed to absorb the additional work from the departed staff. I took everyone on the team out for coffee individually. These one-on-one meetings were an opportunity to vent, but also created space for employees to share pain points. I shared all the potential roadblocks in a follow-up team meeting, and we brainstormed solutions together, including adjusting the timeline slightly.
Because the team felt that their frustrations were acknowledged, there was no simmering resentment holding people back. Instead, the team felt enthusiastic and unified in a common goal. "
Veterinary Technician answer example
"No one wants to show weakness in an interview. Talking about failure seems like it might hurt your chances of getting the job, right? Wrong! If you can talk about a time you failed with precision and poise, you may help your chances! Here's how:
1) Think about a time when you made a big mistake at work. What happened? Did you forget something important? Was it a careless mistake?
2) How did you handle it? Did you apologize? Did you make things right? What were your choices? Sometimes you can't fix the problem but you can definitely learn from it.
3) What did you learn? Going forward, maybe you will read an email over a few times before sending it. Showing you care enough about the quality of your work and how it affects your coworkers is a hard quality to find!
Prepare an example and recite it to yourself until you feel confident talking about it in your interview. Focus on what you learned and try not to get caught up in the details of what went wrong."