How to Answer: What are ways you build rapport with a new customer?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Account Executive job interview.
21. What are ways you build rapport with a new customer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to discover your thought process behind approaching your calls. They want to know how you plan to engage and approach their clients/customers and if it fits in line with their philosophy.
Written by Judy Smith on March 13th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid giving examples of sales like calls where you only mention the products and services. Do not mention that you don't need to build rapport to gain a new customer. They are asking this question because they think it is an important part of the role.
Written by Judy Smith on March 13th, 2022
How to Answer
State how you typically go about building rapport with new clients. Give an example of how this has benefited you in the past and the outcome of the sale.
Written by Judy Smith on March 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"When building rapport with a new customer, I like to find common interests. This can be anything from being a parent to a sports team that we both like. I think most people want to have a relationship with someone that they can relate to and a part of this is making myself memorable. They probably have several people reaching out to them throughout the week and my goal is to set myself apart from the competition. Once we connect and have a common ground I then go into the successes of their business and areas where they would like to see even more success. Then I mention a product or two that would be helpful for them to try out that would benefit them in a short amount of time. I usually gain around 3-4 new clients a week and even have referrals in the end. Building rapport is important to not only closing the sale but retaining clients for years to come."
Written by Judy Smith on March 13th, 2022