Tell me about your experience in customer service and working with the public.
"I worked in a call centre in while attending university, and people tend to be rather bold and even abusive when they don't see the other person face to face. There is a level of objectification there, I think. But I'd always be warm, respectful. If anyone said anything too out of bounds, I would just fall silent and let it hang out there. That typically roused an apology. If not, I would remain professional and courteous. You just have to be your best self at all times. The only thing I have any control over is my attitude, after all."
"I worked in grocery for eight years. For the most part, I enjoyed it. It was rewarding work. Sometimes people were hungry and irritable, other times happy to share their recipes. You dealt with all sorts. All walks of life. No two days were alike in this regard. But eventually I felt like, if I was going to be working with the public as such, that I should do something with a little more meaning, where I was making more of a difference, which is what led me here."
The role of a Work Coach has a great deal of focus on customer service. Before your interview, spend time examining this aspect of your work history, and how you would define your philosophy or approach towards customer service. If you can, try to come up with a relatable experience where you demonstrated these skills with success, positioning yourself as uniquely qualified for this position.
Here is some material DWP provides to describe the role of a work coach, "As a Work Coach you hold a vital role in the Department, helping individuals and their families towards financial independence through work and enabling them to claim the support they need as they progress. Work Coaches are customer-focused, dedicated individuals and able to deliver exceptional service with empathy and compassion to people who need their support. As a Work Coach, you will use sound judgement to help people through some difficult, challenging times in their lives, and your tailored coaching can make a huge difference to their ability to find, stay in, and progress in a job. If you're looking for a job that makes a clear difference to people's lives, a Work Coach role in DWP could be just what you are looking for."
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
My experience of working with the public has been both enjoyable and challenging. You have to be resilient to take on customer's bad days and moods, but more often than not if you treat people with kindness and respect it can be really enjoyable and rewarding.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great start! If you can, share your specific roles in customer service to help the interviewer better understand your experience and how your skills will transfer.
Anonymous Answer
I interact with customers almost every day as my job is a public base job. Every day I communicate with customers' problems and give them solutions. I am always there to listen and help them.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a good start! Can you go into more detail about your years of experience in customer service as well as the job titles that you've held? That will help the interviewer better understand your experience, and then you can go into your duties, which will demonstrate your transferable skills.
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