Customer Complaint Officer Interview Question:

Explain with an example of a particularly difficult customer you had to deal with and how you used your skills to successfully overcome the problem they had?

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Many interviewees freeze at this question, simply because they cannot think of an example, rather than the fact that they have never dealt with one. So have an answer prepared and make sure it is one where you resolved the issue, not one where you had to refer the customer to a higher authority (it's amazing how many people do this). What the interviewer is looking for are the skills you possess in handling difficult customers, not the intricate detail of the particular issue the customer had.

In your pre-prepared answer you should include the following:

I listened carefully to what the customer had to say.
I apologised and empathised with their situation.
I confirmed my understanding of their concern.
I took responsibility to resolve the issue.
I offered a solution (plus alternatives if possible).
I confirmed the customer was happy with this.
I thanked the customer for raising the issue with me.
I took immediate action following the call to resolve the situation.
I remained calm throughout the whole process.
(If appropriate) the customer wrote in to my supervisor congratulating me on my efficiency.
This may seem like a very long answer. But by explaining the situation, without going into the minutia of the product or the complaint, your response need be no more than one minute or so. You will also impress your prospective employer by demonstrating that you already have the skills necessary to handle the most difficult calls.
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