Yesterday I answered some of the easy interview questions that you might get asked when applying for a call center job. Today, I'm going to answer some of the hard ones. I don't know how to answer them seriously, but you still might learn something from them.
- Why are you interested in joining a call center?
Answer: Because I need the money. Because I like to talk. Because talking on the phone is easier than digging ditches. Because I positively enjoy sitting in a chair for hours on end, wearing a headset. - How many years will you dedicate to the industry?
Answer: I expect to die here. Right here, in this rolling chair. I will never leave, no matter how much anyone else pays me. I will never want to do anything that doesn't involve wearing a headset. If I get married and have children, I will bring them all to work. Including my spouse. - What can you contribute to the company, knowing the basics of being a call center agent?
Answer: I can contribute all the basics of being a great call center agent. Why do you ask? - What is excellent customer service?
Answer: Whatever you say it is. I expect you to train me. I want to learn to have ownership, urgency, puntuality, alertness, speed, compassion, and intelligence. You can increase my intelligence, can't you? - Relate a situation where you experienced excellent customer service?
Answer: What a coincidence: it was a time when I called this very call center. When I spoke with one of your own agents. You probably trained that excellent agent personally, didn't you? - What motivates you to succeed and excel?
Answer: Money. Lots of money. Are you going to give me lots of money when you hire me? Oh, and respect, of course. Your managers will surely respect me. And I know the customers on the phone always will. - What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Answer: My strengths include patience, good speaking skills, intelligence, and of course, humility. My weaknesses? None, except I work too hard and weep for the the problems of my customers on the phone. Is this interview being recorded? - What is your greatest accomplishment?
Answer: Because of national security concerns, I'm not allowed to give details, but it did involve talking on the phone and wearing a headset. And it changed the world.
Is this interview being recorded, indeed! From what I've heard from the trainer, I wish some of them would be. It would be fun!
I heard one girl who called in to our Customer Service line to apply for a job. She had a voice that could grate concrete. If she ever got hired for any reason, I would need earplugs. Ewww.
Posted by: Ann Onimous | July 21, 2007 10:40 PM | Permalink to Comment