Top Customer Service Associate Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Customer Service Associate interview by going through these most asked Customer Service Associate interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: What is customer service to you?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to learn about the candidate's attitude toward customer service. You'll learn whether he or she understands the importance of customer service and whether he or she has a passion for providing excellent service. You'll also learn whether he or she has a realistic view of the job and whether he or she is likely to be satisfied with the position.

    Sample Answer: Customer service is helping customers with their needs. I enjoy helping people and making them happy.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for customer service
    • - Understanding of the importance of customer service
    • - Realistic view of the job

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry customer.
  • Question Overview: This question gives you an opportunity to see how the customer service associate candidate responds to difficult situations. You'll learn how he or she handles stress, and you'll be able to see how he or she deals with a difficult customer. You'll also learn how the candidate would handle a situation in which he or she was not able to provide a solution.

    Sample Answer: I had a customer who was upset because of a delay in delivery. I apologized for the delay and explained that the product was on backorder. I offered a discount on the product and assured him that I would contact him as soon as it arrived.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm and professional
    • - Ability to remain friendly and respectful
    • - Ability to explain policies and procedures

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
  • Question Overview: This question helps you determine whether the customer service associate candidate is interested in growing with your business. You'll learn about his or her career goals and whether he or she is looking for a long-term position. You'll also learn whether the candidate would be interested in a promotion or if he or she would prefer to remain at the same level.

    Sample Answer: I would like to continue working in customer service and eventually become a supervisor.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to grow within your business
    • - Desire to remain in customer service
    • - Desire to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to find out why the customer service associate candidate is interested in your business. You'll learn about his or her reasons for applying for this position. You'll also learn whether the applicant has done any research about your business and whether he or she is familiar with your products and services.

    Sample Answer: I'm interested in working for your business because I've heard good things about it. I like the products you sell and I think I'd be a good fit for this position.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of your products and services
    • - Familiarity with your company
    • - Desire to work for your business

  • Question: How do you see yourself advancing in the company?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to see how the customer service associate candidate views his or her career. You'll learn whether he or she is looking for a long-term position or a stepping stone to another job. You'll also learn whether he or she has goals and plans for his or her career.

    Sample Answer: I would like to advance within the company. I would like to learn more about the company's products and services.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire for advancement
    • - Knowledge of your company's goals and plans
    • - Desire to work toward those goals

  • Question: Can you tell me about yourself?
  • Question Overview: This question reveals the customer service associate candidate's communication skills and personality. You'll learn how well he or she can express him or herself and whether he or she is able to provide a clear picture of his or her strengths and weaknesses. You'll also learn about his or her values, goals and interests.

    Sample Answer: I'm a recent college graduate with a degree in business. I enjoy working with people and have experience in customer service. I'm looking for a job where I can use my communication skills to help customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to express oneself clearly
    • - Ability to provide a clear picture of strengths and weaknesses
    • - Values that align with those of your business

  • Question: How do you work with a team?
  • Question Overview: This question helps you understand how the customer service associate candidate may work with others. You'll learn if he or she is a team player and if he or she is able to work independently. You'll also learn how well he or she communicates with others.

    Sample Answer: I enjoy working with a team. I am able to work independently when needed. I am able to communicate clearly and effectively with my team members.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
    • - Ability to work independently

  • Question: What makes you think that you are qualified for this job?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you an opportunity to learn about the customer service associate candidate's self-confidence and self-awareness. You'll learn whether he or she is able to articulate his or her strengths and weaknesses. You'll also learn whether the applicant has done his or her research into your business and whether he or she has a good understanding of the position.

    Sample Answer: I have experience working in customer service and I have a passion for helping people. I know that I would be a great fit for this position.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of your business
    • - Ability to explain why he or she is qualified for this position
    • - Self-awareness of his or her strengths and weaknesses

  • Question: Are you available to work the hours selected?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you the opportunity to learn whether the customer service associate candidate is available to work the hours that you need. You'll also learn whether he or she has any scheduling conflicts that would prevent him or her from working the hours you need.

    Sample Answer: I am available to work the hours selected.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability to work the hours selected
    • - Availability to work weekends
    • - Availability to work holidays

  • Question: What is the difference between PVC and CPVC?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine whether the customer service associate candidate has a sufficient knowledge of your products. You'll learn whether he or she is familiar with the materials and components that you use in your products. You'll also learn how well he or she can explain these differences to customers.

    Sample Answer: CPVC is a type of PVC that is more resistant to heat. It is often used for plumbing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of materials used in products
    • - Ability to explain differences between materials

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to resolve an issue with a customer and management was not available.
  • Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the customer service associate candidate's ability to handle difficult situations. You'll learn whether he or she is able to remain calm and professional when management is not available. You'll also learn how well he or she can handle customer issues independently.

    Sample Answer: I had a customer who was upset about a product. I was able to resolve the issue by listening to his concerns and finding a solution that worked for him.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain professional and calm
    • - Ability to handle customer issues independently

  • Question: How do you react to being yelled at?
  • Question Overview: This question helps you understand how the customer service associate candidate may respond under pressure. You'll learn if he or she would be able to handle difficult situations independently or if he or she would need too much assistance with these kinds of incidents. You'll be able to gauge his or her strengths and weaknesses. This question will also provide insight into the candidate's temperament and emotional maturity.

    Sample Answer: I remain calm and try to understand the customer's needs. I explain the situation and apologize for any inconvenience.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm under pressure
    • - Ability to remain professional
    • - High degree of emotional stability and maturity

  • Question: How do you handle stress?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you an opportunity to find out how the customer service associate candidate handles pressure. You'll learn whether he or she is able to remain calm and focused in stressful situations. You'll also learn whether he or she has the ability to work independently and to prioritize tasks.

    Sample Answer: I take a deep breath and remind myself that I can handle the situation. I then take care of the problem at hand.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm and focused
    • - Ability to work independently
    • - Ability to prioritize tasks

  • Question: When can you join us?
  • Question Overview: This question is a simple one that allows you to find out when the customer service associate candidate can start. You'll learn how soon he or she can begin working for you and whether he or she has any scheduling conflicts.

    Sample Answer: I can start on Monday.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability to begin work immediately
    • - Any scheduling conflicts that may prevent the candidate from starting on time

  • Question: Describe a time when you worked to identify the needs of your customer or co-worker.
  • Question Overview: This question reveals the customer service associate candidate's ability to work with others. You'll learn whether he or she is able to work with a team and whether he or she is able to understand the needs of others. You'll also learn whether he or she is able to communicate effectively and work well with customers.

    Sample Answer: I worked with a co-worker to develop a training program for new hires. We gathered information from our manager and other employees. We then developed an outline for the training program and presented it to our manager.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Excellent communication skills
    • - Ability to work well with others
    • - Ability to understand the needs of others

  • Question: What is a 4770k?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well the customer service associate candidate can think on his or her feet. You'll learn whether he or she is able to quickly and accurately answer questions about your products and services. You'll also learn whether the applicant has a good understanding of your business and its products.

    Sample Answer: A 4770k is a processor that runs at 4.7 GHz.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Excellent knowledge of your products and services
    • - Ability to think quickly and clearly

  • Question: Who did you schedule your interview with?
  • Question Overview: This question helps you understand how the customer service associate candidate was able to get an interview with you. You'll learn if he or she has a network of contacts that could be helpful to your business. You'll also learn how the applicant was able to find out about your company and position.

    Sample Answer: I scheduled my interview through the company's website.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Contact with someone who works at your company
    • - Contact with someone who knows someone who works at your company
    • - Contact with someone who knows someone who knows someone who works at your company

  • Question: What are your strengths and how will you contribute to this job?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you an opportunity to learn about the customer service associate candidate's strengths and how he or she will contribute to your team. You'll learn about his or her values and how he or she will fit into your organization.

    Sample Answer: I am very good at listening to customers and helping them find solutions to their problems. I am also very good at working with my coworkers to solve problems.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Excellent communication skills
    • - Ability to work well with others
    • - Positive attitude

  • Question: What do you like to do in your spare time?
  • Question Overview: This question provides insight into the customer service associate candidate's interests and personality. You'll learn whether he or she has any hobbies or activities that would make him or her a good fit for your team. You'll also learn whether the applicant is able to maintain a balance between work and personal life.

    Sample Answer: I like to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy reading, watching movies, and going to the gym.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Hobbies and interests that are compatible with your business
    • - Ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance