5 Questions that only the best CSRs can ace

OABPO Blog Team Published on July 31, 2014

5-Questions-that-only-the-best-CSRs-can-ace-inbound-customer-service-solutions

We’ve already established in a previous blog post that call center recruitment is a customer service function. It needs to apply the same customer-centric practices that agents use so that recruiters can attract potential company assets instead of drive job applicants away. This is why outsourcing firms that provide global clients inbound customer service solutions from operations sites in the Philippines devote much thought and energy to their hiring activities.

Of course, every new hire will undergo training and orientation to get immersed into the work culture and become a productive part of the company. None of the trainings, however, would matter if the employees don t possess the innate makings of a good customer service representative (CSR): patient, empathetic, and willing to help.

These traits should be readily in place and not developed only after hiring. And there’s no better opportunity to spot an ideal candidate than through an interview. However, a generic set of questions won’t likely unearth the qualities of a natural CSR; what you need is to twist the queries a bit to squeeze out genuine answers that reflect the traits you’re looking for.

As a follow-up to the blog post mentioned earlier, here is a list of questions that would draw out ideal answers from CSR candidates and ultimately, the recruiter’s nod.

1. “Can you tell me about your hobbies and interests?”

5-Questions-that-only-the-best-CSRs-can-ace_--

While this question seems to be just an ice-breaker, it actually gives you an idea of how passionate the applicant is in extending a hand. Observe how enthusiastic he is when talking about his hobbies and see if his interests involve making others happy. If he’s into collaborative activities like sports, he’ll likely make up a good member of a CSR team.

 

2. “How’s our application and hiring process so far?”

5-Questions-that-only-the-best-CSRs-can-ace_

It may not seem important, and this is probably a question applicants didn t expect to get nor prepare an answer for, which makes for a great measure of their true answering abilities. Plus, if they are able to mention the steps and the names of the people who processed their application, it will show how good they are in retaining details—a skill that they’d use every day as a CSR.

 

3. “What are the things you dislike about the brands you love?”

5-Questions-that-only-the-best-CSRs-can-ace--

If they can’t list any flaw of a product they support, how can they find room for improvement when they represent your brand?

 

4. “What would you do when a customer points out a problem with the company you’re representing?”

5-Questions-that-only-the-best-CSRs-can-ace__

Here, the candidate would take either of these two sides: the customer’s (they’ll admit the problem and apologize) or the company’s (they’ll defend the brand’s image). A more advisable thing to do, however, is to first confirm if the issue exists before owning up to it, and then make up for the inconvenience to win back the customer’s loyalty for the brand.

 

5. “Have you gone against a company’s policy just to deliver excellent customer service?”

5-Questions-that-only-the-best-CSRs-can-ace_-

Again, answers to questions like are subjective, so you should use your conscious judgment to tell if the violation is a justified one or if you personally believe that company regulations must be upheld all the time, regardless of surrounding circumstances.

More than the applicant’s impressive answer, it is the recruiter’s skill to identify talent that makes call center hiring successful. Do you have other interview questions in mind? Feel free to drop yours in the comment box and share what answers you were able to get.

Join us on facebook
Open Access BPO Yesterday
How can we build stronger, more resilient teams together?
The answer starts with empowering employees to prioritize their well-being.

Self-care isn't a perk, it's a foundation for success for any brand, but only if you're sincere in your employee care.

Here are helpful ways to ensure employee self-care: https://buff.ly/pwwtsoR

——————————
We empower our teams to create #CustomerExperiences for your customers.

Our workplaces are built to prioritize self-care for our employees and drive success for our partners.
Outsource with us: https://buff.ly/3yaDcXW

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#MentalHealthMonth #MHM2025
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
#OABPOforMentalHealth
Open Access BPO 2 days ago
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗣𝗢 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙, 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲-𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗻, 𝗟𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗮 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.

Held in partnership with non-profit Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc., volunteers from the call center's Makati office planted 200 indigenous forest trees in the UP Laguna-Quezon Land Grant–part of the Sierra Madre's 9,000+ hectare protected forest.

The initiative focused on targeted reforestation and biodiversity conservation within this crucial ecosystem.

𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 underscores Open Access BPO's commitment to corporate social responsibility. By actively engaging in green initiatives, the company demonstrates a tangible dedication to creating a positive impact on the environment and the local community.

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#OABPOPlantItForward
#OABPOcares #IdeaHubOABPO
Open Access BPO 2 days ago
This May, the conversation around #MentalHealth awareness rightly shifts towards action.

At Open Access BPO, we're dedicated to fostering a culture where our employees' mental well-being is a priority, through our employee engagement activities, employee-centric policies, and healthcare initiatives: https://buff.ly/kBYj9xI

This commitment empowers our team and reinforces our belief in the importance of advocating for better support for all.

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#OneForHealth #MentalHealthMonth
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
Open Access BPO 2 days ago
#𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱.
It offers multiple opportunities to make a great impression and build lasting loyalty.

But even a single customer service blunder can quickly turn a positive #CustomerExperience sour.

There are more support failures that can may customers abandon your brand and check out your competition.

What you do to prevent them from happening is critical.
Start with a powerful #CustomerSupport strategy: https://buff.ly/xr3yMqT

----------
Let's give your consumers the #CustomerExperience they'll be talking about for years: https://buff.ly/3yaDcXW

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
Open Access BPO 3 days ago
Expanding your #startup internationally can unlock a world of opportunities.
From market research to talent acquisition, #outsourcing can be a powerful tool to streamline your global expansion.

But how can you tell if your startup is truly ready to take on the world?
Before you take the leap, check out these essential signs of international expansion readiness: https://buff.ly/aEtrOFi

——————————
Ready to take the leap and expand your startup internationally?

Let Open Access BPO help you navigate the complexities of global expansion through our #BPO solutions: https://buff.ly/3yaDcXW

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#OutsourcingCX #CustomerSupport
Open Access BPO 6 days ago
Staying competitive often means finding smarter ways to operate and deliver great results.

For many global brands, that involves partnering with #outsourcing experts, and the Philippines is a go-to destination.

What's makes these outsourcing collaborations so impactful for a company's growth?

Learn why so many companies trust Philippine outsourcing companies to help them flourish and expand: https://buff.ly/UKynqaI

——————————
Just like many of the world's top brands, you can count on Open Access BPO to deliver excellent #CustomerExperience through our outsourcing services.

Ready to see how we can help your customer service shine? Get in touch: https://buff.ly/3yaDcXW

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#CustomerSupport #CSat
#OutsourcingCustomerService #CX
#CallCenterOutsourcing #CustomerExperience