Call centers have become an essential component of modern businesses. They offer support, handle customer inquiries, and facilitate sales. That’s why the demand for call center professionals is always high. However, getting a call center job requires passing interviews that assess skills and expertise in this field.

To qualify for a call center position, you need to ace the interview process. This involves preparing solid responses for various interviewer questions. The importance of call center interview questions and answers cannot be overstated. They help the interviewer gauge the candidate’s abilities in handling customer complaints, communication skills, and technical expertise. Therefore, it is essential to prepare well for call center interviews to improve your chances of landing the job.

Why Prepare for Call Center Interviews

As mentioned earlier, call center work involves communication with customers, and it demands specific skills and qualities. Preparing for call center interviews ensures that you present yourself as the ideal candidate for the job. Some reasons why you need to prepare well for a call center job interview are:

Convey professionalism: Employers are looking for professionals to represent their brand. Preparing for the interview gives you an edge, and you’ll be able to show up well-groomed, polished, and prepared for any questions that come your way.
Boost your confidence: When you’re prepared, you’ll feel confident during the interview. This will enable you to handle questions calmly and eloquently, which will impress the interviewer.
Stand out from other candidates: The competition for call center jobs can be tough, and the hiring manager is looking for the best candidate. With proper preparation, you’ll be able to set yourself apart from other candidates and improve your chances of getting hired.

Preparing for call center interviews is essential if you want to get a job in this field. The next section outlines the top 35 call center interview questions and example answers to help you prepare better.

General Call Center Interview Questions

If you’re applying for a call center job, it’s likely that you’ll be asked some general questions to get to know you better. Below are some common call center interview questions:

A. Tell me about yourself

This question is usually the opening question for most interviews, and it’s an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to the interviewer. When answering this question, keep it professional and focus on your work experience, educational background, and relevant skills that make you a qualified candidate for the position.

B. What are your strengths and weaknesses

This question requires you to reflect on your personal and professional qualities. For your strengths, think about what you excel at and how those skills will be useful in a call center role. As for your weaknesses, avoid simply talking about something you struggle with; instead, focus on how you are working to overcome that weakness.

C. Why do you want to work in a call center

This question is meant to assess your interest and motivation for the job. Be honest and specific about your reasons for wanting to work in a call center, such as the opportunity to help customers, the chance to use your communication skills, or the potential for growth within the company.

D. What do you know about our company

Before coming to an interview, it’s important to research the company and understand what they do. Answer this question by highlighting some key facts about the company, including their mission statement, products or services they offer, and any recent news or accolades that you think are relevant.

E. What qualities do you have that make you a good fit for a call center role

This question allows you to showcase your strengths and connect them with the requirements of the job. Some qualities that make a good call center employee may include strong communication skills, a patient and empathetic attitude, the ability to multitask, and a willingness to learn and provide top-quality customer service.

Answering these general call center interview questions takes a well-thought-out approach to present your skills, qualifications, and character to get the job offer. By taking the time to prepare for these questions ahead of time, you’ll undoubtedly crush your next call center interview.

Technical Call Center Interview Questions

Technical interview questions are designed to assess your technical knowledge and familiarity with the tools and systems used in a call center. Here are some common technical interview questions that may be asked during a call center interview:

A. What call center software or tools have you used before?

The interviewer wants to know if you have experience using any specific call center software or tools. Some popular call center software includes Zendesk, Salesforce, and Freshdesk. You should be familiar with these tools and be prepared to discuss any other software you have used in the past.

You can answer this question by listing the software and tools that you have used and highlighting your proficiency level. If you have not used any call center software before, you can emphasize your eagerness to learn and adapt to new tools and systems.

B. How do you handle multiple calls or chats at once?

As a call center agent, you will often have to handle multiple calls or chats simultaneously. The interviewer wants to know how you manage your workload and prioritize your tasks during busy periods.

Your answer should demonstrate your time-management and multitasking skills. You can mention techniques like prioritization, proper note-taking, and active listening to ensure that you give each caller the attention they need.

C. How do you measure or track call center metrics?

Call center metrics are essential for measuring the performance of agents and the overall success of a call center. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience measuring and tracking call center metrics.

You can answer this question by discussing some common metrics like First Call Resolution (FCR), Average Handle Time (AHT), or Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) score. You can also highlight the tools or software you use to track these metrics and how you analyze and use the data to improve call center operations.

D. What do you think is the most important call center KPI?

This question assesses your understanding of call center KPIs and your ability to prioritize one over another. Your answer should give a rationale for your choice of the most important KPI.

You can mention that the most important KPI depends on the call center’s goals and objectives. However, some commonly cited KPIs include FCR, CSAT, and Net Promoter Score (NPS). You must explain why you think your chosen metric is crucial and how it aligns with the call center’s goals.

These technical interview questions are designed to test your knowledge and understanding of call center software, metrics, and KPIs. You should prepare for these questions by researching the tools and systems used in call centers and having a good understanding of call center metrics and KPIs.

Behavioral Call Center Interview Questions

The success of a call center heavily relies on its agents’ ability to handle various types of customers and situations. It is important to hire agents who can handle stress, communicate effectively, and solve problems proactively. Therefore, during job interviews, hiring managers often ask behavioral questions to gauge how candidates react in real-life scenarios.

Some of the most common behavioral call center interview questions include:

A. Can you walk me through a time when you dealt with a difficult customer?

This question aims to test a candidate’s conflict resolution and interpersonal skills. A good answer should include a specific example of a time when the candidate dealt with a customer who was upset or angry. The answer should also demonstrate empathy, active listening skills, and an ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.

For example, the candidate may say: “In my previous call center job, I had a customer who was upset because their shipment was delayed. I listened actively to their concerns and apologized for the inconvenience. Then, I proactively checked their order status, identified the issue, and communicated with the relevant departments to expedite the delivery. I stayed in touch with the customer throughout the process and ensured they received their order with a gift card to apologize for the delay. By the end of the call, the customer was satisfied and thanked me for my help.”

B. How do you handle stress on the job?

Working in a call center can be stressful due to the high volume of calls, fast-paced environment, and irate customers. Therefore, it is important to hire agents who can cope with stress and maintain their composure to provide excellent customer service.

One possible answer to this question could be: “To manage stress, often we need to identify the sources of stress. For me, it’s when I feel like I’m not doing something I’m supposed to do. To mitigate this, I prioritize my tasks based on what’s important and urgent, I take regular breaks – this helps me to stays motivated and fresh, and I often solicit feedback from my colleagues for continuing growth.”

C. Can you give an example of a customer satisfaction success story?

The success of a call center is measured by how happy its customers are. This question helps hiring managers assess a candidate’s customer service skills and their ability to provide outstanding service. A good answer should demonstrate how the candidate exceeded customer expectations, resolved their issues, and ensured their satisfaction.

For example, a candidate might say: “I remember a customer who was having difficulty setting up their new internet connection. I listened carefully to their concerns and identified that the issue was due to a technical problem. I worked with our technical support team to fix the issue, communicated the resolution to the customer, and provided them with additional resources to prevent similar issues from happening in the future. Following up with the customer after the call, I received a message from the customer expressing their appreciation for my help and the quality of service they received.”

Close-ended and open-ended call center interview questions

A. What is the difference between close-ended and open-ended questions?

In call center interview questions, close-ended questions require a short and specific answer, whereas open-ended questions allow for a lengthier and more detailed response. Close-ended questions are useful in determining a candidate’s knowledge and expertise on a specific topic, while open-ended questions are better suited for gauging a candidate’s communication skills and critical thinking abilities.

B. Why are they important in a call center interview?

Close-ended and open-ended questions are important in a call center interview because they provide the interviewer with valuable insight into the candidate’s abilities and personality. Close-ended questions can quickly and accurately assess a candidate’s qualifications and fit for the position. Open-ended questions give candidates the platform to demonstrate their communication skills and problem-solving abilities, key components of success in a call center environment.

C. Can you give an example of each type of question?

A close-ended question in a call center interview might be, “Can you describe your experience handling customer complaints?” This question only requires a brief response and allows the interviewer to quickly assess the candidate’s qualifications for the position.

An example of an open-ended question in a call center interview might be, “Can you describe a time when you exceeded a customer’s expectations?” This type of question allows the candidate to provide a detailed response and gives the interviewer insight into the candidate’s communication skills and problem-solving abilities.

Both close-ended and open-ended call center interview questions serve an important purpose in evaluating candidates for a call center position. Combination of both types of questions can give a comprehensive understanding of the candidate’s expertise, communication skills, and critical thinking abilities.

Handling some of most common Call Center Interview Questions

In a call center interview, you can expect to be asked a range of different questions, but there are several key areas that always tend to come up. Being prepared to answer these questions confidently can greatly increase your chances of standing out from other candidates and securing the job. In this section, we’ll explore how to handle some of the most common call center interview questions.

A. Tell me about a time when you had to meet a difficult target

Meeting targets is an essential part of working in a call center. Whether it’s making a certain number of sales calls, resolving a specific number of customer complaints or achieving a set response time, you are going to be judged on your ability to meet these goals.

When preparing for this question, it is important to have a specific example in mind that you can talk about. This could be a target that you set for yourself or one that was set by your manager.

Start by describing the target and why it was challenging. Then explain how you went about achieving it. Did you change your approach or work longer hours? Did you seek advice from a colleague or your manager? Be specific and give concrete examples of what you did.

Finally, explain the outcome. Did you meet the target and how did this impact the business or customer satisfaction? What did you learn from the experience?

B. Have you ever faced a situation where you had to handle multiple calls at once?

Handling multiple calls at once is a common occurrence in a call center environment. To answer this question, start by acknowledging that this is something that you have experienced in your previous roles. Give an example of a situation where you had to multitask to manage multiple calls.

Explain your approach to prioritizing these calls and managing your time effectively. Did you use any specific tools or strategies to ensure that all customers received the attention they needed? Discuss the outcome of the situation and how you were able to resolve each customer issue.

C. What types of skills do you think are important for a call center agent?

Working in a call center requires a particular set of skills, and it’s important to be aware of what these skills are before going into an interview.

Some of the key skills that you should highlight include:

Strong communication skills: being able to actively listen and communicate with customers in a clear, positive and professional manner.
Problem-solving skills: the ability to understand customers’ concerns and come up with effective solutions that meet their needs.
Time management skills: the ability to handle multiple calls while ensuring that each customer receives the appropriate level of attention.
Technical skills: the ability to use a range of call center software and equipment.
Strong interpersonal skills: being able to work well as part of a team and communicate effectively with colleagues.
Adaptability: being able to adapt to changing circumstances and handle challenging situations with professionalism and grace.

Handling some of most uncommon Call Center Interview Questions

As an experienced copywriter and subject matter expert in call center operations, I can confidently say that handling uncommon interview questions is an essential skill for candidates aiming to land a role in a call center.

In this section, we will address three such questions that frequently come up and how to answer them:

A. How would you handle an angry customer with a very thick accent?

When dealing with an angry customer, it is essential to remain calm, empathetic, and professional. However, dealing with a customer with a thick accent can present additional communication challenges, making it harder to understand customer concerns.

To handle such a situation, we recommend the following steps:

Ask the customer to speak slowly and clearly, so you can understand their concerns.
Wait for them to finish speaking before confirming your understanding of their problem.
Use plain language to communicate, avoiding technical jargon or colloquialisms that the customer may not understand.
Offer apologies for any misunderstandings and reassure the customer that you are actively seeking a solution.

By following these steps, you establish a foundation of clear communication, which increases the likelihood of finding a resolution that the customer finds satisfactory.

Technical issues are common in call center operations, and it’s essential to address them quickly and efficiently. Here is an example of how we would troubleshoot a technical issue:

Identify the cause of the problem by asking the customer questions to gain more information about the issue.
Offer a potential solution or workaround that the customer can try, providing step-by-step guidance.
Walk the customer through the solution or workaround, ensuring they understand the steps and any potential pitfalls.
Test the solution with the customer to confirm that the issue has been resolved.
Follow up with the customer to ensure that the issue remains resolved and offer any additional assistance if needed.

This approach shows the customer that you are knowledgeable, proactive, and committed to solving their problem quickly and efficiently.

C. What would you do if a customer was threatening bodily harm over the phone?

Dealing with an angry customer is part of the job, but when a customer is threatening bodily harm, it can be a challenging situation. Here are some steps you can take to address such a scenario:

Remain calm and professional. Do not respond to the threat with anger or aggression.
Inform a supervisor or colleague immediately. They will take the necessary steps to ensure that you are safe and secure.
Continue to engage with the customer, if safe and possible, and attempt to defuse the situation by listening carefully and offering apologies, if appropriate.
If necessary, end the call promptly and inform your supervisor of what happened.

Call Center Management Interview Questions

During a call center management interview, employers aim to assess the candidate’s experience, expertise, and understanding of the industry’s best practices. Here are three critical questions that the interviewer may ask:

A. What makes a good call center manager?

A good call center manager should possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of the industry’s best practices. They should have the ability to motivate and manage a team, set clear goals and expectations, and foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, collaboration, and productivity. Additionally, a good call center manager should be results-driven, customer-focused, and able to balance the company’s business goals with the employees’ needs and interests.

B. What metrics do you think are important for a call center to track?

Tracking the right metrics is crucial to call center success, and some of the essential metrics that a call center should track include:

First Call Resolution (FCR): A measure of how often the customer’s issue is resolved in the first contact with the call center.
Average Handle Time (AHT): The average time that a call center agent takes to handle a customer query from start to finish.
Service Level: A measure of the percentage of calls that are answered within a certain timeframe, usually 20-30 seconds.
Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) Score: A measure of how satisfied the customer is with the service they received from the call center.
Agent Utilization: The measure of time agents are engaged in productive work versus non-productive work.

These metrics help call centers monitor the effectiveness of their operations and identify areas for improvement.

C. How do you handle employee conflicts in a call center?

Handling employee conflicts is a crucial part of any manager’s role, and in a call center, it is essential to address conflicts promptly to avoid negatively impacting the team’s productivity and morale. Here are some steps that a call center manager can take to handle conflicts:

Listen: Listen to both sides of the conflict and try to understand their perspectives.
Remain neutral: Avoid taking sides and remain objective throughout the conflict resolution process.
Identify the underlying issues: Try to identify the root cause of the conflict and address it to avoid similar conflicts in the future.
Encourage open communication: Encourage open communication between the conflicting parties and work together to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Document the conflict resolution process: Document the steps taken to resolve the conflict for future reference and for any necessary follow-up.

A good call center manager should have the skills, knowledge, and experience to effectively manage a team and meet the company’s goals while prioritizing the customer’s satisfaction and employees’ well-being.

Call Center Interview Questions for Customer Services Managers

A. What do you think the most important qualities are for a customer service manager?

You should be prepared to answer this question with confidence. The most important qualities for a customer service manager may include:

Strong communication skills
Ability to collaborate and build relationships with other departments
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
A customer-centric mindset
Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations
Strong attention to detail
Leadership and team management skills

Be prepared to elaborate on each of these qualities, and provide examples of how you have demonstrated them in your previous roles.

B. How do you handle employee development and training in a call center?

Employee development and training is crucial in a call center environment, as it can directly impact the quality of customer service provided. As a customer service manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that your team is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles.

When answering this question, you may want to discuss your process for onboarding new employees, ongoing training and development opportunities, and performance management. It is important to convey that you value employee growth and development, and that you are invested in helping your team succeed.

C. Can you tell me about…

Without additional context, it is difficult to provide a specific answer to this question. However, it is important to approach each interview question with confidence and provide thoughtful, detailed responses that showcase your expertise and capabilities as a customer service manager. Be prepared to speak about specific experiences, challenges, and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to lead a successful call center team.

Top 35 Call Center Interview Questions and Example Answers