Congratulations! You just landed a job interview. That’s no easy feat during these trying times amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep you and the person you might hire healthy, your big interview will probably take place online.
A virtual job interview should be taken just as seriously as an in-person one. In fact, how you act during the virtual interview could be just as important in getting the job as how well you answer the questions.
With that in mind, let’s make sure you’re the top choice of every company you interview with. Here are five tips on how to ace your virtual job interview.
If you have an upcoming interview for a customer service representative role at GEICO, solid preparation is key. In this article we’ll overview the typical questions asked and provide tips to help you craft winning responses.
GEICO seeks reps who are friendly professional and analytical. By studying up on their interview style, you can demonstrate you have these traits and the skills to succeed. Read on for an in-depth look at how to ace your GEICO customer service interview!
Why Do You Want to Work at GEICO?
GEICO will want to know why you specifically want to work for their company as a customer service rep. Be ready to explain what draws you to their mission, values, and culture.
Some good points you can make:
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You’re attracted to their commitment to excellent customer service. Talk about how their CSRs are trained to build relationships and really help policyholders.
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You like GEICO’s fun, innovative brand personality. Share that you’d enjoy bringing the GEICO gecko to life for customers.
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You’ve heard great things about their training and opportunities for advancement. Mention wanting to grow your career with them long-term.
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You’re interested in learning the insurance industry and are impressed with GEICO’s expertise and leadership in the space.
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You know they invest in their people, including benefits like tuition reimbursement. Spotlight aligned values.
Keep your answer authentic but focus on the aspects of their company that truly appeal to you and align with the CSR role.
What Experience Do You Have in Customer Service?
GEICO will certainly want to hear about any previous CSR experience you have. Share details of past roles where you directly helped customers:
- Phone, email, chat, and in-person support experience
- Complaint resolution and calming upset customers
- Cross-selling/upselling additional products and services
- Data entry and working with computer systems
- Insurance industry experience especially helpful
If you lack direct CSR background, talk up experience that developed relevant skills:
- Retail, restaurant, hospitality roles that involved customer interaction
- Administrative or assistant positions that required data entry
- Teamwork and communication skills built through work, school, or volunteering
Emphasize any strengths or knowledge gained that translate directly to serving GEICO policyholders.
How Would You Handle an Angry Caller?
Dealing with angry customers is a reality in CSR roles. When asked how you’d handle an irate policyholder, share your approach:
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First, empathize and listen closely to understand their frustration. Nod, use their name, and affirm you want to help.
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Keep calm and use a reassuring, professional tone. Repeat their concern to demonstrate you’re listening.
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Quickly analyze if their issue is justified and determine solutions. Take responsibility even if at first it doesn’t seem fair.
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Offer apologies and explanations without blame. “I’m so sorry this happened” goes further than “the system messed up.”
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Have patience and remain focused on resolving the root issue, not just placating emotion. Follow through on promised actions.
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Thank them for bringing the issue to your attention and give contact info in case it recurs. Let them know you’re their advocate.
The core is showing you can stay cool under fire and turn an angry person into a satisfied one.
How Do You Juggle Multiple Tasks?
CSRs often handle high call volumes while inputting data between calls. Discuss strategies for multitasking:
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Maintain focus by minimizing distractions and avoiding temptation to context switch too often.
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Use checklists and notes to stay on top of steps for each task. Cross items off as you complete them.
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If possible, batch similar tasks together to work more efficiently.
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Keep calm under stress. Breathe and regroup if feeling overwhelmed.
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Ask colleagues for help prioritizing if needed. Collaborate to ensure no balls get dropped.
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Monitor your energy levels. Take a quick break to refocus if feeling fatigued.
Emphasize being organized, proactive about managing workload, and team oriented.
Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
Since GEICO offers growth opportunities, they’ll want to know your longer-term goals. Tailor your response to convey ongoing interest:
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You hope to still be at GEICO in a more senior CSR or supervisor role leveraging what you’ve learned.
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You want to take advantage of GEICO’s education benefits to expand your skills while working.
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You aim to become an expert on GEICO policies and procedures to serve as a mentor to newer reps.
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You plan to master GEICO’s systems and tools to maximize efficiency and move into a specialized role.
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You expect your skills and product knowledge to grow significantly to better serve customers.
Focus your response on building expertise and advancing within customer service at GEICO. Companies want to hire reps in it for the long haul.
Why Should We Hire You?
When asked why you’re the best choice for the job, be ready to advocate for yourself.
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Highlight the customer service strengths and skills you possess that directly match the role.
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Share your passion for bonding with customers and protecting their satisfaction.
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Note any glowing feedback you have from past customers praising your service skills.
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Discuss how your values and work ethic align perfectly with GEICO’s mission.
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Convey sincere enthusiasm and dedication to bringing your A-game if hired.
Be confident but not cocky. Use specific evidence to back up what a stellar addition you’d be.
Final Tips to Ace the Interview
Beyond preparing for likely questions, keep these tips in mind:
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Research GEICO’s products and policies so you can converse knowledgeably
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Review their website and social media to immerse yourself in their branding
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Have intelligent questions to ask the interviewer about training, career growth, etc.
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Practice active listening skills like maintaining eye contact and nodding along
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Speak articulately without filler words like “um” and “like”
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Project friendly confidence and sincerity so your customer service skills shine
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Dress professionally and avoid distracting mannerisms
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Thank the interviewer and reaffirm your interest in the role
With the right mix of research, practice, and confidence, you’ll be primed for success in your GEICO customer service interview. Now get out there and land that job!
Create A Presentable Work Area
Good organizational skills are often high on employers’ priority list when they are hiring someone. You can show yours off by tidying up any area that your computer camera will catch. If you’re in your home office and there are shelves behind you, make sure everything is in order. If you have to do the interview in a private place, like your living room, kitchen, or bedroom, hide anything that doesn’t belong there. If your boss sees piles of papers, or even worse, clothes or dishes behind you, it will be hard to convince them that you’ll be careful with your work.
Dress For Success
Remember, a virtual job interview is no less professional than a face-to-face one. You should dress as professionally as if you were going to the office of a boss, at least up to the waist. At the very least, you should dress business casually, but dressing like a real professional would make it clear to the employer that you are serious about the job.
Your virtual job interview will look better if you dress up, and you may also feel better about your skills. Also be sure to avoid wearing any flashy patterns or accessories, or anything else that might be distracting. You want the focus to be on you from an interview standpoint rather than your attire.
GEICO’s Hiring Process for Sales, Customer Service and Claims Positions
FAQ
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How to pass an interview for customer service representative?
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