A customer is upset that the repair cost more than the original estimate. How should that be handled?

What the interviewer is looking for

• This question tests customer communication. Explains findings honestly and clearly, prioritises safety over upselling, and handles upset customers calmly.
• What to bring out: Additional work should be approved before it's done, calmly explains what was found, shows evidence, and works with the advisor on a fair resolution.
• Expect a follow-up like: What process prevents this from happening?

Another way it may be asked: The quote was four hundred dollars and the final bill is six hundred. The customer is angry. What happens?

A structure to follow: STAR, with the weight on Action and Result

1. Step 1

   Situation

   One or two sentences: where, when and what was at stake. Pick a real example you were close to.

2. Step 2

   Task

   What you personally were responsible for. Say "I", not only "we", so the customer communication you showed is visible.

3. Step 3

   Action

   The two or three things you did and why you chose them over the alternatives. This should be about half your answer.

4. Step 4

   Result

   What changed, in your own measure of it, and what you would do differently. Only use numbers you can stand behind.

This is guidance on shape, not a script. Use your own real experience and facts; never invent details to fill a gap. See the STAR guide and answer frameworks.

Common slips

• Describing what the team did without saying what you did.
• Choosing an example with no clear outcome, or one you cannot answer detailed questions about.
• Ending on the action and skipping the result and what you learned.

How to practise it

Write two bullet points for each STAR letter, then say the answer aloud in about two minutes.

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