How do you greet customers when they enter or leave the establishment?

Sample answer to the question

When customers enter the establishment, I greet them with a warm and friendly smile. I make eye contact and say 'Hello, welcome!' in a cheerful tone. If they seem interested in engaging in conversation, I ask how their day is going or if they need any assistance. As they leave, I thank them for visiting and wish them a great day. It's important to create a positive first and last impression with customers, so I always strive to make them feel valued and appreciated.

A more solid answer

When customers enter the establishment, I make sure to greet them promptly and sincerely by saying 'Good [morning/afternoon/evening], welcome to [establishment name]!' with a friendly smile. I maintain good eye contact and use a warm and welcoming tone of voice. If the customer seems interested in conversation, I engage with them by asking how their day is going or if they need any assistance. When customers are leaving, I thank them for visiting and express my appreciation by saying 'Thank you for choosing [establishment name], have a fantastic day!' I believe that creating a positive and friendly atmosphere is essential in providing excellent customer service.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about how the candidate greets customers, including the greeting phrase and the importance of maintaining a friendly atmosphere. However, it could still be improved by mentioning additional techniques for creating a positive customer experience.

An exceptional answer

When customers enter the establishment, I make it a point to provide a personalized and memorable greeting. I address them by name if possible, using information from their loyalty program or previous visits. For example, if a regular customer named John enters, I would say 'Welcome back, John! It's great to see you again.' This ensures that customers feel recognized and valued. Additionally, I go beyond just verbal greetings by offering a genuine smile, maintaining open body language, and being attentive to their needs. When customers leave, I express gratitude by saying 'Thank you for choosing us, John. We look forward to serving you again soon.' By personalizing the greeting and showing genuine care, I aim to create a positive and memorable experience for each customer.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing specific techniques for personalizing the greeting and expressing genuine care for the customers. It also emphasizes the importance of creating a memorable experience. This level of attention to detail and customer-centric approach sets the candidate apart.

How to prepare for this question

Practice greeting customers in a warm and friendly manner.
Learn techniques for active listening to engage customers in conversation.
Research the establishment's loyalty program and customer recognition techniques.
Study body language and non-verbal communication to enhance the interaction with customers.
Consider scenarios where customers may have specific needs or preferences and prepare appropriate greetings.
Reflect on past experiences where you provided exceptional customer service and incorporate those stories into your answer.

What interviewers are evaluating

Customer service orientation
Communication skills