People working in credit control jobs are responsible for ensuring that customers will be able to pay for the product or service their company provides, collecting that payment, and for then ensuring that the sales ledger is fully updated.
On occasions when payments become overdue, or invoices are disputed, these individuals are also usually responsible for monitoring the situation and ensuring that a satisfactory resolution is reached.
This article will explain how anyone who is interested in this type of role should approach the interview process, and provides some examples of questions to help candidates prepare.
Preparing for a credit control interview
As with any interview, someone who is interested in these roles should make an effort to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance. Dress smartly, and aim to make a positive first impression with eye contact and a firm handshake.
It is important to thoroughly research the vacancy and the company in advance. It is also worth spending some time thinking of interesting questions to ask at the end of the interview, as most interviews will end in this manner.
Do not be afraid to treat the interview as a conversation, if that course of action is judged appropriate, and aim to help the interviewers feel at ease during the process.
Tips for credit control interviews
Credit control candidates need to display friendliness and an ability to establish rapport in their work, but they should also have the ability to be business-like and professional when they have to be.
Be sure to answer questions as clearly and succinctly as possible. Interviewers will be expecting some nerves, but it is important to realise that it is common for candidates to be asked to explain complicated financial topics during the interview process. It is vital to demonstrate an ability to do this clearly, as credit control workers often need to be able to explain the gist of complex financial topics to others who have a lower level of specialist knowledge than they do.
When it comes to interviews for credit control jobs, in particular, candidates should try to display evidence, and reference any past experience, which shows that they are well-organised and able to cope well under pressure. They may also need to be experienced in using credit control software.
Credit control interview questions
- What experience do you have in a credit control role?
- How would you deal with a client who was refusing to pay?
- What are your interpersonal skills like?
- How would you address a difficult subject with a customer?
- How effective are you in negotiation situations?
- How would you handle a customer forcefully disagreeing with your decision?
- How would you feel about rejecting or sanctioning desperate customers?
- Are you a good team player?
- Do you have any credit management qualifications?
- Would you be willing to work overtime during busy periods?
General interview questions
- Why do you want work for us?
- Why did you leave your last position?
- Tell me three strengths and weaknesses that you feel are relevant to this role.
- What do you know about our company?
- Do you have any questions for us?
