20 Cogent Communications Interview Questions and Answers

Cogent Communications is one of the world’s largest Internet Service Providers, delivering high-speed Internet, Ethernet, and Video services to businesses and residential customers in over 90 major markets across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Cogent Communications, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Cogent Communications interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Cogent Communications Interview Process

The interview process at Cogent Communications is generally quick and easy. The first step is usually a phone screening with a recruiter, followed by an interview with the sales manager. After that, candidates will typically receive an offer for the position. The whole process usually takes about two weeks.

1. What is your experience with customer service?

Customer service is an important part of the telecommunications industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with customer service and how it relates to their company. In your answer, explain what kind of customer service you provided in previous roles. Explain how your skills helped you provide quality service to customers.

Example: “In my last role as a customer service representative, I answered calls from customers who had questions about our services. I also handled any billing issues they were having. My goal was always to help them find solutions to their problems or concerns. I would research different solutions to common problems so that I could give customers more information when they called. This helped me build strong relationships with many of my customers.”

2. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry or frustrated customer, how did you handle it?

This question is an opportunity to show your communication skills and problem-solving abilities. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation or the steps you took to resolve the issue.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they were having issues with their internet connection. I listened to them explain what was happening and asked questions to better understand the issue. After hearing about the problems they were experiencing, I offered to send out a technician to check on the service. The technician determined that there was a problem with the modem and replaced it. The customer was happy when they could use their internet again.”

3. What are some of the biggest challenges facing Cogent Communications today?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach challenges and whether your skills are a good fit for Cogent Communications. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight some of the company’s recent accomplishments or discuss what you would do to overcome these challenges.

Example: “One of the biggest challenges facing Cogent Communications today is finding new ways to improve customer service while maintaining high-quality internet services. I believe that one way to solve this challenge is by implementing more automation into the customer support process so that representatives can focus on solving more complex issues. Another challenge is ensuring that all employees have access to training opportunities that will allow them to develop their skills.”

4. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Employers ask this question to see if you have a long-term career plan. They want to know that you are committed to their company and will be there for the long term. When answering, try to show your commitment to the job by explaining how you hope to grow with the company.

Example: “I would love to stay at Cogent Communications for many years. I am very passionate about my work here and believe in our mission. In five years, I hope to have moved up within the organization and become an expert in my field. I also hope to have helped other employees advance their careers.”

5. How would you describe your sales style?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your personality and how you might fit in with their team. Your sales style is also an important factor when it comes to determining what type of position you’re qualified for, so this question can be helpful for both parties involved.

Example: “I would describe my sales style as friendly but direct. I believe that being personable is important because it helps me build relationships with clients, which makes them more likely to trust me and buy from me. However, I also think it’s important to be honest about our products and services, so I try not to oversell or promise things we can’t deliver.”

6. Provide an example of a time where you were successful at selling something and what your strategy was.

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you have experience in sales and can apply those skills to their company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the skills you used to sell something successfully and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.

Example: “In my previous position as an account manager, I was responsible for selling our internet services to new clients. My strategy for selling these services was to first understand what the client needed from us and then explain how we could provide that service. This helped me build trust with the client and allowed them to see all of the benefits of working with us.”

7. Do you have any experience working with large accounts?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with clients who are similar to their company’s clientele. If you do not, you can talk about a time when you worked with a large account and how it helped your career development.

Example: “I’ve had the opportunity to work with several Fortune 500 companies in my previous role as an IT specialist. I learned that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every business. Each company has its own unique needs, so I always made sure to ask questions and listen to what they needed from me. This helped me develop my communication skills and learn more about different industries.”

8. Describe a time where you disagreed with a decision made by your manager, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle disagreements and challenges in the workplace. Use your answer to highlight your ability to communicate effectively with your manager, while also highlighting your critical thinking skills.

Example: “When I first started working as a customer service representative for Cogent Communications, my manager asked me to take calls from customers who were experiencing issues with their internet connection. While I was happy to do so, I disagreed with this decision because I felt that it would be more beneficial for me to focus on learning about all of our products rather than focusing on one specific product.

I spoke with my manager about my concerns, and they agreed to allow me to continue learning about all of our services until I had mastered the knowledge required to provide excellent support for each of our products.”

9. Why do you want to work at Cogent Communications?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. When preparing your answer, think about what attracted you to this role in particular and how it fits with your career goals.

Example: “I want to work at Cogent Communications because I am passionate about working in an innovative environment that values teamwork and collaboration. Your company’s dedication to providing quality service is something I admire, and I would love to be part of a team that continues to innovate and improve its offerings. I also appreciate that Cogent Communications offers employees opportunities for professional development and advancement.”

10. Are you comfortable cold calling potential customers?

Cold calling is a common practice in sales, and employers may ask this question to see if you have experience with it. If you do, they might also want to know how you feel about it. If you don’t, they might want to know why not. In your answer, try to be honest about whether or not you’ve done cold calls before and what your feelings are on the subject.

Example: “I’m actually quite comfortable cold calling potential customers. I find that when I am confident in my pitch and can clearly explain our product, most people are willing to listen. Of course, there are always some who aren’t interested, but I think that’s true of any sales job. I understand that rejection is part of the process.”

11. What is your experience with CRM software?

Cogent Communications uses a customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage their client database. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with CRM software and how you might use it in your new role. If you have previous experience using CRM software, describe the type of software you used and what you liked or disliked about it. If you do not have any experience with CRM software, consider describing other types of software that help you organize data.

Example: “I’ve worked for several companies that use CRM software to keep track of clients and leads. I find that these systems are helpful because they allow me to quickly access important information about my clients, such as contact information and past projects. However, I sometimes found that some of the more complex CRM software slowed down my computer while I was working.”

12. How would you prioritize which clients to call first if they all wanted to be contacted immediately?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you prioritize your work and manage multiple projects. Use examples from previous experience to show that you can effectively multitask and meet deadlines.

Example: “I would first call clients who have urgent issues or questions, as I want to ensure they’re taken care of right away. Next, I’d call clients with important information or updates, such as new policies or procedures. Finally, I’d call clients who are expecting a response but don’t need immediate attention.”

13. Have you ever worked in a commission based role before?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your experience and how you performed in that role. If you have, explain what the job entailed and if you enjoyed it. If you haven’t worked in a commission based position before, you can still answer this question by describing any other type of sales job you’ve had.

Example: “I actually have worked in a commission based role before. I was an insurance agent for five years, where my main goal was to sell as many policies as possible. I found that I really enjoyed working in a commission based role because it motivated me to work hard every day. It also helped me develop strong communication skills.”

14. Can you tell me about a time when you had to sell something that you didn’t believe in?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your communication skills. It can also show them how you handle situations where you have to convince someone of something that you don’t necessarily agree with. In your answer, try to explain why you had to do this and what you did to make it successful.

Example: “I once worked for a company that sold an expensive software program to small businesses. I didn’t believe in selling the product because I knew many of the customers couldn’t afford it. However, my manager told me that we needed to sell as much of the product as possible or else we would lose our jobs. So, I started offering discounts to customers who could prove they were struggling financially. This helped us sell more products while still helping those who really needed it.”

15. What kind of metrics would you use to measure success for your team?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you measure success and whether your metrics align with those of Cogent Communications. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you know what kind of metrics are important for measuring team success.

Example: “I would use several different metrics to measure my team’s success, including customer satisfaction surveys, employee engagement surveys and sales reports. I find these three metrics to be the most useful because they give me a good idea of how well our team is performing in all areas of their job. For example, if we have low customer satisfaction scores but high sales numbers, it may mean that we need to improve our customer service or hire more salespeople.”

16. How many hours a week are you willing to commit to this position?

This question is a great way for employers to learn about your availability. They want someone who can work the hours they need them to, so it’s important to be honest and realistic when answering this question. If you’re unsure of how many hours you can commit, consider asking the interviewer what their expectations are before giving an answer.

Example: “I’m available to work 40 hours per week. I know that there may be times where additional hours are needed, but I am committed to working as much as necessary to get the job done.”

17. How would you respond to a client who said that one of our competitors offered them better services for less money?

This question is a great way to test your customer service skills. It also allows the interviewer to see how you would handle a challenging situation and whether or not you have the ability to diffuse it. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure while still being empathetic to the client’s needs.

Example: “I would first ask them why they chose our competitor over us. I would then explain all of the benefits we offer that are unavailable with other companies. If they’re looking for something specific, like faster speeds, I would let them know that we offer those services as well. I would do my best to convince them that our company offers more value than our competitors.”

18. What type of internet connection do you currently use?

This question can help the interviewer determine your familiarity with internet service providers. It also helps them understand what type of experience you have using different types of connections and how you might fit into their company culture.

Example: “I currently use a fiber optic connection, which is one of the fastest available. I’ve used it for several years now, and I find that it’s more than sufficient for my needs. However, if I were to work at Cogent Communications, I would be happy to upgrade to gigabit speeds. I know that this is something they offer, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work somewhere where employees are given access to such fast internet.”

19. Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you respond to challenges and whether you learn from your mistakes. Use examples of times when you were able to overcome obstacles or make improvements that helped you succeed in future projects.

Example: “In my first year as a network engineer, I was tasked with creating a new server for our company’s website. I had never built one before, so I researched different methods and tried to apply what I learned to the project. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to test it thoroughly, so there were some bugs on the site after launch. The next day, I worked through the night to fix the issues and ensure everything was working properly.”

20. If hired, how would you increase revenue from existing clients?

This question is an opportunity to show your sales skills and how you can help the company grow. Use examples from previous jobs where you increased revenue or helped clients increase their spending with your products or services.

Example: “I would first analyze our current client base, looking for ways we could improve customer satisfaction and retention. I would then develop a strategy that focuses on increasing revenue per customer by offering new products and services to existing customers. For example, at my last job, I worked with a client who was only selling one type of product. We developed a marketing campaign that offered additional products to our existing customers, which resulted in a 10% increase in revenue.”