If you’re looking for a great entry-level job, consider applying to a customer service representative role. You won’t need any prior experience or skillset, just an open mind and a willingness to learn and help others out. You’ll get to talk and help others from all over and learn great interpersonal communication skills. It’s a great role to hold while you figure out where you want your career to go and you can even find customer service representative jobs from home.
If you’re a student, the flexibility that customer service representatives have makes balancing classes, internships and other jobs more manageable. Plus, part-time customer service rep jobs near you are just a click away! There are few prerequisites for applying to a customer service representative position; just friendly customer service skills, communication, and a good resume.
What is a customer service representative?
Customer service representatives are in charge of assisting customers, answering questions about their products and services, and processing payments and orders. It’s a great job to have if you want to work remote, or if you want to scope out different industries.
Some duties of customer service representative jobs include:
- Assisting customers with any questions or complaints they may have
- Processing orders
- Answering questions about products or services
How much do customer service representatives get paid?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for customer service representatives was $16.69 as of May 2019, but can pay more depending on where you live. That’s about $34,710 per year.
Where can I work as a customer service representative?
On the list of employers hiring on Handshake, there are many companies hiring customer service agents:
- Bank of America
- Accenture
- Wells Fargo
- Maxim Healthcare Services
- Aerotek
Other places to apply for “customer service representative jobs near me” in your city include:
- Local banks
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Retail stores
What should I put on my resume?
Many places hiring customer service representatives are looking for similar skill sets in resumes, but what makes the right candidate is listing the right skills you can offer.
List your past experiences
Even if you’ve never held a customer service representatives position before, you definitely have skills from past experiences you can offer. From volunteer work, to school projects that you've done–there are always skills you can pull from your life that apply. As an entry-level job, those hiring customer service reps just want to know that you know how to apply what you’ve learned to the role.
Consider listing some of these skills that might make you a better candidate:
- Organization
- Accountability for yourself and others
- Punctuality
- Thoughtful communication
- Open to change and growth
- Attention to detail
Technical skills
If this won’t be your first role as a customer service representative, then you may have some technical skills from previous jobs to add to your resume. It’s always a good idea to mention that you have strong communication skills, know how to manage clients, or have had experience leading and working with others. Even in your work-from-home customer service representative job, your employer wants to know you’re providing great support out of the office.
What should I write in my cover letter?
Though you might be applying for an entry level position, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t others trying to secure the same position as you. It’s important in your cover letter to stand out and really show what you can offer as an employee. Not only is it recommended that you list skills and experiences you’ve had, but also the willingness to learn and adapt to the role. By letting the hiring manager know that you’re motivated to get started, they might be more inclined to meet you in person and see if you’re the right fit.
Check out this article with proper formatting techniques and more in depth information about the perfect cover letter.
What is it like to work in customer service?
Like many other jobs that work with the general public, customer service representatives spend a majority of their time speaking with customers and responding to their questions and concerns. Working in customer service is being around others and using all your knowledge and skills to help them resolve their issues or complaints. Also, customer service agents typically go through specialized training at the beginning of hiring to make sure that each employee is equipped to handle all requests and inquiries they might have.
What are some essential customer service skills?
Some essential skills to have as a customer service representative:
- Patience
- Great communication skills
- Knowledge of company policies and procedures
- Teamwork
- Reliability
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