20+ Key Customer Service Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)
To land a job in customer service, you need to showcase your best skills to employers. Customer service involves both technical and interpersonal skills. This makes a diverse skillset all the more important! In this guide, we will uncover the best customer service skills to include on a resume. Plus, we will provide you with tips and tricks for formatting.
What is Customer Service?
Customer service is a vast industry spanning many different forms of business.
From answering customer calls to building customer relationships, there are many responsibilities involved.
Aside from the general Customer Service Representative, other common examples of jobs within customer service include:
- Call Center Representatives
- Administrative Assistants
- Restaurant Workers
- Salespeople
Essentially, any job that deals with working directly with customers falls under the customer service umbrella.
Why Should I Include Customer Service Skills on My Resume?
When applying for a job in customer service, showing your ability to work well with people is key.
Including skills on a resume allows you to showcase your best strengths to employers.
By adding specifically customer service skills, you can demonstrate your most relevant abilities according to the job you are applying to.
You never want to include skills just for the sake of it.
It is imperative to always tailor your skills to match the requirements listed in the job description.
Moreover, you should always be honest in what skills you include.
Never list a skill you don’t actually have!
Need help brainstorming skills? We have a free guide with 100+ Key Skills for a Resume in 2024 (with Examples for Any Job) to help you out.
Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job
What Are the Best Customer Service Skills I Should Add to My Resume?
Before you can determine the best customer service skills to include on your resume, you need to understand the two main types of skills:
- Interpersonal (Soft) Skills: These skills are based on emotion and human interaction. Much of customer service relies upon interpersonal skills such as communication and problem-solving.
- Technical (Hard) Skills: Hards skills have to do with your technical abilities, such as writing or working with software.
When writing out your skills on a resume, it is important to include both soft and hard skills.
For customer service, you should always take the time to plan out the skills you want to include.
By making a large list you can then narrow it down to the most relevant and best ones.
10 Soft Skills for Customer Service
Here are our top 10 soft skills for customer service to consider adding to your resume:
- Conflict Management: Being a customer service representative means dealing with conflict. The ability to calmly and effectively manage customer conflicts is essential.
- Communication: Communication skills are arguably the most important soft skill for customer service. You need to be able to communicate clearly and easily with all types of customers.
- Empathy: Customers want to feel like you relate to them. A strong sense of empathy comes in handy when working in the customer service realm.
- Compassion: You never know what’s going on in a customer’s head or life. Treating each situation with compassion towards the customer is highly necessary.
- Problem Solving: During customer conflicts, being able to think of a solution quickly is key.
- Patience: Miscommunications can occur when interactions are rushed or not given proper attention. Having patience is crucial when working in customer service.
- Attention to Detail: Many technicalities can affect customer service. The ability to pay close attention to a customer’s issues and the solutions given is a core component of good customer service.
- Intuitive: Making customers feel as though all their problems have been solved is very beneficial. Acting intuitively and proactively to address potential customer issues makes for great customer service.
- Goal-Oriented: When working with customers, it is essential to set clear goals and boundaries. This helps to ensure everyone understands the expectations and standard of work being provided.
- Persuasion: In sales positions especially, having the ability to persuade a customer’s emotions and viewpoints is highly necessary. You should be able to position yourself as the guide that can offer the best solutions to them.
10 Hard Skills for Customer Service
Here is a list of 10 hard skills for customer service to use on a resume:
- Microsoft Office & Google Suite: Microsoft and Google programs are widely used across all industries. Familiarizing yourself with these programs will give you a competitive edge, as employers won’t need to train you on how to use them.
- Writing: Writing skills are majorly important in any job related to communication. In customer service, this often translates to writing emails and official company copy.
- Bi/Multi-Lingual: Speaking multiple languages is always a plus in customer service. If you can fluently speak and translate more than one language, be sure to include this on your resume.
- Data Entry: Customer service can sometimes involve a huge amount of data. Understanding the basics of data entry is foundational for a successful customer service professional.
- Performance: Customer service professionals take on a persona used to persuade, empathize, and relate to customers. Having a good ability for performance and acting can be highly useful in this field as a result.
- Situational Analysis: Every customer and situation is different. An important hard skill for customer service reps to have is the ability to thoroughly analyze each situation. This can involve note-taking, research, gathering feedback, and many more essential tasks.
- Telecommunication: In an increasingly digital world, good telecommunication has become crucial for customer service. This can refer to any interaction happening digitally, including phone calls and online services.
- Bookkeeping: A fundamental component of customer service is keeping thorough records. Transactions, contracts, and more can all fall under the umbrella of bookkeeping. Honing these skills is good for any professionals seeking employment in customer service.
- Closing Ability: A customer service professional must develop a specific skill known as their “closing ability.” This is their ability to finalize a deal or transaction with a customer. It combines many soft skills, such as negotiation and persuasion, to create a more technical skill.
- Product Memorization: The ability to memorize large quantities of information is highly important in customer service.
No matter whether they are hard or soft skills, all your skills should be selected according to the job.
In fact, tailoring your resume for the job is crucial for impressing employers!
Read our career advice article on how to Tailor Your Resume to Any Job in 4 Easy Steps to learn more.
How Do I Describe My Customer Service Skill Levels?
When describing your customer service skills on a resume, it is important to indicate your level of proficiency.
Generally, there are three levels commonly used on resumes:
- Expert: At an expert level, you can employ a skill according to your own assessment of a situation. Little to no outside direction is required.
- Intermediate: Intermediate skill levels indicate that you are proficient but may still need some supervision.
- Novice: A novice skill level lets employers know you understand the basics but do not consider the skill one of the best proficiencies.
We recommend only including your very best skills on a resume.
As such, you should aim to mainly include skills that fall into either the expert or intermediate categories.
How Do I List My Customer Service Skills on a Resume?
To include customer service skills on a resume, there are two main formatting options:
- Listing the skills in the work experience section
- Creating a dedicated skills section
Oftentimes, the best approach is to combine these two formatting options.
Including soft skills in your work experience section allows you to include greater context and explanation.
Comparatively, hard skills need less explanation and can benefit from being place in a separate section.
Here are two quick breakdowns for these formatting options:
Method 1: Listing Customer Service Skills in Your Work Experience Section
Work Experience Customer Service Representative, Whole Foods April 2018 – May 2020 · Good communication skills · Worked closely with customers · Learned better closing tactics
Why It’s Wrong: In this example, the bullet points are too vague and provide little information about the person’s responsibilities.
Adding in skills to your work experience section should add extra value, not detract from the descriptive nature of the section.
Work Experience Customer Service Representative, Whole Foods April 2018 – May 2020 · Communicated daily with customers through the call center · Fostered loyal customer relationships through an empathetic approach · Developed a strong closing ability and increased sales by 15 percent
In this corrected example, the skills clearly tie into the person’s qualifications.
The information given is much more insightful into the applicant’s work ethic and skill set.
ProTip: When describing skills in your work experience section, make sure to use active language. For help in doing so, take a look at our list of 350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective in 2024 .
Method 2: Creating a Dedicated Customer Service Skills Section
Customer Service Skills · Caring for customers · Answering the phone · Helping customers with returns · Using Microsoft Excel and other programs
Why It’s Wrong: This example fails to use strong skill keywords.
Additionally, it is not inherently bad to include extra words in a skills section.
However, these extra words should add value, not just take up space in your word count.
Customer Service Skills · Empathizing with Customers’ Specific Needs · Call Center Telecommunication · Conflict Resolution for Customer Returns · Microsoft Office Suite
In this corrected example, the extra words being used give the skill greater detail and specificity.
Do you need more help writing your ideal resume? Check out our guide on the 20 Best Resume Writing Tips and Tricks for 2024 (with a Free Checklist) !
Final Takeaways
Customer service is a massive industry with many employment opportunities.
To heighten your chances of landing a job in this field, focusing on your related skills is key.
Here are our 5 main takeaways for listing customer service skills on a resume:
- Include both your hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) customer service skills.
- Relate your skills to the job you are applying for.
- Use skills in both your work experience section and a dedicated skills section.
- Provide context around interpersonal skills.
- Aim to include your best – or “expert-level” – skills first.
To learn more about creating the perfect resume, check out our many free resume guides and career advice articles !
Browse more resume templates that fit your role
Ed is a co-founder of Easy Resume. His background in scaling teams at tech startups over the last decade has given him extensive experience and knowledge around how to hire top talent and build successful teams. He enjoys mentoring, coaching, and helping others reach their career goals. When he's not writing about career-related advice, he's playing with his dog, Lilo, or going on long hikes in upstate New York.
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Customer Service Skills for a Resume [W/ Full List & Examples]
Customer service skills are vital if you want to get hired for any customer-facing position.
That’s because customer service skills can help you resolve customer complaints, improve customer satisfaction, and even drive new sales.
Want to learn which customer service skills are a must-have on your resume in 2024? You’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about customer service skills, including:
- What Are Customer Service Skills
- 20 Essential Customer Service Skills For Your Resume
3 Steps to Add Customer Service Skills to Your Resume
- How to Improve Your Customer Service Skills
Let's dive in!
What Are Customer Service Skills?
Customer service refers to the relationship between a business and its customers. The better this relationship, the more successful a business can be.
Customer service skills are a set of soft skills that allow you to provide the best customer experience possible. They involve being able to:
- Communicate effectively
- Solve problems promptly
- Demonstrate patience
- Create genuine connections
Customer service skills are essential for any customer-facing role out there, including customer support representatives , salespeople, cashiers , and the sorts.
But what is it, exactly, that makes customer service skills so valuable? Let us give you the data-backed answer.
Why Are Customer Service Skills Important
If you’re someone who’s looking for a job in customer-facing roles, you probably already know that having strong customer service skills can significantly improve your employability.
Finding employees who can resolve customers’ complaints and make them feel heard, understood, and appreciated is of the highest importance for potential employers.
Here are all the benefits that employees with strong customer service skills can bring to a company:
- Improved customer experience. The better customer service you can provide, the more satisfied will your customers be. And, according to this HubSpot study, 68% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for products and services from a brand known to offer good customer service experiences.
- Increased profits. Happy customers are more likely to spend money on a product or service. A study by Bain found that companies that excel at customer experience grow revenues 4%-8% above their market .
- Higher customer retention. According to Invesp, investing in new clients is 5 to 25 times more expensive than retaining existing ones. Considering that 80% of consumers said they’d do business with a competitor after a bad customer service experience, customer service is essential in retaining customers.
- Established brand loyalty. According to the study by Zendesk, nearly three out of five consumers report that good customer service is vital for them to feel loyalty toward a brand.
- More referrals. Your customers are bound to talk about their customer experience - especially if it’s really good or really bad. According to Esteban Kolsky, Chief Evangelist for customer experience at SAP, after a positive customer experience, 72% of customers will share their opinion of your brand with at least six people.
20 Customer Service Skills to List on Your Resume
As we already mentioned, customer service doesn't consist of a single skill, but of a set of skills.
As such, the customer service skills you should list on your resume greatly depend on the specifics of the position you're applying for.
That said, there are some customer service skills that are in demand for the majority of customer-facing roles out there, such as communication and active listening.
Here is a list of the most in-demand customer service skills for your resume in 2024:
- Active listening
- Adaptability
- Attention to detail
- Bilingual customer support
- Building customer royalty
- Communication
- Complain resolution
- Organizational skills
- Decision making
- Interpersonal skills
- Persuasion skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Product knowledge
- Time management
- Upselling/Cross-selling
- Service-based selling
- Computer skills
Now that you know what the most important customer service skills are, it’s time to list them on your resume.
Below, we’ll teach you which resume sections are best for listing your customer service skills, as well as teach you how to do it in the most compelling way possible.
Let’s get started!
#1. Mention Your Customer Service Skills on Your Resume Summary
The first place where you can (and should) mention your customer service skills is the resume summary .
In a nutshell, the resume summary is a short, three or four-sentence paragraph that describes you as a candidate. Typically, it mentions:
- Your professional title and years of experience
- Your top skills
- Your most notable achievements
Done right, the resume summary will show the hiring manager you’re a qualified candidate from the get-go and get them to go through your resume in more detail.
As such, for roles where customer service skills are practically essential, it’s very important to higlight that you possess such skills in your resume summary.
Here’s an example of customer service skills listed in a resume summary:
- Attentative and communicative customer service representative with five years of retail experience responding to all manner of customer inquiries. Career highlights include receiving 99% positive customer survey results at XYZ Convenience. Seeking a role at ABC Tech, where my problem-solving and interpersonal skills can be leveraged to achieve and maintain the highest level of customer service.
#2. List the Right Customer Service Skills
The most obvious place to list your customer service skills is on your resume’s Skills section.
The key here, though, is to list skills that are relevant for the role you’re applying for.
We already mentioned how different roles may require different customer service skills. A customer support agent, for example, requires comunication skills and active listening.
Whereas a sales represenative, on the other hand, requires persuasion and upselling skills.
What we’re getting at here is that you shouldn’t just randomly list all the customer services skills we covered in this article - you should pick out the ones that are most relevant for your role.
Here are our top tips on how to list the most relevant customer service skills for your position:
- Check the job description. Most jobs tell you exactly which skills they’re looking for in candidates, all you’ve got to do is check the job description. As a customer service representative, for example, it’ll typically tell you that you need active listening skills, multi-tasking skills, communication skills, knowledge of CRM systems, etc.
- Identify the skills you possess. Single out the skills that you actually possess instead of adding every single skill mentioned in the job description.
- Add them under Soft/Hard Skills. Add skills like time management, communication, etc., under Soft Skills and technical know-how like computer skills or product knowledge under Hard Skills.
#3. Prove Your Customer Service Skills In Your Work Experience Section
Last but definitely not least, you should use your work experience section to prove to the hiring manager that you possess the customer service skills you mentioned in your resume summary and under your soft skills.
After all, anyone can claim they have customer service skills. It's backing up your claims with facts that can make all the difference.
Done right, your work experience will leave no doubt in the hiring manager’s mind that they should call you back for a job interview .
Here's exactly how you should build your work experience section so that it highlights your customer service skills:
- Tailor your work experience to the job description. Don’t use one generic resume to apply to dozens of openings. Each position has its own specific requirements and your resume sections should be tailored to show the hiring manager that you can meet them. If you’re applying for a cashier position, for example, the hiring manager will want to know about your experience as a restaurant server, but not about the time your mowed lawns as a teenager . The first experience highlights yoru customer service skills, while the second does not.
- Focus on your achievements instead of your responsibilities. The hiring manager most knows exactly what your responsibilities were in previous jobs. What they want to know is how you made a positive impact with your achievements. As such, focus on highlighting how you made an impact on your work experience section instead of simply listing what your basic responsibilities were.
- Make your achievements quantifiable. Speaking of achievements, supporting them with data-backed evidence is what really makes a difference. After all “helped company increase customer retention by 14% by providing customers with a personalized experience” sounds much better than “helped with customer retention.”
- Use action verbs and power words . There are hundreds of words and verbs you can use instead of “helped” or “served.” The more descriptive you are of your achievements, the more impressive you can make them sound.
Here’s an example of a work experience section that highlights the candidate’s customer service skills perfectly:
Customer Service Representative
YXZ Convenience Store
03/2018 - 04/2022
- Achieved the highest up-sell rates in both 2019 (2.6%) and 2021 (3%).
- Worked at the customer information desk for 10+ hour shifts.
- Welcomed and provided personalized customer service to 1000+ customers during the store opening event.
7 Ways to Provide Excellent Customer Service
Customer service skills don't come naturally to everyone.
Some people are much better at making customers feel heard and appreciated, while others may struggle to form that connection that makes all the difference when it comes to providing good customer service.
Well, if the first case applies to you, don't worry.
Below, we cover seven ways to provide excellent customer service (that can be practiced and learned):
#1. Stay positive
Developing a positive mindset and attitude is an essential part of improving your customer service skills.
Think about your own customer experiences. You’re probably not too happy when, say, you sit at a restaurant and the server taking your order looks miserable, right? Or when you call customer support to resolve an issue and they’re less than willing to help.
So, whether you’re communicating by phone, face-to-face, or via e-mail, try to stay as positive as possible (even in the face of difficult issues or customers).
#2. Don’t say no
Even if the answer to a customer complaint or issue is “no, it can't be done” or “no, I can’t help you with this,” you should always refrain from phrasing it this way.
When customers hear the word “no,” they’re more likely to associate it with “this customer service worker doesn’t want to help me” rather than with “this is beyond this employee’s control.”
So, whenever it’s possible, go out of your way to solve a customer’s issue or help them. And, if doing something to help them really is out of your control, use positive language to tell them, avoid the word “no,” and try to offer them alternative solutions/options that could satisfy them.
That way, they’ll see that you’re trying hard, despite the fact that you might be unable to solve their problem.
#3. Practice active listening
Active listening is the process of mindfully listening to a speaker, providing feedback, and being observant of non-verbal cues to ensure effective communication.
Considering that 40% of our daily communication consists of listening , making sure you’re listening effectively to what your customers have to say is an essential part of providing excellent customer service.
Some ways to do that include:
- Paying attention and not getting distracted. Try to stay away from your phone and avoid multitasking when you’re interacting with customers.
- Asking open-ended questions. Open-ended questions require more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer. You can ask such questions to get your customers to describe their needs or problems more comprehensively.
- Asking probing questions . Similar to open-ended questions, probing questions aim to get a 360-degree view of a topic. Not to mention, they don’t just help you understand better, but also help the speaker to think more comprehensively about what they’re saying.
- Being more attuned to the speaker’s feelings. Customers don’t appreciate feeling like they’re talking to a robot. Asking them about their day and being sympathetic towards their feelings (be they frustration, anger, or annoyance), is a great way to make them feel heard.
#4. Know your customers
The better you know your customers, the more you can understand their needs and expectations.
In turn, you can find more creative ways to meet said expectations and improve your customer service.
Here are some ways you can better understand customer needs:
- Ask yourself/the team questions such as “who are our main customers?” “what market are they from?” “how does our product/service meet their needs or expectations?” and “what could we do to further help them?”
- Step into your customers’ shoes by considering your own challenges and needs as a customer or what would make your life easier while using the company’s product or service.
- Encourage customers to give detailed feedback.
- Analyze customer feedback by identifying trends and gaps in your service. Share any results with your team or your colleagues.
#5. Know the product/service
The better you know the company’s product or services, the more qualitative the customer service you can provide.
As a salesperson , for example, you’ll be able to sell a product or service better. As a customer support representative, on the other hand, you’ll be able to solve customers' problems more effectively.
On the same note, knowing a company’s products or services can come in particularly handy when you’re interviewing for a job too. The hiring manager is bound to be impressed with your dedication and effort to learn all about the company before you’re even hired.
Some places where you can easily acquire knowledge of a company’s product or services are:
- Company’s website
- Company’s handbooks
- Online forums
- Customer feedback
- Your own experience with the product
#6. Be empathetic
We cannot stress enough how important it is to connect with your customers more than just on a professional level.
Actually connecting with the customer on a personal level and showing real empathy for their issues can really make a world of a difference when it comes to customer experience.
In the first case, if you can’t resolve a customer complaint or help with a specific issue, the customer will be much more likely to feel disappointed with you and the company in general.
In the second, however, they might cut you some slack and still think “well, at least they listened and genuinely tried to help.”
This can be the difference between losing customers and retaining them and it’s definitely an important part of providing amazing customer service.
#7. Personalize your customer service
Personalizing your customer service is what can make customers feel special, and who doesn’t like to feel special, right?
Here’s how you can provide personalized customer service that’s guaranteed to improve your customer service skills:
- Greet your customers by name and make them feel welcome.
- Contextualize your customer service depending on the customer’s lifestyle and personality.
- Don’t get distracted by anything else when you’re interacting with a customer. Make sure that the customer feels like they’re your center of attention.
- Go out of your way to find the best possible solution/option for the customer, and make sure that the customer knows how much effort you’re putting into helping them.
3 Customer Service Representative Resume Examples
Below, we’ll show you three examples of how you should list customer service skills for different roles.
We hope these resumes, created with our tried-and-tested resume templates , inspire you to go after the customer-facing role of your dreams:
#1. Customer Service Representative Resume Example
#2. Cashier Resume Example
#3. Sales Executive Resume Example
Key Takeaways
And that’s a wrap. By now, you should know everything there is to know about customer service skills and how to highlight them on your resume.
Before you start putting our tips into practice, let’s go over the main topics we covered in this article:
- Customer service skills are a set of soft skills that allow you to provide the best customer experience possible.
- Companies are always looking for candidates with strong customer service skills because they can provide the best possible customer experience and, in turn, help them increase their profits, retain customers, improve their brand loyalty, and get more referrals.
- Some in-demand customer service skills include active listening, interpersonal skills, communication, complaint resolution, empathy, and positivity.
- To best highlight your customer service skills, list them in your resume summary, work experience, and skills sections.
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Customer Service Skills to Put on a Resume + How to List Them
A full list of the top customer service skills for your resume. Plus, tips for how to make sure you use all the relevant skill-related keywords so that your resume A) passes the ATS scan and B) impresses hiring decision makers.
In this article
Your resume is more than just a list of work history—it’s a strategic tool designed to showcase your professional value. For customer service professionals, highlighting the right skills can set you apart from the crowd. But it’s not just about listing a bunch of abilities; it’s about strategically placing your key skills to catch the recruiter’s eye.
Whether you’re a frontline operator, a customer support specialist, or a seasoned customer experience manager, presenting your skills effectively is crucial. In this guide, we’re discussing the most important customer service skills to include on your resume and how to list them for maximum impact.
Important Skills to Put on Customer Service Resumes
Technical skills.
- HubSpot Service Hub
- Jira Service Desk
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Analytics
Software Skills
- Microsoft Teams
- WooCommerce
Methodologies
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
- Agile Methodologies
- Lean Six Sigma
Soft Skills
- Active listening
- Clarity and conciseness
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Prioritization
- Multitasking
- Inter-departmental coordination
- Flexibility
- Handling ambiguity
How to Put Skills on a Customer Service Resume
Creating a dedicated skills section.
Structure your resume with a distinct section titled “Skills” or “Core Competencies.” List your key skills here, using bullet points for clarity. Arrange them in order of relevance to the job you’re applying for.
- Proficient in Zendesk and Salesforce
- Excellent active listening and conflict resolution
- Strong multitasking abilities with proven time management skills
- Experience with Agile methodologies and CRM systems
Adding Skills to Other Resume Sections
Incorporate your skills within the work experience and resume summary sections to give them context and demonstrate application.
Resume Summary Example:
Dynamic customer service professional with over 5 years of experience in managing customer inquiries using Zendesk and Salesforce. Proven track record of improving customer satisfaction through effective communication, quick problem resolution, and a deep understanding of CRM principles.
Work Experience Section Example:
Customer Service Specialist, ABC Corp. | January 2019–Present
- Utilized Freshdesk and Slack to handle over 50 customer interactions daily, maintaining a satisfaction rating of 95%
- Implemented Lean Six Sigma techniques to streamline ticket resolution processes, reducing average response time by 30%
- Acted as a key liaison between product development and customers, providing valuable feedback that led to a 20% improvement in product usability
Tailoring Your Skills to Match Job Requirements
- Analyze the job ad. Carefully read through the job listing and identify the key skills the employer is seeking. Reflect these exact terms in your resume to show a tailored fit.
- Prioritize relevant skills. Make sure the skills you highlight most prominently are the ones the job ad emphasizes.
- Mirror the language used in the job ad. If the job description mentions “customer engagement strategies,” use the same term rather than a synonym such as “client interaction methods.”
Suppose a job ad specifies they need someone proficient in “multichannel support platforms like Intercom and Freshchat” and someone with strong “problem-solving abilities.” Your resume should clearly reflect these points. Like this:
- Proficient in Intercom and Freshchat
- Strong problem-solving abilities
Crafting an impactful customer service resume is about more than listing skills; it’s about strategic presentation. Highlight your technical and soft skills in targeted ways to appeal directly to the job you want. Use these tips to ensure your resume stands out and gets you noticed in the competitive field of customer service. Remember, the goal is to show not just what you can do, but why you’re the best fit for the job.
Editorial note: The first draft of this article has been created by AI. It has then undergone a normal editorial process, with our Editor-in-chief, Michael Tomaszewski , a Certified Professional Resume Writer, ensuring the advice in this piece is factually correct, in line with the best resume writing practices, and written in a clear, readable manner.
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In customer service, your skills are your greatest assets. As you navigate the path to crafting a standout resume , it's crucial to showcase the qualities that make you a sought-after candidate. In this blog, we're unveiling the 21 must-have customer service skills that can transform your resume from ordinary to extraordinary.
From empathy to technical acumen, join us in discovering the skills that employers value most in their customer service champions.
Your journey towards a more impactful resume starts here.
11 soft customer service skills you must add in your resume
Soft skills are crucial in customer service roles as they contribute to effective communication, relationship building , and problem-solving. Here are five essential soft skills for a customer service resume, along with detailed explanations for each:
1. Communication skills
Effective communication is at the core of customer service. It involves both listening and conveying information clearly. A customer service representative should be able to understand customer needs, ask relevant questions, and provide information in a concise and understandable manner.
In a customer service role, you'll interact with a diverse range of customers, each with unique concerns. Strong communication skills enable you to actively listen to their issues, empathize with their concerns, and provide appropriate solutions. Clear communication avoids misunderstandings and ensures customers feel heard and understood.
Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. In customer service, it's important to demonstrate empathy to build rapport, create a positive experience, and show that you genuinely care about the customer's concerns.
When customers contact you, they often do so because they're facing challenges. Demonstrating empathy helps create a connection and reassures them that their issues matter. By putting yourself in their shoes, you can respond in a compassionate and understanding way, which contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Problem-solving skills
Effective problem-solving is essential to identify issues and provide appropriate solutions. Customer service representatives should be able to analyze situations, think critically, and offer resolutions that align with company policies and customer needs.
Many customer interactions involve resolving issues or addressing complaints. Strong problem-solving skills enable you to quickly assess the situation, identify the root cause of the problem, and propose solutions that satisfy the customer while adhering to company guidelines. Being able to think on your feet and find creative solutions is a valuable asset in customer service.
4. Patience
Patience is the ability to remain calm and composed, especially when dealing with challenging or irate customers. It's important to maintain a respectful and professional demeanor throughout interactions, even in the face of difficult situations.
Not all customer interactions will be smooth, and some customers may be upset or frustrated. Patience allows you to handle such situations gracefully, without becoming defensive or escalating conflicts. Maintaining your cool helps defuse tense situations, reassure customers, and work towards a positive resolution.
5. Adaptability
Adaptability involves being flexible and open to change. In the ever-evolving landscape of customer service, you might encounter new technologies, processes, or customer preferences. Being adaptable allows you to quickly adjust and continue providing excellent service.
Customer service environments can change rapidly due to various factors such as product updates, market trends, or company policies. Being adaptable means you can embrace these changes, learn new skills, and incorporate them into your customer interactions. This ensures that you remain effective and up-to-date in your role.
6. Time management
Time management involves efficiently allocating and prioritizing your time to complete tasks and respond to customer inquiries promptly. This skill is crucial for ensuring that customers receive timely assistance and that you can manage a high volume of requests effectively.
In customer service, there's often a need to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as answering calls, responding to emails, and resolving issues. Good time management enables you to allocate appropriate time to each task, ensuring that no customer is left waiting for an extended period.
Being able to organize your workload effectively demonstrates your dedication to delivering prompt service.
7. Positive attitude
A positive attitude involves maintaining an optimistic and enthusiastic demeanor, regardless of the challenges you face. It contributes to creating a friendly and welcoming environment for customers and helps maintain a productive work atmosphere.
A positive attitude is contagious and can have a significant impact on customer interactions. When customers sense your enthusiasm and positivity, they're more likely to feel comfortable and satisfied with your assistance.
Even when dealing with difficult situations, maintaining a positive attitude can help diffuse tension and foster a more collaborative approach to finding solutions.
8. Teamwork and collaboration
Teamwork involves working harmoniously with colleagues from various departments to ensure seamless customer experiences. Collaboration enables you to pool knowledge, resources, and expertise to resolve complex issues effectively.
In customer service, you're often part of a larger team that contributes to the overall customer journey.
Collaborating with other departments, such as sales, technical support, or billing, ensures that customers receive comprehensive solutions. Being able to communicate and collaborate effectively across teams showcases your commitment to providing holistic customer support.
9. Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks or challenging situations. In a customer service role, this skill helps you stay composed and continue providing excellent service, even when faced with demanding or irate customers.
Customer service can sometimes involve encountering difficult situations or handling customers who are upset. Resilience empowers you to remain composed under pressure, not take negative interactions personally, and continue striving for positive outcomes.
It demonstrates your capacity to handle adversity and maintain professionalism in challenging circumstances.
10. Cultural sensitivity
Cultural sensitivity is the awareness and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and communication styles. This skill is vital for providing inclusive and respectful customer service to individuals from various cultures.
Customers come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and their expectations and communication preferences can differ.
Being culturally sensitive helps you avoid misunderstandings, unintentional offense, or miscommunication. By adapting your approach to different cultural contexts, you create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers.
11. Determination
Determination is the drive to pursue goals and overcome challenges, even in the face of obstacles. In a customer service role, determination enables representatives to persistently work towards finding solutions and ensuring customer satisfaction.
A determined customer service representative might encounter a complex technical issue that has stumped both the customer and previous support agents. Despite the challenge, they diligently research and consult resources to identify a solution, showcasing their commitment to resolving issues.
These additional soft skills further enhance your customer service capabilities and contribute to a well-rounded skill set that's sought after in the field.
Incorporating these skills into your resume, along with relevant examples of how you've demonstrated them in your previous roles, can showcase your suitability for delivering exceptional customer experiences.
10 Hard customer service skills you must add to your resume
Here are 10 hard customer service skills that can greatly enhance your customer service resume, along with detailed explanations for each:
1. Technical proficiency
Technical proficiency involves being skilled in using various software, tools, and systems that are essential for customer service operations. This includes familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software, ticketing systems , live chat platforms, and email management tools.
Many customer interactions occur through digital channels, such as email, chat, or online portals. Being technically proficient enables you to efficiently manage customer inquiries, access relevant customer data, and provide accurate information using the tools at your disposal. This skill is essential for delivering prompt and accurate assistance in a digital age.
2. Data analysis
Data analysis skills involve the ability to interpret and analyze customer data and trends. This skill can help identify patterns in customer behavior, preferences, and pain points, which in turn can inform strategies for improving customer experiences.
Customer data provides valuable insights into customer interactions and preferences. Analyzing this data can help identify common issues, areas for improvement, and opportunities to enhance the overall customer journey. By leveraging data analysis, you can contribute to data-driven decision-making that aligns with customer needs.
3. Product knowledge
Product knowledge encompasses a deep understanding of the company's products or services. This skill enables you to provide accurate information, answer customer questions, and guide them through the features and benefits of the offerings.
Customers often reach out for assistance or information about specific products or services. A strong grasp of the product details, specifications, and usage scenarios allows you to provide informed recommendations, troubleshoot issues effectively, and enhance the customer's understanding of what the company offers.
4. Multilingual proficiency
Multilingual proficiency involves being able to communicate in multiple languages. This skill is particularly valuable in customer service roles where you interact with a diverse customer base.
In a globalized world, customers can come from various linguistic backgrounds. Being able to communicate in multiple languages helps you provide personalized and effective support to a broader range of customers.
It reduces language barriers, increases customer satisfaction, and showcases the company's commitment to inclusivity.
5. Technical troubleshooting
Technical troubleshooting skills involve the ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues that customers may encounter with products or services. This can range from assisting with software installations to addressing hardware malfunctions.
Many customer inquiries involve technical problems that customers are facing. Having the ability to troubleshoot these issues remotely or guide customers through steps to resolve them demonstrates your technical expertise.
It enables you to provide hands-on assistance and ensures that customers can continue using the products or services effectively.
6. Social media management
Social media management involves effectively using social media platforms to engage with customers, address inquiries, and manage the company's online reputation. This skill is crucial for providing timely responses and maintaining a positive online presence.
Many customers turn to social media to communicate with brands and seek assistance. Being adept at social media management allows you to monitor brand mentions, respond promptly to customer messages, and resolve issues in a public and transparent manner.
It also showcases your ability to handle customer interactions across various digital channels.
7. Quality assurance and auditing
Quality assurance skills involve monitoring and evaluating the quality of customer interactions, such as phone calls, chats, and emails. Auditing these interactions helps ensure that customer service representatives adhere to company standards and provide consistent and accurate information.
Maintaining a high level of service consistency is crucial for building trust with customers. Quality assurance skills enable you to review and assess customer interactions for accuracy, compliance with company policies, and adherence to best practices.
This skill helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that customer experiences meet the desired standards.
8. E-commerce platforms and payment processing
Proficiency in e-commerce platforms and payment processing tools is valuable for customer service roles involving online sales, orders, and transactions.
This skill allows you to assist customers with placing orders, tracking shipments, and resolving payment-related issues.
As more transactions occur online, customer service representatives need to be well-versed in e-commerce platforms and payment processes.
Being knowledgeable about these systems enables you to provide step-by-step guidance to customers, troubleshoot payment issues, and ensure a seamless shopping experience.
9. Technical training and documentation
Technical training and documentation skills involve creating user guides, tutorials, and training materials for customers. This skill is especially important when customers need assistance with complex products or services.
Some customers require detailed guidance on using a product or service effectively.
Technical training and documentation skills allow you to create clear and concise instructional materials that empower customers to troubleshoot issues on their own, reducing the need for repeated support interactions.
10. Remote desktop support
Remote desktop support skills involve assisting customers with technical issues by remotely accessing their computers or devices. This is particularly relevant for troubleshooting software-related problems or providing hands-on assistance without physically being present.
In cases where customers face software glitches or technical challenges, remote desktop support can be invaluable. Being skilled in remote access tools enables you to guide customers through troubleshooting steps, diagnose issues directly on their devices, and offer real-time solutions, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of support.
Customer service representative resumes
Here are customer service representative resumes that you can take reference from for your perfect resume.
1. Entry-level customer service resume example
2. 6 years experience customer service specialist resume example
3. Customer support resume example
4. Experienced customer service specialist resume example
Sample customer service representative resume examples
Here are 3 ample customer service representative resume examples that you can use.
- Address: 1234 Elm Street, Springfield, IL 62704
- Phone: (123) 456-7890
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe-csr
Objective: Energetic and customer-focused representative with 5 years of experience in the retail and e-commerce sectors. Proven ability to handle high-pressure situations, manage dissatisfied customers, and foster loyalty. Looking to contribute my expertise and passion for excellent service to XYZ Corp’s customer relations team.
Professional Experience:
Customer Service Representative | Best Shop Retailers, Springfield, IL | June 2018 – Present
- Addressed and resolved an average of 60 customer inquiries daily via phone, email, and chat.
- Maintained a 98% customer satisfaction rate, consistently exceeding the company target of 95%.
- Collaborated with the online sales team to introduce a feedback loop, decreasing product return rates by 15%.
- Introduced a new ticketing system which improved issue tracking and reduced resolution time by 20%.
Customer Support Agent | E-Fashion Store, Springfield, IL | Jan 2016 – May 2018
- Managed customer inquiries relating to product details, order status, and returns policy.
- Played a pivotal role in updating the FAQ section on the website, leading to a 30% reduction in common queries.
- Assisted in creating an automated chatbot, enhancing the 24/7 customer support experience.
- Received "Employee of the Month" thrice for outstanding performance and dedication.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | Springfield University, IL | May 2015
- Relevant Coursework: Consumer Behavior, Business Communication, Digital Marketing.
- Proficient in Salesforce, Zendesk, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Efficient problem-solving capabilities.
- Able to multitask and manage time effectively.
Certifications
- Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) – Customer Service Institute of America, 2017.
- English (Native)
- Spanish (Conversational)
Alex Martinez
- Address: 789 Maple Avenue, Rivertown, CA 90210
- Phone: (987) 654-3210
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexmartinez-csr
Objective Detail-oriented Customer Service Representative with over 4 years of experience in the telecommunications and finance sectors. Expertise in troubleshooting, managing large client portfolios, and up-selling services. Seeking an opportunity at ABC Communications to enhance customer satisfaction and contribute to team productivity.
Professional experience
Customer Service Representative | FineBank Corp., Rivertown, CA | August 2019 – Present
- Managed portfolio of over 500 clients, addressing concerns related to their accounts, banking services, and online platform usage.
- Upsold bank services, resulting in a 20% increase in new service subscriptions in my client base for 2020.
- Organized quarterly feedback sessions, helping the bank identify three major areas for service enhancement.
- Played a lead role in transitioning clients to a new digital banking system with minimal disruptions.
Customer Support Specialist | TeleConnect Co., Rivertown, CA | Mar 2017 – July 2019
- Handled technical issues for customers, achieving a 95% first-call resolution rate.
- Conducted weekly training sessions for new hires, improving their onboarding speed by 30%.
- Collaborated with the tech department to identify recurring product issues, contributing to a 15% decrease in related complaints.
- Spearheaded a "Customer First" initiative that fostered a culture of empathy and attentiveness in the team.
Associate Degree in Communication Studies | Rivertown Community College, CA | Dec 2016
- Relevant Coursework: Principles of Communication, Conflict Resolution, Technical Writing.
- Proficient in JIRA, HubSpot, and Slack.
- Effective technical troubleshooting abilities.
- Robust negotiation and up-selling skills.
- Exceptional listening and feedback collection techniques.
- Advanced Customer Experience (CX) Certification – Customer Experience Professionals Association, 2018.
- French (Intermediate)
Samuel Green
- Address: 456 Pine Lane, Lakeside, TX 75604
- Phone: (555) 123-4567
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samuelgreen-csr
Objective Dynamic Customer Service Representative with 6 years of experience specializing in e-commerce and healthcare sectors. Renowned for leveraging a combination of soft and hard skills to deliver unparalleled service. Eager to contribute to the success of XYZ Health Solutions by fostering client relationships and ensuring smooth operations.
Professional Experience
Customer Service Specialist | MegaShop Online, Lakeside, TX | October 2017 – Present
- Successfully resolved over 75 daily customer inquiries via phone, chat, and email, maintaining a 99% customer satisfaction rate.
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive knowledge base, reducing average call duration by 15%.
- Demonstrated strong empathy and patience, especially during high-traffic periods like Black Friday and Christmas sales.
- Assisted in the integration of a CRM system, leading to a 20% increase in customer retention.
Customer Support Associate | HealthAid Clinics, Lakeside, TX | Jan 2015 – Sep 2017
- Managed patient queries related to appointment bookings, billing, and medical services.
- Demonstrated adaptability by swiftly navigating between multiple in-house databases and patient management systems.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate and timely communication.
- Exhibited strong interpersonal skills while comforting distressed patients or their relatives.
Bachelor of Science in Health Administration | Lakeside University, TX | May 2014
- Relevant Coursework: Healthcare Communication, Patient Management, Medical Ethics.
- Expertise in CRM systems (like Salesforce and HubSpot).
- Familiarity with e-commerce platforms (like Shopify and Magento).
- Proficient in MS Office Suite and Google Workspace.
- Strong verbal and written communication.
- Empathy and active listening.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Customer Service Specialist (CSS) Certification – Customer Service Institute of America, 2016.
- Mandarin (Basic)
With the 21 essential skills we've explored, you're armed with the tools to create a resume that captures attention and stands out. Remember, your unique combination of empathy, adaptability, technical prowess, and more can elevate your customer service journey.
So, go ahead and craft that winning resume – your future as a customer service rockstar awaits!
19 Best Diwali Gifts for Customer Success Teams in 2023
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Customer Service Resume Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)
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Looking to land more job offers in Customer Service?
You're going to need a great resume. This comprehensive guide provides proven strategies, skills, templates, and examples for writing a job-winning Customer Service resume based on data from coaching thousands of successful job seekers.
From top to bottom, this guide will equip you with the tools you need to write an outstanding Customer Service resume and increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams.
Here's what we're going to cover:
- What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Customer Service Resume
- The Best Skills To Include On An Customer Service Resume
How To Write A Job-Winning Customer Service Resume Summary
How to write offer-winning customer service resume bullets.
- 3 Customer Service Resume Examples
The 8 Best Customer Service Resume Templates
Here's the step-by-step breakdown:
Customer Service Resume Overview: What To Know To Write A Resume That Wins More Job Offers
Wondering what companies are looking for when they're hiring someone for their Customer Service team?
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are at the top of the list, but employers are also looking for things like empathy and positive attitude. Being able to work well under pressure, adaptability and technical proficiency are also important. Employers are looking for candidates who pay attention to detail, have excellent time management skills and are dedicated to ensuring customers have a top-notch experience.
Your resume should show the company that your personality and your experience encompass all of these things.
Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Customer Service resume:
- Tailor your resume to the job: Make sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the role (we'll show you how in the next section!).
- Highlight your customer service skills: Emphasize your customer service skills, such as problem-solving, active listening, and conflict resolution, and give specific examples of how you have used these skills in your previous roles.
- Include relevant experience: Focus on your customer service experience and include specific details about your responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Use keywords: Make sure to use keywords relevant to the customer service role, such as “customer support,” “communication skills,” and “problem-solving” (more on keywords in a second)
- Keep it concise: Keep your resume concise and to the point, using bullet points to highlight your achievements and experience.
- Proofread: Carefully proofread your resume for errors and typos, as these can give a negative impression to potential employers.
Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.
The Best Customer Service Skills To Include On Your Resume
Keywords are one of the most important factors in your resume. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan resumes for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for the employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.
If you want to win more interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized resume. There are two ways to find the right keywords:
1. Leverage The 20 Best Customer Service Keywords
The first is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for an Customer Service resume.
These keywords were selected from an analysis of real Customer Service job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Flexibility
- Organization
- Team Member
- Microsoft Office
2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Resume And Target Role
The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific resume and target job.
- Open a copy of your updated resume
- Open a copy of your target job description
- Head over to ResyMatch.io
- Copy and paste your resume on the left and then do the same for the job description on the right
- Hit scan and review the results
ResyMatch is going to scan your resume and compare it to the target job description. It's going to show you the exact keywords and skills you're missing as well as share other feedback you can use to improve your resume.
Here's a video walking through this whole process:
You have a very short window of time to capture an employer's attention–an average of six seconds, to be exact.
To land more interviews an offers, you have to make each one of those seconds count. Start by putting the exact information the reader is looking for at the very top of your resume.
A quick Google search will tell you that a Summary or an Objective should hold this top spot but, unfortunately, that traditional advice simply won't capture your reader's attention. Winning in today's job market means using a more modern approach, what I like to call a “Highlight Reel.”
Here's how it works:
Highlight Reels: A Proven Way To Start Your Resume And Win More Jobs
The Highlight Reel is exactly what it sounds like.
It's a section at the top of your resume that allows you to pick and choose the best and most relevant experience to feature right at the top of your resume.
It's essentially a highlight reel of your career as it relates to this specific role! I like to think about it as the SportsCenter Top 10 of your resume.
The Highlight Reel resume summary consists of 4 parts:
- A relevant section title that ties your experience to the role
- An introductory bullet that summarizes your experience and high level value
- A few supporting “Case Study” bullets that illustrate specific results, projects, and relevant experience
- A closing “Extracurricular” bullet to round out your candidacy
The next two bullets are “Case Studies” of specific results they drove at their company. Finally, their last bullet focuses on a volunteering stretch project that led to some amazing results.
This candidate has provided all of the info any employer would want to see right at the very top of their resume! The best part is, they can customize this section for each and every role they apply for to maximize the relevance of their experience.
Here's one more example of a Customer Service Highlight Reel:
While the content in this example is a bit more light, you can see all of the elements of a great Highlight Reel (especially the emphasis on measurable outcomes and results!).
If you want more details on writing a killer Highlight Reel, check out my full guide on Highlight Reels here.
Bullets make up the majority of the content in your resume. If you want to win, you need to know how to write bullets that are compelling and value-driven.
Unfortunately, way too many job seekers aren't good at this. They use fluffy, buzzword-fill language and they only talk about the actions that they took rather than the results and outcomes those actions created.
If you apply this framework to each of the bullets on your resume, you're going to make them more compelling and your value is going to be crystal clear to the reader. For example, take a look at these resume bullets:
❌ Responsible for increasing client satisfaction rates.
✅ Improved customer satisfaction rates by 15% in 6 months through proactive communication and timely issue resolution, boosting retention and revenue.
The second bullet makes the candidate's value so much more clear, and it's a lot more fun to read! That's what we're going for here.
That said, it's one thing to look at the graphic above and try to apply the abstract concept of “35% hard skills” to your bullet. We wanted to make things easy, so we created a tool called ResyBullet.io that will actually give your resume bullet a score and show you how to improve it.
Using ResyBullet To Write Crazy Effective, Job-Winning Resume Bullets
ResyBullet takes our proprietary “resume bullet formula” and layers it into a tool that's super simple to use. Here's how it works:
- Head over to ResyBullet.io
- Copy a bullet from your resume and paste it into the tool, then hit “Analyze”
- ResyBullet will score your resume bullet and show you exactly what you need to improve
- You edit your bullet with the recommended changes and scan it again
- Rinse and repeat until you get a score of 60+
- Move on to the next bullet in your resume
Let's take a look at how this works for the two resume bullet examples I shared above:
First, we had, “Responsible for increasing customer satisfaction rates.”
ResyBullet gave that a score of 0/100. Not only is it too short, but it's missing relevant skills, compelling language, and measurable outcomes:
Now, let's take a look at our second bullet, “Improved customer satisfaction by 15% tin 6 months through proactive communication and timely issue resolution, boosting retention and revenue.”
ResyBullet gave that a 73 / 100. Much better! This bullet had more content focused on the specific criteria the hiring team is looking for. We can see by exactly how much they increased customer satisfaction, the skill and method they applied, and that it all resulted in an overall increase in customer retention and company revenue.
Now all you have to do is run each of your bullets through ResyBullet, make the suggested updates, and your resume is going to be jam packed with eye-popping, value-driven content!
And if you want to learn more about the underlying strategies behind writing great resume bullets, check out this guide.
3 Customer Service Resume Examples For 2023
Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three resume examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds:
Customer Service Resume Example #1: A Traditional Background
Customer Service Resume Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background
For our second Customer Service Resume Example, we have a candidate who has a non-traditional background. In this case, they are coming from the wellness industry but have experience working directly with customers. Here's an example of what their resume might look like when applying for Customer Service roles:
Customer Service Resume Example #3: Senior Customer Service With Masters Degree
For our third Customer Service Resume Example, we have a candidate who has 5+ years of experience and a Masters degree. Here's an example of what their resume might look like when applying for Customer Service roles:
At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write an Customer Service resume that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.
We made that easy with our ResyBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.
Just click any of the templates below to start building your resume using proven, recruiter-approved templates:
Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Customer Service Resume
You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.
Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Customer Service resume:
- Start with a proven resume template from ResyBuild.io
- Use ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your resume for each role you apply to
- Start your resume with a Highlight Reel to immediately grab your target employer's attention
- Use ResyBullet.io to craft compelling, value-driven bullets that pop off the page
- Compare the draft of your resume to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
- Use a tool like HemingwayApp to proofread your resume before you submit it
If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Customer Service interviews and job offers.
Laura Lorta
Laura is an Editor at Cultivated Culture. She transitioned from teaching into the world of content so she's no stranger to career pivots. She also has a bachelors in Entrepreneurship and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction / Bilingual Education. She currently shares job search advice to help people like you land jobs they love without applying online.
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- Resume Tips
9 Must-Have Customer Service Skills for Resumes
13 min read
When we think of customer service skills, we tend to think of the skills required for any customer or client-facing position. However, they’re also necessary for any service-oriented functions that serve clients internal to an organization, like human resources, IT, and accounting. Therefore, in virtually any organization, there are numerous positions that require you to successfully highlight customer service skills on a resume to land the job.
In this post, we cover:
What is customer service?
Customer service is not only a skill but also a job or department within an organization. Customer service is generally considered a soft skill in and of itself and also includes several additional soft skills for success, as well as some hard skills, which will be discussed in more detail in the next sections.
A customer service position is one in which the individual interacts with customers or clients of an organization. They tend to exist within any type of business selling a product or service. Servers, baristas, call center representatives, receptionists, cashiers, and medical technicians are all required to serve customers in one way or another.
Some positions also serve clients internal to an organization. As previously mentioned, service-oriented departments, like human resources, IT, and accounting, typically have clients - often other departments - they support within the organization they work for. These types of positions require solid customer service skills similar to the customer service positions mentioned above.
Why are customer service skills important?
Customer service skills are those that support employees in providing optimal client-facing support in a friendly manner through communication and interpersonal interactions. Those with good customer skills skills are helpful in solving problems, providing information, and offering support for the myriad of questions consumers or clients might have.
There are several reasons why customer service skills are essential for success. For an organization that relies on the sale of products and services, customer service is the cornerstone of their success. Without it, profits are impacted. Internal to an organization, individuals with solid customer service skills support a positive work environment, employee morale, teamwork, effective collaboration, and more.
For positions like bartending and serving, the level of customer service skills each employee has directly impacts the amount of money they take home in the form of tips, as well as the company’s bottom line. These are just a few examples as to why customer service skills are in high demand.
The top 9 customer service skills
Here are nine in-demand customer service skills for your resume.
1. Communication
You don’t have any level of customer service if you don’t have communication. Verbal and written communication are essential to providing customer service - verbal communication through face-to-face, video, and phone conversations and written communication for messaging and email communications. It’s through communication that all other aspects of customer service – problem solving, conflict resolution, empathy, sharing knowledge, selling products and services, answering questions, and so on – can occur.
2. Active Listening
“I know you can hear me, but are you listening?” Hearing what someone is saying is different than truly listening to what someone is saying. Active listening allows you to read between the lines to get to the root of an issue, allows you to understand one’s challenges better, and provides you the opportunity to ask the right questions for further clarification. Those with superb active listening skills:
Pay attention to non-verbal cues when connecting in person
Make eye contact in situations that allow it
Listen without jumping to conclusions
Don’t interrupt the speaker
Ask questions
Remain focused on the speaker or conversation
Don’t jump ahead on what to say next
Avoid imposing opinions or judgments
Provide the right products and services for another’s needs
Paraphrase the information someone said back to them to show they’re listening and to confirm proper understanding
Empathy is necessary for someone to offer good customer service. Why? Because it allows you to put yourself in the other person’s shoes without imposing your opinions or judgments on the situation. When you have empathy for another person’s situation, it supports you in listening to them better, appreciating their struggles, and coming up with viable solutions for support and problem-solving specific to their needs.
4. Conflict Resolution
Though we often try to avoid it, conflict is inevitable. It’s difficult to get through a week without some level of conflict occurring between clients and service providers. We all have different opinions, objectives, and ways of doing things that aren’t always going to align. It’s also difficult to make everyone happen all of the time when serving customers. These factors are why effective conflict resolution is necessary for customer service. You need to be able to face the conflict and deal with it quickly and efficiently to ensure something that is seemingly minor doesn’t blow up into something bigger than it needs to be. Proper conflict resolution also supports collaboration, productivity, and employee morale within an organization.
5. Problem-Solving
When clients and customers come to you with problems, they want to know they’ll receive a solution. Effective problem-solving allows you to see the challenges, develop possible solutions, work together to choose a solution, and then implement the solution. The faster you can do this for someone, the more likely they are to walk away satisfied.
6. Product Knowledge
As the only hard skill to make this Top 9 list, product knowledge is necessary for high marks in customer service. Without sufficient product knowledge, it makes it difficult to serve consumers and clients when they come to you with questions or problems.
Those who sell products or services to consumers need to know the ins and outs of the products and services they sell. Likewise, those who provide services to clients internal to an organization need to know what they’re talking about and be clear on the services they’re offering and engaged in.
7. Time Management
When you're answering several phones, receiving questions from multiple people, having to circle back with people, solving problems, dealing with conflict, and then some, you better have some solid time management skills under your belt.
Time management skills mean you have the ability to prioritize the many items that come across your desk appropriately. You also have the ability to ensure things don’t fall through the cracks and meet deadlines while also managing stress more effectively. In a nutshell, it’s difficult to offer good customer service without time management skills to back you up.
8. Adaptability
With the many changing demands and fast-paced work environments we tend to navigate in today’s world, being agile and adaptable is important in virtually any role. In terms of customer service, when working with customers and clients, their needs are ever-changing, as can also be the case with the products and services a business offers. As such, you need to be able to adapt and adjust your communications, actions, and priorities to align with the changing demands of the company you work for and the consumers and clients you support.
9. Persuasion
The art of persuasion is a gift for some and a must for those in customer service roles. Persuasion allows you to make that sale, upsell, solve problems faster, and encourage a peaceful resolution to conflicts, to name a few of its benefits.
Additional customer service skills on a resume
The above list is just a starting point for the types of customer service skills found on a resume. Here's a breakdown of additional hard and soft skills to consider.
Soft customer service skills on a resume
Soft skills are tangible skills that tend to be acquired over time. They’re not easily measured, though they are vital for job success and highly valued by employers. Here are some additional customer service soft skills commonly found on resumes:
Attention to detail
Collaboration
Critical thinking
Decisiveness
Emotional intelligence
Negotiation skills
Organization
Works well under stress
Computer skills
Hard customer service skills on a resume
Hard skills are technical skills acquired through training, education, and certifications. Unlike soft skills, they are easily measured. Below are some additional customer service hard skills for resumes:
Data analysis
Language skills
Computer programs
Social media
Email marketing
Calendar management
How to highlight customer service skills on a resume
Now that you know some of the top customer service skills found on a resume, how can you best highlight them? We offer the following tips to help guide you. Make a list of your achievements
Think back to past work experiences and training. Make a list of all of your achievements, knowledge, and skills related to customer service. This will provide an excellent starting point as to what to include on your resume to showcase customer service.
Be specific and provide quantifiable data
For each position you list in your Work Experience section, you want to highlight and quantify your achievements that required customer service skills. Quantifying your results allows the hiring manager to better visualize your ability to succeed on the job. Below are two examples you might find in someone’s Work Experience section of their resume.
Customer service skills on a resume example #1
Analyzed monthly customer data reports to identify common customer complaints due to intake challenges, resulting in implementation of new customer intake process that led to a 10% increase in customer satisfactio n
The above example highlights the customer service skills of data analysis, creativity, and problem-solving.
Customer service skills on a resume example #2
Coordinated scheduling for 211 practices in 10 states to re-engage 300 inactive patients, resulting in a 20% increase in appointments for 4Q 2023
The above example highlights customer service skills of scheduling, organization, time management, and communication.
You can also use your resume summary to note your most significant customer service skills and achievements. To learn about how to write an effective summary to entice resume readers to learn more, refer to “ 30 Resume Summary Examples that Work in 2024 .”
Include certifications, training, and awards
If you have any training, certifications , or awards specific to customer service, include them on your resume. For training and certifications, you can either include these with your education section or in their own standalone sections.
For an award, if it’s related to your college years, you might include it with your education. Likewise, if it’s an award linked to one of your jobs, you can mention it in a bullet point for that job. Otherwise, you can create a standalone Awards section if you believe an award is important to include and it doesn’t fit into one of these categories.
Incorporate a skills or competencies list
Incorporating a Core Competencies section just below your resume summary can help to highlight sought-after customer service skills. Here, you can list any customer service skills you have that are necessary and relate to the job. For example:
Core Competencies
Customer Retention | Customer Relationship Management | Marketing Data Analysis Reporting | Active Listening | Event Planning | Scheduling | Consumer Data Management
Pull keywords from the job description
As you consider which customer service skills to include on your resume, refer to the job description and highlight the skills and experience you have. From there, include those keywords throughout your resume. Keywords help you get past applicant tracking systems and get noticed by hiring managers.
How to develop customer service skills
Improving your customer service can help you land your next job and advance in your career. It’s possible to hone in on and develop your customer skills in several ways. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Make a list of your current customer service skills that you feel you excel at and need to improve upon. Consider where you’ve received high marks, were rewarded, or knew you did a great job. What customer service skills were required? From there, make a list of areas for improvement. You can also prioritize the areas for improvement from what needs the most improvement to the least improvement. Additionally, take stock of what you believe is most important to focus on improving first, so you can begin to lay out a game plan for improvement.
Ask for feedback. One great way to develop your customer service skills is to ask others for feedback. You can ask customers directly about what they believe you do well and where you can improve. You can also ask managers and peers for their input. Finally, if your organization implements client and customer surveys, review them to gather input specific to your interactions.
Secure training to enhance or fill in gaps. Once you have your list of improvements and input from others mentioned in the first two bullet points in this section, you can begin to seek training and certifications to help you fill in gaps and enhance your current skill set. There are several free and low-cost options when you do an online search for “customer service training” and “customer service certifications.”
Practice empathy. Empathy can really help you elevate your customer service game. To practice empathy, allow yourself to become curious and get to know people, consider similarities and differences between you and others and appreciate those differences, and put yourself in another’s shoes. An empathetic person asks questions like, “I wonder what that experience is like for them?” or “I wonder what it’s like to be them at this moment?” In other words, instead of thinking about how the experience would be for you, focus on the other person’s experience and perspective.
Practice active listening. Active listening allows you to better engage, communicate, problem-solve, and much more. To practice active listening, build self-awareness to understand how well you currently listen and where you can improve. Pay attention to when you get distracted during conversations, so you can refocus your attention on the conversation. When you catch yourself preparing a reply before the other person has stopped speaking, again, focus your attention on the speaker and wait to form a rebuttal or response until after they're finished. In addition, practice paraphrasing what you think someone else said back to them to ensure you’re on the same page about the communication.
Use tools to remain calm under pressure. Oftentimes, when we get stressed, our customer service skills take a hit. Work to find activities that help you remain calm under pressure, like pausing and taking a moment to calm down or slowing your breathing down to calm your system. It’s also vital that you implement a good self-care routine to support yourself in minimizing stress, in general, which can also have a positive impact on your skills at work.
Customer service skills on your resume add value
Now you know which customer service skills on a resume are in high demand, as well as how to include them. With the above guidance, you’ll be able to craft a resume filled with customer service skills to help you get noticed by prospective employers and their hiring teams. You also have some great tips to help you hone your customer service skills to excel at your current and future jobs and advance your career! Does your resume effectively represent your customer service skills to land interviews? Why not submit it for a free resume review for expert input to find out?
Recommended reading:
19 Essential Skills for Resumes: Examples Included
How to List Your MBA on Your Resume in 2024 (+Examples)
How to Add LinkedIn to Your Resume (+ Key Examples)
Ronda Suder, Professional Writer
With a drive to foster safety and expand possibilities through writing, performing, and working with others, Ronda brings 25 years of combined experience in HR, recruiting, career advice, communications, mental and behavioral health, and storytelling to her work. She’s a certified career coach and holds a Master’s in Human Resources, a Master’s in Film and Media Production, and a Master’s in Counseling and Development. As a writer, she’s covered topics ranging from finance and rock mining to leadership and internet technology, with a passion for career advice and mental-health-related topics. When she’s not at her computer, Ronda enjoys connecting with others, personal growth and development, spending time with her beloved pooch, and entertainment through movies, television, acting, and other artistic endeavors. You can connect with Ronda on LinkedIn and through her website .
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30+ Customer Service Resume Summary Examples & Samples
- Resume Format
- November 10, 2024
Resume Summary
Customer Service Resume Summary : In today’s competitive job market, a standout resume is essential for landing your dream position in customer service. A well-crafted resume summary can be the key to capturing the attention of hiring managers and showcasing your unique skills and experiences. With the right approach, you can highlight your strengths and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
This article presents over 30 customer service resume summary examples and samples designed to inspire and guide you in creating your own impactful summary. Each example is tailored to reflect various roles within the customer service field, ensuring you find one that resonates with your experience and aspirations.
By leveraging these examples, you can effectively communicate your qualifications and set yourself apart from the competition. Dive in and discover how to craft a compelling resume summary that not only grabs attention but also opens the door to exciting career opportunities in customer service.
What is Customer Service Resume Summary
A Customer Service Resume Summary is a brief statement at the top of a resume that highlights a candidate’s key skills, experiences, and accomplishments in customer service roles. It showcases their ability to enhance customer satisfaction, resolve issues, and contribute positively to the company’s reputation and success.
Why Adding Customer Service Job Summary is Important
A well-crafted customer service resume summary is crucial for making a strong first impression on potential employers. It serves as a concise snapshot of your skills, experiences, and achievements, allowing hiring managers to quickly assess your suitability for the role. Here are key reasons why a customer service resume summary is important:
- First Impression : The summary is the first section employers read, setting the tone for the rest of your resume.
- Highlight Key Skills : It allows you to showcase essential customer service skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy, that are vital for the role.
- Tailored Messaging : A targeted summary can be customized for each job application, demonstrating your alignment with the specific requirements of the position.
- Showcase Achievements : It provides an opportunity to highlight quantifiable achievements, such as customer satisfaction ratings or sales targets met, which can differentiate you from other candidates.
- Career Focus : A strong summary conveys your career goals and aspirations, helping employers understand your long-term commitment to customer service.
- Conciseness : It distills your experience into a few impactful sentences, making it easier for hiring managers to digest your qualifications quickly.
- Encourages Further Reading : A compelling summary piques interest, encouraging employers to delve deeper into your resume to learn more about your background.
In summary, a powerful customer service resume summary is essential for capturing attention and effectively communicating your value to potential employers.
Must Use Keywords to Add in Customer Service Resume Summary
- Customer Satisfaction
- Communication Skills
- Problem Solving
- Conflict Resolution
- Team Collaboration
- Active Listening
- Multitasking
- Time Management
- Technical Proficiency
- Adaptability
- Relationship Building
- Feedback Management
- Service Excellence
- Process Improvement
Key Components of Professional Summary of Customer Service Job
Creating an effective Customer Service Resume Summary is crucial for making a strong first impression on potential employers. Here are the key components to include:
- Concise Overview : Start with a brief statement that summarizes your experience and skills in customer service. Aim for 2-3 sentences that encapsulate your professional identity.
- Relevant Experience : Highlight your years of experience in customer service roles. Specify industries if applicable (e.g., retail, hospitality, tech) to demonstrate versatility or specialization.
- Key Skills : List essential customer service skills such as communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and empathy. Tailor these skills to match the job description for maximum impact.
- Achievements : Include quantifiable achievements that showcase your effectiveness. For example, mention metrics like customer satisfaction scores, response times, or sales increases that resulted from your service.
- Technical Proficiency : If applicable, mention any customer service software or tools you are proficient in (e.g., CRM systems, ticketing software). This shows your ability to adapt to various technologies.
- Soft Skills : Emphasize soft skills that are crucial in customer service, such as patience, active listening, and adaptability. These traits are often as important as technical skills in this field.
- Customer-Centric Mindset : Convey your commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences. Use phrases that reflect your dedication to understanding and meeting customer needs.
- Team Collaboration : Mention your ability to work well within a team, as customer service often requires collaboration with other departments to resolve issues effectively.
- Professional Tone : Maintain a professional and positive tone throughout your summary. This reflects your approach to customer interactions.
- Call to Action : End with a statement that invites the reader to learn more about your qualifications, such as expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to their team.
By incorporating these components, your Customer Service Resume Summary will effectively capture the attention of hiring managers and set the stage for a compelling application.
Resume Summary of Customer Service – For No Experience
Enthusiastic and motivated individual eager to provide exceptional customer service. Strong communication skills and a positive attitude, ready to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Dedicated and friendly individual with a passion for helping others. Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer experiences, seeking to grow in a customer service role.
Detail-oriented and proactive individual with strong problem-solving abilities. Eager to assist customers and create positive interactions, while developing valuable skills in a customer service environment.
Motivated team player with a strong desire to learn and grow in customer service. Excellent communication skills and a friendly demeanor, ready to support customers effectively.
Compassionate and approachable individual with a knack for understanding customer needs. Eager to provide top-notch service and build lasting relationships in a customer-focused role.
Ambitious and reliable individual with a strong work ethic. Committed to delivering high-quality customer service and creating positive experiences, while continuously learning and improving skills.
Friendly and adaptable individual with excellent listening skills. Passionate about assisting customers and resolving issues, looking to contribute positively to a customer service team.
Enthusiastic self-starter with a strong desire to excel in customer service. Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude, ready to make a difference in customer interactions.
Personable and dedicated individual with a focus on customer satisfaction. Eager to learn and grow in a customer service role, providing support and assistance to clients.
Dynamic and resourceful individual with a strong commitment to helping others. Ready to leverage communication skills and a positive attitude to enhance customer experiences in a service role.
Professional Summary Examples for Customer Service Job
Dedicated customer service professional with over 5 years of experience in fast-paced environments, skilled in resolving issues and enhancing customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
Results-driven customer service representative with a proven track record of exceeding performance metrics, adept at building rapport with clients and delivering exceptional support in diverse industries.
Enthusiastic customer service agent with a passion for helping others, experienced in handling inquiries and complaints while maintaining a positive attitude and fostering customer loyalty.
Detail-oriented customer support specialist with expertise in CRM software, committed to providing timely solutions and ensuring a seamless customer experience across multiple channels.
Proficient bilingual customer service representative with 4 years of experience, skilled in addressing diverse client needs and enhancing engagement through effective communication in both English and Spanish.
Dynamic customer service professional with strong conflict resolution skills, focused on turning negative experiences into positive outcomes and ensuring customer satisfaction in high-pressure situations.
Experienced customer service leader with a track record of training and mentoring teams, dedicated to improving service quality and driving customer retention through strategic initiatives.
Tech-savvy customer support agent with a background in IT, capable of troubleshooting technical issues and providing clear guidance to enhance user experience and satisfaction.
Compassionate customer service representative skilled in empathetic listening, adept at understanding customer concerns and providing tailored solutions to foster long-term relationships.
Goal-oriented customer service professional with a focus on upselling and cross-selling, successfully increasing revenue while ensuring customers receive the best possible service.
Resourceful customer support specialist with strong analytical skills, experienced in identifying trends and implementing process improvements to enhance overall service efficiency and effectiveness.
Friendly and approachable customer service agent with a knack for creating positive interactions, committed to ensuring every customer feels valued and heard throughout their journey.
Adaptable customer service representative with experience in both retail and e-commerce, skilled in managing high volumes of inquiries while maintaining a focus on quality service delivery.
Proactive customer service advocate with a strong commitment to continuous improvement, leveraging feedback to enhance service offerings and exceed customer expectations consistently.
Motivated customer service professional with a strong background in hospitality, dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences and resolving issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction.
Sample Resume with Customer Service Resume Summary
Contact information.
Name: Jane Doe Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe Location: City, State
Dedicated and results-driven customer service professional with over 5 years of experience in fast-paced environments. Proven ability to resolve customer issues effectively and enhance customer satisfaction. Skilled in communication, problem-solving, and building rapport with clients. Committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering positive relationships to drive customer loyalty.
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving
- Time management and multitasking
- Proficient in CRM software (Salesforce, Zendesk)
- Strong attention to detail
- Team collaboration and leadership
Professional Experience
Customer Service Representative ABC Company, City, State January 2020 – Present
- Managed an average of 50+ customer inquiries per day, providing timely and accurate information.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues, achieving a 95% satisfaction rating.
- Collaborated with team members to improve service processes, resulting in a 20% reduction in response time.
Customer Support Associate XYZ Corp, City, State June 2017 – December 2019
- Assisted customers via phone, email, and chat, addressing inquiries and providing product information.
- Developed training materials for new hires, improving onboarding efficiency by 30%.
- Conducted follow-up calls to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication University of State, City, State Graduated: May 2017
Certifications
- Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)
- Conflict Resolution Certification
Available upon request.
Do’s & Don’ts of Customer Service Resume Summary
A well-crafted Customer Service Resume Summary can significantly enhance your chances of landing an interview. It serves as your first impression, showcasing your skills and experience in a concise manner. Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to consider when writing your Customer Service Resume Summary.
Do’s:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on your customer service roles and specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet customer needs effectively.
- Use Action Verbs: Start sentences with strong action verbs like “resolved,” “managed,” or “enhanced” to convey your proactive approach.
- Tailor to the Job Description: Customize your Customer Service Resume Summary for each application, aligning your skills with the requirements of the position.
- Showcase Soft Skills: Emphasize interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving that are crucial in customer service roles.
- Quantify Achievements: Include metrics or statistics that illustrate your impact, such as “increased customer satisfaction by 20%.”
Don’ts:
- Avoid Generic Statements: Steer clear of vague phrases that do not add value. Be specific about your contributions and skills.
- Don’t Use Jargon: Refrain from industry-specific jargon that may confuse hiring managers. Keep the language clear and accessible.
- Skip Irrelevant Experience: Focus on customer service-related experience. Avoid including unrelated jobs that do not enhance your Customer Service Resume Summary.
- Don’t Overstate Skills: Be honest about your abilities. Exaggerating can lead to issues later in the hiring process.
- Avoid Lengthy Summaries: Keep your Customer Service Resume Summary concise, ideally within 3-5 sentences, to maintain the reader’s attention.
By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling Customer Service Resume Summary that effectively showcases your qualifications and sets you apart from the competition.
Also Read : Resume Summary Writing Tips with Examples
FAQs about Customer Service Resume Summary
What should be included in a customer service resume summary.
A Customer Service Resume Summary should highlight your relevant experience, key skills, and achievements in customer service. Focus on your ability to resolve issues, communicate effectively, and enhance customer satisfaction. Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for to make a strong first impression.
How long should a Customer Service Resume Summary be?
A Customer Service Resume Summary should typically be 2-4 sentences long, or around 50-100 words. This concise format allows you to capture the attention of hiring managers quickly while providing enough information to showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Why is a Customer Service Resume Summary important?
A Customer Service Resume Summary is crucial because it serves as your elevator pitch to potential employers. It quickly conveys your value and qualifications, helping you stand out in a competitive job market. A strong summary can entice hiring managers to read the rest of your resume.
How can I make my Customer Service Resume Summary stand out?
To make your Customer Service Resume Summary stand out, use action-oriented language and quantify your achievements. Highlight specific skills relevant to the job, such as conflict resolution or communication. Personalize your summary for each application to demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
Should I use keywords in my Customer Service Resume Summary?
Yes, incorporating relevant keywords in your Customer Service Resume Summary is essential. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. By including industry-specific terms and skills that match the job description, you increase your chances of getting noticed by both the ATS and hiring managers.
Resume Tips
Choose the right format.
Select a resume format that best showcases your skills and experience. Common formats include chronological, functional, and combination resumes.
Tailor Your Resume
Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.
Focus on Key Sections
Include essential sections such as contact information, professional summary or objective, work experience, education, skills, and relevant certifications.
Use Clear and Concise Language
Be concise and use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities in each job role.
Quantify Achievements
Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Highlight Transferable Skills
Emphasize transferable skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Prioritize Readability
Ensure your resume is easy to read by using a clean and professional font, adequate white space, and bullet points for listing information.
Proofread Carefully
Avoid spelling and grammar errors by proofreading your resume multiple times or asking a trusted friend or colleague to review it.
Keep it Updated
Regularly update your resume with new experiences, skills, and accomplishments to reflect your most current qualifications.
Seek Feedback
Consider seeking feedback from career advisors, mentors, or professionals in your industry to improve your resume further.
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Top 12 Customer Service Skills to Put on Your Resume
In today's competitive job market, showcasing top-notch customer service skills on your resume can significantly elevate your candidacy, making you stand out to potential employers. This article compiles the 12 essential customer service skills you must include on your resume to demonstrate your ability to excel in customer-oriented roles and contribute to a positive customer experience.
Customer Service Skills
- Microsoft Dynamics
- SAP Service Cloud
- Oracle Service
Zendesk is a cloud-based customer service software platform that enables businesses to manage customer support and engagement across various channels such as email, chat, social media, and phone.
Why It's Important
Zendesk is important for customer service because it provides a comprehensive and intuitive platform that streamlines support requests, enhances communication with customers, and improves overall service efficiency and satisfaction.
How to Improve Zendesk Skills
To improve Zendesk for Customer Service, consider these strategies:
- Automate Repetitive Tasks : Use Zendesk automation features to handle routine inquiries, saving agents time.
- Integrate with Other Tools : Connect Zendesk with CRM, analytics, and communication tools for a seamless workflow. Check Zendesk Marketplace for integrations.
- Optimize Knowledge Base : Regularly update and expand your Help Center to enable self-service for common issues.
- Use AI and Bots : Implement Zendesk AI and chatbots for 24/7 initial customer interaction and ticket triaging.
- Train Your Team : Invest in ongoing training for your agents on Zendesk's latest features and best practices.
- Analyze and Act on Feedback : Utilize Zendesk Explore for analytics to monitor customer satisfaction and agent performance, and adapt strategies accordingly.
By focusing on automation, integration, self-service, AI, training, and analytics, you can significantly enhance your customer service experience with Zendesk.
How to Display Zendesk Skills on Your Resume
2. Salesforce
Salesforce is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software that helps businesses manage their customer interactions and support services, streamlining processes and improving customer service efficiency.
Salesforce is important for Customer Service because it provides a comprehensive platform for managing customer information, interactions, and inquiries, enabling personalized, efficient, and effective support.
How to Improve Salesforce Skills
To improve Salesforce for Customer Service, follow these key strategies:
- Utilize Salesforce Service Cloud : Leverage its Service Cloud to streamline customer service processes, enabling faster and more personalized customer support.
- Implement Salesforce Knowledge : Use Salesforce Knowledge to create a centralized knowledge base, helping agents provide accurate answers quickly and enabling customers to find solutions through self-service.
- Optimize with Einstein AI : Integrate Einstein AI for predictive customer service insights, automating responses, and enhancing personalization.
- Enhance Communication with Omni-Channel : Adopt Omni-Channel Routing to manage customer queries across multiple channels from a single interface, ensuring no query goes unanswered.
- Train and Support Your Team : Continually provide training and access to Salesforce resources to ensure your team is leveraging the platform to its full potential.
Focusing on these areas will significantly improve your Salesforce implementation for Customer Service, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.
How to Display Salesforce Skills on Your Resume
3. LiveChat
LiveChat is a customer service software that enables businesses to communicate with their customers in real-time through a chat interface on their website, providing immediate support and assistance.
LiveChat is important for customer service because it provides instant, real-time assistance to customers, enhancing their satisfaction and improving resolution times.
How to Improve LiveChat Skills
Improving LiveChat for customer service involves several strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction. Here are succinct approaches:
Train Your Team : Ensure your agents are well-trained in product knowledge and customer service skills. Utilize resources like HubSpot Academy for training.
Use Canned Responses Wisely : Implement canned responses for common queries without compromising personalization. Explore LiveChat's guide on creating effective canned messages.
Implement Chatbots for 24/7 Service : Deploy AI chatbots to handle basic inquiries round-the-clock, ensuring immediate responses. Intercom offers solutions for creating intuitive chatbots.
Monitor and Analyze Chat Metrics : Regularly review performance metrics such as response time and customer satisfaction scores. Tools like Zendesk Explore can help in analytics.
Solicit and Act on Feedback : Use post-chat surveys to gather customer feedback and make necessary improvements. SurveyMonkey provides customizable survey options.
Ensure Mobile Optimization : Guarantee that the LiveChat service is fully optimized for mobile users, enhancing accessibility and user experience.
Integrate with CRM : Link your LiveChat to a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for a unified view of customer interactions. Salesforce Integration can be a valuable tool for this.
By focusing on these key areas, businesses can significantly enhance their LiveChat functionality, leading to improved customer service outcomes.
How to Display LiveChat Skills on Your Resume
4. Intercom
Intercom is a customer communication platform that enables businesses to provide personalized support and engage with customers through live chat, email, and messaging services.
Intercom is important for customer service because it provides a real-time, personalized communication platform that enhances customer support, engagement, and satisfaction through seamless interactions across various channels.
How to Improve Intercom Skills
To improve Intercom for customer service, consider the following steps:
Customize Messaging : Tailor welcome and ongoing messages to the user's behavior and history. Intercom's guide on personalization.
Use Bots for Triage : Implement bots to handle initial inquiries and direct complex issues to human agents. Setting up bots on Intercom .
Optimize Response Times : Monitor and improve your team's response times using performance analytics. Intercom's tips on response time.
Integrate with Other Tools : Connect Intercom with CRM, analytics, or support tools to streamline workflows. Intercom integrations .
Train Your Team : Regularly train your team on Intercom features and best practices to enhance efficiency. Intercom Academy.
By focusing on personalization, efficient triaging, swift responses, strategic integrations, and continuous team education, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of Intercom for customer service.
How to Display Intercom Skills on Your Resume
5. Freshdesk
Freshdesk is a cloud-based customer service software that enables businesses to manage support tickets, assist customers through various channels like email, phone, and social media, and automate service processes for efficiency.
Freshdesk is important for Customer Service because it streamlines support queries across multiple channels into a single dashboard, enabling efficient ticket resolution and enhancing customer satisfaction through timely and personalized responses.
How to Improve Freshdesk Skills
Improving Freshdesk for customer service involves leveraging its features effectively and integrating it with other tools for a comprehensive support solution. Here are concise tips:
Utilize Automation : Automate repetitive tasks with Freshdesk's Workflow Automations to speed up ticket resolution and ensure timely responses.
Self-Service Options : Enhance your Knowledge Base and implement a FAQ section. This empowers customers to find answers quickly without needing to contact support.
Multi-Channel Support : Integrate Freshdesk with various communication platforms (Social Media, email, chat, phone) to provide support where your customers are most active.
Feedback Collection : Use Surveys to collect customer feedback on support interactions, helping you identify areas for improvement.
Customization and Personalization : Tailor your support portal to match your brand and personalize customer interactions to enhance customer experience. Use Freshdesk’s customization features for this purpose.
Training and Development : Continuously train your support team on Freshdesk’s features and best practices in customer service. Utilize the Freshdesk Academy for training resources.
Integration with Other Tools : Connect Freshdesk with other tools such as CRM software, analytics tools, and project management apps to streamline operations. Check out Freshdesk Marketplace for integrations.
Implementing these strategies will improve your customer service capabilities, enhance customer satisfaction, and make your support operations more efficient.
How to Display Freshdesk Skills on Your Resume
6. Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft Dynamics is a line of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software applications. In regards to Customer Service, it provides tools for managing customer interactions, support tickets, service operations, and insights to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Microsoft Dynamics is important for Customer Service as it provides integrated, data-driven solutions that enable teams to deliver personalized, efficient support, anticipate customer needs, and enhance overall customer satisfaction through streamlined communication and service processes.
How to Improve Microsoft Dynamics Skills
Improving Microsoft Dynamics for Customer Service involves several strategies, focusing on enhancing efficiency, personalization, and customer satisfaction. Here are key points for improvement:
Integration with AI : Utilize AI tools for predictive analytics, automating responses, and personalizing customer interactions. Microsoft's AI solutions can help anticipate customer needs and streamline service.
Omnichannel Support : Implement an omnichannel approach to ensure seamless customer experiences across all platforms. Dynamics 365 Omnichannel for Customer Service provides tools for unified communication.
Self-Service Portals : Develop comprehensive self-service portals with FAQs, knowledge bases, and forums using Dynamics 365 Customer Service . This empowers customers to find solutions quickly and reduces the load on service teams.
Customization and Training : Tailor Dynamics to meet specific business needs and invest in ongoing staff training. Microsoft Learn offers courses and certifications to enhance skills and understanding of Dynamics 365.
Feedback Mechanisms : Implement and regularly review customer feedback mechanisms to continually improve service offerings. Dynamics 365 Customer Voice is a tool that can assist in capturing and analyzing feedback efficiently.
By focusing on these areas, businesses can significantly enhance their customer service capabilities using Microsoft Dynamics.
How to Display Microsoft Dynamics Skills on Your Resume
7. Zoho Desk
Zoho Desk is a cloud-based customer service software that helps businesses manage customer support tickets, automate support operations, and enhance agent productivity, all aimed at improving the overall customer service experience.
Zoho Desk is important for Customer Service because it centralizes and streamlines support requests, enabling efficient ticket management, faster response times, and improved customer satisfaction.
How to Improve Zoho Desk Skills
To improve Zoho Desk for enhanced Customer Service, focus on:
Automation : Utilize Zoho Desk's Workflow Automation to streamline ticket management, ensuring quick and efficient responses.
Self-service Options : Implement Knowledge Base to empower customers to find solutions independently, reducing ticket volume.
Integration : Leverage integrations with other tools (CRM, live chat, etc.) for a 360-degree view of customer interactions. Explore Zoho's Marketplace for relevant integrations.
Feedback Collection : Use Zoho Survey integration to gather customer feedback directly through Zoho Desk, enabling continuous service improvement.
Training and Resources : Invest in training for your team using resources from Zoho Desk Resources, ensuring they are fully equipped to utilize all Zoho Desk features effectively.
Implementing these steps will significantly enhance your customer service capabilities within Zoho Desk.
How to Display Zoho Desk Skills on Your Resume
Slack is a digital communication platform that facilitates instant messaging, file sharing, and collaboration among teams, widely used in customer service for efficient internal communication and coordination.
Slack is important for Customer Service as it enables real-time communication, streamlines collaboration across teams, and organizes customer queries efficiently, ensuring swift and effective responses.
How to Improve Slack Skills
To enhance Slack for Customer Service, focus on:
- Integration with CRM : Connect Slack with your CRM system to streamline customer information access and updates.
- Automate Workflows : Utilize Workflow Builder to automate routine tasks, such as ticket creation or customer notifications, improving response times.
- Dedicated Channels : Create dedicated channels for key customers or service issues, ensuring focused and efficient communication.
- Use of Bots : Implement customer service bots for quick answers to common queries, freeing up agents for more complex issues.
- Training and Knowledge Sharing : Leverage Slack for internal training and knowledge sharing, ensuring your team is always updated with the latest information and best practices.
- Feedback Collection : Use Slack to gather customer feedback, analyzing it to improve service and product offerings.
By focusing on these areas, Slack can become a more powerful tool for enhancing customer service efficiency and effectiveness.
How to Display Slack Skills on Your Resume
JIRA is a project management and issue tracking software designed to help teams plan, track, and manage tasks and customer service requests efficiently.
JIRA streamlines issue tracking and project management for customer service teams, enabling efficient handling of customer requests, bug tracking, and task prioritization, thus improving response times and customer satisfaction.
How to Improve JIRA Skills
To improve JIRA for Customer Service, consider these steps:
Customize Workflows : Tailor workflows to mirror your customer service processes, ensuring efficient ticket resolution. JIRA Workflow .
Integrate with CRM : Link JIRA with your CRM system for a unified customer view and better service. CRM Integration .
Leverage Automation : Set up automation rules for ticket assignments, notifications, and follow-ups to speed up response times. JIRA Automation .
Use Service Level Agreements (SLAs) : Implement SLAs to track and meet response time commitments. SLAs in JIRA.
Optimize with Add-ons : Enhance functionalities with customer service-focused add-ons from the Atlassian Marketplace. Marketplace Add-ons .
Feedback Mechanism : Implement a system for collecting and acting on customer feedback directly within JIRA. Feedback Collection .
Reporting and Analytics : Utilize JIRA’s reporting tools to track performance, identify bottlenecks, and improve service. JIRA Reporting .
Knowledge Base Integration : Connect JIRA to a knowledge base to help agents quickly find solutions and reduce resolution times. Confluence Integration .
By implementing these steps, you can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your customer service operations using JIRA.
How to Display JIRA Skills on Your Resume
10. HubSpot
HubSpot is an all-in-one customer relationship management (CRM) platform that offers tools and integrations for customer service, marketing, sales, and content management, helping businesses attract, engage, and delight customers.
HubSpot is important for Customer Service because it centralizes customer interactions, automates service tasks, and provides insights into customer needs, enabling personalized, efficient support that enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.
How to Improve HubSpot Skills
To enhance HubSpot for Customer Service, focus on:
Integrating AI and Chatbots : Integrate AI-powered chatbots for 24/7 customer support. HubSpot's Chatbot Builder can help automate responses and guide users for faster resolution.
Personalization : Use HubSpot’s CRM to personalize customer interactions, ensuring responses are tailored to their history and preferences, improving satisfaction.
Training and Knowledge Base : Develop a comprehensive knowledge base and train your team regularly using HubSpot Academy. This empowers customers to find solutions and enhances agent expertise.
Feedback Loops : Implement regular customer feedback loops using HubSpot Surveys. Analyze this data to identify areas for improvement.
Reporting and Analytics : Utilize HubSpot’s Reporting tools to monitor customer service metrics and performance, making data-driven decisions to enhance service quality.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the effectiveness of HubSpot for Customer Service.
How to Display HubSpot Skills on Your Resume
11. SAP Service Cloud
SAP Service Cloud is a comprehensive customer service and support solution that enables organizations to manage customer interactions, service requests, and support activities across various channels, improving customer satisfaction and service efficiency.
SAP Service Cloud is crucial for Customer Service as it provides a comprehensive platform to manage customer interactions, inquiries, and issues efficiently, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty by ensuring quick, personalized, and effective service.
How to Improve SAP Service Cloud Skills
To improve SAP Service Cloud for enhanced customer service, consider implementing the following strategies:
Utilize SAP's AI and Machine Learning : Leverage SAP AI Business Services to automate customer service processes, predict customer needs, and provide personalized service.
Integrate with SAP Analytics Cloud : Use SAP Analytics Cloud for real-time insights into customer behavior, service performance, and to identify areas for improvement.
Enhance Omnichannel Support : Ensure seamless service across all channels (email, chat, phone, social media) by leveraging SAP Service Cloud's omnichannel capabilities.
Implement Self-Service Portals : Deploy SAP Self-Service Portals that empower customers to find answers and resolve issues on their own, reducing the load on customer service teams.
Customize and Extend with SAP Cloud Platform : Use the SAP Business Technology Platform to develop custom applications or extend existing ones to meet unique business needs and improve service operations.
Train and Support Your Team : Ensure your team is well-trained on the SAP Service Cloud capabilities and continuously support them with SAP training and certification programs .
Leverage SAP Community and Ecosystem : Engage with the SAP Community and partner ecosystem for insights, best practices, and support to continuously improve your SAP Service Cloud implementation.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your customer service operations within SAP Service Cloud.
How to Display SAP Service Cloud Skills on Your Resume
12. Oracle Service
Oracle Service is a comprehensive customer service solution that enables organizations to manage customer interactions across various channels, providing support and services to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Oracle Service is important because it provides comprehensive customer service solutions that enable businesses to deliver exceptional, personalized customer experiences across various channels, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
How to Improve Oracle Service Skills
Improving Oracle Service for customer service involves several key strategies focusing on leveraging Oracle's robust features, enhancing customer interactions, and optimizing operational efficiency. Here are concise strategies with external resources for deeper insights:
Implement Oracle Service Cloud Solutions : Utilize Oracle's cloud solutions for a unified approach to customer service. This includes Oracle B2C Service (formerly Oracle Service Cloud) for comprehensive customer service management. Oracle B2C Service Overview.
Leverage Oracle Knowledge Management : Use Oracle Knowledge Management for accurate, consistent, and faster responses. This improves agent productivity and customer satisfaction. Oracle Knowledge Management .
Optimize with Oracle Analytics : Analyze customer interaction data with Oracle Analytics to understand service inefficiencies and customer needs. Use these insights to improve service strategies. Oracle Analytics for CX.
Integrate Chatbots and AI : Implement Oracle Digital Assistant for automated customer support. AI-driven chatbots can handle routine inquiries, freeing up human agents for complex issues. Oracle Digital Assistant .
Enhance Mobile Experience : Ensure your Oracle Service interface is optimized for mobile users. A seamless mobile experience improves accessibility and customer satisfaction. Oracle Mobile Hub.
Train Your Team : Regularly train customer service representatives on Oracle Service's latest features and best practices. Oracle University offers various training courses. Oracle University Training.
Utilize Oracle Field Service : For businesses requiring field operations, integrating Oracle Field Service improves scheduling, routing, and customer communication. Oracle Field Service.
Seek Customer Feedback : Actively seek and analyze customer feedback on your service. Use Oracle's tools to capture, analyze, and act on customer insights. Oracle CX Feedback.
By strategically implementing these improvements and leveraging Oracle's comprehensive suite of tools, businesses can significantly enhance their customer service delivery, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
How to Display Oracle Service Skills on Your Resume
Related Career Skills
- Customer Service Administrator
- Customer Service Advisor
- Customer Service Agent
- Customer Service Analyst
- Customer Service Assistant
- Customer Service Associate
Customer Service Resume Example for 2024
Create a standout customer service resume with our online platform. browse professional templates for all levels and specialties. land your dream role today.
Looking for a standout customer service resume example? Look no further than our comprehensive guide. In this article, we'll walk you through a sample customer service resume that showcases the essential skills and attributes hiring managers are looking for. Whether you're an experienced customer service professional or just starting out in the field, our example resume will provide you with valuable insights and tips for crafting a winning resume.
We will cover:
- How to write a resume , no matter your industry or job title.
- What to put on a resume to stand out.
- The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
- How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder .
- Why you should use a resume template
What does a Customer Service do?
- Handle customer inquiries and complaints
- Provide product information and support
- Assist with orders and returns
- Resolve problems and provide solutions
- Maintain customer records and interactions
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What are some responsibilities of a Customer Service?
- Handling customer inquiries and complaints
- Providing information about products and services
- Assisting customers with orders and returns
- Resolving customer issues promptly and professionally
- Maintaining customer records and updating information as needed
- Processing payments and refunds
- Escalating more complex problems to the appropriate department
- Ensuring customer satisfaction with products and services
- Following up with customers to ensure their needs are met
- Collaborating with other team members to improve customer experience
Sample Customer Service Resume for Inspiration
Personal Details:
Name: John Smith
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 123-456-7890
Address: 123 Main Street, City, State
John is a dedicated and experienced customer service representative with a strong background in providing top-notch customer support. He is skilled in effectively addressing customer inquiries, resolving problems, and creating a positive customer experience. John is a proactive team player with exceptional communication skills.
- Customer Service Representative at XYZ Company (2017-2020)
- Engaged with customers via phone and email to provide comprehensive product information and resolve issues
- Processed orders, returns, and exchanges, and ensured timely delivery to meet customer satisfaction
- Maintained customer records and documented interactions in the CRM system
- Collaborated with sales and technical teams to address complex customer inquiries
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, ABC University (2014-2017)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Proficient in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
- Customer Service Excellence Certification
- Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Training
- English (Fluent)
- Spanish (Conversational)
Resume tips for Customer Service
Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Customer Service resume tips. We collected the best tips from seasoned Customer Service - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.
- Highlight any relevant customer service experience, including both front-line and team management roles.
- Showcase strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with customers both in person and through written correspondence.
- Emphasize a track record of resolving customer issues and complaints in a timely and satisfactory manner.
- Demonstrate proficiency with customer service software and technology, including CRM systems and helpdesk platforms.
- Showcase any relevant certifications or training in customer service best practices, such as conflict resolution or customer relationship management.
Customer Service Resume Summary Examples
A Customer Service Resume Summary or Objective can help to quickly showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. It provides a brief overview of your qualifications and career goals, making it easier for hiring managers to understand how you can contribute to their team. Additionally, it can help to grab the attention of recruiters and highlight what sets you apart from other candidates. For Example:
- Experienced in delivering exceptional customer service in person, over the phone, and via email, with a focus on resolving issues and building positive customer relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to handle high-pressure situations with tact and professionalism, resulting in satisfied and loyal customers.
- Proficient in using CRM software to track customer interactions and follow up on service requests, ensuring timely resolution and customer satisfaction.
- Strong communication skills, with a friendly and approachable demeanor that puts customers at ease and encourages open dialogue.
- Proven success in meeting and exceeding customer service targets, as evidenced by consistently high customer satisfaction ratings and positive feedback.
Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Customer Service Resume
Building a strong experience section for a customer service resume is essential to showcase your relevant skills, knowledge, and achievements in the field. It helps potential employers understand the depth of your experience and the value you can bring to their organization. A comprehensive experience section can also demonstrate your ability to handle various customer service scenarios, problem-solving skills, and commitment to delivering exceptional customer satisfaction. For Example:
- Provided excellent customer service and resolved issues in a timely manner
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and recommended suitable options
- Handled a high volume of incoming calls and emails
- Managed customer accounts and updated information as needed
- Collaborated with other team members to ensure customer satisfaction
- Processed returns, exchanges, and refunds efficiently
- Conducted follow-up calls to ensure customer satisfaction
- Assisted in training new customer service representatives
- Complied with company policies and procedures while assisting customers
- Utilized CRM software to track and manage customer interactions
Customer Service resume education example
Customer service representatives typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree. There are also specialized customer service training programs that can provide additional education in communication skills, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Ongoing training and professional development are important in the field of customer service to stay current with best practices and industry standards. Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Customer Service resume:
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, XYZ University, 2015
- Customer Service Training Certificate, ABC Institute, 2017
- Advanced Communication Skills Workshop, 2019
Customer Service Skills for a Resume
It is important to add skills for Customer Service Resume as it demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate with customers, resolve issues, and provide exceptional service. It also showcases a candidate's ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and remain calm and professional in challenging situations. These skills are highly valued in customer service roles and can set a candidate apart from others. Soft Skills: ```html
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Empathy and patience
- Active listening
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Positive attitude
- Conflict resolution
- Flexibility
- Technical troubleshooting
- Product knowledge
- Problem-solving
- CRM software
- Multitasking ability
- Sales techniques
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Customer Service Resume
In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.
- Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
- Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
- Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
- Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
- Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
- Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
- Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.
Key takeaways for a Customer Service resume
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience in handling customer inquiries and complaints
- Proficiency in using CRM software and other customer service tools
- Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations
- Demonstrated problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding customer satisfaction goals
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing customer needs and situations
- Team player with a willingness to collaborate and support colleagues
- Empathy and understanding towards customer's concerns and needs
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documenting customer interactions
21 Customer Service Skills That Any Small Business Should Master
by Clint Fontanella
| 11.13.24 |
18 min read
Reviewed By: Amanda Zantal-Wiener
Companies are only as good as their customer service. Whether through phone, email, or live online chat, good customer service makes a substantial difference in a shopping experience, affecting loyalty, retention , and reviews for your business.
It’s no secret that customer service is essential. But providing great support is much easier said than done. It requires certain skills to keep customers happy while encouraging them to return to your business.
Templates to Deliver Bad News
Whether it's a change in service offerings or an upcoming closure, here are 8 templates to help break the news to customers.
In this post, we’ll review the most important customer service skills to master as a small business owner. We’ll discuss each one and provide an example of how to use them to support customers. By the end of this post, you should have a good idea of what you need to work on to improve customer experiences at your company.
Best Customer Service Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Troubleshooting
- Communication Skills
- Considerateness
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Accountability
- Time Management
- Organization
- Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution
- Decisiveness
- Data Analysis
- Technical Knowledge
- Product Knowledge
Here’s a list of the best customer service skills for small business owners. We’ve included mostly soft skills, but also added hard skills at the end for technical support.
Empathy is one of the most important customer service skills. You have to make an effort to build emotional connections with customers and acknowledge their concerns and frustrations. While it can be challenging to maintain empathy after a long, demanding day, it’s important to keep your customers’ needs in mind and to put yourself in their shoes as much as possible.
Customer Service Skill Example :
Let’s say you manage a small restaurant . A customer orders a large soda and accidentally spills it all over your floor. Rather than getting upset, you pour them a new drink and tell them, “Accidents happen.” We’ve all made these mistakes, and empathy reminds us to give others grace.
2. Patience
Patience is more than just a virtue — it’s key to good customer service . Your customers don’t live and breathe your brand like you do. They don’t study the ins and outs of your company and are bound to get confused and have questions. Being patient with people is important because you never know what’s going on in their heads. They might be distracted, inexperienced, or have other things on their mind that are drawing their attention away from your business.
Customer Service Skill Example:
Let’s say you get a call from a woman who wants to schedule your HVAC services . In the background, you can hear little kids playing, and it’s clear that this mother has her hands full. While trying to talk to you, she’s caring for three children and working remotely, too. What should be a quick call takes you close to 30 minutes, but it’s worth it because, by providing her with a good customer experience, you’ll have a happy customer who’s excited to do business with you.
3. Critical Thinking
Whenever a customer reaches out , it’s an opportunity to solve a problem. Customers don’t call just to say hi (as nice as it would be if they did); they expect a solution every time they contact your business. Critical thinking is important because it helps with problem-solving. The more helpful solutions you provide, the better your customer service will be.
A customer calls your landscaping business with a question about your services. They have a rooftop garden, but your business doesn’t typically work in these spaces. Rather than passing on a sale, you create a dynamic pricing model that charges these customers a special rate for their garden. Now you have a new service offer for your business and can ask this customer for referrals.
4. Active Listening
You can’t solve a problem unless you know what’s going on. Active listening helps you provide effective solutions by intently listening to your customers’ problems. Rather than planning what you should say next, active listening focuses on what the other person has to say before crafting your response. It helps you solve problems quickly and develop stronger relationships with customers.
A customer calls your plumbing business with a list of complaints. Their faucets are leaking, their water pressure is low, and they expect you to fix everything immediately.
Instead of arguing, repeat these problems back to your customer to ensure you’re on the same page. You could say, “It sounds like the faucets still need to be fixed, and I can look at your water pressure, too. I’m happy to come out as soon as possible, when are you available?” This response shows you are listening and are taking their complaint seriously. It also shows that you are confident you can provide a solution, which is reassuring for customers.
5. Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is the ability to ask meaningful questions that lead to solutions. Not every problem is clear and concise; sometimes, you must be inquisitive to find the best answer.
Don’t be afraid to get to know your customers. Ask about how they use your products, what excites them, and what stands out about your business . Understanding who they are and how they approach purchases will help you create a better shopping experience.
A customer leaves a negative review for your business on Google, but their comment just says, “poor customer service.” Rather than chalking this up as a loss, you reply and say,
This response acknowledges the customer’s feedback and shows you are committed to resolving their poor experience. It also encourages the customer to reply, giving you more information on how to help.
6. Communication Skills
If you want to provide great customer service, you need to be a good communicator. Whether you’re chatting with customers in person, over the phone , or through email, you should be comfortable holding a conversation. It makes your interactions feel more human and much more enjoyable. If you’re a robot who only talks about work, it’s hard for customers to like you – and likeability translates to loyalty . If customers like doing business with you, they’ll stick with your brand over a competitor.
Here’s an example from a real business. My family hired a contractor to work on their deck. The contractor noticed a vintage dirt bike in our garage that we’ve been trying to fix for years. He struck up a conversation about the bike and offered to fix it for free. Now, he’s no longer a random carpenter who worked on our deck; He’s Jim, our family’s preferred contractor for any home service need.
7. Courtesy
Being considerate means being mindful of your customers’ problems. It means recognizing potential roadblocks and avoiding them before they occur. Being considerate shows that you care about the customer’s experience and are doing everything in your power to create a convenient and enjoyable interaction.
Let’s say you get a call from a customer in a hurry. They ask you a really difficult question that will take you time to answer. Rather than putting the customer on hold, you offer to call them back once you have a solution. You’re being considerate of their time while also providing good customer support.
8. Attention to Detail
Fastidiousness is just a fancy way to say you pay attention to detail – and that’s really important in customer service. Sometimes, the smallest details make all the difference in your response. They present opportunities for creative solutions and show customers that you’re intently listening to their problems.
A customer calls your business and complains that you missed an appointment. They were expecting you on the 16th, but no one from your company showed up. Fortunately, you have appointment booking software that records all your meeting requests. The appointment was on the 23rd, and the customer mixed up the dates. Now you can go back and explain to them why you weren’t there on the 16th – with empathy and courtesy, of course.
9. Adaptability
When it comes to customer service, things happen quickly. One moment, you’re a business owner; the next, you’re a negotiator trying to de-escalate a situation with an angry customer . You have to be adaptive and think on your feet. Problems come in all shapes and sizes, so be ready to switch up your approach to meet different customer needs.
You just wrapped up a call with a happy customer who wanted to thank you for all your hard work. Seconds later, your phone rings again, but it’s an angry customer who has a complaint. Here’s where you need to switch gears and adapt your tone to meet this customer’s needs.
10. Accountability
Everyone makes mistakes . It happens, and nobody is perfect. Most customers understand that, but they want you to take accountability. Own your mistakes, and customers will appreciate it. Pass the buck or hide your mistake, and customers will quickly call you out.
It goes without saying, but not every mistake is the same. Bigger mistakes call for a bigger response. At the end of the day, the most important takeaway is that you solve the customer’s problem and make things right.
Let’s say a customer sends you an important email, but you don’t have a CRM , so the message gets lost in your inbox. The customer followed up a few days later, criticizing you for poor communication.
Instead of getting defensive, own your mistake and apologize for missing their message. You may even lighten the situation with humor, but only if the conversation calls for it. Show the customer that you acknowledge your mistake and assure them it won’t happen again.
11. Time Management
Time management helps you stay on top of customer service requests. When you manage your time effectively, you can give each customer the care and attention they deserve. That leads to better customer experiences because you have more chances to research and solve problems.
You’re on a busy job site when suddenly, your phone rings. It’s a new customer looking to book an appointment with you, but they have tons of questions about your prices, services, etc. Your hands are full, but you don’t want to miss a sale. Rather than multi-tasking, ask the customer if you can write down their questions and follow up when you’re free.
Here’s a soundbite that always worked well for me:
12. Organization
Organization goes hand in hand with time management. It facilitates the search for solutions and the communication of them promptly.
Here’s where business software makes a big difference. Appointment schedulers, shared inboxes , and payment software keep your business organized and customer data secure. You can use these tools to quickly find information and leverage your data for customer service requests.
Let’s say a customer complains about one of your employees. When you ask your team about it, nobody claims to know anything. So, you check your CRM to see who worked with the customer that day. You can see “X” employee chatted with them on “Y” date. Now, you can discuss the issue with the employee and let the customer know you have it handled.
13. Collaboration
Remember the old adage, “The customer is always right?” In reality, it’s more like “the customers always want to feel right.”
Customers aren’t always right, but they’re the ones buying your products and services. You have to make it feel like you’re on the same team when troubleshooting a problem. That way, when you find a solution, it feels like a win for you and for the customer. They’ll be more likely to accept the solution and happier with their experience.
Customer Service Skills Example:
A customer returns one of your products and says it doesn’t work. You ask them to show you what’s wrong and quickly discover that the problem is user error — the customer isn’t using your product the right way. Rather than saying, “You’re doing it wrong,” you say something like, “How about we try it this way?” These suggestions help the customer realize their mistake without making them feel bad about it.
14. Conflict Resolution
Sometimes, customers aren’t looking to collaborate. They’re coming in hot with a complaint and want you to resolve the problem fast. Conflict resolution is your ability to de-escalate these issues and keep the peace between customers and your business. The last thing you want is a frustrated customer turning to Google and social media and leaving bad reviews for your business. Even if you didn’t start the fight, an argument between you and a customer is never good for your brand.
Your company posts on Instagram about a limited-time offer for Small Business Saturday . Out of the blue, a customer comments on your post and says, “Don’t buy from this business, their customer service sucks!”
Before you respond, take a moment to gather your thoughts. Think about your goals. You want to solve the customer’s problem and handle the conversation privately. That way, other people don’t pile on with more comments or watch a dispute between you and a customer.
With that in mind, you reply, “We apologize for your poor experience. We’d love to know more so we can make things right and do better next time. Can we send you a direct message or chat over the phone about this?”
This message validates the customer’s feelings and moves the conversation to a different channel. Now, we can learn more about their issue and provide an effective solution.
15. Decisiveness
When you manage a small business, there are plenty of moments where you need to be decisive. Customers want answers fast, which means you need to think quickly and make accurate decisions. As a business leader, your choices affect the rest of your company, and your coworkers will follow your lead and make similar decisions. It’s important to set the right example so your team follows suit over time.
One of your most loyal customers calls your business with a complaint. They’re unhappy with your new prices and are threatening to cancel their service. This customer has shopped with you for years and is a valuable contributor to your revenue stream. Rather than letting them walk, you quickly offer them a special rate because of their prolonged loyalty. That keeps the customer happy and protects your business from losing a high-value buyer.
16. Tenacity
Tenacity is how resilient you are. Customer service is demanding; not every situation gets wrapped neatly with a bow. Sometimes, things get messy, tempers flare, and you must go above and beyond to make a customer happy. While that can be draining, it’s worth it for your business and your bottom line.
A customer calls our landscaping company and says her irrigation isn’t working. Although you’ve come by twice now, this system stops working every time you leave. It’s frustrating for you and your customer, and you both want to get it fixed as soon as possible. Instead of calling it quits or dodging her phone calls, you work an extra hour that week to reset the system. You don’t charge the customer for the extra labor, and both of you are happy to move on to your next project.
17. Creativity
If every solution were straightforward, customer care would be easy. We would have AI manage communication and place our focus on the rest of the business. But, customer problems are rarely cut and dry. You often need creativity to provide effective solutions that meet customers’ needs. These situations typically result in the most memorable customer experiences and repeat purchases for your business.
Let’s say we manage a pet store , and a customer comes in with a nervous puppy. They’re scheduled for a nail trimming, but the dog is terrified of being separated from its owner. While you don’t typically allow customers to help, you quickly realize that the dog is much calmer when its owner is holding it. So, when the owner asks if they can feed the dog treats while you trim its nails, you say yes. This personalized solution produces a better experience for the customer and gives them a reason to return to your business.
Hard Skills for Customer Service
Now that we’ve covered some soft skills for customer service, let’s turn our attention to the technical skills that business owners should know.
18. Writing
Writing is a universal skill, and it’s needed in almost every part of business. From emails to invoices , writing is essential for customer service as well as business management. Good writing skills help you craft marketing messages and build strong customer relationships, especially when you’re not face-to-face with them.
A customer emails you with a question about your products. They want to know how they work and what materials you use to make them. Having strong writing skills will help you close the deal with this customer. You can describe your products in detail and add a sales pitch or exclusive offer to sweeten the deal.
19. Data Analysis
Successful brands rely on data to make smart, informed decisions. Customer service is no exception. Leverage business tools like your CRM and online reviews , to gather customer feedback. That will help you improve customer experiences and provide better, more personalized service.
Let’s say we manage an auto repair shop , and one of our customers gets winter tires installed each year. However, we noticed they didn’t schedule a service this year, so we proactively contacted the customer with a special discount on tire installation. Now, the customer quickly returns to our business because we reconnected and offered an exclusive deal.
20. Technical Knowledge
Technical knowledge is your ability to navigate tools like computers, websites, and more. The best businesses keep up with the latest tech, and it’s important to know how to use the same tools your customers are familiar with. Not only will you look professional, but you’ll create smoother customer experiences that end with positive results.
For years, your business only scheduled appointments by phone. You didn’t have a website or any social media accounts. But now, a new competitor has moved into your space and has made it really convenient to book their services online. To keep up, you start providing the same convenient options so customers have a reason to keep shopping with you. If you don’t learn how to use these tools, customers might turn to other businesses with a smoother process.
21. Product Knowledge
As a business owner, you should know your product like the back of your hand. You should be comfortable explaining how it works, how it’s made, and why it’s priced the way it is. That will make you much more comfortable during interactions where you have to answer complicated questions about your products and services.
Let’s say we just finished an HVAC project for a customer, but now they want us to work on something else. They asked us how much it would cost to install a new A/C system. As the business owner, you should be able to provide a rough estimate on the spot. Even if it’s not 100% accurate, you should be knowledgeable enough to close this deal.
How to Improve Customer Service Skills
Now that you know what customer service skills you should work on, let’s discuss how to improve them.
1. Practice makes perfect.
Talking to real customers is the best way to improve your customer service skills. The more comfortable you are working with them, the better your customer service will be. You’ll get used to answering questions, navigating tense situations, and responding to requests quickly. By practicing with customers, you’ll get a feel for the customer service skills you need to work on and your customers’ expectations for your business.
2. Analyze customer reviews.
Customer reviews are great for improving communication skills . They provide direct feedback and tell you exactly what you need to work on. Social media platforms and business listing websites like Yelp are full of customer reviews. Leverage these sites to discover where and how to improve your customer service skills.
3. Adopt customer service tools.
Having the right tools is essential for any job. For small businesses, I would recommend the following:
- A CRM for logging customer interactions.
- A customer portal for recording customer requests.
- A shared inbox for centralizing communication.
- Social media management tools for monitoring your online presence.
- Reputation management tools for reading and replying to customer reviews.
4. Ask your customers for feedback.
You shouldn’t be afraid to ask your customers for feedback. In fact, this is one of the most important things to do as a business owner. Customer feedback is packed with insights that you can use to improve your company. Be sure to leverage tools like surveys and automated email campaigns to collect customer feedback.
5. Create self-service resources.
Self-service resources are tools that customers can use to find solutions on their own. They reduce your call volume, giving you more time and energy to create excellent customer experiences. You can also use these resources as a cheat sheet for customer support. For instance, if you don’t immediately know the answer to a pricing question, you could pull your pricing FAQ page and forward it to your customers. It’s handy to keep in your back pocket when you need a quick refresher on the small details of your business.
Is Customer Service a Skill?
Of course. Customer service is an ever-changing field that demands a lot of skills. To better your customer service, you have to improve a series of related skills that help you communicate with customers.
Use our list to identify the most important customer service skills that you need to work on. If you’re unsure where to start, review our tips to learn how to improve your customer service and keep people shopping at your business.
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Customer service skills are traits and practices that equip you to address customer needs and foster a positive experience. In general, customer service skills rely heavily on problem-solving and communication. Customer service, often considered a " soft skill," includes traits such as active listening and reading verbal and nonverbal cues.
Without communication skills, customer service representatives couldn't connect with customers, work with co-workers or solve problems. That's why it's one of the most important skill sets in the customer service toolbelt. Here are a few key examples: Active listening. Clear verbal communication.
3. Stress Management. Between dealing with angry customers and fulfilling requests, working in customer service can get stressful. Being able to keep your cool and maintain excellent service despite high-pressure situations is a great customer service skill to have, and is key to success in most workplaces.
Learn how to showcase your customer service skills on a resume with examples and tips. Find out the best soft and hard skills for customer service jobs and how to tailor them to the job description.
8. Problem-Solving. Problem-solving skills, paired with critical thinking and analytical capabilities, are the key to dealing with issues your clients are facing. By swiftly identifying the root cause and implementing the best solutions, you contribute to how customers view the company you're working for. 9.
2. Adaptability. Adaptability is one of the key soft skills in customer service. Being able to quickly adapt to unexpected circumstances, grade your language to match the speaker, learn about new products or services, and accurately respond to customers' needs can be difficult, but it's one of the elements of the job.
Good time-management skills can help you keep track of multiple tasks, deadlines, and customer requests. Examples of how time-management skills are used by workers who deal with customers include: Being punctual and starting work on time. Answering the phone within three rings. Being efficient in resolving issues.
#2. List the Right Customer Service Skills The most obvious place to list your customer service skills is on your resume's Skills section. The key here, though, is to list skills that are relevant for the role you're applying for.. We already mentioned how different roles may require different customer service skills.
Top 10 customer service skills + examples. Based on our research of resume examples, here are the 10 best customer service resume skills: 1. Communication: Communicating clearly and effectively is at the core of all customer service skills. Communication skills affect how you listen and respond to customers' questions.
Responsiveness: When a customer leaves a message or sends an email, you have the ability to get back to them promptly. This skill coincides with time management and attentiveness. Dependability: Customers can count on you to fulfill your promises. You make what you say a reality.
The skills listed on your customer service resume should match the skills mentioned in the job ad—and by match, we mean an exact match. When writing your skills list, it's best to avoid paraphrasing and using synonyms. If the job ad asks for communication skills, put "communication skills" on your resume, and don't be tempted to ...
The resume uses industry-specific terms like "Customer Relationship Management (CRM)" and "Marketing Data Analysis.". This indicates Anthony's familiarity with the customer service sector. The resume emphasizes Anthony's excellent communication and interpersonal skills. These skills are crucial in customer service.
In addition to your work history and qualifications, the following skills to put on a customer service representative resume can highlight your experience: Communication. Active listening. Empathy. Warmth. Problem-solving. Dedication. Time management. Stress management.
5. Conflict resolution. In customer service, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques are used every day. To deliver good customer service, an agent should be a good negotiator and know how to calm down a raging bull. Being able to deal with customer complaints and angry customers can be hard at first.
Adding Skills to Other Resume Sections. Incorporate your skills within the work experience and resume summary sections to give them context and demonstrate application. Resume Summary Example: Dynamic customer service professional with over 5 years of experience in managing customer inquiries using Zendesk and Salesforce. Proven track record of ...
Here are five essential soft skills for a customer service resume, along with detailed explanations for each: 1. Communication skills. Effective communication is at the core of customer service. It involves both listening and conveying information clearly. A customer service representative should be able to understand customer needs, ask ...
Customer Service Resume Example #1: A Traditional Background. Customer Service Resume Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background. For our second Customer Service Resume Example, we have a candidate who has a non-traditional background. In this case, they are coming from the wellness industry but have experience working directly with customers.
The top 9 customer service skills. Here are nine in-demand customer service skills for your resume. 1. Communication. You don't have any level of customer service if you don't have communication. Verbal and written communication are essential to providing customer service - verbal communication through face-to-face, video, and phone ...
For roles in customer service, which exist across industries, choose a versatile modern or simple resume template which will be appropriate for many different work environments. Regardless of the style you choose, however, your contact information should be front and center, in a font that is easy to read. Step 2.
A Customer Service Resume Summary is a brief statement at the top of a resume that highlights a candidate's key skills, experiences, and accomplishments in customer service roles. It showcases their ability to enhance customer satisfaction, resolve issues, and contribute positively to the company's reputation and success.
This article compiles the 12 essential customer service skills you must include on your resume to demonstrate your ability to excel in customer-oriented roles and contribute to a positive customer experience. Customer Service Skills. Zendesk; Salesforce; LiveChat; Intercom; Freshdesk; Microsoft Dynamics; Zoho Desk; Slack; JIRA; HubSpot; SAP ...
Customer service skills: adaptability, critical problem solving, excellent written/chat communication, technical product knowledge, calm under pressure. Certifications: if you've completed additional training, be sure to include it in a dedicated certifications or qualifications section on your resumé.
Customer Service Resume Summary Examples. A Customer Service Resume Summary or Objective can help to quickly showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. It provides a brief overview of your qualifications and career goals, making it easier for hiring managers to understand how you can contribute to their team.
Leverage these sites to discover where and how to improve your customer service skills. 3. Adopt customer service tools. Having the right tools is essential for any job. For small businesses, I would recommend the following: A CRM for logging customer interactions. A customer portal for recording customer requests.
Why this resume is great. This entry-level customer service manager resume effectively highlights transferable skills and relevant experience. The concise summary showcases enthusiasm and potential, while the experience section emphasizes customer-focused achievements and leadership initiatives.