How to Write a Resume for a Call Center Job

While a call center job may seem like an entry-level position, many prospective employers are looking for specific skills and experience that will help them identify individuals who will perform well during customer interactions. A strong, clear resume can communicate to a hiring manager that you possess the kind of history and talents that will get you in the door for an interview.

Instructions

1. Emphasize your product knowledge and your ability to work with the public throughout your resume. Research the products that will be be the subject of the calls you would handle in your call center position, and include a "Product Knowledge" section either by itself or under your "Summary of Qualifications" to impress upon your employer that you know what you will be talking about.

2. Use a bold heading at the top of your resume to provide your name, telephone, email address and personal mailing address.

3. Write a single-line "Objective" of one to two lines to describe the job you want in the company or setting where you want it, and try to use the same words that are in the advertisement or posting to which you are responding.

4. Create a "Summary of Qualifications" section that summarizes all of your years of customer service or similar experience, your special skills at working with the public and relevant characteristics such as your ability to stay calm under fire, listen well and communicate in a firm but friendly manner. Use evidence when you have it, but don't refrain from simply asserting your qualities if that is your best available option.

5. Write your "Employment History" section so that it is as relevant as possible to the specific job you are seeking, and include unrelated jobs or positions further back than your last 3 to 5 jobs only if they say something distinctive about what you can bring to the new position.

6. Include all relevant course study and degrees, with relevant extra-curricular activities or certifications, under the heading of "Education."

Tips & Warnings

• Don't neglect the importance of good diction and an attractive telephone voice or manner. Find a way to share this strength by mentioning in your cover letter that you will make a follow-up call and leaving an engaging voicemail message or even by including an audio file with your emailed resume.