How to Write a Resume for Customer Service

Customer service representative resumes need to demonstrate interpersonal and technology skills.

A great customer service representative has a knack for solving problems, finessing difficult situations and providing valuable information. Customer service representatives are the liasons between customers and people. They represent their employers and see to it that people's needs are met. If you're applying for a customer service job, your resume should show off your communication skills and ability to handle difficult situations.

Instructions

1. List jobs and experiences in which you have had to make great use of answering telephones and responding to requests. Show employers that you are friendly and have had plenty of experience interacting with others. Getting along with others and being able to laugh off tense situations are all abilities that you should stress when describing your past job duties.

2. Customer service jobs can be stressful. You may have to sit in one place for an extended period of time, and ignore hub bub and noise around you. Dealing with angry customers who may unleash verbal abuse upon you is par for the course. Customer service jobs may have a high rate of turnover and burnout, so employers are looking for people who have the ability to persevere. Demonstrate your experience handling tense situations, even if you've never had another customer service job. Be sure to describe jobs in which you've worked for extended periods of time. Mention that you have perfect attendance, if that's been your track record.

3. Communication is at the center of what a customer service representative does, but communication goes beyond just speaking well. Being able to listen and get results are at the heart of customer service, so your past experiences taking directions, understanding requests and finding the right solutions to problems are essential components of the resume. Along with an ability to speak well and understand situations, customer service reps need strong writing and grammar skills to interact with coworkers and customers. Highlight that English degree and your editing skills on your resume.

4. Customer service representatives need a firm grasp on technology. They use computers, high tech telephones and databases to interact with customers. Include a special section on your resume that details any computer and technology capabilities you posess.

Tips & Warnings

• It's ok to include awards or achievements that are not necessarily work-related on your resume as long as they demonstrate skills directly related to the job you want, e.g., a perfect attendance record throughout high school.

• Never include a photograph on your resume, even a pleasant, smiling one. Employers aren't allowed by law to consider your looks, and customers won't necessarily see you anyway.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Customer Service Representatives