Do you have a client-focused mindset at work? If so, consider customer service as a long-term career path. The demand for skilled talent in these roles remains high, as companies expand to manage rising volumes of customer outreach and an accelerated pace of business. So, there’s never been a better time to enter the profession. In fact, The Salary Guide From Robert Half lists customer service and call center specialist roles among the hottest jobs in the administrative and customer support field.Positions in demand include data entry, call center and customer experience specialists, account and customer service managers, and more. As a growing field, managers are investing more in the professionals who make the difference: According to Robert Half’s survey of hiring managers, these are the key areas they plan to spend to improve customer service.Technical training and tools to help employees optimize technology (61%)Leadership training for managers (56%)Mentoring or coaching for individual contributors (53%)Customer service and call center professionals play an important role in a company's success because they affect how people perceive the business, which can impact profitability. As front-line employees, they’re tasked with creating positive interactions, handling orders and answering questions — all of which create the opportunity to build customer relationships. In addition, many customer service roles have flexible schedules and can be performed remotely.If you're interested in exploring customer service jobs, read on for the typical duties and in-demand skills, the latest salary trends, and what you need to know about succeeding in these roles, whether they are remote or on-site positions.
There are a variety of customer service jobs, but the two most in-demand roles are customer service specialists and call center specialists, with opportunities ranging from entry-level to senior manager.Customer service specialists communicate with clients and customers via telephone or electronic channels, often troubleshooting and resolving issues, and maintain relationships with customers by answering questions and concerns with speed and professionalism.An excellent customer service resume will highlight communication and problem-solving abilities, technical proficiency, research expertise, and data entry skills. After gaining more experience, a customer service specialist can advance to a senior customer service specialist or customer service manager role.Call center specialists respond to customer inquiries, process orders and route calls to appropriate departments. For this role, employers typically look for someone who can handle a high volume of calls, with stellar interpersonal abilities, data entry and tech skills and, of course, customer service skills. With experience, a call center specialist can move up to a senior- or manager-level role.Interested in a career in customer service? Check out our customer service and call center job listings to find your next opportunity.
The Salary Guide From Robert Half projects a strong hiring outlook for administrative and customer support professionals with top proficiencies such as business acumen, bilingual skills, customer loyalty experience and empathy. You can also use the Salary Guide to localize your insights for these customer service jobs in your city or region.
Once you've secured a position, it’s time to focus on standing out. Here are four tips to help you build and improve your customer service skills:Be positive. As with every profession, you’ll like some aspects of customer service more than others. Focus on the elements that excite you about the work and demonstrate positivity, even when dealing with the most difficult customers.Expect a learning curve. Wouldn’t it be great if we knew everything we needed to know on day one of a new job? Since that’s usually not the case, the best approach when starting out is to have patience and set realistic expectations. It will take time to master many parts of the job and learn the unique processes and procedures of your employer. Don't be afraid to ask your boss and colleagues for tips as you aim to exceed expectations.Collaborate with others. Being a team player is essential when it comes to providing outstanding customer service. Collaboration skills are even more important when teams are working remotely or dispersed. Often, more than one person is needed to resolve an issue or respond to a complicated customer inquiry. The better you are at communicating and working in partnership with others, the farther you'll go in your customer service careerKeep learning. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned customer service professional, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest trends, such as emerging technologies like generative AI and advancements in customer care strategies. Seek out training that can help make you more effective at your job, and be sure to document the new skills and tools you acquire so you are well-positioned for new opportunities within your company or other firms.Ready to submit your customer service resume? Upload it here. And see how to make the most out of Customer Service week in the posts below:Today’s Customer Service Jobs Can Offer Long and Satisfying CareersHow to Become a Customer Service Specialist2024 In-Demand Administrative and Customer Support Roles and Hiring Trends
