how to describe customer service skills on a resume

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32 Customer Service Resume Examples for 2024

Customer Service Resume

• Customer Service Resumes by Experience
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• Writing Your Customer Service Resume

As the face of the organization, the customer service team is instrumental in building and maintaining a business’s reputation.

To be a successful customer service professional, you must have a wide-ranging skillset—patience, empathy, critical thinking, and detailed knowledge of your company’s products or services.

With such a tall order, you shouldn’t also have to be an expert at  building a resume . Our easy  resume tips  are available at your fingertips!

We’ve analyzed countless resumes and  chosen the 32 best customer service resume samples to help you land your next job in 2024 .

Furthermore, we’ll share our recommendations and advice so you can put your best foot forward on your resume; before you know it, you’ll also be ready to tackle your  customer service cover letter !

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• The best way to do this is by making your points concise and highly relevant to the job to which you’re applying. If you include a  resume summary , tailor it to the business to which you apply. As a rule of thumb, the more you customize and  fine-tune your resume  for each job application, the more likely you are to get an interview. 

Entry-Level Customer Service Resume

• Choose two tastefully contrasting fonts: one for your section headers, and one for your body text. 
• Leverage white space throughout your resume to give it a clean, easy-on-the-eye, professional feel.
• We suggest bold (but not garish) colors in the header and titles to draw attention.
• Say goodbye to excess white space by adding some relevant projects you’ve worked on.
• Just make sure they relate to the  customer service job description  and emphasize your most relevant skills.

Customer Service Associate Resume

• Something very impressive on a  customer service associate resume  is when you’ve gone the extra mile to be certified. Definitely include any licenses or certifications you have in a dedicated “Certifications” section.
• Our  user-friendly resume templates  and  Google Docs resume templates  allow you to quickly add a section just for certificates and licenses.
• For example, “Handled an average of 40+ customer complaints per day with a 93% customer satisfaction rate.”

Customer Service Manager Resume

• Don’t worry though! You can easily tailor it by mentioning the specific job title you’re seeking, the company’s name, and any position-specific skills you’ve learned. If these kinds of details paralyze you, take a breath; now, make a resume with one of our  free resume templates  or  Google Docs interactive resumes  that already have sections laid out for your objective.
• Though including a  resume objective  is optional, we recommend one if you’ve had a career change, are entry-level, or simply need to effectively fill a little space on your resume.
• If you choose to add it, make sure it’s unique and personalized for every application you submit. That’s right. Every single one.

Customer Service Lead Resume

• Also, a technical support specialist position might have refined your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge, essential for resolving issues beyond the first line of support. A moment or two when your leadership stance shone brightly is a welcome addition to your customer service lead resume.

Senior Customer Success Manager Resume

• Here’s the inside scoop: dig into the job ad to get a grasp of what hiring managers are after, whether killer communications skills , a track record of success in customer handling, or knowing your way around the latest industry software (think Salesforce, Slack, and Zendesk). Then, spotlight these proficiencies in your showpiece. See? A piece of cake!

Customer Service Officer Resume

• Sprucing up your customer service officer resume with some numbers is a no-brainer! It’s like falling off a log; all you need to do is sprinkle in statements like “Capitalized on Salesforce CRM tools to track customer interactions and sales data, improving customer satisfaction scores to 4.4 out of 5.”

Medical Customer Service Resume

• Color enhancements look good on a medical customer service resume; they are like a visual shout-out to all the essential components like your header, the university you attended, and former places of work. A heads-up, though: stick with a consistent color palette—after all, you want it to scream professionalism, not an art project gone wild.

Customer Care Resume

• Think along the lines of “Spearheaded the integration of Freshdesk to streamline client communications, reducing response time by 37%” and “Negotiated service agreements with high-value clients, bringing in $576,987 in new business”. These should be your highlights—front and center of your resume’s work experience section. After all, wouldn’t you notice a candidate with figures to prove they’re a mover and shaker?

Airline Customer Service Resume

• In the same line, use larger fonts to draw the hiring manager’s attention to different essential parts of your resume. For example, role titles should be in a larger font and title case format, while terms accentuating your skills, hobbies, contact information, and education should be in uppercase.

Healthcare Customer Service Representative Resume

• Take David’s points for example. See how they use multiple skills in their points to show prospective employers that they’re well aware of what’s trending in the healthcare service industry.

Customer Experience Resume

• Remember, that this field usually only requires a high school diploma so no matter what qualification you have, add it in. Leaving the education sector of your customer experience resume blank will only worsen your chances of getting hired.

Customer Service Call Center Resume

• It’s fine even if you mention them in other unrelated job roles. Just ensure that you clearly state how your assistance helped customers in a particular scenario.
• If you run out of room in your resume, remember that a cover letter generator can help you expound quickly on the details you care about sharing.

Customer Service Bank Resume

• Even if it’s only a short stint, mention how you went beyond resolving technical issues at a desk by adding your ability to make personalized follow-ups, maintain high-data accuracy rates, and implement any customer feedback provided.

Insurance Customer Service Resume

• Remember that expertise in communication efficiency, accurate responses align well with the requirements of the role since you will be handling customers.

Client Service Manager Resume

• And if you may, add your metrics on improving customer satisfaction to further prove your potential.

Customer Service Specialist Resume

• Luckily, customer service is typically a metric-heavy role. From sales to customer reviews to retention, there’s a lot of numbers you can draw upon, such as customer satisfaction scores, how many customers you helped, and sales targets you exceeded.
• Metrics draw the eye of the resume reader and increase the length of time they’ll review your  customer service specialist resume , which increases your likelihood of getting an interview. Since a hiring manager will, on average, spend six seconds reviewing your resume, hooking their attention quickly is key.

Retail Customer Service Clerk Resume

• The structure of your  retail customer service resume  can either help or hurt the flow of the employer’s reading experience and affect whether or not you get that interview.
• We suggest you experiment with an array of  resume templates  and go for the one that zooms in on your greatest selling points.
• Sprinkle in impressive numerical metrics such as team headcounts, sales targets met, and payment processing accuracy percentages whenever possible.

Customer Success Manager Resume

• Challenge yourself to prove your impact with metrics.
• For example, how much time did you save in labor hours? How much did you increase profits for the company? Provide any details that show how quickly you could boost numbers at the next business that’s smart enough to hire you. 
• Striking a good balance between hard and soft skills is tricky, but doable—the  skills section on your resume  can emphasize the soft skills that made those impressive numbers happen in the first place.

Bilingual Customer Support Resume

• For example, you can mention the number of reward program members you signed on, the number of customers you helped per shift, the number of performance-based awards you earned, and the percentage of bilingual clients who specifically returned to you for assistance.
• Pass the automated tracking system filter by peppering your skills section with relevant keywords you’ve taken the time to mine from the  job description .
• Just be sure the keywords you glean from the job description truly match the skills you possess! Better to be a master of a few talents than have a surface knowledge of many.

Customer Service Consultant Resume

• Having trouble breaking up with the roles you had in high school? You can save old positions in a separate document, just in case. Just reassure yourself that you can discuss this expertise during an interview.
• Rather than cramming your work experience down to microscopic font size, try honing in on your most relevant work history. 
• Since you probably have plenty of experience, you may want to consider including a  resume summary , which can give a valuable overview of your skills and how they’ve driven results over the course of your lengthy (10+ years for a summary) career. 

Customer Service Agent Resume

• As long as you’re not distracting from the content of your resume, go ahead and get a little creative. 
• Do this by  organizing your resume  into distinct sections (subheadings are your friend), and use an unexpected pop of color to draw on your personality. Who said your resume has to be boring? 
• Focus on adding hard skills, like Zendesk, Salesforce, and Microsoft Word.

Customer Service Success Specialist Resume

• Hiring managers in the customer service field often have less than a minute to review your resume, so it’s important that you place the most relevant information where they’ll see it! 
• Emphasize growth in your career by ordering your work experience in a  reverse-chronological resume format , meaning that your most recent experience will be listed at the top of the page. 
• Including numbers in your work experience bullet points shows the employer that you’re great at your job! Ultimately, they’re looking for specialists who can perform the job well, and numbers prove that you can. 

Customer Service Coordinator Resume

• That’s right. Your resume doesn’t need to look computer-generated to command respect. In fact, using a sprinkle of color can demonstrate your confidence and individuality, making you an even more appealing candidate. 
• A word of caution: While more companies are valuing the individuality and flair of applicants, there are times when toned-down colors (like deep navy, slate gray, or hunter green) may be more appropriate. This can be especially true if you’re applying to a larger corporate business. Determine what’s best by investigating the  customer service job description’s  work culture.

Customer Service Advisor Resume

• Now, that doesn’t mean you need to bring the entire color wheel to your resume. Instead, focus on grabbing recruiters’ attention by using one or two colors for your section titles. You can start from scratch to find a visually-appealing color, or use a  resume template  if you’re not artistically inclined. 
• Take your resume personalization to the next step by adding a  career summary  section if you’re a total pro in the field with more than a decade of experience. Use this section for some humble bragging and tell hiring managers about your biggest accomplishments over the course of your career. Because if there’s any good time to brag, it’s on your resume, right?

Customer Service Technician Resume

• It’s surprisingly easy! Using hard numbers throughout your resume makes hiring managers slow down and read more carefully, plus using metrics supercharges your resume clout and indicates that you know your value (literally). 
• Don’t be afraid to highlight your  hobbies and interests on your resume .
• But, please, please ensure you can relate them to the job. If you’re including a super interesting hobby, a hiring manager is almost certainly going to ask you all about it. You better 1.) actually do that hobby, and 2.) be able to relate that hobby to relevant customer service tech job skills. 

Customer Service Representative Resume

• So, instead of simply adding ‘Sales’ as a skill in your customer service representative resume , use an example of where and how you used said skillset. Try, “Boosted high-end electronic sales by 34% through deep product knowledge and personalized demonstrations.”

Call Center Customer Service Resume

• Format your resume so that your most recent experience and achievements are at the top of your call center customer service resume . By doing this, you’re presenting those highlights in a way that they’re the very first thing a recruiter will probably look at.

Professional Customer Service Resume

• Let’s say you have a Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) certification on your professional customer service resume—it immediately lets a potential employer know you’re well-equipped and ready to provide exceptional customer service.

Customer Service Supervisor Resume

• If you know your way around a specific CRM or management software, don’t miss the opportunity to add it to your customer service supervisor resume and show an employer you’re a well-rounded candidate.

Remote Customer Service Resume

• By using a remote customer service resume template that’s clutter-free and spotlights what’s really important, you can show a recruiter what they need to see to form a positive opinion of you.

Customer Service Sales Resume

• Let’s take the poetry writing, portrait sketching, and vector illustration mentioned in this customer service sales resume . They convey that you have a knack for being creative, understanding design, and paying attention to detail—all of which will come in handy in your professional role.

Related resume guides

• Receptionist
• Sales Associate
• Front Desk Receptionist

4 Tips to Improve Your Customer Service Resume Today

Customer service resumes have gone beyond a simple list of experiences and education that prove your worth. Now, they’re as varied as the candidates themselves. Before writing a resignation letter and applying for your next job, check out BeamJobs’ list of recommendations to make your resume sound professional, look neat, and prove without a doubt that you’re the best candidate. We’ll cover:

• Customer service skills
• Formatting your customer service resume
• Quantifying your previous impact
• Customizing your resume for each job

Tip 1: Confidently choose your customer service skills

The  skills section of a resume  might be short, but it packs a punch. This is where you sell what you’re capable of and what you can do. This section is especially important for ATS to keep you in the running, so it’s crucial to pay attention to what skills you possess.

You should list both hard skills (like Microsoft Office Suite, HubSpot, or HelpDesk) and soft skills (like organization, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication). The best place to find applicable skills would be the job description itself—see what’s required for the tasks listed, and then use those tasks to steer you in the right direction.

Let’s say you run across a  customer service job description  requesting bilingual support like this:

• Answer telephone calls and emails promptly in Spanish and English
• Maintain and extend client base through positive customer interaction
• Excellent verbal and written skills in both Spanish and English
• Strong organizational and analytical skills 
• Flexible—must be able to work independently AND with a team daily

Based on the job description, it’s clear this company values a bilingual, organized individual who is an effective communicator. These skills (as long as they accurately define you) should serve as the foundation of your skills section. And a word to the wise—don’t apply for a job if you can’t honestly say you own the skill set required. 

Now, it’s time to tailor your skills section to the job description, which could look like this:

• Bilingual (Spanish and English)
• Organized 
• Strong verbal and written communication 
• Proven customer success 
• Empathetic 
• Methodical and thorough documentation 
• CRM (HubSpot)

Not every customer service job description will look like the one above, so your skills section should reflect the role for which you’re applying.

The following skills would be great additions to other customer service positions:

• Data analysis
• Metrics-driven
• Customer service reporting
• Self-motivated
• Social media
• Creative problem-solver
• Inquisitive

Tip 2: Format your resume for the ATS and recruiters 

When you open the pages of a book, what’s more inviting: dense blocks of text with little color or short paragraphs with headings, indents, and plenty of white space? The latter is easier to read and, thus, more inviting. Your customer service resume needs to follow the same principle since it’s your first impression. Make the recruiter’s job as easy as possible by being neat, easy to read, and understandable. 

There are multiple ways to achieve this, but one of the easiest is to put things in  reverse-chronological format . This helps recruiters know immediately where you’re coming from. (For example, if you recently worked as a customer service representative, you’ll have a shorter adjustment period. And even if you were a customer service rep a few years ago, the reverse-chronological order will help recruiters quickly assess your qualifications.)

Further suggestions for keeping your resume easy to read: 

• Bullet points rely on keywords, essential for making your resume ATS-friendly. The condensed structure and repetitive points also relieve eye strain when reading.
• Place the customer service title beneath your name to make it easier for the recruiter to keep that specific job in mind as they scan your resume. This is especially crucial when a company is hiring for multiple positions.
• The average time a recruiter spends looking at a resume is six to seven seconds, which means you should only include necessities. Anything else that’s relevant can be brought up in the job interview.
• Some companies see them as antiquated, but others like knowing exactly what you’re aiming for. Scan resumes in the job field to see if others include them, and consider reaching out to current employees on LinkedIn for advice.
• Primarily, fancy icons or images may confuse the ATS. Beyond that, leaving them off your resume looks more professional; plus, it leaves room for more important things, like skills or awards.

Objective or summary for your customer service resume?

Objectives and summaries  are a hot topic for resumes. It’s up to you to decide if an objective or summary is needed for your customer service resume. Typically, objectives/summaries are a good idea if you’re changing careers, you’re an entry-level applicant, or if you want to customize them for each application. Otherwise, it would be best to leave space for other things.

The difference between objectives and summaries rests in their purpose and your level of experience. Both are roughly two to three sentences, but  an objective describes your interest and qualifications for the job while a summary highlights your past work . If you have limited experience, you should choose an objective to sell why you’re the best candidate, but if you’re years into customer service, you could include a summary to describe your unique background.

No matter if it’s a summary or an objective, it should always be concise, informative, and personal ; this is your chance to show your personality and skills before the interview, so make it count.

When you write your objective, communicate your reason for applying and why you’d make a great candidate. Avoid making it generic, flat, or too casual: 

• College graduate looking for work in the customer service industry to start a life-long career. I’m hardworking, great with people, and skilled with computers.

Instead, your objective should be specific, detailed, and unique to both you and the job description. Try something that highlights your skills regardless of your experience level:

For those who have 10+ years of experience, a summary is the best way to go. Poor summaries have limited and vague information:

• I’m a manager who is seeking further professional growth. I’m good at resolving conflicts, handling money, and writing reports; looking for a job that will give me experience and career options.

Rather, a summary should be a highlight reel of your accomplishments and expertise. To further showcase your talent, add metrics here, too:

This summary is tailored to the position and outlines the candidate’s experience and skills while being personable and not too formal. By carefully crafting your objective or summary, you can rise above the competition in just two to three sentences.

Tip 3: Leverage metrics on your customer service resume 

Leveraging metrics is all about avoiding generality and demonstrating success. Most job description bullets don’t describe how successful, friendly, or efficient you were. However, saying, “Assisted 200+ customers weekly with technical questions with a 98% customer satisfaction rate,” tells the recruiter the specifics of your talents and abilities. 

Writing metrics for every single bullet point isn’t necessary, but including an estimate when you can is better than staying vague.

Some customer service metrics to add to your resume include:

• Customer satisfaction (CSAT) score: The core aspect of customer service is keeping customers happy, so providing high CSAT scores based on your interaction with customers is bound to get recruiters noticing.
• Net promoter score: Just like the CSAT, this gives an insight into how happy customers are with the company. 
• Employee retention rate: This statistic works well if you’re in a management position with a tight-knit group. That means your leadership has a direct effect on how many customer service reps leave or stay.
• Resolution rate: By showing a percentage of solved cases, you demonstrate your effective problem-solving skills and care for the customer.
• Customer effort score: This shows how much effort it took to get an issue resolved. Less effort means you’re easier to work with and more effective, which is why a low CES score is useful to add to your resume.
• Customer/employee numbers: Providing the number of teammates, employees, or customers you’ve helped or served is a great way to show your capability in helping large volumes of people.

Now that you know what kind of metrics to include, below are some examples of how you can use them in practice. If you have trouble calculating some of the aforementioned metrics,  HelpCrunch  or  Kustomer  have some helpful formulas. 

• Assisted over 250 patrons with technological questions monthly with a consistent 86 CSAT score based on interactions
• Extended the client base through positive, empathetic communication, resulting in a net promoter score of over 50
• Led a group of 20 employees through conflict resolution training, and updated onboarding processes that improved employee retention by 23%

Tip 4: Customize your customer service resume for the job 

Just as every company is different, no customer service position is identical. So, why would you submit the same resume for multiple customer service job applications? Tailoring your resume shows you have researched the job and helps corroborate your candidacy.

Check the following list for advice on how to customize sections of your resume:

• Mention the company by name and what you hope to accomplish. Check the “job details” section of the job description to see what the company hopes to achieve, whether it’s boosting customer loyalty or increasing customer satisfaction.
• Many customer service jobs require similar skills, but that doesn’t mean your skills should stay stale. Check the job description’s qualifications to scan for skill keywords to use. Keep it under 10 to avoid being excessive.
• Include the job description requirements in your resume as much as you can. If the job description says they’re looking for someone who will “standardize quality customer service through positive customer interactions,” mimic that wording on your resume to describe your past achievements. This helps make your resume ATS-friendly while highlighting your skills.
• No matter the customer service role you’re seeking, there are many ways to  write your resume  so that it’s relevant and unique to every application:

Customer service resume

• All of these are good ways to customize your job description points.
• Include a concise objective that mentions the company by name, and highlight why you’re qualified for the job.
• Have you assisted large volumes of customers or boosted overall customer numbers? Have you increased efficiency or used specific software discussed in the job description? 

Customer service rep resume

• Outcomes like increased sales or error reductions are great metrics to include.
• Highlight skills like empathy, friendliness, and negotiation in your skills section and job description bullets.
• Include your goals for your interactions with customers, like “established lasting relationships” to draw attention to your interpersonal skills.

Customer service manager resume 

• Use verbs like “directed,” “led,” or “modeled” to demonstrate productive leadership.
• Include a summary to showcase the success of your career so far and what you can bring to your new job.

Entry-level customer service resume

• For example, if you were a lab assistant, you had to be highly organized and a great problem-solver, which would work well in a customer service resume.
• Stress your ability to work well with people—include any courses,  extracurricular projects , or volunteer efforts where you interacted with people consistently. 

Retail customer service resume

• Include past experience where you solved problems, troubleshot issues, or resolved disagreements.
• Anything relating to product management would be an excellent addition—think of past jobs that dealt with marketing or sales, especially if you can provide metrics like increased revenue or reaching sales targets.

Customer success manager resume

• CSMs must be able to see trouble coming and steer clear, so include responsibilities where you proactively and positively improved the customer’s experience.
• Resilience and tenacity are two core elements of the customer success journey, so long-term projects and goals are solid additions to prove you’re willing to spend the time to get something done right. 

Bilingual customer support resume

• Include all languages in which you’re fluent in the skills section. Also, make sure to highlight your bilingual (or multilingual) abilities in your objective or summary.
• Mention how you improved your customer service strategies or practices as this will show you actively make customer experiences better for everyone.

Customer service consultant resume

• CSCs are also great advocates for both the customer and the company. They see things from both the customer’s perspective and the company’s, so keep your resume balanced between your advancements for the company and your success with customers.

The keys to your customer service resume

Resumes are your first impression, so it’s important you make a good one. By taking the extra time to customize and adjust your customer service resume, you’ll catch the eye of hiring managers. With your list of relevant skills, professional formatting, specific job metrics, and customized additions, your resume is sure to stand out from the competition.

Upload your resume to our  resume checker  to see if your resume meets our AI-powered recommendations. If you’re starting from scratch, use the  best free resume builder , which allows you to create resumes from the ground up with helpful hints and tools from BeamJobs. If you’ve made it this far, it’s safe to say you’re well on your way to crushing your customer service resume!

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• 11 best customer service...

11 best customer service skills for your CV (with examples)

10 min read · Updated on April 08, 2024

Learn how to upgrade your customer service CV so that it sparkles

“The customer is king,” as the saying goes. If you're in the customer services industry, no doubt you know this royal treatment all too well. You cherish that special connection that you build with customers. In fact, it's an ability that you'll want to convey accurately in your CV once you go searching for another similar role in retail, hospitality, or any other sector where the customer is what keeps the business going.

But how do you describe customer service skills on a CV? And what are the key skills of good customer service?

All the answers to these questions, and more, will be revealed in this article, so read on, especially if you want to create a stunning customer service CV. We'll share the top 11 skills you need to include in your CV, with examples that can be customised to suit your own profile.

The 11 best customer service skills for your CV 

There are many skills you need when in customer services, but these are the best ones to include in your CV:

1. Communication

This is probably the top customer service skill to have on your CV. If you can't communicate properly, get your point across, and avoid misunderstandings, then, quite frankly, you're in the wrong job! Communicating  in a pleasant, non-aggressive, and courteous manner will gain you customers while retaining your current ones.

And while it used to be all about face-to-face time, now you need to be able to communicate in a variety of ways - via email, social media, over the phone, and online. This skill is all about building a rapport that resonates with the customer, making them feel great, while simultaneously ensuring they tell their friends how great your company is.

By presenting a CV that's well-written , succinct, and packed full of juicy information that sells you as the “product,” you'll be showing off your outstanding communication skills from the outset.

Examples of how to highlight communication as a customer service skill on your CV:

Delivering a superior customer service by carrying out requests on outdoor furniture enquiries by capitalising on outstanding communication

Creating a welcoming ambience for shoppers by conversing with them pleasantly to ensure first and last impression of the shop is favourable

Providing a first-rate service to English and Finnish customers by guiding them on how to use the service via telephone, email, and live chats

Top tip: The skills section of your CV leans more towards the hard skills you possess. So don't add in phrases such as “effective communication” in this part as communication - and most customer service skills you'll find in this guide - is seen as a soft skill . Instead of merely listing them out, the best way to showcase your customer service skills on a CV is by showing how you've demonstrated them at work, within the summary or the professional experience section.

2. Problem resolution

When you come up against a customer who isn't happy, you need the skills to keep calm, carry on, and resolve the issue, without making things worse. “Problem resolution” is a skill you can include in the skills section, as well as throughout the CV, especially if you have any key achievements where you can prove your worth in problem-solving techniques.

Examples of how to highlight problem-solving as a customer service skill on your CV:

Forging beneficial relations with customers, minimising problems with regards to disputes by negotiating better deals with suppliers

Competently handling customer enquiries and complaints face-to-face and over the phone

Adopting a calm and logical approach when dealing with any problems or issues, reaching rapid and satisfactory resolutions for all concerned to maintain excellent customer relations

3. Active listening

While this can be viewed as part of communication, active listening is such an important aspect that it deserves its own slot on this list. To actively listen to a customer, you have to go beyond just hearing the words someone is saying to fully understand their meaning. It's no good just nodding along, but thinking about what you're going to have for tea that night… you've got to really hone in on the intent behind the words, as well as look for other clues such as in the person's body language .

Examples of how to highlight active listening as a customer service skill on your CV:

Drawing upon advanced listening and persuasive skills to encourage customers to buy products by pitching vocal tone and pace with them to elicit rapport which leads to more sales

Adept at dealing with difficult situations with attentive listening and putting people at their ease

Forming a cohesive team by drawing in disparate members and customers, winning them round with refined listening skills during a difficult transition period

4. Knowledge of product or service

“But how does it actually work?” – if you can't answer this simple question from a consumer, it's going to go downhill very quickly from there. If you can't understand the product or service you're selling, how do you expect the customer to get it? It's imperative that you can show how up to speed you are with company products or services.

Examples of how to highlight product or service knowledge as a customer service skill on your CV:

Showcasing comprehensive product knowledge of stock which encouraged customers to purchase more

Acquiring advanced specialist knowledge of the product through expert training in order to better serve consumers

Increasing sales of packages by 45% due to extensive product knowledge

According to the Collins English Dictionary, empathy is “the power of understanding and imaginatively entering into another person's feelings.” And you'll, no doubt, need this in spades in a customer service role. Seeing things through the customer's eyes will allow you to deal with their concerns more effectively.

Examples of how to highlight empathy as a customer service skill on your CV:

Capitalising on empathy and thoughtfulness to fully understand customer concerns in order to achieve the best possible outcome every time

Demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and understanding when handling sensitive conversations and situations with clients

Instilling a culture of user empathy and a can-do attitude across all levels of the customer service department

6. Time management

Prioritising who to attend to next, and offering up an appropriate prompt response, shows excellent time management skills. You want to offer great service to those customers you're handling at this very moment, while many others are waiting in the wings. 

It's also prudent to know when to handle an issue yourself or when to escalate, thus avoiding a situation that deteriorates because the customer is unsure as to whether they're being dealt with or not. It's great to pinpoint those times when you excelled at managing your time while performing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Examples of how to highlight time management as a customer service skill on your CV:

Saving £20,000 a year by prioritising the customer service process to be more efficient and effective

Introducing an innovative administration system which drastically reduced the time spent searching for files and accounting, so more time could be given to customers

Switching suppliers and streamlining the reorder system to pre-empt shortages ahead of time

7. Patience

When you've got a red-faced customer shouting in your face, it's time for your patience gene to find its way to the top! It's an essential tool when problem-solving, communicating, and dealing with queries, as your mind won't go into overdrive. Patiently helping customers who require additional assistance is a hugely sought-after skill. While it's quite tricky to translate onto your CV, there are ways and means to do so.

Examples of how to highlight patience as a customer service skill on your CV:

Adaptable and committed to maximising the potential of colleagues through patience and perseverance

Exhibiting patience when coaching clientele on the intricate details of a new IT system

Working to complex and tight timelines while maintaining patience and persistence within a multi-cultural environment

8. Positivity

Maintaining a positive attitude is vital within the customer service industry. If customers are welcomed with open arms into a shop or for a service, there's every likelihood that they'll be back for more. And your positivity can rub off on others, both customers and colleagues , so it's a win-win all round.

Highlight this aspect in your armoury by illustrating how you're open to new challenges, or can hit the ground running when first introduced to a new team.

Examples of how to highlight positivity as a customer service skill on your CV:

Using a positive and proactive approach when dealing with difficult customers, transforming awkward situations into resolved successes

Possessing impressive motivational and team management qualities as well as a positive approach to achieving customer satisfaction across the board

Performing effectively on common goals with peers and customers to foster a positive, trust-based working environment

9. Confidence

There's a fine line between being confident and being arrogant, so make sure you project the first. You don't know it all, whatever you might think, and as the saying goes, “the customer is always right.” Within your CV, show your confidence through achievements , supporting these with facts and figures where possible. The professional profile or summary is another section where you can show recruiters your confidence.

Examples of how to highlight confidence as a customer service skill on your CV:

A structured, focused, and approachable Customer Services Manager with the expertise and confidence to transform disparate projects into viable and progressive operations

Cultivating productive partnerships with key customers by forming strong bonds and the confidence to deliver successful outcomes

Tackling challenging projects with extreme confidence, resulting in sustained business improvement

10. Adaptability

Spoiler alert – customers can be tricky! You never know what you're going to get. Showing off your adaptability and flexibility is crucial, as you need these assets to perform well. What one customer loves, another might hate, so how do you describe this customer service skill on a CV?

Examples of how to highlight adaptability as a customer service skill on your CV:

Taking full ownership for delivering a high-quality customer service by remaining adaptable, and using fact-finding questions for increased levels of satisfaction

Overcoming challenges by being flexible so customers are dealt with in the appropriate manner

Adapting the company's policies and procedures to give customers more autonomy

11. Decisiveness

Making decisions that work, in a forthright and confident way, will lift you up in the eyes of the customer. No one wants a customer service staff who faffs about and never gets anything done. Prove you're decisive with examples throughout your career.

Examples of how to highlight decisiveness as a customer service skill on your CV:

Improving the communications strategy between companies, the financial community, and customers which resulted in better informed decision-making

Developing the transformation and loading of new data which led to new opportunities and strategic decisions being made in potential trouble spots

Instigating a productive work ethic among employees and developing decision templates for senior management

Show off your customer service skills

Now that you've got a good grasp of what the top 11 customer service skills are for your CV, it's time to weave them into your job search document using the tips and tricks above.

With just three easy steps, it couldn't be easier to see if your CV will perform during a job application. Run it through our free CV review , study the report, and improve your CV – simple.

Recommended reading:

Written communication: definition and examples

What are people skills? Definition and examples

How to write a Customer Assistant CV (with example and template)

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How to show promotions on a CV (with examples)

Overcoming job search anxiety: strategies for confidence

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20+ Top Customer Service Skills to Put on a Resume (+Writing Guide)

The best customer service skills and how to write about them on a resume. Communication, adaptability, building rapport, empathy, CRM, organization…

The best customer service skills for a resume fall into these key categories: communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, technical knowledge, and time management. To describe them on a resume, use action verbs to vividly illustrate tasks completed, or results achieved that wouldn’t have been possible without successful application of customer service skills. In other words, the most effective way to write about customer service skills on a resume is to demonstrate them through the impact of your work. 

Keeping customers is just as important as getting new customers. 

Good customer service skills means you can increase customer satisfaction, which leads to higher levels of repeat business and loyalty. If you can prove on your resume that you excel in this, you’ll find yourself landing more interviews. 

This guide will walk you through the top customer service skills for a resume and how to best describe them. 

Complete your resume immediately with Rezi AI Resume Builder . Watch your resume write itself and highlight your customer service skills that are relevant to the job description. And the design and layout? It will always stay perfect. Just pick one of the 15+ resume templates and build your resume in minutes.

The Best Types of Customer Service Skills on a Resume 

Here are the best types of customer service skills for a resume: 

• Communication: active listening, nonverbal communication, and written communication. 
• Interpersonal: adaptability, building rapport, conflict resolution, empathy, and teamwork.
• Problem-solving: critical thinking, decision-making, initiative, research.
• Technical: customer relationship management (CRM) software, data analysis, Microsoft Office Suite, project management, specialized industry knowledge. 
• Time management: multitasking, organization, prioritization. 

All of these skills contribute to speed, convenience, and knowledgeable support, which are the most important factors to providing a positive customer experience, as highlighted by 80% of American consumers , according to research from PwC. 

Even if you’re not applying specifically for a customer service role, strong customer service skills can make you stand out when your role involves any form of interaction with clients, business partners, stakeholders, or even other departments.

1. Communication 

Without good communication, you won’t be able to address customer concerns effectively. Good and bad communication can be the difference between a frustrated customer and a loyal one. That’s why this skill is hands-down the most important one on the list.

Here are examples of how to describe communication skills on a resume for a customer service job: 

• Increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% through active listening and de-escalation techniques. • Developed and implemented a knowledge base to improve first-call resolution rates by 20%. • Consistently received positive customer feedback for clear and concise communication, both written and verbal.

Active listening

Active listening skills are prized by hiring managers. It’s how you avoid misunderstandings, provide tailored solutions, and resolve complaints or concerns faster. This improves the overall customer experience. 

Example of active listening on a resume:

Reduced customer call times by 15% by carefully listening to identify key concerns at the start of interactions and immediately providing actionable solutions. 

Nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication refers to body language, tone of voice, eye contact, and facial expressions. This is essential for building trust and reinforcing a particular message.  

Example of how to describe nonverbal communication on a resume:

Maintained a calm and professional demeanor while de-escalating customer complaints, which helped lead to more positive resolutions in 80% of interactions.

Written communication

In customer service, written communication is all about sending the right messages to customer inquiries and concerns. This is crucial, especially since many customer interactions can occur online, over email, or live chats. 

Example of written communication on a resume: 

Increased customer satisfaction scores by 10% through clear and concise email responses that addressed all customer questions within 24 hours.

2. Interpersonal 

Interpersonal skills influence your interactions with customers. Unlike communication skills, which focus on the exchange of information, interpersonal skills emphasize the ability to understand and relate to others on a personal level.

Here are examples of interpersonal skills on a resume for customer service: 

• Resolved conflicts efficiently and diplomatically, reducing customer complaint resolution time by 30%. • Built strong customer relationships through consistent follow-ups and personalized service, resulting in a 15% increase in repeat business. • Maintained positive relationships with key clients, contributing to a 20% boost in customer loyalty program sign-ups.

Adaptability

Adaptability is about how well you can adjust and respond to unexpected situations. Crucial in customer service, as circumstances often change out of the blue. Companies need someone who can think on their feet, handle all types of customer inquiries, and maintain a positive attitude. 

Example of how to describe adaptability on a resume:

Answered high call volumes during peak hours, ensuring all customer inquiries were addressed promptly and efficiently.

Building rapport

In other words, building trusting relationships with customers. Hiring managers in customer service will value a candidate who excels in making customers feel valued, understood, and appreciated. This can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. After all, customer retention has more impact on growth than customer acquisition.

Example of how to describe rapport-building on a resume: 

Built rapport through personalized greetings and friendly conversations, contributing to a 30% improvement in customer satisfaction scores.

Conflict resolution

Conflict resolution refers to your ability to handle customer complaints and disputes. Not all conversations with customers will go smoothly. Issues may arise, and you’ll need to de-escalate. 

Example of showcasing conflict resolution on a resume:

Resolved customer complaints by actively listening to their concerns, empathizing with their frustrations, and providing prompt and satisfactory solutions, which led to a 30% reduction in escalated cases.

Empathy comes down to understanding how another person feels. Telling a customer you’re going to help them isn’t quite the same as showing concern for them, relating to them, and showing them you understand what they need. 

Human touch is essential for great customer experiences, as stated in the same PwC report mentioned earlier . A genuine connection with customers can make or break a business, so it’s key to establish this by making customers feel valued, understood, and heard. 

Example of how to prove empathy on your resume: 

Supported and reassured customers during system outages, which helped decrease escalations by 30%. 

Strong teamwork means you can collaborate effectively with others. A team player in customer service will help the company boost efficiency and meet or exceed goals faster. 

Example of describing teamwork skills on a resume:

Coordinated with the sales and technical support teams to streamline the customer service process, which led to a 10% reduction in service delivery time.

3. Problem-solving

All customers will have problems at some point. How well can you help solve them? This requires you to quickly assess a situation, determine the root cause, and implement an appropriate solution. 

Here are examples of problem-solving skills on a resume for customer service: 

• Resolved customer billing discrepancies by investigating account histories and collaborating with the finance department, leading to a 98% resolution rate. • Proactively identified potential service disruptions and developed contingency plans to ensure service continuity and customer satisfaction. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve a critical service outage, restoring service within 2 hours and minimizing customer impact.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking relates to objective analysis. This is vital for determining the root causes of a customer’s concern or problem, and identifying potential solutions.  

Example of how to prove critical thinking on a resume:

Analyzed customer feedback trends to identify underlying issues, leading to the implementation of new policies that improved customer satisfaction by 20%.

Decision-making

This is about choosing the best course of action that leads to a happy ending for both the company and the customer. Strong decision-making skills also indicate that you can act without your supervisor’s guidance when necessary—this leads to quicker response times and, in turn, happier customers.

Example of how to describe decision-making on a resume: 

• Determined appropriate compensation for dissatisfied customers based on the severity of their issues, resulting in a 25% decrease in negative reviews.

Initiative refers to whether you can independently take action to identify opportunities for improvement and solve problems. Employers value representatives that can anticipate issues before they arise and take steps to prevent or mitigate them without needing explicit instructions.

Example of how to describe initiative on a resume:

Implemented changes in response to customer feedback, enhancing service processes and improving overall customer experience.

To an extent, you’ll need to be able to find answers by doing your own research. Good research skills are key for pinpointing customer needs, providing accurate information, and staying informed about industry trends. 

Example of research skills presented on a resume: 

Investigated competitor services and practices, providing valuable insights that informed the development of new company products.

4. Technical

Technical skills in customer service refer to your proficiency in using specific tools, software, and methodologies. 

Having technical proficiency and using the right technologies in customer service is only going to get more important. Almost 60% of customers had even mentioned that exceptional digital experiences are crucial for a company to keep business going, according to a study conducted by Salesforce . 

Here are examples of technical skills on a resume for customer service: 

• Configured and maintained customer service chatbots, enhancing self-service options and reducing the volume of incoming calls by 30%. • Handled technical support for various digital communication platforms, ensuring seamless customer interactions across email, chat, and social media. • Assisted in the integration of new communication channels, such as live chat and social media support, resulting in a 20% increase in customer engagement.

Customer relationship management (CRM) 

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) skills relate to managing current and potential customer interactions. Proficiency in CRM systems leads to better service delivery and a smoother workflow. 

Example of CRM skills described on a resume:

Leveraged CRM analytics to segment customers and tailor communication strategies, enhancing targeted marketing efforts and increasing engagement by 40%.

Data analysis

Data analysis is an important customer service skill since it allows you to make better decisions that will drive business growth. 

Example of data analysis mentioned on a resume:

Analyzed service ticket trends to identify common issues, leading to the creation of a targeted training program that boosted agent performance and customer satisfaction by 20%.

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Office Suite includes software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Having proficiency in all of these (or similar tools) helps with managing documentation, analyzing data, creating presentations, and communicating with stakeholders. 

Example of how to effectively prove your MS Office proficiency on a resume: 

Created detailed customer service reports using Excel, including pivot tables and charts, to track and analyze performance metrics.

Project management

Project management is applicable to almost all fields, especially customer service. This can help you get brownie points for coordinating tasks, managing resources, and helping ensure that deadlines are met. 

Example of how to describe PM skills on a resume: 

Oversaw the integration of a new live chat support feature, managing timelines and resources to ensure a seamless launch that increased customer engagement by 20%.

Specialized industry knowledge

I don’t mean to literally put “specialized industry knowledge” on your resume. 

But make it clear that you have expertise in a particular area of the industry you’re applying for.

Example from an insurance agent resume:

Maintained up-to-date knowledge of finance insurance policies and regulations to effectively provide accurate information to customers.

5. Time Management 

Working in customer service, or even performing some CS duties always means you’ll be doing a lot of different things at once, so you need to know how to manage your time. This isn’t only important for your higher productivity—it’s crucial for customer satisfaction. 

Here are examples of time management skills on a resume for customer service: 

• Implemented a scheduling system to optimize team availability, leading to a 20% increase in team productivity and faster resolution of customer issues. • Coordinated with team members to allocate resources efficiently during high-demand periods, reducing backlog and improving service levels. • Balanced multiple customer service channels, including phone, email, and live chat, maintaining consistent response times across all communication platforms.

Multitasking

Juggling multiple things effectively is one skill for customer service that can impress hiring managers. Making sure that no customer is left waiting too long and that all tasks are completed promptly is something that companies value.  

Example of multitasking properly described on a resume:

Simultaneously managed phone, email, and live chat inquiries, maintaining a 95% customer satisfaction rate while handling multiple channels.

Organization

There are documents and resources everywhere. Strong organization means systematically managing records and information, as well as ensuring efficient service delivery. 

Example of how to describe organization on a resume: 

Organized training sessions and materials for new hires, ensuring a smooth onboarding process and consistent knowledge transfer.

Prioritization

Prioritization is how you maximize productivity. As you’ll be dealing with all sorts of inquiries, knowing how and when to prioritize is an underrated customer service skill that allows you to address any pressing issues without compromising service quality. 

Example of how to show prioritization skills on a resume:

Prioritized and addressed urgent customer inquiries during peak times, reducing wait times by 30%.

Additional Customer Service Skills to Put on a Resume

Here are other good customer service skills to consider putting on a resume:  

• Attention to detail
• Foreign languages
• Reliability
• Stress management

You can also find more relevant skills by using Rezi AI Skills Explorer . Simply enter your profession and the type of skills you’re after. From there, you’ll automatically get a list of suggestions.

And if you’d like to see proven customer service resume examples that showcase the skills we’ve discussed, check out our resume examples library here .

How to Show Customer Service Skills on Different Resume Sections

Writing about customer service skills on a resume will look slightly different depending on the resume section :

• Summary section: state your strengths in customer service. Mention your top skills, like building rapport and upselling. Or even better, state your most significant and relevant customer service wins. 
• Objectives section: mention transferable skills you already have that are relevant to customer service. Then, focus on highlighting how you plan to develop certain customer service skills to excel in your role. 
• Work experience section: emphasize key duties and achievements you were responsible for that show your level of customer service skills. 
• Education section: list formal qualifications related to customer service from your academic background.  ‍
• Projects, volunteering, and extracurricular activities: highlight relevant customer service experiences that reinforce your credentials. ‍
• Certifications or awards section: make a list of certificates and awards you’ve earned that demonstrate your knowledge in applying certain skills, tools, or frameworks.  ‍
• Skills section: put together an organized list of customer service skills, prioritized by what’s most important to a company’s hiring criteria. 

Of all ways to write about your customer service skills on a resume , the most effective approach is to show them through positive outcomes you contributed to. This means highlighting the results from carrying out specific customer service tasks. 

Summary section

In the summary section , show off your best and most relevant customer service abilities. Summarize your background in customer service, state your areas of expertise, and mention any notable achievements related to improving customer loyalty and retention. 

Sample resume summary highlighting customer service skills:

Customer-focused professional with over 5 years of experience in delivering exceptional customer service. Expertise in conflict resolution, CRM systems, and data analysis. Successfully managed a high-volume call center, achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate.

Objectives section

For the objectives section , succinctly state your career goals in customer service while highlighting key skills that match the job expectations. Focus on showcasing qualifications that indicate your knowledge in the customer service field, and mention aspirations that align with the company’s specific needs. 

Sample resume objective with a focus on customer service skills: 

Recent communications graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a strong foundation in customer service principles. Proficient in active listening, conflict resolution, and using CRM systems. Eager to handle customer inquiries, provide timely resolutions, and refine the overall customer experience at [Company Name]. 

Work experience section

Double down on achievements in the work experience section . Highlight your customer service skills by showing how you helped a previous company achieve certain goals and project outcomes. Use action verbs to describe problems you solved and solutions implemented. Quantify duties and accomplishments to emphasize how your customer service skills can make a real impact.

Ideally, focus on what matches the job description. If a job ad states they’re seeking a candidate with experience in handling multiple inquiries, then prioritize describing similar tasks. 

Sample work experience entry showcasing customer service skills: 

Customer Service Manager Company XYZ February 2022–Present, Seoul, South Korea • Led a team of 15 customer service representatives, ensuring high-quality service and customer satisfaction. • Implemented a new customer feedback system that increased positive reviews by 25%. • Conducted regular training sessions to enhance team skills in communication, problem-solving, and product knowledge. • Resolved complex customer complaints, reducing escalation cases by 30%. • Collaborated with the marketing department to develop strategies for improving customer retention. • Analyzed customer service metrics to identify areas for improvement, leading to a 20% reduction in response times. • Assisted in the development and launch of a new product line, providing customer insights and support.

Note that not all bullet points in this work experience section example explicitly mentions “customer service” to showcase customer service skills. 

And some bullet points aren’t even directly about customer service, but still highlights relevant skills. This positions the candidate as a more well-rounded professional who’s adept in various aspects of their role, while emphasizing their strengths where it matters most. 

Education section

Academic qualifications belong in the education section . You can also add bullet points to include extra details like any relevant courses you completed or specific skills developed. 

Sample education section mentioning relevant customer service skills: 

Bachelor of Arts in Communication | University of State | May 2022 Completed a minor in psychology, including coursework in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. Graduated with a GPA of 3.8

Additional resume sections for relevant experience

These additional sections include: 

• Volunteering
• Extracurricular activities 

In any of these sections, focus on describing transferable skills, as well as methodologies and tools you used to complete customer-related tasks. You can also mention any training you received and accomplishments you were responsible for. 

Sample volunteering resume section proving proficiency in customer service:

Volunteer Customer Service Representative | Local Food Bank | Jun 2023 – Aug 2024 • Resolved inquiries from over 100 clients weekly, ensuring timely distribution of food supplies.

Certifications section

Mention any certificates you’ve received that demonstrate your knowledge in a particular area of customer service. If necessary, add a bullet point to emphasize any particular topic areas or abilities. 

Sample certifications section for a customer service resume: 

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Certification | Salesforce | Aug 2023 • In-depth training on Salesforce CRM, including data management, customer tracking, and reporting features.

Skills section

This one’s fairly straightforward—simply list skills that are related to the job requirements. To show employers the breadth of your customer service expertise, categorize skills from a range of abilities that are essential for the role. 

Sample skills resume section focused on customer service skills: 

Communication: Active Listening, Clear Verbal Communication, Concise Writing Interpersonal Skills: Adaptability, Empathy, Patience, Problem-Solving, Teamwork Technical Skills: CRM Systems (Salesforce, Zendesk), Microsoft Office Suite, Live Chat Support Tools

How to Learn and Develop Customer Service Skills

Starting to learn and develop the CS skills won’t improve your resume today but it will help you become a better professional and, in turn, a stronger candidate in the future. As a result, it can boost your chances of securing your next job opportunity or trying for that internal promotion.

Here are some of the best ways to improve your customer service skills: ‍

• Enroll in online courses that offer training in customer service.  • Join workshops and seminars.  • Practice different scenarios on the spot with a colleague or mentor.  • Request for feedback from customers, peers, and seniors.  • Shadow a seasoned professional to get a better understanding of how they operate and approach different situations.  • Volunteer to take on tasks that require direct interaction with customers so that you gain more practical experience.  • Engage in team projects and group activities that require collaboration.  • Continue to work on yourself. Personal development leads to higher self-awareness, which in turn helps with how you interact with others. 

Let’s recap on the top customer service skills and how to describe them on a resume: 

• The best customer service skills include a mix of communication, interpersonal abilities, problem-solving, technical knowledge, and time management. 
• You can showcase your customer service expertise on a resume through your experience and qualifications.
• To effectively write about customer service skills on a resume, describe relevant tasks, and you completed and results you achieved. Use action verbs and metrics to specify your impact. In other words, your customer service skills are evident based on the responsibilities you’re capable of performing and the results you’ve produced in the past. 
• Learning and developing CS skills can improve the likelihood of advancing in your career and getting a promotion.

Customer service skills are the backbone of any successful business that interacts with clients.

Even if you’re not looking for customer service jobs, many of the skills we’ve discussed in this guide can be beneficial for your career. Some could even be the difference between whether you get promoted. 

How to describe customer service skills on a resume?

You describe customer service skills on a resume by highlighting how you successfully completed certain tasks and specific achievements you were responsible for. Use an action verb to describe either of these, then quantify your duties and positive outcomes you accomplished by using metrics to emphasize your effectiveness. Next, tailor your descriptions by using resume keywords .

What customer service skills are the most important? 

The most important customer service skills for a particular company depend on their job description. Generally speaking, however, these tend to be empathy, active listening, clear communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These lead to positive human interactions, which “ 82% of U.S. and 74% of non-U.S. consumers want more of,” according to PwC. You also need to be able to think on your feet, as PwC states in the same report that there’s misalignment between customer expectations and how employees are delivering. In another report, 90% of customers rated an “immediate” response as highly important , according to HubSpot. This emphasizes the importance of effective time management for faster response times and having technical knowledge in your field, industry, and company products or services. 

How do you say you have good customer service on a resume?

Prove it by demonstrating a real impact you made by applying your customer service skills. Here’s an example of this for the summary section: “Dedicated customer service professional with excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Consistently achieved high customer satisfaction ratings for 3+ years by effectively managing inquiries and complaints. Recognized by industry leaders for strong empathy and the ability to build positive relationships with customers.”

What are the key qualities for good customer service?

Arguably, the most important quality is empathy. This allows you to understand and connect with customers on a deeper level, which builds and nurtures trust. Patience is also important, since you’ll need to be calm when handling different types of situations. Another key quality is optimism and initiative. This helps to consistently ensure a pleasant and supportive customer experience. Additionally, you should be quick to think on your feet. 

What are the principles of good customer service?

Active listening, empathy, clear and effective communication, prompt response times, and a solution-oriented mindset are the principles of good customer service. It involves understanding and anticipating customer needs, and being prepared to address them whenever needed. At the core of customer service is trust and relationships. This can only be built through respect, understanding, and personalized attention. To work on this, continuously seek feedback and strive for higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Are there any golden rules for customer service resumes?

Golden rules for customer service resumes include highlighting relevant skills that demonstrate how you improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. Such skills include communication, problem-solving, and technical proficiency. Use quantifiable achievements to make your resume look more legit, tailor your resume to the job description to prove you’re a good fit specifically for the company you’re applying for, and include examples of how you’ve helped an organization meet or exceed certain goals directly related to business growth.

Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

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How to Describe Focus & Customer Skills on a Resume

Focus and customer service skills are highly valued traits in nearly every profession, and capitalizing on these important skill sets in your resume can boost your hiring potential. For best results, use specific examples that demonstrate these characteristics. This approach will provide employers with a good idea of your capabilities, while simultaneously allowing you to diversify how each entry on your resume reads.

Putting the Focus on Focus

The term, "focus" means different things in different industries, so use examples and descriptions specific to the type of work you performed. Examples:

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Proofreader: Detailed attention to formatting, grammar, style and typographical errors

Auto mechanic: Careful and detailed analysis of system readings and instrument calibration

Nurse: Strong attention to detail in charting, monitoring vital signs and ensuring continuum of care

Chef: Extreme care in safe food handling processes and food preparation

Accountant: Detailed oversight of line item budget analysis

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Teacher: Individualized attention to the unique learning needs of each student

Customer Skills

A strong attention to customer care can be demonstrated with good communication skills, an attentive nature and a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Use related terminology in resume entries to describe the types of skills you possess. Examples:

• Took great pride in ensuring positive overall customer experience
• Customer-focused approach to trouble shooting, resolving problems and ensuring repeat business
• Responsible for managing customer expectations in delivering superior levels of service
• Recognized for continually delivering above-average customer service

Related Traits to Emphasize

If you're focused and service oriented, chances are you have good people skills, you interface well with others and you take pride in ensuring your job is well done. Play up these ancillary skills on your resume by incorporating the following language into your job descriptions:

• Provided personalized attention
• Assumed responsibility for ensuring complete product satisfaction
• Ensured clear communications and open dialogue between customers and employees

Elaborate in Your Cover Letter

If you're applying for a job that specifically requests attention to detail, focus and strong customer service skills, you can use your cover letter to bolster the information in your resume. This is a place to provide examples specific to your experience. Examples:

In my most recent role, I was responsible for answering all customer inquiries and resolving consumer concerns.

As managing editor, I was responsible for ensuring the integrity of the entire publication, so attention to detail was my top priority.

Working with financial clients, focus and attention to every detail was imperative.

You can further elaborate on these vital skill sets in an interview setting. Use examples and real-life stories to fully articulate not only that you have these abilities, but can aptly apply them in an everyday work environment.

• Robert Half: 8 Skills That Will Make Your Resume Pop
• University of Dayton: Skills List

Lisa McQuerrey has been a business writer since 1987. In 1994, she launched a full-service marketing and communications firm. McQuerrey's work has garnered awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the International Association of Business Communicators and the Associated Press. She is also the author of several nonfiction trade publications, and, in 2012, had her first young-adult novel published by Glass Page Books.

How to Show Your Customer Service Skills on a Resume

Brainstorm First

Profile or summary section, key skills section, professional experience section, the bottom line.

You can make customer service a substantial part of your resume by spelling out the various ways you have helped clients. The following guide will show you how to flesh out your resume for an application to a client-facing job.

Before you start working on your resume directly, take ten minutes or so to jot down whatever comes to mind first about your background in customer service. Is there a particular job in your work history that stands out about your level of service? Or a recent training program that gave you a new edge in managing client calls efficiently? Or, more generally, do you subscribe to a particular service approach or philosophy that you feel helps you succeed?

Your first thoughts and answers to these questions often indicate how you can best develop customer service as a key theme on your resume.

Now that you’ve brainstormed some initial ideas refer to the following lists and tips for elaborating on your service skills in each resume section.

Use one or more of these adjectives to describe yourself and the services you provide customers:

• Client-Focused
• Customer-Focused
• High-Quality
• Knowledgeable
• Service-Oriented
• Solution-Oriented
• Top-Caliber
• Client-focused Sales Associate with 5+ years of experience.
• Diligent in understanding client concerns and generating prompt product solutions.
• Recognized for providing efficient , high-quality service to key customers.

Sidenote: Avoid using redundant adjectives with any part of your profile’s professional title. For instance, if your title is Customer Service Representative, you don’t need to describe yourself as “customer-focused” or “service-oriented.” Your profile will have more variety and color if you instead opt for one of the other options above.

Include one or more of these terms as they apply to your background and goals:

• Active Listening Methods
• Brand Loyalty
• Client Communications
• Client Satisfaction & Retention
• Complex Problem-Solving
• Conflict & Complaint Resolution
• Consultative Sales Strategies
• Customer Experience
• Customer Needs Assessment
• Customer Service & Relations
• Internal & External Customer Support
• Stakeholder Relations Management

This part of your resume provides you the most opportunity to get specific about your customer service skills and experience. Start by reviewing the following list of service-related actions. Note whichever activities overlap best with your background and/or the details you brainstormed earlier.

• Addressed and answered customer concerns
• Built lucrative, long-term client relationships
• Communicated with customers about new product options
• Consulted and advised clients on service solutions
• Cultivated positive customer relationships
• Deepened relationships with key clients
• Delivered high-quality services to customers
• Directed customers to their desired products
• Engaged with clients to determine their service needs
• Explained new product features to customers
• Facilitated rollout of new service solutions
• Interacted with customers daily
• Listened to clients’ concerns and recommended solutions
• Promoted appropriate products based on close review of each client’s needs
• Provided detailed answers to customer inquiries
• Relayed frequent client requests to sales, marketing, and product development teams
• Resolved recurring issues with service delivery
• Responded to client emails and voicemails
• Supported customers with special product requests
• Worked with clients to find win-win service agreements

Now that you’ve noted your past client activities, take up this essential question: What was the result of these activities? In other words, how did your client-facing work positively impact your team, company, or customers?

Your answers will lead you to more specific, powerful bullet points that help establish customer service as a common thread on your resume.

• Built positive relationships with 25 new clients, growing annual revenue by $400K
• Facilitated rollout of new service solutions that increased client retention by 22%
• Delivered high-quality services to customers, helping store rank #1 on quarterly satisfaction survey
• Deepened relationships with key clients, resulting in 12 new long-term service contracts

Always seek to quantify your bullet points in terms of a specific number, percentage, or dollar amount. The only exception is if the quantified figure is somehow not inclusive to the customer service role you’re now pursuing. For instance, say you’ve worked for large corporations and are now applying to a small company or startup. In this case, omitting large revenue sums or other data that may pigeonhole you makes sense. Instead, focus on the transferable customer-facing skills you gained.

Keep in mind that you can show service skills even for a role that wasn’t directly client-facing. For example, if you’ve worked in HR or IT, you can emphasize that you supported your colleagues (or “internal customers”) with various employment or technical concerns.

Whenever you apply to a client-facing job, get specific on your resume about how you’ve supported past customers. Give detailed examples of times you generated high value through your advanced service skills. In doing so, you’ll make sure your resume positions you effectively for the next chapter in your career.

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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21 Best Customer Service Resume Examples to Boost Your Hiring Chances

Zuzanna Bocian

Do you need help creating a resume that stands out among many applicants? What makes a hiring manager stop and take notice?

Crafting the perfect resume is a must to secure your dream job. It isn’t just a list of your experiences. It’s your first impression, your foot in the door, and often, your only chance to show why you’re the ideal candidate.

Let’s explore the best customer service resume examples that are eye-catching and strategically designed to boost your hiring chances.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to refresh your current resume, these examples will help you showcase your skills, experience, and dedication to exceptional customer service.

Customer service resume examples

As you craft your resume, remember that it’s more than just a document — it’s your opportunity to make a powerful first impression. Your resume should showcase your qualifications and highlight your commitment to exceptional customer service.

Here are some examples illustrating the progression of customer service roles from entry-level to managerial positions, highlighting the skills and achievements required to advance in a career.

1. Entry-level customer service representative resume example

This resume is designed for a newly graduated individual eager to enter the customer service field. It highlights the individual’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn, which is crucial for entering the workforce.

Passion for customer service: Emphasizing a solid desire to deliver excellent customer service sets a positive tone for the resume and showcases the candidate’s commitment to the role.

Technical skills: Listing technical skills like CRM software, operating systems, and POS systems reflects the candidate’s ability to adapt to various customer service platforms , which is increasingly essential in a tech-driven environment.

Education and certifications: Including relevant certifications, such as Microsoft Office Specialist and Certified Customer Service Specialist, adds credibility to the candidate’s qualifications, showing a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Soft skills: Including soft skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving can further enhance this resume. These skills are vital in customer service roles, where understanding and resolving customer issues is critical.

Education: Since this is an entry-level resume, including educational qualifications with relevant coursework or projects can add value, especially if they align with the job requirements.

Projects and volunteering: By including projects like the Impact Analysis of Customer Service Technologies, the resume will showcase the candidate’s proactive interest in industry trends and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the company’s goals.

2. Customer service representative resume example

This example is for a mid-level professional with a few years of experience in a fast-paced tech environment. The resume focuses on their ability to solve problems and improve customer service processes.

Solution-oriented approach: Emphasizing a solution-oriented mindset shows that the candidate is proactive in resolving customer issues, a crucial trait for a customer service representative.

Technical proficiency: Listing technical skills reflects the candidate’s capability to handle various customer service tools and technologies, making them a valuable asset to the company.

Achievements: Highlighting leadership in projects, such as a 5% decrease in cancellations with new tactics, demonstrates the candidate’s ability to contribute to efficiency and innovation within the company.

Customer-centric mindset: Adding a section on how the candidate consistently delivers high customer satisfaction or has received positive customer feedback can make this resume stand out.

Continuous learning: Including certifications or ongoing training relevant to customer service can show a commitment to professional growth and stay updated with industry trends.

3. Customer service manager resume example

This resume is for an experienced professional manager with experience leading customer service teams. It highlights the manager’s strategic approach to managing customer relations and driving team success.

Leadership skills : It’s important to show leadership abilities and experience in managing customer service departments. This showcases the candidate’s capacity to lead teams, make strategic decisions, and drive customer service excellence.

Strategic achievements : Highlighting achievements like exceeding the annual revenue target by 30% shows the candidate’s effectiveness in driving business growth.

Process improvement : Including examples of how the candidate has improved processes, such as reducing customer complaint resolution time or enhancing service quality, can add significant value to the resume.

Team development : Mentioning how the candidate has mentored and developed their team, leading to higher performance levels, can showcase their ability to build and maintain a strong customer service team.

4. Retail customer service representative resume example

The resume is tailored for a retail representative, specifically in a virtual support environment. It emphasizes energy and empathy, traits for providing excellent customer service in retail.

This role involves being the primary point of contact between the company and its customers. You’ll represent the company with a friendly demeanor and be available to address any inquiries or concerns they may have.

Energetic and empathetic approach : Highlighting these qualities reflects the candidate’s ability to connect with customers, making them feel valued and understood. It’s particularly important in retail, where customer interactions can directly impact sales and brand loyalty.

Virtual support expertise : Mentioning experience in a virtual support environment showcases the candidate’s adaptability to online and remote customer service platforms. It’s increasingly relevant as more retail operations move online, requiring staff to handle customer inquiries and issues without face-to-face interaction.

Product knowledge : Adding a section highlighting a deep understanding of the retailer’s products or services can further strengthen this resume. Demonstrating that candidates can provide informed and accurate customer advice can set them apart.

Sales skills : Including examples of how the candidate has successfully upsold products or enhanced the customer’s purchase experience can demonstrate their contribution to revenue growth, a critical aspect of retail customer service.

5. Call center customer service representative resume example

This resume is designed for a call center customer service rep in a fast-paced online retail environment. It highlights the dedication and the ability to maintain high customer satisfaction rates.

Dedication to customer service : Focusing on dedication underscores the candidate’s commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality service. This trait is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction in a call center environment, where interactions are often brief and numerous.

Achievements : Remarkably, the candidate can achieve a customer satisfaction rate and handle 700+ calls, exceeding the team average. It shows that the candidate can meet expectations and set a high standard for customer service within the team.

Communication skills : A section emphasizing strong verbal and written communication skills can enhance this resume. Communication is crucial in a call center role, where clarity and the ability to convey information accurately are vital to resolving customer issues.

Team collaboration : It can be beneficial to highlight the candidate’s ability to work well within a team, perhaps by mentioning any involvement in team projects or initiatives that improve overall performance. Teamwork is often vital in a call center environment to ensure consistency in service quality.

Multitasking abilities : Including points about the candidate’s proficiency in multitasking, such as handling multiple customer inquiries simultaneously or managing various communication channels (such as phone, email, chat), can demonstrate their efficiency and capability in a demanding role.

Customer retention : If applicable, adding a point about how the candidate has contributed to customer retention by resolving issues promptly or offering solutions that satisfied customers and encouraged repeat business can further showcase their value to potential employers.

Crafting a winning customer service representative resume

Creating a customer service job resume involves several key elements that can help you stand out to potential employers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each component:

1. Start with a strong summary or objective

Purpose: Begin your resume with a summary or objective statement that quickly captures the hiring manager’s attention. This section should briefly highlight your key achievements and demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs.

Strong summary: A summary should focus on your most significant accomplishments and the unique value you bring to the role. For example, “ Experienced Customer Service Professional with over five years of expertise delivering exceptional support in high-volume call centers. Proven track record in achieving a customer satisfaction rate of 98% and improving response times through innovative solutions .”

Objective statement: An objective statement might be more suitable if you’re new to the field or changing industries. It should outline your career goals and how they align with the company’s mission. For example, “ Motivated individual seeking to leverage strong communication skills and a customer-centric approach to contribute to [Company’s Name] as a Customer Service Representative .”

2. Target your resume to each job description

Tailor your experience: Customize your resume for each job application by aligning your work experience with the specific requirements of the job description. Highlight relevant tasks and achievements that match the employer’s needs.

Keywords and phrases: Carefully read the job description to identify keywords related to the role. Incorporate these keywords throughout your resume, especially in your summary, skills section, and work experience. This can help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the attention of hiring managers.

3. Showcase your customer service skills

Skills section: Create a dedicated skills section listing your hard and soft skills relevant to customer service. Hard skills include proficiency with CRM software, data entry, or conflict resolution techniques, while soft skills involve communication, empathy, and active listening.

Examples: Include specific examples of how you’ve used these skills in past roles. For instance, “ Utilized CRM software to track customer interactions and resolve issues, leading to a 20% reduction in average response time .”

4. Highlight soft skills in addition to hard skills

Importance of soft skills: Soft skills are critical in customer service roles as they involve interpersonal interactions that are challenging to teach. Employers value candidates who possess these skills naturally and can apply them effectively in various situations.

Descriptive keywords: Use descriptive keywords such as “customer-centric,” “problem-solving,” “communication,” “adaptability,” and “empathy” to highlight your soft skills. Provide examples or brief anecdotes to demonstrate how these skills have been applied in your previous roles.

Consider including other relevant soft skills like patience, resilience, and teamwork. For example, “ Demonstrated patience and resilience while handling difficult customer interactions, resulting in improved customer satisfaction scores .”

5. Use action verbs and keywords

Action verbs: Employ a variety of action verbs to keep your resume dynamic and engaging. Words like “executed,” “facilitated,” “resolved,” “addressed,” and “coordinated” can make your accomplishments stand out.

Avoid repetition: Vary your verbs and phrases to avoid repetitiveness and keep the resume interesting. For example, instead of repeatedly using “managed,” you might use “oversaw,” “led,” or “directed” to describe different aspects of your responsibilities.

ATS optimization: Ensure your resume is optimized for ATS by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. This will help your resume pass through initial screenings and reach human recruiters.

5. Format and proofread

Quantify achievements: Quantify your achievements to provide concrete evidence of your success. Numbers, percentages, and specific metrics can make your accomplishments more impactful. For example, “ Increased customer retention by 15% through targeted follow-up strategies .”

Professional formatting: Your resume should be in a clean, professional style with clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent font style. This will make it easy to read and navigate.

Proofread: Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A well-proofread resume reflects attention to detail and professionalism.

Essential customer service skills

1. customer centricity.

Customer centricity is fundamental to building strong relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction. Customer service representatives are the front line of this effort, responsible for creating positive interactions and addressing customer needs.

Highlight your ability to understand and meet customer needs by sharing specific examples. For instance, describe how you identified a customer’s unique requirements and changed your service approach accordingly. Mention instances where your efforts led to customer loyalty or positive feedback.

2. Excellent communication skills

Communication makes customers feel heard and understood. It involves answering questions accurately and conveying information clearly and empathetically.

Provide examples that showcase your communication skills. It can include handling complex queries, resolving misunderstandings, or managing difficult conversations. Highlight instances where your communication led to positive outcomes or resolved challenging situations.

3. Problem-solving skills

Solving problems creatively is essential in a dynamic customer service environment . This skill involves analyzing issues, developing solutions, and implementing them efficiently.

Showcase examples of how you’ve tackled unique or complex issues. Describe your thought process, the solutions you implemented, and the results of your efforts. Emphasize your ability to think critically and find innovative solutions to problems.

4. Time management skills

Prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently ensures that all customer needs are addressed promptly.

Highlight your ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively by sharing examples of how you balanced multiple responsibilities. Describe how you organized your workload, met deadlines, and maintained productivity in a fast-paced environment.

5. Adaptability skills

Representatives must be flexible and responsive to new challenges and evolving customer expectations.

Provide examples of how you’ve adapted to new situations or changes in customer behavior. Highlight your ability to embrace change, learn new processes quickly, and adjust your approach as needed.

6. Leadership skills

For those in managerial or supervisory roles, leadership skills are important for motivating and guiding a team. Influential leaders inspire their teams, manage conflicts, and drive performance.

Showcase your leadership abilities by describing how you’ve led and managed teams. Provide examples of how you motivated team members, handled challenges, and achieved team goals.

7. Teamwork skills

Collaboration and teamwork are crucial in customer service, where representatives often work together to resolve issues and provide support. Effectively working with others enhances the overall customer experience.

Share examples of successful team projects or initiatives to highlight your ability to collaborate and work well in a team environment. Emphasize your role in fostering a positive team dynamic and achieving collective goals.

Resume sections for customer service representatives

Structure your resume with these sections and focus on relevant details. It’ll showcase your qualifications and make you a strong candidate for a customer service position. Tailoring each section to the specific job you’re applying for will further enhance your resume’s impact.

The header is the first section of your resume and serves as an introduction to your professional identity. It should present your name and contact information so potential employers can easily reach you.

Name : Use a bold, larger font for your name to make it stand out.

Contact information : Include your phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn or other relevant online profiles. Ensure that your contact information is up-to-date and professional. Avoid using informal or personal email addresses.

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe

The summary section provides a snapshot of your qualifications and professional background. It’s optional but highly recommended, and it can make your resume more engaging by quickly showcasing your most relevant skills and achievements.

Overview : Briefly summarize your professional experience, key skills, and career accomplishments. Tailor this section to align with the job you’re applying for by including keywords and phrases from the job description.

Tone : Keep it concise, typically 2-3 sentences, and focus on your unique selling points.

• Results-driven customer service representative with over five years of experience managing high-volume customer interactions in fast-paced environments. Adept at problem-solving, maintaining high customer satisfaction rates, and leading initiatives to enhance service quality. Known for solid communication skills and a customer-centric approach.

3. Experience

The experience section is crucial as it details your work history and demonstrates your qualifications for the role. It should highlight your previous job responsibilities, accomplishments, and contributions to past employers.

Job title and company : List your job title, the company name, and dates of employment for each position.

Responsibilities and achievements : Use bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and achievements in each role. Focus on quantifiable accomplishments and specific examples of how you added value.

Tailoring : Customize this section to align with the job you’re applying for by emphasizing experiences and skills that match the job description.

Customer Service Representative

XYZ Tech Solutions, New York, NY

June 2019 – Present

Managed a high volume of customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly, achieving a customer satisfaction rating of 98%.

Implemented a new ticketing system that streamlined issue tracking and reduced resolution time by 25%.

Trained and mentored new team members, leading to a 15% improvement in team performance.

4. Education

The education section provides information about your academic qualifications. It’s important to highlight relevant educational achievements that support your qualifications for the customer service role.

Degree and institution : Include your degree, the institution’s name, and graduation year. If you have relevant certifications or coursework, include those as well.

Relevance : Customize this section to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you have completed any specialized training or courses related to customer service or communication, mention them.

Bachelor of Arts in Communications

University of XYZ, New York, NY

Graduated May 2018

Relevant coursework : Customer service management , Interpersonal Communication

The skills section highlights the specific abilities and competencies that make you a strong candidate for the customer service role. This section should include hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal traits).

Hard skills : Include technical skills relevant to customer service, such as proficiency with CRM software, data entry, or troubleshooting.

Soft skills: Highlight critical interpersonal skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Keywords : Use keywords from the job description to make your resume more likely to pass through ATS and catch the attention of hiring managers.

Customer-centric approach

Effective communication

Problem-solving and conflict resolution

Proficiency in CRM software (Salesforce, Zendesk)

Time management and multitasking

Adaptability and flexibility

Customer service resume templates

Choosing a suitable resume template can significantly impact how potential employers present and perceive your qualifications. Each template type serves a different purpose and suits different experience levels and career goals.

1. Chronological resume template

This template is ideal for customer service professionals with substantial field experience. It emphasizes your work history, showcasing your progression and achievements over time.

Header : Include your name and contact information.

Summary (optional) : A brief overview of your career highlights and key skills.

Experience : List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and working backward. Include job titles, company names, dates of employment, and detailed bullet points outlining your responsibilities and achievements for each role.

Education : Follow with your educational background.

Skills : Conclude with a list of relevant skills.

Advantages:

Demonstrates career progression : Clearly shows how you’ve advanced in your career, making it easy for employers to see your growth and accumulated expertise.

Highlights recent experience : Emphasize your most recent roles, often the most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Disadvantages:

Gaps in employment : May highlight gaps in employment or frequent job changes if they exist.

Less focus on skills : This approach places less emphasis on specific skills or competencies if they are not closely tied to your work history.

2. Functional resume template

This template suits customer service professionals with limited experience or those transitioning from another field. It focuses on skills and qualifications rather than a detailed work history.

Summary (optional ): A brief overview of your career highlights and key skills.

Skills : Group your skills into categories and examples or achievements for each skill category.

Experience : List your work experience briefly or as a summary, emphasizing the skills and accomplishments relevant to the job.

Focuses on skills : Highlights your capabilities and qualifications, which can be helpful if you have limited experience or are changing careers.

Minimizes gaps : Less emphasis on chronological work history can help reduce the impact of gaps or frequent job changes.

Less emphasis on experience : May need to provide more detail about your work history, which can be a drawback if the employer places a high value on experience.

May raise questions : This can raise questions about your work history.

3. Combination resume template

This template is best for customer service professionals who want to highlight their skills and experience. It blends elements of the chronological and functional formats, allowing you to showcase a balanced view of your qualifications.

Summary (optional): A brief overview of your career highlights and key skills.

Skills : List and describe your critical skills, emphasizing hard and soft skills.

Experience : Provide a chronological list of your work history with bullet points detailing your responsibilities and achievements.

Comprehensive view : Provides a well-rounded view of your skills and work history, appealing to employers who value experience and specific abilities.

Flexibility : You can highlight your strongest qualifications while presenting a clear career progression.

Complexity : It can be more complex to organize as it combines elements of both chronological and functional formats.

Potential redundancy : If the document needs to be carefully structured, it may be redundant, especially if the skills and experience sections overlap.Combination resume template

Tips for customer service managers

1. emphasize strategic thinking.

As a customer service manager, aligning your team’s efforts with the company’s broader objectives is crucial. It means understanding the company’s goals and ensuring that your customer service strategies contribute to achieving them. For example, if the company prioritizes customer retention, you should focus on strategies that enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction.

• Critical decision-making: Highlight your ability to think critically and make informed decisions that benefit both the customer and the company. It includes analyzing data, understanding customer behavior, and anticipating future trends. Showcasing examples of how you’ve successfully implemented strategic initiatives in past roles can reinforce your capability in this area.

2. Showcase customer service experience

Hands-on experience: Any manager must have extensive experience in customer service . This experience should include handling complex customer complaints, improving customer satisfaction scores, and leading a team of service representatives. Highlight specific accomplishments, such as resolving high-impact customer issues or implementing a new system that led to measurable improvements in service quality.

Continuous improvement: Customer service managers should also be committed to constant improvement. It could involve regularly assessing the team’s performance, identifying areas for enhancement, and implementing training programs or new technologies to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

3. Demonstrate leadership and team development

Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and customer service expertise are essential. As a manager, you guide your team, set performance standards, and ensure everyone is motivated to achieve their best.

Highlight your leadership style, how you manage your team, and any specific achievements related to team development, such as mentoring junior staff or leading successful team projects.

• Team building: Emphasize your ability to build and maintain a cohesive team. This includes fostering a positive work environment, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring all team members feel valued and supported.

By focusing on these areas, you can present yourself as a well-rounded and outstanding customer service manager, capable of driving success for your team and the company.

Average customer service salaries in the US

Customer service representative salary.

• The average salary for a customer service representative in the US is approximately $40,000 per year. This figure can vary depending on location, industry, and experience level. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with more experience or in specialized industries may earn higher salaries.

Customer service manager salary

• The average salary for customer service managers in the US is around $60,000 per year. Managers typically earn more due to additional responsibilities, such as overseeing teams, implementing customer service strategies, and ensuring overall customer satisfaction. Similar to representatives, salaries can vary based on experience, company size, and geographic location.

Crafting an impactful customer service resume is essential for standing out in a competitive job market. Highlighting relevant experience, showcasing key achievements, and demonstrating proficiency in customer-facing roles can significantly boost your hiring chances.

Leveraging tools like HelpDesk can enhance your effectiveness in customer service roles and your resume. It excels at managing customer inquiries through ticket management, allowing for organized tracking and resolution of cases. It facilitates seamless communication across various channels, automates repetitive tasks, and collects valuable feedback to drive improvements.

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• Customer Service...

Customer Service Representative Job Description

5 min read · Updated on August 15, 2024

Use this customer service job description to craft your resume.

To land a Customer Service Representative job, your resume needs to be designed to get past an employer's ATS and intrigue recruiters and hiring managers. One task that proves highly valuable in meeting these goals is reviewing customer service job descriptions, like the one provided below. 

Customer service job description example

Customer service job descriptions provide you with insights into the work experience , technical and soft skills , and other credentials an employer is seeking. This type of information provides an excellent starting place for what to include in your resume. 

Use the following Customer service job description to guide your resume development . 

Customer Service Representative job description

The Customer Service Representative attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. Process orders, prepare correspondences, and fulfill customer inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction.

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 0-3 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Report to the Customer Service Supervisor. The target is to ensure excellent service standards and maintain high customer satisfaction.

Customer Service Representative duties:

Open and maintain customer accounts by recording account information

Resolve product or service problems by clarifying the customer's complaint, determining the cause of the problem, selecting and explaining the best solution to solve the problem, expediting correction or adjustment, and following up to ensure resolution

Maintain financial accounts by processing customer adjustments

Recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information

Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

Manage large amounts of incoming calls

Generate sales leads

Identify and assess customers' needs to achieve satisfaction

Build sustainable relationships of trust through open and interactive communication

Provide accurate, valid, and complete information by using the right methods and tools

Meet personal and team sales targets and call handling quotas

Handle complaints, provide appropriate solutions and alternatives within the time limits, and follow up to ensure resolution

Keep records of customer interactions, process customer accounts, and file documents

Follow communication procedures, guidelines, and policies

Go the extra mile to engage customers

Resolve customer complaints via phone, email, mail, or social media

Use telephones to reach out to customers and verify account information

Greet customers warmly and ascertain problem or reason for calling

Cancel or upgrade accounts

Assist with placement of orders, refunds, or exchanges

Advise on company information

Take payment information and other pertinent information such as addresses and phone numbers

Place or cancel orders

Answer questions about warranties or terms of sale

Act as the company gatekeeper

Suggest solutions when a product malfunctions

Handle product recalls

Attempt to persuade customer to reconsider cancellation

Inform customer of deals and promotions

Sell products and services

Utilize computer technology to handle high call volumes

Work with customer service manager to ensure proper customer service is being delivered

Close out or open call records

Compile reports on overall customer satisfaction

Read from scripts

Handle changes in policies or renewals

Customer Service Representative requirements:

Proven customer support experience

Track record of over-achieving quota

Strong phone contact handling skills and active listening

Familiar with CRM systems and practices

Customer orientation and ability to adapt and respond to different types of characters

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Ability to multitask, prioritize and manage time effectively

High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred

0-3 years of experience in the field or related area

Customer service job description skills & proficiencies

Here are some of the skills you might find in a customer service job description and, as such, are good to incorporate into your resume:

Customer Service Skills

Product Knowledge

Quality Focus

Market Knowledge

Documentation Skills

Listening Skills

Phone Skills

Resolving Conflict

Negotiation

Positive Attitude

Attention to Detail

People Oriented

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Adaptability

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Computer Skills

Use Customer service job descriptions to land your next job

Use the above customer service job description and other customer service job descriptions online to help you determine what content to include in your resume . Pay attention to the skills and knowledge that you have that aligns with each and create and tailor your resume accordingly. 

Before you submit your new resume to a job opening, TopResume will give it a once-over for you for free ! We'll help you make sure your resume is perfect before you use it .

Recommended Reading:

How to Tailor Your Resume to a Specific Job Description

Customize Your Resume to Stand Out From the Crowd

What's an ATS-Friendly Resume? And How to Write One

Related Articles:

7 Signs Your Resume is Making You Look Old

Software Developer Top Needed Skills

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

See how your resume stacks up.

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• 11 Best Customer Service...

11 Best Customer Service Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

10 min read · Updated on February 16, 2024

The right customer service skills on your resume can lead to promotions

All companies worldwide have one thing in common – they all have customers. This means all companies need to hire people with great customer service skills. 

Some roles will require you to work with internal customers. For example, if you're working in IT, you'll likely have to interact with employees to help them fix computer issues. Those employees are internal customers. Other roles will require you to work with external customers – the people who are buying goods and services from the company. 

A well-crafted resume that highlights your relevant skills for a customer service position will help your resume to beat the applicant tracking system, or ATS , which is the first step to getting your application noticed. 

When you use these 11 best customer service skills in your resume, you'll stand out from the crowd as someone who can work well with others, anticipate needs, and solve problems. 

Use these skills and examples to produce an interview-winning resume. 

11 customer service skills and proficiencies for your resume

It's important to note that there's a difference between hard skills and soft skills . Some of these 11 customer service skills that you can use on your resume fall into the hard skill category, and some of them are soft skills. 

You can tell them apart by identifying which are job-specific skills that allow you to get things done and which are more interpersonal-type skills that allow you to get along well with others. It's important to have a good balance of both skill types. 

Of course, these customer service skills will be in addition to your experience and education, but you can weave the keywords into your these sections. You should also quantify your skills whenever possible, mentioning specific instances and using concrete examples to prove you have experience with each customer service skill on your resume.

Hard skills for a customer service resume 

Since every company has customers who require assistance, modern employers are always seeking people with customer service skills. Here are the four most important hard skills hiring managers want to see on your resume:

1. Product knowledge 

You can't help customers if you know nothing about the product or service being offered by the company. It's critical that you take the time to learn about what's available and how to answer questions about the company's offerings. You may also need to troubleshoot problems with products and offer recommendations to improve the customer journey. 

Here's what that looks like on your resume:

“Increased revenue by 15% by recommending product offering add-ons.”

2. Technical proficiency 

Have you ever heard the acronym CRM? It stands for customer relationship management, and most companies use some type of CRM software to track customer interactions and follow up on leads. This is one of the many ways you can demonstrate technical proficiency in customer service skills on your resume. 

Here's an example of how to include this customer service skill on your resume:

“Used Salesforce to update and maintain a customer database of 200 leads and mapped the customer journey from initiation to close.”

3. Communication technology 

This may seem similar to the technical customer service skills for a resume above; however, it goes a step beyond simply using tools to track customer journeys. This has to do with directly interacting with customers. It could be as simple as using email and multi-line telephones, or more complex, such as using Slack to collaborate with people across the globe. 

Here's how to include communication technology customer service skills on your resume:

“Answered as many as 75 incoming client calls per day using a 6-line telephone system.”

4. Data analysis

One of the best ways to support successful customer interactions is through data analysis . You have to know what's going on in the customer's journey to be able to adequately answer their questions, determine customer trends, and improve customer satisfaction. 

Here's how to write a data analysis customer service skill bullet point on your resume:

“Analyzed and dissected data from disparate sources to identify trends and solve problems, improving customer satisfaction scores by 12%.”

Soft skills for a customer service resume 

Now that you know what hiring managers want to see insomuch as you getting the job done, let's learn what they are looking for regarding interpersonal skills. 

5. Active listening 

Are you the type of person who knows what you want to say in response to someone speaking before they ever finish a sentence? Or do you take the extra initiative to pay attention to nonverbal cues and follow up with clarifying questions to gain a genuine understanding of what someone is saying? If you fall into the latter category, then you practice active listening . That's definitely a customer service skill for your resume!

Here's how to demonstrate active listening on your resume:

“Improved customer service issue resolution time by 15% by actively listening to and paraphrasing customer concerns to get to the root of the problem.”

6. Emotional intelligence 

When you work with customers – whether they are internal or external customers – chances are you're going to come across a situation that requires you to demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence. It's easy, after all, to let our emotions get the best of us, but being that person who can exude compassion in the most challenging situations is something most hiring managers need and want. 

Here's an example of how you can prove you have a high EQ on your resume:

“Built a reputation for de-escalating customer situations by leveraging a high EQ, resulting in a 30% reduction in calls being transferred to supervisors.”

7. Problem-solving 

You can pair problem-solving skills with data analysis skills to showcase your well-roundedness as a job seeker. It's even better if you're able to add the ability to make autonomous decisions after you solve a problem. Either way, hiring managers value people who take the initiative to fix issues rather than someone who passes problems off to others to figure out.

Here's a fantastic example of a way to show off analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making customer service skills in one bullet:

“Turned around lackluster sales by analyzing 3 months' worth of trends to identify problem areas and recommending improvements to closing processes.”

8. Communication 

This is the one that most people get wrong on their resume. It's easy to simply write that you have “good written and verbal communication skills,” but how do you prove it? You write an action-based resume bullet that shows off your ability to communicate clearly and with different types of people.

Here's what that could look like:

“Respected by leaders for being able to clearly articulate complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences, which reduced the number of errors on orders by 30%.”

9. Collaboration 

In today's ever-shrinking world, there will likely come a time when you'll need to talk to someone in a different department, a different company, or even in a different country. If you're capable of working cross-functionally to share knowledge and achieve goals, then you can add collaboration as a customer service skill on your resume.

Here's an example of a resume bullet that shows you know how to collaborate:

“Engaged in regular team meetings to share best practices and worked in a team of 12 people to increase overall efficiency by 10%.”

10. Positivity 

One of the main ways you can make customers happy is by being optimistic, even when pressure is being applied to a situation. If you're able to create positive customer experiences, then they'll likely be more than happy to continue doing business with you and your company.

Here's an example of a positive attitude bullet you can use on your resume:

“Demonstrated a can-do attitude by taking on additional responsibilities and assisting team members during peak times to reduce customer hold times.”

11.  Flexibility 

If there's one constant in life, it's that things will change. Sometimes those changes are things you instigate yourself. Other times, change will be thrust upon you. No matter how changes come up, if you're able to remain flexible, go with the flow, and adjust to change without any major problems, you should consider adding your ability to be flexible to your resume.

“Overcame changing management regimes and adapted to new procedures by adjusting priorities in alignment with new SOPs without sacrificing service delivery to customers.”

Where to put customer service skills on your resume

Most of the customer service skill examples in this article have been related to bullet points. So, you may be assuming that the best place to highlight your customer service skills is in the Professional Experience section of your resume . In fact, you can weave customer service skills into any section of your resume. The key is to find the place where the skill makes the most sense – contextually and grammatically – and add it in. 

Profile section

The Profile part of your resume is at the very top of your resume and includes the title or headline and summary paragraph. You can obviously add the phrase “customer service” into the title or headline, but you can also insert some of the example sentences in this article into your profile paragraph. Use them as inspiration for your own sentences, too - the ones in this article are simply meant to help get your brain juices flowing. 

Skills section

While your Skills section (or Core Competencies) won't contain actual sentences, you can still put some of your customer service skills here. Instead of writing out bullets, though, you'll simply list up to 15 keywords and phrases that make you a good match for a customer service job. 

Professional experience section

Since you are likely using the reverse-chronological format for your resume, you'll want to focus your efforts on writing out the last 10-15 years of experience using action-based bullets, like the ones in the examples in this article. It's also pretty critical that you add numbers every chance you get, so that you show what type of work you've done in the past, as that will give the hiring manager a clue as to what you'll bring to the table for their customers. 

Education and credentials section

If you have little to no experience, you can inject some of your customer service skills into the education section of your resume. You'd do this by including courses you took and by talking about any major projects you may have worked on while in school that allowed you to overcome challenges or work collaboratively with others. 

Chart your path to success

Adding customer service skills to your resume truly can help you to stand out from the crowd. Almost everyone can say that they know how to handle customers, but the actual proof they can do so is often lacking in resumes. When you use these 11 best customer service skills for your resume, you'll create something that will have hiring managers and recruiters blowing up your email with interview offers. 

If you want to make sure that your customer service skills are properly coming through on your resume, let us take a look at it for you. Upload your resume for a free review , where an expert resume writer will go over it and let you know what you need to do.

Recommended reading:

How to Describe Yourself on a Resume (With Examples)

27 Great Resume Headline Examples to Stand Out

Call Center Resume Sample

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The Best Interview Questions for Assessing Customer Service

Exceptional customer service is a key differentiator that can set a company apart. Hiring the right customer service representatives (CSRs) is crucial, as they are often the first point of contact between your business and its customers. Effective customer service not only resolves issues but also builds lasting relationships and fosters customer loyalty. To ensure you select the best candidates, it's essential to employ thoughtful interview questions that reveal a candidate's ability to deliver outstanding service.

Customer Service Interview Questions

• Can you describe a time when you turned an unhappy customer into a satisfied one?
• How do you handle stressful situations, especially when dealing with difficult customers?
• What strategies do you use to manage multiple customer inquiries simultaneously?
• How do you stay motivated during repetitive tasks or long hours?
• Can you provide an example of how you exceeded a customer's expectations?
• How do you prioritize your tasks when assisting customers with varying needs?
• Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a team to solve a customer's problem.
• What do you believe are the key qualities of excellent customer service?
• How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback from supervisors regarding your customer interactions?
• In your opinion, how does good customer service contribute to a company's success?

What to Look for in Answers

Problem-Solving Skills : Look for candidates who demonstrate the ability to effectively identify and resolve customer issues. Their examples should showcase their analytical thinking and resourcefulness.

Emotional Intelligence : Candidates should exhibit empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Assess whether they can understand and respond to customer emotions appropriately.

Communication Skills : Strong verbal and written communication abilities are essential. Pay attention to how clearly and effectively they convey their thoughts and solutions.

Adaptability : The ability to adjust to different customer personalities and unexpected challenges is crucial. Look for flexibility in their approaches and willingness to learn.

Customer-Centric Attitude : Candidates should prioritize customer satisfaction and demonstrate a genuine interest in helping others. Their answers should reflect a commitment to providing exceptional service.

Team Collaboration : Effective customer service often involves working with others. Assess their ability to collaborate and support team efforts in resolving customer issues.

Time Management : Handling multiple tasks efficiently is important in customer service roles. Look for examples that highlight their ability to prioritize and manage their time effectively.

Tips for Evaluating Customer Service During the Hiring Process

Assess Soft Skills

Customer service roles demand strong interpersonal skills. Pay close attention to candidates' communication styles, empathy levels, and ability to build rapport during the interview.

Role-Playing Scenarios

Implement role-playing exercises to simulate customer interactions. This hands-on method allows you to observe candidates' responses and assess their problem-solving and interpersonal skills in real-time.

Check References Thoroughly

Reach out to previous employers to verify candidates' customer service capabilities. References can provide valuable information about their work ethic, reliability, and effectiveness in customer-facing roles.

Evaluate Cultural Fit

Ensure that candidates align with your company's values and culture. A good cultural fit enhances teamwork and ensures that employees are motivated to uphold the company's standards for customer service.

Test Technical Proficiency

Depending on the role, proficiency with customer service software and tools may be necessary. Assess candidates' technical skills to ensure they can efficiently utilize the platforms your company employs.

Selecting the right customer service representatives is vital for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and fostering long-term loyalty. By asking targeted interview questions, carefully evaluating candidate responses, and employing effective assessment strategies, you can identify individuals who possess the necessary skills and attitudes to excel in customer service roles. Investing time and effort into a thorough hiring process ensures that your team is equipped to provide exceptional service, ultimately contributing to your company's success and reputation.

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