How to Become a Customer Service Rep

How to Become a Customer Service Rep

If helping people is your passion, this role is the perfect one for you. 

Have you ever hung up on a customer service call and thought, "YIKES. I could've handled that so much better..."

…You're probably right. And if you're considering entering the customer service field, we want to give you the exact tools you need to find success.

While many are entry-level, customer service rep jobs are one of the smartest and most strategic roles you can score, as they give you direct experience with the "soft" skills that every industry is currently chasing. Think customer management, phone skills, and task speed management, as well as harder skills, like data entry.

Plus, most customer service rep jobs available today offer benefits, flexible working environments, and opportunities to grow.

(Why aren't more people talking about this?)

There's no better time to become a customer service rep. Read on to learn more about why the role's great, what you'll do in the role, and how you can land your next customer service job.

Why Customer Service Rep Jobs Are Way Better Than (Most) People Think

Customer service doesn't always have to mean that you're trapped in a cubicle getting yelled at by clients. In fact, the early days of customer service are part of the reason those jobs get such a bad rap today.

Here's what customer service jobs ACTUALLY offer employees, beyond the benefit of working from your living room sofa.

• They're beginner-friendly and offer serious upward mobility. Most positions only require a high school diploma, and the skills you'll build at these places open doors across industries and across your career.
• You'll develop skills that every employer wants. Communication, problem-solving, staying calm under pressure, and multitasking are essential soft skills that make you promotable and hireable.
• Remote work is actually common. Unlike other entry-level jobs that require you to show up in person, many customer service positions are either hybrid or fully remote.
• Job security is real. Every company needs customer service, even if they don't know it yet. Other job needs may wax and wane, but a company's clients are its bread and butter. This means opportunities in the customer service space are everywhere, all the time.
• You genuinely make people's days better. We won't lie. You might run into some particularly difficult clients on the job, ranging from confusing to downright frustrating, but you'll enjoy the resolution that comes from being the person who fixes the problem for good. You won't often find that in other entry-level jobs.

TL;DR: Customer service isn't a dead-end gig. It's a career, a launch pad, and a strategic tool for those smart enough to take it. Don't let the memes deter you from chasing remote customer service rep jobs. 

Skills You Need to Succeed as a Customer Service Rep 

Don’t let imposter syndrome get in the way of your next career move. You’re likely more qualified than you think you are for this role. 

Here are a few of the skills that are essential for job success: 

• Strong communication skills. We know, we know. Every job says this. But in this type of work, it REALLY matters. You have to be able to talk to people without making it weird, even when the situation is tense.
• A cool head. It sounds like a given now, but trust us: This is easier said than done when the rubber meets the road on a customer service rep call.
• Critical thinking skills. When your WiFi stops working, what do you do? If your answer is put on your tech support “hat” and keep trying, you're likely cut out for this job.
• Technology skills. Today's global workforce runs in the cloud. If you're tech-savvy, you're a shoo-in. And no, not everyone is.
• Multitasking skills. The caveat to this skill would be *good multitasking skills. Anyone can do a million things...somewhat satisfactorily. But can you thrive while talking to a client on the phone, writing up their summary, answering that Slack ping, and setting up a screenshare? That's the real question.

Pro tip: When it comes to getting your customer service rep job, the trick isn't just having these skills, it's knowing how to talk about them and market yourself, too. Sell yourself, your abilities, and your personal brand in a story, and lead off with the change you made at your old job or when you were in school. For example: "I'm good with people" sounds a lot better when you couch it in the story of how you helped your elderly neighbor figure out her Amazon return.

The What and Where of a Customer Service Rep Job 

The good news is, most jobs don't require formal education, classes, or certs. You just need your high school diploma (or GED) and a willingness to learn. 

Once you're ready to apply, spread your time between job boards, actual company websites, and staffing agencies. All are fantastic places to find a well-paying customer service gig. 

Takeaway 

Customer service is all about communication, so why apply with a boring resume that says nothing about how you actually communicate?

We'll be honest: The competition out there is fierce, especially for roles that are hybrid or WFH. You need an application package that helps you stand out from the crowd and pushes your personal brand. 

Enter: The video resume. 

A video resume lets you show employers your personality, energy, and conversation skills, which is exactly what companies are looking for in a potential customer service rep hire. Connect today and create your FREE video resume with Real Hire: The get-a-job tool for the modern-day seeker.