Don’t be a customer service job FAIL
Ah, customer service. We’ve all experienced the miserable-looking cashier at the local grocery store and the call center rep who could care less about your non-functioning cable box. Encountering people who aren’t good at their customer service jobs often affects the way we feel about that company. Just one bad seed can ruin a company’s image for a customer.
We don’t want you to be that bad seed. So here’s a list of personal qualities you’ll need to have before you even think of applying for that customer service job.
Patience
In the world of customer service jobs, patience isn’t a virtue. It’s a job requirement. You can’t pitch a fit because that little old lady paying in pennies is cutting into your break time. And giving a loud sigh over the phone when someone is having trouble finding his account number isn’t acceptable either. It helps to put yourself in the customer’s shoes and sympathize. How would you feel if the washing machine you just bought chewed up your favorite shirt and you couldn’t find the receipt?
High energy
You don’t need to act like you’ve been downing energy drinks all morning, but giving the customers a nice smile and a friendly “hello” shouldn’t deplete your energy reserves. customer service jobs aren’t just about ringing up purchases or finding that yellow shirt in a large; companies want you to be the face of the company to all the customers that enter that store. Make sure you have the energy to do your customer service job well.
Helpfulness
Yes, you need to actually want to help people. You’d think this one was obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people apply for jobs in customer service and don’t even like helping others. You wouldn’t want to be a doctor if you fainted at the sight of blood, or work as a teacher if you didn’t like children. So why take a job in customer service if you don’t want to work with customers?
Ability to learn
You’ll need to pick up things pretty quickly in any customer service job. Whether it’s manning the cash register, remembering which products are on which aisles or operating a complicated phone system, your duties will probably require you to learn new skills. You don’t want customers asking you if it’s your first day after six months. Practice good listening skills and ask questions if you don’t understand.
Think you have what it takes to tackle a job in customer service? Start your search for a customer service job today!