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Customer Service Representative Job Description

4 min read · Updated on September 02, 2021

In order to ensure your professional resume will support your goals, use this customer service representative job description to inform what you should highlight on your resume.

By reviewing job description examples for customer service representatives, you'll be able to identify what technical and soft skills , credentials, and work experience matter most to an employer in your target field.

Customer service representative job description

The Customer Service Representative attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; 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. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. 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; 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/tools

Meet personal/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/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

Customer service representative skills & proficiencies:

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

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

Why a Simple Resume Layout is a Successful Resume

Software Developer Top Needed Skills

See how your resume stacks up.

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26 Customer Service Resume Examples for 2024

Customer Service Resume

• Customer Service Resumes by Experience
• Customer Service Resumes by Role
• 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 26 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.

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.

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!

Customer Service Resume [2024] - Examples & Guide

Looks great, right?! Follow the steps below to create a resume that’ll have employers in a frenzy to hire you.

You’re a customer service representative.

You keep customers satisfied by providing solutions to their concerns.

But now it’s time to ease your future employer’s concerns by providing a resume that shows your value as a customer service employee.

This involves highlighting your most notable skills and experiences.

Not sure how to do this?

Well, just follow the simple steps in this guide.

• An example of a finished customer service resume that works
• How to write a customer service resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make a customer service resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Before we get into the details, you can check the customer service resume example at the top, created with our very own resume builder .

Looking fore more specific resume examples? Check out this list of customer service resume examples:

• Barista Resume
• Bartender Resume
• Server Resume
• Waiter Resume
• Receptionist Resume
• Cashier Resume
• Event Planner Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Bar and Restaurant Manager Resume

How to Format a Customer Service Resume

Before you can serve the hiring manager, you need to organize your work station!

But what do we mean by this?

Well, just like your work station, your resume needs to be arranged in a way that doesn’t lead to confusion and delays.

Choosing the correct resume format allows the hiring manager to instantly see your most notable achievements, instead of having to hunt for them. 

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ”, and it is one that we always recommend to customer service representatives. 

The following two resume formats also get our approval…

• Functional Resume – If you’ve got the natural talent to help customers, but lack the hands-on experience, this resume format is recommended. A functional resume focuses on skills, which makes it ideal for those who lack experience or who have gaps in their employment history.
• Combination Resume – Have previous experience in the customer service industry? Then you may want to use this format. Specifically, the format combines both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”.

Use a Customer Service Resume Template

Right, time to fire-up your text editor and get typing!

But wait there.

Although great for creating simple files, there are better alternatives when creating a customer service resume. 

You see, text editors don’t hold its structure, which can result in layout breakages.

Want to avoid an afternoon of headache? Use a customer service resume template. You can tailor any of the following resume templates for a customer service specialist resume.

What to Include in a Customer Service Resume

The main sections in a customer service resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information

To really make an impression, you can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification
• Volunteer Experience

Interests & Hobbies

So those are the customer service resume sections , but what do you write for each of them? 

Let’s find out!

Want to know more about the different sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

You should treat your contact section with the same care that you treat your customers.

Failure to do so could result in misspellings and wrong numbers, which makes it impossible for the recruiter to offer you an interview! 

The contact information section on your resume must include:

• Professional Title – Align this to the role you’re applying for, so “Customer Service Assistant”
• Phone Number – Check each number carefully
• Email Address – Keep your email professional ([email protected]), unlike that one from your childhood ([email protected]).
• Location – City+Country
• Optional - relevant social media
• Joe Blogs - Customer Service Assistant. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Joe Blogs - Customer Service Hero. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Customer Service Resume Summary or Objective

Establishments are always on the lookout for customer service representatives.

But this fact only makes competition more intense.

And with this in mind, we shouldn’t be surprised that recruiters spend just a few seconds on each resume.

If only there was a way to get the recruiter hooked and read through your whole resume?

Fortunately, you can this with a resume summary or objective .

As a customer service representative, you know that friendly introductions go a long way. Similarly, both resume summaries and objectives are short paragraphs that introduce your skills and experiences. 

But what is the difference between a summary and an objective?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your most notable restaurant experiences and achievements.

• Enthusiastic customer service representative with five years of retail experience responding to all manner of customer inquiries. Career highlights included being awarded “Employee of the Month” for 36 months out of 48 months and receiving 99% positive customer survey results at XYZ Convenience. Seeking a role at ABC Tech, where my service skills can be leveraged to achieve and maintain the highest level of customer service.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your goals and aspirations.

• Passionate and hard-working student working towards graduating with a BA in History from UT Austin. Relevant experience includes serving customers in a campus bar. Eager to become the new customer service representative role at XYZ Tech to leverage interpersonal skills for the highest quality of service.

Got relevant work experience? Use a resume summary. 

Got the skills, but can’t back it up with experience? Use a resume objective.  

How to Make Your Customer Service Work Experience Stand Out

Recruiters hate nothing more than risk.

You see, their job is on the line if they hire the wrong person.

As such, you need to prove you have what it takes, and your work experience section is the easiest way to do that

Here’s the best way for customer service representatives to structure the work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Customer Service Representative 

YXZ Convenience Store

03/2017 - 04/2021

• Achieved highest up-sell rates in both 2017 (2.8%) and 2019 (3.2%)
• Worked at the customer information desk for 10+ hour shifts
• Welcomed 1000+ customers during store opening event
• Won “Employee of the Month” three months in a row by engaging with customers in personal, yet professional manner

The key here is to showcase how valuable you were to your previous employer. Doing so will have companies competing against each other for your skills.

Instead of saying…

“Spoke to all customers”

“Won “Employee of the Month” three months in a row by engaging with customers in personal, yet professional manner”

Simply put, the first sentence states that you spoke with customers, but it doesn’t say whether you were successful in doing so.  

The second statement goes into more detail and backs-up your claims with awards.

What if You Don’t Have Any Work Experience?

Maybe you’re a student looking for their first customer service job?

Or maybe, you have experience in the field, but never in a retail environment?

Don’t worry, as there are ways to get around this.

All you need are the core job skills and a willingness to learn.

And you can showcase this with related job experience or school projects. 

For example, if you’ve ever worked as a cashier, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a customer service representative, you were friendly, dealt with customers concerns, and operated a POS/computer. 

Use Action Words to Make Your Customer Service Resume POP!

Let’s image that you’re a job recruiter.

Sitting down to read the same generic resumes, one after another.

No one stands out. In fact, all resumes are blending into one.

This exercise highlights the importance of making your resume different from the other applicants. 

One of the best ways to do this is to use power words :

How to Correctly List your Education

After showcasing your experiences, you should delve into your education to date. 

There’s no magic tricks with this section, just enter your education history in this format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University/School Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

High School Diploma

Lynbrook High School, California

Graduated 2018

Still concerned about your education section?

The answers below may help you:

What if I haven’t finished my current education yet?

• No problem. Just mention your education to date

Should I include my high school education?

• It’s recommended to only include your highest form of education. If that’s your high school diploma, then list it

What do I put first, my education or experience?

• For a bartender role, your experiences always come first 

Need more advice? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a Customer Service Resume

Whether you’re skilled enough to multi-task while on the phone or operate POS systems with ease, the recruiter is waiting to find out. 

However… to keep your resume to one page, you can’t list every skill you own.

So, which skills don’t make the cut?

It comes down to looking at the job description to identify what the company wants from their new customer service representative. 

Will the specific skill be beneficial to the company?

If so, list it!

For some inspiration, here are some of the best customer service resume skills:

Hard Skills for Customer Service Professionals:

• Computer Skills
• Mathematical Skills
• Product Knowledge
• Point of Sale (POS) Systems

Soft Skills for Customer Service Professionals:

• Personable and friendly 
• Endurance (long hours)
• Conflict resolution 
• Time management 
• Team player
• The hiring manager will typically ask interviewees for examples of when they have shown the skill listed. As such, only include skills that you actually posses.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 100+ must-have skills this year .

What Else Can You Include?

Ask yourself one question..

Is your resume the BEST it can be?

Although we have completed every essential resume section, we have to do everything it takes to win that interview.

Adding the following sections could be the deciding factor in whether you’re interviewed for the customer service representative role or not.

Awards & Certifications

Have you ever won an employee of the year (or month) award?

Have you completed any additional courses to expand your knowledge?

Whether it’s an award or certification, make space for this section if you have something that you’re proud of.

Here are some quick example:

• Employee of the Year 2019 – XYZ Convenience 
• Learning How to Learn – Coursera Certificate

Applying to an establishment in China Town?

Then being fluent in Mandarin is a good way to shortcut your resume to the top of the pile.

Whether the job description requires it or not, being able to speak multiple languages is impressive – and no one can argue with that!

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “how does my love of animals affect my customer service skills?”

Well, it doesn’t.

But employers want customer service representatives who will fit in with the rest of the staff.

Your hobbies allow the hiring manager to see behind your qualifications and learn more about who you REALLY are.

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

As a customer service representative, you need to leave a positive impression.

Your application is no different.

And the best way to leave an unforgettable impression is to write a convincing cover letter.

You see, resumes give the vital information, but nothing speaks to a recruiter like a cover letter that delves deeper into who you are and why you want the job.

Here’s how to create a structure that works.

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Include your full name, profession, phone number, email, and address 

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Include their full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

To hook the hiring manager, the start of your resume needs to pack a punch. Use concise language to mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you’ve sparked the hiring manager’s interest, you can delve further into the following specifics:

• Why you chose this specific establishment
• What you know about the establishment’s culture
• How your skills will be beneficial to the establishment
• If you have worked in similar industries or positions before

Closing Paragraph

Avoid ending the conversation abruptly, you should:

• Conclude the main points of your letter
• Thank the hiring manager for their time and the opportunity
• End with a call to action. This is a good way to continue the conversation further. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help XYZ with...” will work.

Formal Salutations

Although this letter shows your personal side, the letter should end professionally. Use something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For extra advice and inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

You know your customer service skills are good enough to get the job.

And if you follow the above advice, the recruiter will know that too!

Let’s conclude what we’ve learnt:

• The resume format needs to suit your specific situation. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the content layout tips
• Use an attention-grabbing resume summary or objective
• In your work experience section, show your value by highlighting your most relevant and best achievements, rather than day-to-day duties
• Attach a convincing cover letter for a personable application

That was a lot of information, but now you’re all set to make a Customer Service resume of your own!

Suggested Reading:

• Resume Keywords and How to Use Them
• Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume in 2024?
• The Best Strategy for Getting a Raise [+Examples]

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• Career Blog

Customer Service Representative Resume: Example and Tips

As a customer service representative, your resume is your ticket to landing the job you want. It’s the first impression you make on prospective employers and it can make or break your chances of getting hired. That’s why it’s essential to craft a stellar resume that showcases your skills, experience, and accomplishments.

A well-crafted customer service representative resume can mean the difference between getting lost in the shuffle or standing out from the crowd. It’s not just a list of your previous job titles and duties; it’s a marketing tool that can demonstrate how you can be an asset to the organization.

By crafting a comprehensive and tailored resume, you can highlight your unique qualities as a customer service representative. This could include your ability to effectively communicate with clients, your problem-solving skills, or your expertise in a specific industry.

A well-crafted customer service representative resume can also help you secure the job you want by presenting yourself as a qualified professional. By using targeted keywords and highlighting your accomplishments, you can make a strong case that you are the best candidate for the position.

In this article, we will cover example and tips to help you craft the perfect customer service representative resume. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your career, this guide will help you create a resume that will stand out from the crowd and get you one step closer to your dream job.

Essential Elements for Customer Service Representative Resume

When writing a customer service representative (CSR) resume, there are several essential elements that must be included to ensure its effectiveness. These elements are crucial in providing a clear overview of the candidate’s qualifications and experience, making it easier for hiring managers to assess their suitability for the role. Let’s take a closer look at each of these elements:

A. Contact Information

Contact information must be included at the top of your resume to make it easy for employers to contact you. This includes your full name, phone number, email address, and location. Including a professional email address is essential, as employers may view unprofessional email addresses as a sign of lack of professionalism.

B. Resume Summary

A well-written summary should grab the employer’s attention and provide a quick overview of the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience. This section boosts the candidate’s chances of getting hired by quickly highlighting their most relevant and impressive attributes. A strong summary should be concise, clearly communicate the candidate’s value, and leave a lasting impression on the employer.

C. Work Experience

One of the most important sections on a CSR resume is the work experience section. This is where you must highlight your previous work experience and demonstrate your ability to handle various customer service-related tasks. You should include the names of previous employers, the dates of employment, job titles, and a detailed list of responsibilities and accomplishments.

D. Education

Although not all customer service roles require a degree, including your education history is still essential. This section should highlight your academic achievements, including your degree, major, and any relevant certifications. Including relevant coursework or extracurricular activities can also be beneficial and show that you possess a strong work ethic.

Skills are another essential element for a CSR resume, as they dictate how well you can perform the job. You should include both hard and soft skills, such as Microsoft Office proficiency or excellent communication skills. Highlighting your skills can help you stand out from other candidates, and show that you are an ideal fit for the job.

A well-written CSR resume should include the candidate’s contact information, a strong resume summary, work experience, education, and skills. Including these elements will ensure that the resume stands out, and increases the candidate’s chances of securing a customer service position.

How to Write a Customer Service Representative Resume

If you want your resume to stand out from the rest, it’s crucial to tailor it to the job description. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

A. Tailoring your resume to the job description

Read the job posting carefully and make sure you understand the employer’s needs. Then, highlight the skills and experience that match those needs. Use the same language and keywords that are in the job description to make sure your resume is optimized for the employer’s applicant tracking system (ATS).

B. Choosing the right format

When it comes to formatting your resume, there are a few options to consider. For a customer service role, a functional or hybrid format that emphasizes your skills and achievements may be the best choice. Make sure your layout is easy to read and visually appealing.

C. Using action verbs

Using action verbs will make your achievements stand out and give your resume more impact. Choose strong verbs that convey action and accomplishment, such as “resolved,” “achieved,” or “improved.”

D. Highlighting achievements

Be sure to highlight your most significant achievements in your resume. Use specific metrics and numbers to quantify your success, such as “increased customer satisfaction by 30 percent” or “resolved an average of 50 customer inquiries per day.”

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a winning customer service representative resume.

Customer Service Representative Resume: Example

When it comes to applying for a customer service representative role, your resume is your chance to make a strong first impression on potential employers. Here are two examples of effective customer service representative resumes:

A. Sample 1

B. sample 2, tips for an effective customer service representative resume.

When crafting your resume, it’s important to highlight your skills and experience in a way that will make you stand out from other applicants. Here are some tips that will help you create an effective customer service representative resume:

A. Use industry-specific keywords

To ensure your resume gets noticed, it’s important to use specific keywords related to the customer service industry, such as “customer satisfaction,” “customer experience,” and “problem-solving.” These keywords will help you pass automated screening tools and show that you have a strong grasp of the industry and its terminology.

B. Highlight soft skills

In addition to technical skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office or other software, it’s important to highlight the soft skills that are essential for customer service representatives. These include communication skills, problem-solving ability, empathy, and a positive attitude. Soft skills are highly valued in the customer service industry, so make sure to showcase them in your resume.

C. Quantify your achievements

Employers are interested in candidates who can demonstrate their ability to achieve results. To make your accomplishments stand out, quantify them with specific numbers and statistics. For example, you could highlight how you improved customer satisfaction by a specific percentage, or how you reduced customer wait time by a certain amount.

D. Customize your resume for each application

It’s important to customize your resume for each application, tailoring your resume to the specific job description and requirements. This will show employers that you have taken the time to understand the job and its needs, and are serious about the position. Use industry-specific keywords, highlight relevant experiences, and adjust your summary or objective to reflect the job you are applying for.

By following these tips, you can create an effective customer service representative resume that showcases your skills, experience, and accomplishments, and helps you land your dream job.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Customer Service Representative Resume

When crafting a customer service representative resume, avoid the following common mistakes:

A. Spelling and Grammatical Errors

Even if you have impressive experience and skills, spelling or grammatical errors can detract from your credibility and suggest a lack of attention to detail. Proofread your resume thoroughly and ask a trusted friend, colleague, or professional proofreader to review it as well.

B. Vague Statements

Your resume should clearly and concisely communicate your relevant experience and skills. Avoid vague statements such as “excellent communication skills” or “strong problem-solving abilities.” Instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate these qualities.

C. Including Irrelevant Information

While it may be tempting to include every job you have ever had or every skill you possess, only include information that is relevant to the role you are applying for. This will make your resume more focused and effective.

D. Overselling Yourself

While it’s important to highlight your strengths and accomplishments, avoid overselling yourself. Focus on concrete achievements and experiences, instead of making grandiose claims about your abilities or potential. Also, limit your resume to a reasonable length, so as to not overwhelm the reader.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the effectiveness of your customer service representative resume and stand out to potential employers.

Customer Service Representative Job Description

The role of a customer service representative is vital for any company’s success. They serve as the first point of contact for customers, ensuring that their inquiries and concerns are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.

A. Overview of the role

As a customer service representative, you will be responsible for interacting with customers through various communication channels, such as phone, email, or chat. Your primary goal is to provide excellent customer service by answering questions, resolving complaints, and offering solutions to customers’ problems.

B. Key responsibilities

• Responding to customer inquiries and providing information about products or services
• Resolving customer complaints and requests by investigating, analyzing, and resolving problems in a timely manner
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with customers to ensure customer loyalty and retention
• Recording and managing customer interactions and transactions
• Collaborating with other departments to resolve complex issues and improve overall customer satisfaction

C. Required skills and qualifications

To be successful as a customer service representative, you should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Empathy and the ability to understand and connect with customers’ needs and concerns
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience in a customer-facing role or similar customer service position
• Proficiency in using computer and software programs, such as Microsoft Office or customer relationship management tools

A successful customer service representative plays a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining the company’s reputation. By possessing the required skills and qualifications, they can effectively manage customer interactions and build long-lasting relationships with clients while contributing to the company’s growth and success.

Preparing for a Customer Service Representative Interview

As an experienced Customer Service Representative, it’s important to prepare yourself thoroughly for your next job interview. Apart from having a well-crafted resume, it’s essential to understand the company culture, research the role and company, and practice common interview questions.

A. Understanding the Company Culture

Before attending an interview, it’s essential to understand and research the company culture. Every company has a unique set of values, mission, and vision, which reflect its culture. Knowing the company culture can help you understand the customer service representatives’ role within the organization and assist you in answering potential interview questions.

Some key questions to understand their culture include:

• How do they present their brand to consumers?
• What values do they hold, and how do they reflect these in their customer service?
• What are the company’s goals?

By answering these essential questions, you’ll have a better understanding of the company’s desired culture and its impact on the customer service team.

B. Researching the Role and Company

It’s essential to research the role and company before heading into an interview. Ensure that you understand the job requirements, including the key skills and qualifications necessary for the position. It’s also crucial to research the company and its industry offerings.

Consider the following:

• What are the organization’s products or services?
• Who are the company’s competitors, and how do they compare?
• What is the history of the company?

Knowing the answers to these questions can demonstrate your interest in the company during the interview, making you a more attractive candidate.

C. Practicing Common Interview Questions

Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to answering common interview questions. Prepare yourself for potential interview questions by researching common queries and practicing your answers.

Here are some common customer service representative interview questions that you should consider practicing:

• How do you deal with difficult customers?
• What is your understanding of excellent customer service?
• How do you handle multiple tasks simultaneously?

By practicing your answers, you’ll increase your confidence and ensure that you’re adequately prepared for any question that comes your way during the interview.

Preparing for a customer service representative interview is crucial to increasing your chances of landing the role. Ensure that you understand the company culture, research the company and role, and practice answering common interview questions. By doing so, you will be well-equipped to show your skills and suitability for the role during the interview.

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• Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Customer Service Representative Resumes:

• Respond to customer inquiries via phone, email, and chat
• Resolve customer complaints and issues in a timely and professional manner
• Process orders, returns, and exchanges
• Provide product information and recommendations to customers
• Maintain accurate customer records and order information in CRM system
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure customer satisfaction
• Identify and escalate complex issues to senior customer service representatives or managers
• Participate in training and development programs to improve customer service skills
• Meet or exceed performance metrics such as response time, resolution rate, and customer satisfaction scores
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve processes and procedures to enhance the customer experience.

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

Customer Service Representative Resume Example:

• Reduced customer complaint resolution time by 37% through developing effective customer relationship management strategies.
• Achieved significant increase in customer satisfaction through proactive customer service methods.
• Managed successful relationships with customers by responding swiftly to inquiries and using quality assurance to maintain efficiency.
• Researched and implemented operational strategies that supported KPIs and significantly improved customer experience
• Earned recognition for exemplary customer service through successfully managing product changes across organization
• Proactively identified customer needs, successfully promoting and cross selling products to support organizational requirements
• Designed and launched a customer feedback program that resulted in a 27% growth in customer loyalty;
• Integrated customer service data with customer Relationship Management software, improving work efficiency by 32%;
• Quickly addressed and solved customer inquiries, reducing response time by 45%.
• Customer Relationship Management
• Proactive Customer Service
• Quality Assurance
• KPI Management
• Data Integration
• Customer Feedback
• Cross-selling
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Product Knowledge
• Conflict Resolution
• Active Listening
• Documentation
• Organizational Skills
• Interpersonal Communication
• Empathy & Compassion
• Communication

Top Skills & Keywords for Customer Service Representative Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Customer Service Software (e.g. Zendesk, Freshdesk)
• Communication Skills
• Multitasking
• Sales Skills
• Technical Troubleshooting
• Typing Speed
• Knowledge of CRM Systems

Soft Skills

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Active Listening and Empathy
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Patience and Tolerance
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• Customer-Centric Mindset
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• Positive Attitude and Enthusiasm
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Building

Resume Action Verbs for Customer Service Representatives:

• Communicated
• Collaborated
• Prioritized
• Followed up
• Facilitated
• Investigated
• Coordinated

Generate Your Resume Summary

Resume FAQs for Customer Service Representatives:

How long should i make my customer service representative resume, what is the best way to format a customer service representative resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a customer service representative resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a customer service representative, compare your customer service representative resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Customer Service Representative job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Customer Service Representatives:

Customer service specialist, customer service associate, customer service coordinator, customer service lead, customer service executive, customer support specialist, customer service manager, senior customer service manager.