When applying for jobs in customer service there are a number of key features which should be present in your CV to showcase your knowledge, skills and abilities. These can be presented in various ways and are dependent on the role, company and industry you are applying for.
You can make a start on your customer service CV by downloading one of our free CV templates. Remember, the more senior the role the more necessary the features discussed in this article will be in your customer service CV.
CV tips for Customer Service Professionals
Customer Service personality traits
It is always good to show that this is your chosen profession and that you have a passion for customer service. It is a very difficult role if you cannot take rejection or have a lack confidence or assertion. Some of the core competencies that would be most prominent on a customer services CV would be:
• Confidence
• Clear communication skills
• Welcoming personality
• Assertion
• Rapport/relationship building skills
• Helpful
• Energetic
• Interpersonal skills
• Driven
Communication skills
Communication is key for dealing with the general public. You need to show that you are a good communicator over the phone, e-mail and in person.
If you can describe how busy your previous roles were by adding some numbers against them, this will provide the prospective employer with context of your experience to date.
You could also add core competencies in this area to your personal profile such as – personable, approachable, friendly, calm under pressure.
Relationship building skills
Customer service is all about building relationships and fostering those to ensure a good customer experience. For this reason, showing this core competence throughout your CV will increase your success of being called for interview. If you have received positive formal feedback from customers, it would be great to be able to show this in your CV.
Target driven
Many customer service roles have targets attached to them and you need to demonstrate that you are experienced and comfortable working in that environment. Even better if you can show that working to targets and deadlines energises you and you have achieved these targets in the past.
Administration and teamwork skills
For customer services roles, you need to be able to show are accustomed to working with other departments and as part of a team also.
Dealing with customer complaints
If possible it is good to show that you are familiar at dealing with customer complaints in a prompt, professional and calm manner. If you can demonstrate your own leadership qualities in this area it would be beneficial. Show that you can manage difficult situations yourself without being hand held and getting stressed.
Knowledge of the industry in which you are applying
You will see in the job specification that knowledge of the industry is a distinct advantage when applying for the role. Display how you know the industry if you have worked in it in the past.
If you have not, show transferable skills such as an ability to get up to speed quickly and technical skills in one area that show a competence for learning in a new area. You can also show a general interest in the area in your cover letter by doing your research. Research the industry/company and try and use their terminology where possible throughout your application process.
Gillian Knight is the MD of Kala Management Solutions and has extensive experience within the field of HR. She has assisted thousands of people write job winning CVs as well providing one to one interview coaching to job seekers.