There is a definite benefit to demonstrating your customer service skill set rather than just listing the said skill on your resume, particularly in light of the competitive job market. To set yourself apart you need to expand on problem-solving or critical thinking skills and how they have applied to your employment history to make them valuable.
Enhance Skills
Rather than just listing customer service skills as one of your many skills, try something like this:
- "Dedicated customer service representative known for ability to resolve customer issues and elevate satisfaction levels."
- "Courteously responded to customer’s needs and addressed any concerns in a timely manner."
It reads much better than this:
- Customer service skills
Now you have enhanced on your skills, it is time to get down to specifics. Use phrases such as the following to help you get started.
- "Handled over 150 calls daily."
- "Achieved customer satisfaction ratio of 95% within first six months."
Try to keep the focus on the organisation rather than on yourself where possible so the benefits are clear and obvious. Then, identify some of the key skills needed by your prospective employer and touch upon how your precise skills can solve their particular needs. Numbers and percentages are particularly helpful here.
Focus on Keywords
Keywords are important but should always be used for their relevance. Words like ‘customer relationship management’, ‘customer service representative’, ‘helpdesk support’, ‘customer care’, and ‘customer support’ are all helpful depending on the position you are interested in. Use power words where applicable to strengthen the overall image you are trying to portray.
Keep It Real
No matter how tempted you are to embellish your resume to make your position sound better, don’t do it! There are ways you can word your resume so your skills are presented at their best without resorting to falsification. Chances are you will be caught out in the end.
Be Clear
One thing you always need to remember is that your resume needs to be understood at first glance. If a person in the customer service industry is not even sure why you have applied for their position because you aren’t an obvious match, then your resume unquestionably needs some more work. Remove clutter and streamline as best you can.
These days, a single job posting can receive hundreds (if not thousands) of applications for a single position. To help them sort through the sometimes overwhelming number of resumes they receive, both employers and hiring companies are using automated software to trim down the list of applicants.
Accentuate your skills and display how they align with both your previous positions and the one you are currently applying for. A well thought out and well-written resume is your only chance to get an interview, so don’t let the opportunity go to waste.
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