What skills do you need to be a customer service representative?
WANT a flexible job, with hours to fit you? Or are you looking for a fast track into management?
Then consider stepping into Customer Services.
Discover thousands of open UK job vacancies on The Sun Job Board
Every organisation that sells goods or services has to hire customer service staff and the roles have some of the best benefits.
Check out what you could get in these three vacancies open this week.
Read More
Keen to find out more? Let the Sun Jobs team serve up all you need to know.
What is so special about customer service jobs?
Almost every single company has a customer services department but it is one of the most overlooked career choices.
Often seen as a stopgap between other jobs, done properly it can provide a lucrative long-term career.
The job is unusual and special for three key reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly flexible.
Most read in Money
You can find jobs from a few hours a week to full-time so there are always roles available to fit around your other commitments.
Secondly, there are plenty of firms that offer work-from-home jobs, making it even easier to fit work into your day.
Thirdly, dealing with customers is a real skill and if you master it, you can climb the management ladder very quickly.
Many sales and marketing directors began their careers in customer services and it’s also a job popular with people who go on to become entrepreneurs.
How much will I get paid in a customer service job?
Salaries average £26,000 for a junior full-time role and £39,000 for a first management role.
Senior Directors are often on six-figure remuneration, so if you want to make it your long-term career, it can pay very well.
What would I do in a customer service job?
The exact job specification will vary from company to company but the core tasks are to answer customer questions either on the phone, email, webchat, social media or in person.
You may need to sell products or services, take payments, give advice, quotations and check product availability too.
With AI chatbots taking on more of the mundane customer service jobs, you may also need to handle complaints or pass them to a supervisor.
As you progress, you will be running teams of junior staff and handling the most complex requests yourself.
What qualifications do I need to work in customer service?
While there are no specific education requirements for customer service roles, most employers seek out candidates with GCSEs in English and Maths to show they have good literacy and numeracy skills.
Candidates can also take courses to develop their skills and knowledge, such as a Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service or a Level 2 Certificate in Contact Centre Operations.
There is an increasing number of Apprenticeships too. Find out more at .
However, more importantly, you need to have the right skill set to be successful in customer service.
The most successful staff are empathetic and good at active listening, alongside being natural problem solvers.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Emotional intelligence, patience, conflict resolution and the ability to use positive language will also help build your career.
.