When it comes to landing your dream job, showcasing your customer service skills on your resume is key. But how do you word these skills to catch the eye of potential employers? In just a few easy steps, you’ll learn how to highlight your abilities in a way that is both impressive and clear.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Word Customer Service Skills on Resume
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve with these steps. By the end of this tutorial, your resume will clearly display your customer service skills in a way that’s easy for employers to spot and hard for them to ignore.
Step 1: Identify Your Customer Service Skills
Think about what customer service skills you possess that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Customer service skills can vary widely, but some common ones include communication, problem-solving, patience, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure. Dig deep and think about the skills you’ve developed in your previous roles, volunteer work, or even daily life that could apply.
Step 2: Use Action Words
Start your bullet points with action verbs that convey your customer service skills.
Words like "resolved," "assisted," "managed," and "supported" are powerful and show that you’re a candidate who takes initiative. They also give a clear picture of what you did, making your experience more tangible to the reader.
Step 3: Include Measurable Achievements
Wherever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages.
If you improved customer satisfaction scores, mention by how much. If you handled a high volume of calls, state the number. These measurable achievements give credibility to your skills and show employers the impact you could have on their company.
Step 4: Tailor Your Skills to the Job Description
Match the customer service skills on your resume to the ones mentioned in the job description.
Employers often use software to scan resumes for keywords, so using the same language as the job description can help your resume pass the initial screening. Plus, it shows that you’ve paid attention and are genuinely interested in the role.
Step 5: Keep It Concise and Relevant
Ensure each point on your resume is brief and directly related to the job you’re applying for.
Your resume is not the place for long stories. Keep it to one or two lines per bullet point, and only include the most relevant skills and achievements. Remember, quality over quantity.
After completing these steps, your resume will be a powerful tool in your job search. It will clearly display your customer service skills, making you a strong candidate for any customer-facing role.
Tips for Wording Customer Service Skills on Resume
- Use synonyms to keep the language fresh and avoid repetition.
- Steer clear of jargon that might not be understood by everyone.
- Avoid using passive voice; it’s less engaging and can make your achievements seem less impressive.
- Get feedback on your resume from a friend or mentor with experience in hiring.
- Read your resume out loud to ensure it flows well and makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have much work experience?
Focus on transferable customer service skills you’ve gained from other experiences, such as volunteer work, school projects, or even interactions in daily life.
How many skills should I list on my resume?
Stick to a maximum of 5-7 key skills to avoid overwhelming the reader. Quality is more important than quantity.
Can I include soft skills?
Absolutely! Soft skills like empathy, communication, and patience are crucial in customer service and should definitely be included.
How do I know which skills are most important to include?
Read the job description carefully and use the skills mentioned there as a guide. These are likely the skills the employer values most.
Should I rate my own customer service skills?
It’s best to avoid self-assessments like "excellent communicator." Instead, demonstrate your skills through specific examples and achievements.
Summary
- Identify relevant customer service skills.
- Use action verbs to start bullet points.
- Quantify achievements with numbers or percentages.
- Tailor skills to match the job description.
- Keep points concise and relevant.
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect resume is a fine art, but with the right strategy, it’s one that can be mastered by anyone. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to effectively word your customer service skills in a way that will make potential employers take notice. Remember, your resume is your personal sales pitch. It’s your first (and sometimes only) chance to make a good impression. So, take the time to perfect it, and don’t be afraid to show off your abilities. With a little effort, you’ll be well on your way to landing that customer service role you’ve been eyeing. And who knows, it could be the first step towards a fulfilling and successful career. After all, customer service skills are in high demand in just about every industry. So polish up that resume and get ready to shine!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.