Highlighting your exceptional customer service skills on your resume is essential, as it can give you a competitive edge in today’s job market. Whether you are applying for a customer service role or seeking a job in a different field, emphasizing your ability to provide outstanding customer support is invaluable. In this guide, we will explore how you can effectively communicate great customer service on your resume, considering both formal and informal ways. Additionally, we will provide you with various tips and examples to help you stand out from the crowd.
Table of Contents
1. Use Strong Action Verbs
When describing your customer service experience, it is crucial to use dynamic action verbs that demonstrate your ability to go above and beyond in assisting customers. Some powerful action verbs to include on your resume are:
- Resolved
- Assisted
- Anticipated
- Delighted
- Exceeded
- Collaborated
- Streamlined
For example:
Resolved customer complaints by actively listening and offering appropriate solutions to ensure a positive experience.
2. Quantify Achievements
Providing measurable achievements related to customer service can make your resume more impactful. Quantifying your accomplishments showcases concrete results and highlights your ability to deliver exceptional customer support. Consider using numbers, percentages, or timeframes to quantify your achievements. Here are some examples:
- Achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rating by consistently delivering personalized support.
- Increased upsell revenue by 20% through persuasive communication and product knowledge.
- Reduced average customer response time by 30% using efficient problem-solving techniques.
- Recognized as “Employee of the Month” three times for consistently exceeding service targets.
3. Showcase Transferable Skills
Even if you don’t have direct customer service experience, it’s essential to highlight transferable skills that are valuable in a customer-centric role. Some transferable skills include:
- Strong communication skills
- Active listening
- Empathy and understanding
- Problem-solving abilities
- Patience and resilience
You can showcase these skills by including examples from previous work experiences where you demonstrated these qualities:
Exercised strong communication skills by effectively resolving client inquiries as a sales associate, resulting in a sales increase of 15% during my tenure.
4. Highlight Customer Service Training
If you have received any formal customer service training or certifications, be sure to include them on your resume. This demonstrates your commitment to enhancing your customer service skills and can set you apart from other applicants. Mention any specific training programs or certifications you have completed, such as:
- Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)
- Customer Service Excellence Workshop
- Conflict Resolution Training
For instance:
Completed the Customer Service Excellence Workshop to enhance my skills in addressing customer needs, resulting in a 20% improvement in customer satisfaction ratings.
5. Include Customer Service Keywords
Many companies utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they reach the hands of hiring managers. To ensure your resume gets through this initial screening, incorporate relevant customer service keywords. These keywords can be found in the job description of the position you are applying for. For example, if the job posting mentions “customer retention,” be sure to include that term on your resume.
Formal vs. Informal Language
When it comes to language style, tailoring it to the specific job application is essential. Here’s an example of how to say “great customer service” using both formal and informal language:
Formal:
Exceptional customer service
Informal:
Above-and-beyond support
Remember to adapt your language based on the job requirements and company culture. Some organizations prefer a more professional tone, while others appreciate a friendly and approachable style.
Regional Variations
While there may be minor regional variations in terminology, highlighting excellent customer service is universally valued across industries and locations. The tips and examples provided in this guide can be applied globally.
Remember, displaying great customer service on your resume involves effectively showcasing your skills, experience, and achievements. Use strong action verbs, quantify your accomplishments, highlight transferable skills, mention relevant training, and incorporate customer service keywords. Tailoring your language and content to each specific job application can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview. Good luck with your resume!
