Welcome to our comprehensive guide on effectively including your phone answering skills on a resume! Whether you gained this experience in a formal or informal setting, we’ll provide you with valuable tips, examples, and regional variations to help you impress potential employers.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to List Phone Answering Experience
When you have professional experience in answering phones, it’s essential to convey your skills in a formal and concise manner. Use the following examples as a reference:
Receptionist | XYZ Company | Jan 2018 – Present
- Proficiently managed incoming calls, promptly assisting clients, and forwarding complex inquiries to appropriate departments.
- Ensured accurate message delivery by carefully documenting caller details and relaying information to relevant team members.
- Maintained a professional and friendly tone, ensuring excellent customer service and positive company representation.
Call Center Representative | ABC Corporation | Mar 2016 – Nov 2017
- Handled a high volume of customer calls daily, providing prompt and accurate assistance.
- Effectively resolved customer concerns by actively listening, empathizing, and proposing effective solutions.
- Utilized CRM software to update customer records, escalating complex issues to supervisors when necessary.
Remember to customize these examples based on your own experience and ensure they align with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.
Informal Ways to Show Phone Answering Experience
If you gained phone answering skills through informal experiences, such as volunteering or helping out in a family business, you can effectively showcase them on your resume too. Use the following examples as a starting point:
Administrative Support Volunteer | Community Non-Profit Organization | May 2019 – Aug 2020
- Managed incoming calls, directing inquiries and providing general information to callers.
- Assisted in scheduling appointments and arranging meetings using online calendar systems.
- Supported administrative tasks, such as filing, data entry, and organizing office supplies.
Family Business Assistant | Smith & Sons Plumbing | June 2014 – Dec 2016
- Answered customer calls, addressing inquiries and scheduling service appointments.
- Coordinated with the team to ensure timely response to urgent customer requests.
- Maintained customer records and prepared reports using spreadsheets and database software.
By highlighting your relevant transferable skills and responsibilities, even from informal experiences, you demonstrate your ability to handle important phone-related tasks.
Tips for Effectively Describing Phone Answering Skills
Here are some essential tips to help you effectively convey your phone answering skills:
1. Use action verbs:
Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to make your resume more engaging. Examples include “managed,” “assisted,” “resolved,” “handled,” and “documented.”
2. Quantify your achievements:
Whenever possible, include specific numbers or percentages to showcase the scope of your phone answering responsibilities. For example, mention how many calls you handled per day or the percentage increase in customer satisfaction you achieved.
3. Emphasize soft skills:
In addition to technical phone answering skills, highlight soft skills that are vital for effective communication, such as active listening, empathy, and problem-solving. Employers value these qualities.
4. Tailor your resume to the job:
Review the job description and identify keywords related to phone answering and customer service. Incorporate these keywords into your resume to demonstrate your fit for the role and increase the chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS).
5. Consider a professional summary:
Include a short professional summary at the beginning of your resume to provide an overview of your skills and experience in phone answering. This allows employers to quickly grasp your expertise before diving into the details.
Regional Variations
When it comes to phone answering skills, there are minimal regional variations. However, certain industries or local customs may influence terminology or expectations. It’s important to research the specific requirements of your target industry or region and adapt your resume accordingly.
Conclusion
Effectively presenting your phone answering skills on a resume is crucial to showcasing your suitability for a job. Whether you gained experience in a formal or informal setting, remember to use action verbs, quantify your achievements, and emphasize relevant soft skills. Tailor your resume to the job description, considering any industry-specific variations if applicable. Best of luck in showcasing your phone answering skills and securing your desired position!
