skills to put on resume for customer service

20+ Key Customer Service Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

To land a job in customer service, you need to showcase your best skills to employers. Customer service involves both technical and interpersonal skills. This makes a diverse skillset all the more important! In this guide, we will uncover the best customer service skills to include on a resume. Plus, we will provide you with tips and tricks for formatting.

What is Customer Service?

Customer service is a vast industry spanning many different forms of business.

From answering customer calls to building customer relationships, there are many responsibilities involved.

Aside from the general Customer Service Representative, other common examples of jobs within customer service include:

• Call Center Representatives
• Administrative Assistants
• Restaurant Workers
• Salespeople

Essentially, any job that deals with working directly with customers falls under the customer service umbrella.

Why Should I Include Customer Service Skills on My Resume?           

When applying for a job in customer service, showing your ability to work well with people is key.

Including skills on a resume allows you to showcase your best strengths to employers.

By adding specifically customer service skills, you can demonstrate your most relevant abilities according to the job you are applying to.

You never want to include skills just for the sake of it.

It is imperative to always tailor your skills to match the requirements listed in the job description.

Moreover, you should always be honest in what skills you include.

Never list a skill you don’t actually have!

Need help brainstorming skills? We have a free guide with 100+ Key Skills for a Resume in 2024 (with Examples for Any Job) to help you out.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

What Are the Best Customer Service Skills I Should Add to My Resume?

Before you can determine the best customer service skills to include on your resume, you need to understand the two main types of skills:

• ‍ Interpersonal (Soft) Skills: These skills are based on emotion and human interaction. Much of customer service relies upon interpersonal skills such as communication and problem-solving. ‍
• Technical (Hard) Skills: Hards skills have to do with your technical abilities, such as writing or working with software.

When writing out your skills on a resume, it is important to include both soft and hard skills.

For customer service, you should always take the time to plan out the skills you want to include.

By making a large list you can then narrow it down to the most relevant and best ones.

10 Soft Skills for Customer Service

Here are our top 10 soft skills for customer service to consider adding to your resume:

• ‍ Conflict Management: Being a customer service representative means dealing with conflict. The ability to calmly and effectively manage customer conflicts is essential.
• ‍ Communication: Communication skills are arguably the most important soft skill for customer service. You need to be able to communicate clearly and easily with all types of customers. ‍
• Empathy: Customers want to feel like you relate to them. A strong sense of empathy comes in handy when working in the customer service realm.
• ‍ Compassion: You never know what’s going on in a customer’s head or life. Treating each situation with compassion towards the customer is highly necessary.
• ‍ Problem Solving: During customer conflicts, being able to think of a solution quickly is key.
• ‍ Patience: Miscommunications can occur when interactions are rushed or not given proper attention. Having patience is crucial when working in customer service.
• ‍ Attention to Detail: Many technicalities can affect customer service. The ability to pay close attention to a customer’s issues and the solutions given is a core component of good customer service.
• ‍ Intuitive: Making customers feel as though all their problems have been solved is very beneficial. Acting intuitively and proactively to address potential customer issues makes for great customer service.
• ‍ Goal-Oriented: When working with customers, it is essential to set clear goals and boundaries. This helps to ensure everyone understands the expectations and standard of work being provided.
• ‍ Persuasion: In sales positions especially, having the ability to persuade a customer’s emotions and viewpoints is highly necessary. You should be able to position yourself as the guide that can offer the best solutions to them.

10 Hard Skills for Customer Service

Here is a list of 10 hard skills for customer service to use on a resume:

• ‍ Microsoft Office & Google Suite: Microsoft and Google programs are widely used across all industries. Familiarizing yourself with these programs will give you a competitive edge, as employers won’t need to train you on how to use them.
• ‍ Writing: Writing skills are majorly important in any job related to communication. In customer service, this often translates to writing emails and official company copy.
• ‍ Bi/Multi-Lingual: Speaking multiple languages is always a plus in customer service. If you can fluently speak and translate more than one language, be sure to include this on your resume.
• ‍ Data Entry: Customer service can sometimes involve a huge amount of data. Understanding the basics of data entry is foundational for a successful customer service professional.
• ‍ Performance: Customer service professionals take on a persona used to persuade, empathize, and relate to customers. Having a good ability for performance and acting can be highly useful in this field as a result.
• ‍ Situational Analysis: Every customer and situation is different. An important hard skill for customer service reps to have is the ability to thoroughly analyze each situation. This can involve note-taking, research, gathering feedback, and many more essential tasks.
• ‍ Telecommunication: In an increasingly digital world, good telecommunication has become crucial for customer service. This can refer to any interaction happening digitally, including phone calls and online services.
• ‍ Bookkeeping: A fundamental component of customer service is keeping thorough records. Transactions, contracts, and more can all fall under the umbrella of bookkeeping. Honing these skills is good for any professionals seeking employment in customer service.
• ‍ Closing Ability: A customer service professional must develop a specific skill known as their “closing ability.” This is their ability to finalize a deal or transaction with a customer. It combines many soft skills, such as negotiation and persuasion, to create a more technical skill.
• ‍ Product Memorization: The ability to memorize large quantities of information is highly important in customer service.

No matter whether they are hard or soft skills, all your skills should be selected according to the job.

In fact, tailoring your resume for the job is crucial for impressing employers!

Read our career advice article on how to Tailor Your Resume to Any Job in 4 Easy Steps to learn more.  

How Do I Describe My Customer Service Skill Levels?

When describing your customer service skills on a resume, it is important to indicate your level of proficiency.

Generally, there are three levels commonly used on resumes:

• ‍ Expert: At an expert level, you can employ a skill according to your own assessment of a situation. Little to no outside direction is required. ‍
• Intermediate: Intermediate skill levels indicate that you are proficient but may still need some supervision. ‍
• Novice: A novice skill level lets employers know you understand the basics but do not consider the skill one of the best proficiencies.

We recommend only including your very best skills on a resume.

As such, you should aim to mainly include skills that fall into either the expert or intermediate categories.

How Do I List My Customer Service Skills on a Resume?

To include customer service skills on a resume, there are two main formatting options:

• Listing the skills in the work experience section
• Creating a dedicated skills section

Oftentimes, the best approach is to combine these two formatting options.

Including soft skills in your work experience section allows you to include greater context and explanation.

Comparatively, hard skills need less explanation and can benefit from being place in a separate section.

Here are two quick breakdowns for these formatting options:

Method 1: Listing Customer Service Skills in Your Work Experience Section

Work Experience Customer Service Representative, Whole Foods April 2018 – May 2020 · Good communication skills · Worked closely with customers · Learned better closing tactics

Why It’s Wrong: In this example, the bullet points are too vague and provide little information about the person’s responsibilities.

Adding in skills to your work experience section should add extra value, not detract from the descriptive nature of the section.

Work Experience Customer Service Representative, Whole Foods April 2018 – May 2020 · Communicated daily with customers through the call center · Fostered loyal customer relationships through an empathetic approach · Developed a strong closing ability and increased sales by 15 percent

In this corrected example, the skills clearly tie into the person’s qualifications.

The information given is much more insightful into the applicant’s work ethic and skill set.

ProTip: When describing skills in your work experience section, make sure to use active language. For help in doing so, take a look at our list of 350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective in 2024 .

Method 2: Creating a Dedicated Customer Service Skills Section

Customer Service Skills · Caring for customers · Answering the phone · Helping customers with returns · Using Microsoft Excel and other programs

Why It’s Wrong: This example fails to use strong skill keywords.

Additionally, it is not inherently bad to include extra words in a skills section.

However, these extra words should add value, not just take up space in your word count.

Customer Service Skills · Empathizing with Customers’ Specific Needs · Call Center Telecommunication · Conflict Resolution for Customer Returns · Microsoft Office Suite

In this corrected example, the extra words being used give the skill greater detail and specificity.

Do you need more help writing your ideal resume? Check out our guide on the 20 Best Resume Writing Tips and Tricks for 2024 (with a Free Checklist) !

Final Takeaways

Customer service is a massive industry with many employment opportunities.

To heighten your chances of landing a job in this field, focusing on your related skills is key.

Here are our 5 main takeaways for listing customer service skills on a resume:

• Include both your hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) customer service skills.
• Relate your skills to the job you are applying for.
• Use skills in both your work experience section and a dedicated skills section.
• Provide context around interpersonal skills.
• Aim to include your best – or “expert-level” – skills first.

To learn more about creating the perfect resume, check out our many free resume guides and career advice articles !

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Ed is a co-founder of Easy Resume. His background in scaling teams at tech startups over the last decade has given him extensive experience and knowledge around how to hire top talent and build successful teams. He enjoys mentoring, coaching, and helping others reach their career goals. When he's not writing about career-related advice, he's playing with his dog, Lilo, or going on long hikes in upstate New York.

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11 Best Customer Service Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

10 min read · Updated on February 16, 2024

The right customer service skills on your resume can lead to promotions

All companies worldwide have one thing in common – they all have customers. This means all companies need to hire people with great customer service skills. 

Some roles will require you to work with internal customers. For example, if you're working in IT, you'll likely have to interact with employees to help them fix computer issues. Those employees are internal customers. Other roles will require you to work with external customers – the people who are buying goods and services from the company. 

A well-crafted resume that highlights your relevant skills for a customer service position will help your resume to beat the applicant tracking system, or ATS , which is the first step to getting your application noticed. 

When you use these 11 best customer service skills in your resume, you'll stand out from the crowd as someone who can work well with others, anticipate needs, and solve problems. 

Use these skills and examples to produce an interview-winning resume. 

11 customer service skills and proficiencies for your resume

It's important to note that there's a difference between hard skills and soft skills . Some of these 11 customer service skills that you can use on your resume fall into the hard skill category, and some of them are soft skills. 

You can tell them apart by identifying which are job-specific skills that allow you to get things done and which are more interpersonal-type skills that allow you to get along well with others. It's important to have a good balance of both skill types. 

Of course, these customer service skills will be in addition to your experience and education, but you can weave the keywords into your these sections. You should also quantify your skills whenever possible, mentioning specific instances and using concrete examples to prove you have experience with each customer service skill on your resume.

Hard skills for a customer service resume 

Since every company has customers who require assistance, modern employers are always seeking people with customer service skills. Here are the four most important hard skills hiring managers want to see on your resume:

1. Product knowledge 

You can't help customers if you know nothing about the product or service being offered by the company. It's critical that you take the time to learn about what's available and how to answer questions about the company's offerings. You may also need to troubleshoot problems with products and offer recommendations to improve the customer journey. 

Here's what that looks like on your resume:

“Increased revenue by 15% by recommending product offering add-ons.”

2. Technical proficiency 

Have you ever heard the acronym CRM? It stands for customer relationship management, and most companies use some type of CRM software to track customer interactions and follow up on leads. This is one of the many ways you can demonstrate technical proficiency in customer service skills on your resume. 

Here's an example of how to include this customer service skill on your resume:

“Used Salesforce to update and maintain a customer database of 200 leads and mapped the customer journey from initiation to close.”

3. Communication technology 

This may seem similar to the technical customer service skills for a resume above; however, it goes a step beyond simply using tools to track customer journeys. This has to do with directly interacting with customers. It could be as simple as using email and multi-line telephones, or more complex, such as using Slack to collaborate with people across the globe. 

Here's how to include communication technology customer service skills on your resume:

“Answered as many as 75 incoming client calls per day using a 6-line telephone system.”

4. Data analysis

One of the best ways to support successful customer interactions is through data analysis . You have to know what's going on in the customer's journey to be able to adequately answer their questions, determine customer trends, and improve customer satisfaction. 

Here's how to write a data analysis customer service skill bullet point on your resume:

“Analyzed and dissected data from disparate sources to identify trends and solve problems, improving customer satisfaction scores by 12%.”

Soft skills for a customer service resume 

Now that you know what hiring managers want to see insomuch as you getting the job done, let's learn what they are looking for regarding interpersonal skills. 

5. Active listening 

Are you the type of person who knows what you want to say in response to someone speaking before they ever finish a sentence? Or do you take the extra initiative to pay attention to nonverbal cues and follow up with clarifying questions to gain a genuine understanding of what someone is saying? If you fall into the latter category, then you practice active listening . That's definitely a customer service skill for your resume!

Here's how to demonstrate active listening on your resume:

“Improved customer service issue resolution time by 15% by actively listening to and paraphrasing customer concerns to get to the root of the problem.”

6. Emotional intelligence 

When you work with customers – whether they are internal or external customers – chances are you're going to come across a situation that requires you to demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence. It's easy, after all, to let our emotions get the best of us, but being that person who can exude compassion in the most challenging situations is something most hiring managers need and want. 

Here's an example of how you can prove you have a high EQ on your resume:

“Built a reputation for de-escalating customer situations by leveraging a high EQ, resulting in a 30% reduction in calls being transferred to supervisors.”

7. Problem-solving 

You can pair problem-solving skills with data analysis skills to showcase your well-roundedness as a job seeker. It's even better if you're able to add the ability to make autonomous decisions after you solve a problem. Either way, hiring managers value people who take the initiative to fix issues rather than someone who passes problems off to others to figure out.

Here's a fantastic example of a way to show off analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making customer service skills in one bullet:

“Turned around lackluster sales by analyzing 3 months' worth of trends to identify problem areas and recommending improvements to closing processes.”

8. Communication 

This is the one that most people get wrong on their resume. It's easy to simply write that you have “good written and verbal communication skills,” but how do you prove it? You write an action-based resume bullet that shows off your ability to communicate clearly and with different types of people.

Here's what that could look like:

“Respected by leaders for being able to clearly articulate complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences, which reduced the number of errors on orders by 30%.”

9. Collaboration 

In today's ever-shrinking world, there will likely come a time when you'll need to talk to someone in a different department, a different company, or even in a different country. If you're capable of working cross-functionally to share knowledge and achieve goals, then you can add collaboration as a customer service skill on your resume.

Here's an example of a resume bullet that shows you know how to collaborate:

“Engaged in regular team meetings to share best practices and worked in a team of 12 people to increase overall efficiency by 10%.”

10. Positivity 

One of the main ways you can make customers happy is by being optimistic, even when pressure is being applied to a situation. If you're able to create positive customer experiences, then they'll likely be more than happy to continue doing business with you and your company.

Here's an example of a positive attitude bullet you can use on your resume:

“Demonstrated a can-do attitude by taking on additional responsibilities and assisting team members during peak times to reduce customer hold times.”

11.  Flexibility 

If there's one constant in life, it's that things will change. Sometimes those changes are things you instigate yourself. Other times, change will be thrust upon you. No matter how changes come up, if you're able to remain flexible, go with the flow, and adjust to change without any major problems, you should consider adding your ability to be flexible to your resume.

“Overcame changing management regimes and adapted to new procedures by adjusting priorities in alignment with new SOPs without sacrificing service delivery to customers.”

Where to put customer service skills on your resume

Most of the customer service skill examples in this article have been related to bullet points. So, you may be assuming that the best place to highlight your customer service skills is in the Professional Experience section of your resume . In fact, you can weave customer service skills into any section of your resume. The key is to find the place where the skill makes the most sense – contextually and grammatically – and add it in. 

Profile section

The Profile part of your resume is at the very top of your resume and includes the title or headline and summary paragraph. You can obviously add the phrase “customer service” into the title or headline, but you can also insert some of the example sentences in this article into your profile paragraph. Use them as inspiration for your own sentences, too - the ones in this article are simply meant to help get your brain juices flowing. 

Skills section

While your Skills section (or Core Competencies) won't contain actual sentences, you can still put some of your customer service skills here. Instead of writing out bullets, though, you'll simply list up to 15 keywords and phrases that make you a good match for a customer service job. 

Professional experience section

Since you are likely using the reverse-chronological format for your resume, you'll want to focus your efforts on writing out the last 10-15 years of experience using action-based bullets, like the ones in the examples in this article. It's also pretty critical that you add numbers every chance you get, so that you show what type of work you've done in the past, as that will give the hiring manager a clue as to what you'll bring to the table for their customers. 

Education and credentials section

If you have little to no experience, you can inject some of your customer service skills into the education section of your resume. You'd do this by including courses you took and by talking about any major projects you may have worked on while in school that allowed you to overcome challenges or work collaboratively with others. 

Chart your path to success

Adding customer service skills to your resume truly can help you to stand out from the crowd. Almost everyone can say that they know how to handle customers, but the actual proof they can do so is often lacking in resumes. When you use these 11 best customer service skills for your resume, you'll create something that will have hiring managers and recruiters blowing up your email with interview offers. 

If you want to make sure that your customer service skills are properly coming through on your resume, let us take a look at it for you. Upload your resume for a free review , where an expert resume writer will go over it and let you know what you need to do.

Recommended reading:

How to Describe Yourself on a Resume (With Examples)

27 Great Resume Headline Examples to Stand Out

Call Center Resume Sample

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Customer Service Resume [2024] - Examples & Guide

Looks great, right?! Follow the steps below to create a resume that’ll have employers in a frenzy to hire you.

You’re a customer service representative.

You keep customers satisfied by providing solutions to their concerns.

But now it’s time to ease your future employer’s concerns by providing a resume that shows your value as a customer service employee.

This involves highlighting your most notable skills and experiences.

Not sure how to do this?

Well, just follow the simple steps in this guide.

• An example of a finished customer service resume that works
• How to write a customer service resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make a customer service resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Looking fore more specific resume examples? Check out this list of customer service resume examples:

• Barista Resume
• Bartender Resume
• Server Resume
• Waiter Resume
• Receptionist Resume
• Cashier Resume
• Event Planner Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Bar and Restaurant Manager Resume

How to Format a Customer Service Resume

Before you can serve the hiring manager, you need to organize your work station!

But what do we mean by this?

Well, just like your work station, your resume needs to be arranged in a way that doesn’t lead to confusion and delays.

Choosing the correct resume format allows the hiring manager to instantly see your most notable achievements, instead of having to hunt for them. 

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ”, and it is one that we always recommend to customer service representatives. 

The following two resume formats also get our approval…

• Functional Resume – If you’ve got the natural talent to help customers, but lack the hands-on experience, this resume format is recommended. A functional resume focuses on skills, which makes it ideal for those who lack experience or who have gaps in their employment history.
• Combination Resume – Have previous experience in the customer service industry? Then you may want to use this format. Specifically, the format combines both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”.

Use a Customer Service Resume Template

Right, time to fire-up your text editor and get typing!

But wait there.

Although great for creating simple files, there are better alternatives when creating a customer service resume. 

You see, text editors don’t hold its structure, which can result in layout breakages.

Want to avoid an afternoon of headache? Use a customer service resume template. You can tailor any of the following resume templates for a customer service specialist resume.

What to Include in a Customer Service Resume

The main sections in a customer service resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information

To really make an impression, you can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification
• Volunteer Experience

Interests & Hobbies

So those are the customer service resume sections , but what do you write for each of them? 

Let’s find out!

Want to know more about the different sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

You should treat your contact section with the same care that you treat your customers.

Failure to do so could result in misspellings and wrong numbers, which makes it impossible for the recruiter to offer you an interview! 

The contact information section on your resume must include:

• Professional Title – Align this to the role you’re applying for, so “Customer Service Assistant”
• Phone Number – Check each number carefully
• Email Address – Keep your email professional ([email protected]), unlike that one from your childhood ([email protected]).
• Location – City+Country
• Optional - relevant social media
• Joe Blogs - Customer Service Assistant. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Joe Blogs - Customer Service Hero. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Customer Service Resume Summary or Objective

Establishments are always on the lookout for customer service representatives.

But this fact only makes competition more intense.

And with this in mind, we shouldn’t be surprised that recruiters spend just a few seconds on each resume.

If only there was a way to get the recruiter hooked and read through your whole resume?

Fortunately, you can this with a resume summary or objective .

As a customer service representative, you know that friendly introductions go a long way. Similarly, both resume summaries and objectives are short paragraphs that introduce your skills and experiences. 

But what is the difference between a summary and an objective?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your most notable restaurant experiences and achievements.

• Enthusiastic customer service representative with five years of retail experience responding to all manner of customer inquiries. Career highlights included being awarded “Employee of the Month” for 36 months out of 48 months and receiving 99% positive customer survey results at XYZ Convenience. Seeking a role at ABC Tech, where my service skills can be leveraged to achieve and maintain the highest level of customer service.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your goals and aspirations.

• Passionate and hard-working student working towards graduating with a BA in History from UT Austin. Relevant experience includes serving customers in a campus bar. Eager to become the new customer service representative role at XYZ Tech to leverage interpersonal skills for the highest quality of service.

Got relevant work experience? Use a resume summary. 

Got the skills, but can’t back it up with experience? Use a resume objective.  

How to Make Your Customer Service Work Experience Stand Out

Recruiters hate nothing more than risk.

You see, their job is on the line if they hire the wrong person.

As such, you need to prove you have what it takes, and your work experience section is the easiest way to do that

Here’s the best way for customer service representatives to structure the work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Customer Service Representative 

YXZ Convenience Store

03/2017 - 04/2021

• Achieved highest up-sell rates in both 2017 (2.8%) and 2019 (3.2%)
• Worked at the customer information desk for 10+ hour shifts
• Welcomed 1000+ customers during store opening event
• Won “Employee of the Month” three months in a row by engaging with customers in personal, yet professional manner

The key here is to showcase how valuable you were to your previous employer. Doing so will have companies competing against each other for your skills.

Instead of saying…

“Spoke to all customers”

“Won “Employee of the Month” three months in a row by engaging with customers in personal, yet professional manner”

Simply put, the first sentence states that you spoke with customers, but it doesn’t say whether you were successful in doing so.  

The second statement goes into more detail and backs-up your claims with awards.

What if You Don’t Have Any Work Experience?

Maybe you’re a student looking for their first customer service job?

Or maybe, you have experience in the field, but never in a retail environment?

Don’t worry, as there are ways to get around this.

All you need are the core job skills and a willingness to learn.

And you can showcase this with related job experience or school projects. 

For example, if you’ve ever worked as a cashier, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a customer service representative, you were friendly, dealt with customers concerns, and operated a POS/computer. 

Use Action Words to Make Your Customer Service Resume POP!

Let’s image that you’re a job recruiter.

Sitting down to read the same generic resumes, one after another.

No one stands out. In fact, all resumes are blending into one.

This exercise highlights the importance of making your resume different from the other applicants. 

One of the best ways to do this is to use power words :

How to Correctly List your Education

After showcasing your experiences, you should delve into your education to date. 

There’s no magic tricks with this section, just enter your education history in this format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University/School Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

High School Diploma

Lynbrook High School, California

Graduated 2018

Still concerned about your education section?

The answers below may help you:

What if I haven’t finished my current education yet?

• No problem. Just mention your education to date

Should I include my high school education?

• It’s recommended to only include your highest form of education. If that’s your high school diploma, then list it

What do I put first, my education or experience?

• For a bartender role, your experiences always come first 

Need more advice? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a Customer Service Resume

Whether you’re skilled enough to multi-task while on the phone or operate POS systems with ease, the recruiter is waiting to find out. 

However… to keep your resume to one page, you can’t list every skill you own.

So, which skills don’t make the cut?

It comes down to looking at the job description to identify what the company wants from their new customer service representative. 

Will the specific skill be beneficial to the company?

If so, list it!

For some inspiration, here are some of the best customer service resume skills:

Hard Skills for Customer Service Professionals:

• Computer Skills
• Mathematical Skills
• Product Knowledge
• Point of Sale (POS) Systems

Soft Skills for Customer Service Professionals:

• Personable and friendly 
• Endurance (long hours)
• Conflict resolution 
• Time management 
• Team player
• The hiring manager will typically ask interviewees for examples of when they have shown the skill listed. As such, only include skills that you actually posses.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 100+ must-have skills this year .

What Else Can You Include?

Ask yourself one question..

Is your resume the BEST it can be?

Although we have completed every essential resume section, we have to do everything it takes to win that interview.

Adding the following sections could be the deciding factor in whether you’re interviewed for the customer service representative role or not.

Awards & Certifications

Have you ever won an employee of the year (or month) award?

Have you completed any additional courses to expand your knowledge?

Whether it’s an award or certification, make space for this section if you have something that you’re proud of.

Here are some quick example:

• Employee of the Year 2019 – XYZ Convenience 
• Learning How to Learn – Coursera Certificate

Applying to an establishment in China Town?

Then being fluent in Mandarin is a good way to shortcut your resume to the top of the pile.

Whether the job description requires it or not, being able to speak multiple languages is impressive – and no one can argue with that!

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “how does my love of animals affect my customer service skills?”

Well, it doesn’t.

But employers want customer service representatives who will fit in with the rest of the staff.

Your hobbies allow the hiring manager to see behind your qualifications and learn more about who you REALLY are.

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

As a customer service representative, you need to leave a positive impression.

Your application is no different.

And the best way to leave an unforgettable impression is to write a convincing cover letter.

You see, resumes give the vital information, but nothing speaks to a recruiter like a cover letter that delves deeper into who you are and why you want the job.

Here’s how to create a structure that works.

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Include your full name, profession, phone number, email, and address 

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Include their full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

To hook the hiring manager, the start of your resume needs to pack a punch. Use concise language to mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you’ve sparked the hiring manager’s interest, you can delve further into the following specifics:

• Why you chose this specific establishment
• What you know about the establishment’s culture
• How your skills will be beneficial to the establishment
• If you have worked in similar industries or positions before

Closing Paragraph

Avoid ending the conversation abruptly, you should:

• Conclude the main points of your letter
• Thank the hiring manager for their time and the opportunity
• End with a call to action. This is a good way to continue the conversation further. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help XYZ with...” will work.

Formal Salutations

Although this letter shows your personal side, the letter should end professionally. Use something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For extra advice and inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

You know your customer service skills are good enough to get the job.

And if you follow the above advice, the recruiter will know that too!

Let’s conclude what we’ve learnt:

• The resume format needs to suit your specific situation. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the content layout tips
• Use an attention-grabbing resume summary or objective
• In your work experience section, show your value by highlighting your most relevant and best achievements, rather than day-to-day duties
• Attach a convincing cover letter for a personable application

That was a lot of information, but now you’re all set to make a Customer Service resume of your own!

Suggested Reading:

• Resume Keywords and How to Use Them
• Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume in 2024?
• The Best Strategy for Getting a Raise [+Examples]

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11 best customer service skills for your CV (with examples)

10 min read · Updated on April 08, 2024

Learn how to upgrade your customer service CV so that it sparkles

“The customer is king,” as the saying goes. If you're in the customer services industry, no doubt you know this royal treatment all too well. You cherish that special connection that you build with customers. In fact, it's an ability that you'll want to convey accurately in your CV once you go searching for another similar role in retail, hospitality, or any other sector where the customer is what keeps the business going.

But how do you describe customer service skills on a CV? And what are the key skills of good customer service?

All the answers to these questions, and more, will be revealed in this article, so read on, especially if you want to create a stunning customer service CV. We'll share the top 11 skills you need to include in your CV, with examples that can be customised to suit your own profile.

The 11 best customer service skills for your CV 

There are many skills you need when in customer services, but these are the best ones to include in your CV:

1. Communication

This is probably the top customer service skill to have on your CV. If you can't communicate properly, get your point across, and avoid misunderstandings, then, quite frankly, you're in the wrong job! Communicating  in a pleasant, non-aggressive, and courteous manner will gain you customers while retaining your current ones.

And while it used to be all about face-to-face time, now you need to be able to communicate in a variety of ways - via email, social media, over the phone, and online. This skill is all about building a rapport that resonates with the customer, making them feel great, while simultaneously ensuring they tell their friends how great your company is.

By presenting a CV that's well-written , succinct, and packed full of juicy information that sells you as the “product,” you'll be showing off your outstanding communication skills from the outset.

Examples of how to highlight communication as a customer service skill on your CV:

Delivering a superior customer service by carrying out requests on outdoor furniture enquiries by capitalising on outstanding communication

Creating a welcoming ambience for shoppers by conversing with them pleasantly to ensure first and last impression of the shop is favourable

Providing a first-rate service to English and Finnish customers by guiding them on how to use the service via telephone, email, and live chats

Top tip: The skills section of your CV leans more towards the hard skills you possess. So don't add in phrases such as “effective communication” in this part as communication - and most customer service skills you'll find in this guide - is seen as a soft skill . Instead of merely listing them out, the best way to showcase your customer service skills on a CV is by showing how you've demonstrated them at work, within the summary or the professional experience section.

2. Problem resolution

When you come up against a customer who isn't happy, you need the skills to keep calm, carry on, and resolve the issue, without making things worse. “Problem resolution” is a skill you can include in the skills section, as well as throughout the CV, especially if you have any key achievements where you can prove your worth in problem-solving techniques.

Examples of how to highlight problem-solving as a customer service skill on your CV:

Forging beneficial relations with customers, minimising problems with regards to disputes by negotiating better deals with suppliers

Competently handling customer enquiries and complaints face-to-face and over the phone

Adopting a calm and logical approach when dealing with any problems or issues, reaching rapid and satisfactory resolutions for all concerned to maintain excellent customer relations

3. Active listening

While this can be viewed as part of communication, active listening is such an important aspect that it deserves its own slot on this list. To actively listen to a customer, you have to go beyond just hearing the words someone is saying to fully understand their meaning. It's no good just nodding along, but thinking about what you're going to have for tea that night… you've got to really hone in on the intent behind the words, as well as look for other clues such as in the person's body language .

Examples of how to highlight active listening as a customer service skill on your CV:

Drawing upon advanced listening and persuasive skills to encourage customers to buy products by pitching vocal tone and pace with them to elicit rapport which leads to more sales

Adept at dealing with difficult situations with attentive listening and putting people at their ease

Forming a cohesive team by drawing in disparate members and customers, winning them round with refined listening skills during a difficult transition period

4. Knowledge of product or service

“But how does it actually work?” – if you can't answer this simple question from a consumer, it's going to go downhill very quickly from there. If you can't understand the product or service you're selling, how do you expect the customer to get it? It's imperative that you can show how up to speed you are with company products or services.

Examples of how to highlight product or service knowledge as a customer service skill on your CV:

Showcasing comprehensive product knowledge of stock which encouraged customers to purchase more

Acquiring advanced specialist knowledge of the product through expert training in order to better serve consumers

Increasing sales of packages by 45% due to extensive product knowledge

According to the Collins English Dictionary, empathy is “the power of understanding and imaginatively entering into another person's feelings.” And you'll, no doubt, need this in spades in a customer service role. Seeing things through the customer's eyes will allow you to deal with their concerns more effectively.

Examples of how to highlight empathy as a customer service skill on your CV:

Capitalising on empathy and thoughtfulness to fully understand customer concerns in order to achieve the best possible outcome every time

Demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and understanding when handling sensitive conversations and situations with clients

Instilling a culture of user empathy and a can-do attitude across all levels of the customer service department

6. Time management

Prioritising who to attend to next, and offering up an appropriate prompt response, shows excellent time management skills. You want to offer great service to those customers you're handling at this very moment, while many others are waiting in the wings. 

It's also prudent to know when to handle an issue yourself or when to escalate, thus avoiding a situation that deteriorates because the customer is unsure as to whether they're being dealt with or not. It's great to pinpoint those times when you excelled at managing your time while performing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Examples of how to highlight time management as a customer service skill on your CV:

Saving £20,000 a year by prioritising the customer service process to be more efficient and effective

Introducing an innovative administration system which drastically reduced the time spent searching for files and accounting, so more time could be given to customers

Switching suppliers and streamlining the reorder system to pre-empt shortages ahead of time

7. Patience

When you've got a red-faced customer shouting in your face, it's time for your patience gene to find its way to the top! It's an essential tool when problem-solving, communicating, and dealing with queries, as your mind won't go into overdrive. Patiently helping customers who require additional assistance is a hugely sought-after skill. While it's quite tricky to translate onto your CV, there are ways and means to do so.

Examples of how to highlight patience as a customer service skill on your CV:

Adaptable and committed to maximising the potential of colleagues through patience and perseverance

Exhibiting patience when coaching clientele on the intricate details of a new IT system

Working to complex and tight timelines while maintaining patience and persistence within a multi-cultural environment

8. Positivity

Maintaining a positive attitude is vital within the customer service industry. If customers are welcomed with open arms into a shop or for a service, there's every likelihood that they'll be back for more. And your positivity can rub off on others, both customers and colleagues , so it's a win-win all round.

Highlight this aspect in your armoury by illustrating how you're open to new challenges, or can hit the ground running when first introduced to a new team.

Examples of how to highlight positivity as a customer service skill on your CV:

Using a positive and proactive approach when dealing with difficult customers, transforming awkward situations into resolved successes

Possessing impressive motivational and team management qualities as well as a positive approach to achieving customer satisfaction across the board

Performing effectively on common goals with peers and customers to foster a positive, trust-based working environment

9. Confidence

There's a fine line between being confident and being arrogant, so make sure you project the first. You don't know it all, whatever you might think, and as the saying goes, “the customer is always right.” Within your CV, show your confidence through achievements , supporting these with facts and figures where possible. The professional profile or summary is another section where you can show recruiters your confidence.

Examples of how to highlight confidence as a customer service skill on your CV:

A structured, focused, and approachable Customer Services Manager with the expertise and confidence to transform disparate projects into viable and progressive operations

Cultivating productive partnerships with key customers by forming strong bonds and the confidence to deliver successful outcomes

Tackling challenging projects with extreme confidence, resulting in sustained business improvement

10. Adaptability

Spoiler alert – customers can be tricky! You never know what you're going to get. Showing off your adaptability and flexibility is crucial, as you need these assets to perform well. What one customer loves, another might hate, so how do you describe this customer service skill on a CV?

Examples of how to highlight adaptability as a customer service skill on your CV:

Taking full ownership for delivering a high-quality customer service by remaining adaptable, and using fact-finding questions for increased levels of satisfaction

Overcoming challenges by being flexible so customers are dealt with in the appropriate manner

Adapting the company's policies and procedures to give customers more autonomy

11. Decisiveness

Making decisions that work, in a forthright and confident way, will lift you up in the eyes of the customer. No one wants a customer service staff who faffs about and never gets anything done. Prove you're decisive with examples throughout your career.

Examples of how to highlight decisiveness as a customer service skill on your CV:

Improving the communications strategy between companies, the financial community, and customers which resulted in better informed decision-making

Developing the transformation and loading of new data which led to new opportunities and strategic decisions being made in potential trouble spots

Instigating a productive work ethic among employees and developing decision templates for senior management

Show off your customer service skills

Now that you've got a good grasp of what the top 11 customer service skills are for your CV, it's time to weave them into your job search document using the tips and tricks above.

With just three easy steps, it couldn't be easier to see if your CV will perform during a job application. Run it through our free CV review , study the report, and improve your CV – simple.

Recommended reading:

Written communication: definition and examples

What are people skills? Definition and examples

How to write a Customer Assistant CV (with example and template)

Related Articles:

11 best manager skills for your CV (with examples)

How to show promotions on a CV (with examples)

Overcoming job search anxiety: strategies for confidence

See how your CV stacks up.

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20+ Top Customer Service Skills to Put on a Resume (+Writing Guide)

The best customer service skills and how to write about them on a resume. Communication, adaptability, building rapport, empathy, CRM, organization…

The best customer service skills for a resume fall into these key categories: communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, technical knowledge, and time management. To describe them on a resume, use action verbs to vividly illustrate tasks completed, or results achieved that wouldn’t have been possible without successful application of customer service skills. In other words, the most effective way to write about customer service skills on a resume is to demonstrate them through the impact of your work. 

Keeping customers is just as important as getting new customers. 

Good customer service skills means you can increase customer satisfaction, which leads to higher levels of repeat business and loyalty. If you can prove on your resume that you excel in this, you’ll find yourself landing more interviews. 

This guide will walk you through the top customer service skills for a resume and how to best describe them. 

Complete your resume immediately with Rezi AI Resume Builder . Watch your resume write itself and highlight your customer service skills that are relevant to the job description. And the design and layout? It will always stay perfect. Just pick one of the 15+ resume templates and build your resume in minutes.

The Best Types of Customer Service Skills on a Resume 

Here are the best types of customer service skills for a resume: 

• Communication: active listening, nonverbal communication, and written communication. 
• Interpersonal: adaptability, building rapport, conflict resolution, empathy, and teamwork.
• Problem-solving: critical thinking, decision-making, initiative, research.
• Technical: customer relationship management (CRM) software, data analysis, Microsoft Office Suite, project management, specialized industry knowledge. 
• Time management: multitasking, organization, prioritization. 

All of these skills contribute to speed, convenience, and knowledgeable support, which are the most important factors to providing a positive customer experience, as highlighted by 80% of American consumers , according to research from PwC. 

Even if you’re not applying specifically for a customer service role, strong customer service skills can make you stand out when your role involves any form of interaction with clients, business partners, stakeholders, or even other departments.

1. Communication 

Without good communication, you won’t be able to address customer concerns effectively. Good and bad communication can be the difference between a frustrated customer and a loyal one. That’s why this skill is hands-down the most important one on the list.

Here are examples of how to describe communication skills on a resume for a customer service job: 

• Increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% through active listening and de-escalation techniques. • Developed and implemented a knowledge base to improve first-call resolution rates by 20%. • Consistently received positive customer feedback for clear and concise communication, both written and verbal.

Active listening

Active listening skills are prized by hiring managers. It’s how you avoid misunderstandings, provide tailored solutions, and resolve complaints or concerns faster. This improves the overall customer experience. 

Example of active listening on a resume:

Reduced customer call times by 15% by carefully listening to identify key concerns at the start of interactions and immediately providing actionable solutions. 

Nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication refers to body language, tone of voice, eye contact, and facial expressions. This is essential for building trust and reinforcing a particular message.  

Example of how to describe nonverbal communication on a resume:

Maintained a calm and professional demeanor while de-escalating customer complaints, which helped lead to more positive resolutions in 80% of interactions.

Written communication

In customer service, written communication is all about sending the right messages to customer inquiries and concerns. This is crucial, especially since many customer interactions can occur online, over email, or live chats. 

Example of written communication on a resume: 

Increased customer satisfaction scores by 10% through clear and concise email responses that addressed all customer questions within 24 hours.

2. Interpersonal 

Interpersonal skills influence your interactions with customers. Unlike communication skills, which focus on the exchange of information, interpersonal skills emphasize the ability to understand and relate to others on a personal level.

Here are examples of interpersonal skills on a resume for customer service: 

• Resolved conflicts efficiently and diplomatically, reducing customer complaint resolution time by 30%. • Built strong customer relationships through consistent follow-ups and personalized service, resulting in a 15% increase in repeat business. • Maintained positive relationships with key clients, contributing to a 20% boost in customer loyalty program sign-ups.

Adaptability

Adaptability is about how well you can adjust and respond to unexpected situations. Crucial in customer service, as circumstances often change out of the blue. Companies need someone who can think on their feet, handle all types of customer inquiries, and maintain a positive attitude. 

Example of how to describe adaptability on a resume:

Answered high call volumes during peak hours, ensuring all customer inquiries were addressed promptly and efficiently.

Building rapport

In other words, building trusting relationships with customers. Hiring managers in customer service will value a candidate who excels in making customers feel valued, understood, and appreciated. This can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. After all, customer retention has more impact on growth than customer acquisition.

Example of how to describe rapport-building on a resume: 

Built rapport through personalized greetings and friendly conversations, contributing to a 30% improvement in customer satisfaction scores.

Conflict resolution

Conflict resolution refers to your ability to handle customer complaints and disputes. Not all conversations with customers will go smoothly. Issues may arise, and you’ll need to de-escalate. 

Example of showcasing conflict resolution on a resume:

Resolved customer complaints by actively listening to their concerns, empathizing with their frustrations, and providing prompt and satisfactory solutions, which led to a 30% reduction in escalated cases.

Empathy comes down to understanding how another person feels. Telling a customer you’re going to help them isn’t quite the same as showing concern for them, relating to them, and showing them you understand what they need. 

Human touch is essential for great customer experiences, as stated in the same PwC report mentioned earlier . A genuine connection with customers can make or break a business, so it’s key to establish this by making customers feel valued, understood, and heard. 

Example of how to prove empathy on your resume: 

Supported and reassured customers during system outages, which helped decrease escalations by 30%. 

Strong teamwork means you can collaborate effectively with others. A team player in customer service will help the company boost efficiency and meet or exceed goals faster. 

Example of describing teamwork skills on a resume:

Coordinated with the sales and technical support teams to streamline the customer service process, which led to a 10% reduction in service delivery time.

3. Problem-solving

All customers will have problems at some point. How well can you help solve them? This requires you to quickly assess a situation, determine the root cause, and implement an appropriate solution. 

Here are examples of problem-solving skills on a resume for customer service: 

• Resolved customer billing discrepancies by investigating account histories and collaborating with the finance department, leading to a 98% resolution rate. • Proactively identified potential service disruptions and developed contingency plans to ensure service continuity and customer satisfaction. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve a critical service outage, restoring service within 2 hours and minimizing customer impact.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking relates to objective analysis. This is vital for determining the root causes of a customer’s concern or problem, and identifying potential solutions.  

Example of how to prove critical thinking on a resume:

Analyzed customer feedback trends to identify underlying issues, leading to the implementation of new policies that improved customer satisfaction by 20%.

Decision-making

This is about choosing the best course of action that leads to a happy ending for both the company and the customer. Strong decision-making skills also indicate that you can act without your supervisor’s guidance when necessary—this leads to quicker response times and, in turn, happier customers.

Example of how to describe decision-making on a resume: 

• Determined appropriate compensation for dissatisfied customers based on the severity of their issues, resulting in a 25% decrease in negative reviews.

Initiative refers to whether you can independently take action to identify opportunities for improvement and solve problems. Employers value representatives that can anticipate issues before they arise and take steps to prevent or mitigate them without needing explicit instructions.

Example of how to describe initiative on a resume:

Implemented changes in response to customer feedback, enhancing service processes and improving overall customer experience.

To an extent, you’ll need to be able to find answers by doing your own research. Good research skills are key for pinpointing customer needs, providing accurate information, and staying informed about industry trends. 

Example of research skills presented on a resume: 

Investigated competitor services and practices, providing valuable insights that informed the development of new company products.

4. Technical

Technical skills in customer service refer to your proficiency in using specific tools, software, and methodologies. 

Having technical proficiency and using the right technologies in customer service is only going to get more important. Almost 60% of customers had even mentioned that exceptional digital experiences are crucial for a company to keep business going, according to a study conducted by Salesforce . 

Here are examples of technical skills on a resume for customer service: 

• Configured and maintained customer service chatbots, enhancing self-service options and reducing the volume of incoming calls by 30%. • Handled technical support for various digital communication platforms, ensuring seamless customer interactions across email, chat, and social media. • Assisted in the integration of new communication channels, such as live chat and social media support, resulting in a 20% increase in customer engagement.

Customer relationship management (CRM) 

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) skills relate to managing current and potential customer interactions. Proficiency in CRM systems leads to better service delivery and a smoother workflow. 

Example of CRM skills described on a resume:

Leveraged CRM analytics to segment customers and tailor communication strategies, enhancing targeted marketing efforts and increasing engagement by 40%.

Data analysis

Data analysis is an important customer service skill since it allows you to make better decisions that will drive business growth. 

Example of data analysis mentioned on a resume:

Analyzed service ticket trends to identify common issues, leading to the creation of a targeted training program that boosted agent performance and customer satisfaction by 20%.

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Office Suite includes software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Having proficiency in all of these (or similar tools) helps with managing documentation, analyzing data, creating presentations, and communicating with stakeholders. 

Example of how to effectively prove your MS Office proficiency on a resume: 

Created detailed customer service reports using Excel, including pivot tables and charts, to track and analyze performance metrics.

Project management

Project management is applicable to almost all fields, especially customer service. This can help you get brownie points for coordinating tasks, managing resources, and helping ensure that deadlines are met. 

Example of how to describe PM skills on a resume: 

Oversaw the integration of a new live chat support feature, managing timelines and resources to ensure a seamless launch that increased customer engagement by 20%.

Specialized industry knowledge

I don’t mean to literally put “specialized industry knowledge” on your resume. 

But make it clear that you have expertise in a particular area of the industry you’re applying for.

Example from an insurance agent resume:

Maintained up-to-date knowledge of finance insurance policies and regulations to effectively provide accurate information to customers.

5. Time Management 

Working in customer service, or even performing some CS duties always means you’ll be doing a lot of different things at once, so you need to know how to manage your time. This isn’t only important for your higher productivity—it’s crucial for customer satisfaction. 

Here are examples of time management skills on a resume for customer service: 

• Implemented a scheduling system to optimize team availability, leading to a 20% increase in team productivity and faster resolution of customer issues. • Coordinated with team members to allocate resources efficiently during high-demand periods, reducing backlog and improving service levels. • Balanced multiple customer service channels, including phone, email, and live chat, maintaining consistent response times across all communication platforms.

Multitasking

Juggling multiple things effectively is one skill for customer service that can impress hiring managers. Making sure that no customer is left waiting too long and that all tasks are completed promptly is something that companies value.  

Example of multitasking properly described on a resume:

Simultaneously managed phone, email, and live chat inquiries, maintaining a 95% customer satisfaction rate while handling multiple channels.

Organization

There are documents and resources everywhere. Strong organization means systematically managing records and information, as well as ensuring efficient service delivery. 

Example of how to describe organization on a resume: 

Organized training sessions and materials for new hires, ensuring a smooth onboarding process and consistent knowledge transfer.

Prioritization

Prioritization is how you maximize productivity. As you’ll be dealing with all sorts of inquiries, knowing how and when to prioritize is an underrated customer service skill that allows you to address any pressing issues without compromising service quality. 

Example of how to show prioritization skills on a resume:

Prioritized and addressed urgent customer inquiries during peak times, reducing wait times by 30%.

Additional Customer Service Skills to Put on a Resume

Here are other good customer service skills to consider putting on a resume:  

• Attention to detail
• Foreign languages
• Reliability
• Stress management

You can also find more relevant skills by using Rezi AI Skills Explorer . Simply enter your profession and the type of skills you’re after. From there, you’ll automatically get a list of suggestions.

And if you’d like to see proven customer service resume examples that showcase the skills we’ve discussed, check out our resume examples library here .

How to Show Customer Service Skills on Different Resume Sections

Writing about customer service skills on a resume will look slightly different depending on the resume section :

• Summary section: state your strengths in customer service. Mention your top skills, like building rapport and upselling. Or even better, state your most significant and relevant customer service wins. 
• Objectives section: mention transferable skills you already have that are relevant to customer service. Then, focus on highlighting how you plan to develop certain customer service skills to excel in your role. 
• Work experience section: emphasize key duties and achievements you were responsible for that show your level of customer service skills. 
• Education section: list formal qualifications related to customer service from your academic background.  ‍
• Projects, volunteering, and extracurricular activities: highlight relevant customer service experiences that reinforce your credentials. ‍
• Certifications or awards section: make a list of certificates and awards you’ve earned that demonstrate your knowledge in applying certain skills, tools, or frameworks.  ‍
• Skills section: put together an organized list of customer service skills, prioritized by what’s most important to a company’s hiring criteria. 

Of all ways to write about your customer service skills on a resume , the most effective approach is to show them through positive outcomes you contributed to. This means highlighting the results from carrying out specific customer service tasks. 

Summary section

In the summary section , show off your best and most relevant customer service abilities. Summarize your background in customer service, state your areas of expertise, and mention any notable achievements related to improving customer loyalty and retention. 

Sample resume summary highlighting customer service skills:

Customer-focused professional with over 5 years of experience in delivering exceptional customer service. Expertise in conflict resolution, CRM systems, and data analysis. Successfully managed a high-volume call center, achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate.

Objectives section

For the objectives section , succinctly state your career goals in customer service while highlighting key skills that match the job expectations. Focus on showcasing qualifications that indicate your knowledge in the customer service field, and mention aspirations that align with the company’s specific needs. 

Sample resume objective with a focus on customer service skills: 

Recent communications graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a strong foundation in customer service principles. Proficient in active listening, conflict resolution, and using CRM systems. Eager to handle customer inquiries, provide timely resolutions, and refine the overall customer experience at [Company Name]. 

Work experience section

Double down on achievements in the work experience section . Highlight your customer service skills by showing how you helped a previous company achieve certain goals and project outcomes. Use action verbs to describe problems you solved and solutions implemented. Quantify duties and accomplishments to emphasize how your customer service skills can make a real impact.

Ideally, focus on what matches the job description. If a job ad states they’re seeking a candidate with experience in handling multiple inquiries, then prioritize describing similar tasks. 

Sample work experience entry showcasing customer service skills: 

Customer Service Manager Company XYZ February 2022–Present, Seoul, South Korea • Led a team of 15 customer service representatives, ensuring high-quality service and customer satisfaction. • Implemented a new customer feedback system that increased positive reviews by 25%. • Conducted regular training sessions to enhance team skills in communication, problem-solving, and product knowledge. • Resolved complex customer complaints, reducing escalation cases by 30%. • Collaborated with the marketing department to develop strategies for improving customer retention. • Analyzed customer service metrics to identify areas for improvement, leading to a 20% reduction in response times. • Assisted in the development and launch of a new product line, providing customer insights and support.

Note that not all bullet points in this work experience section example explicitly mentions “customer service” to showcase customer service skills. 

And some bullet points aren’t even directly about customer service, but still highlights relevant skills. This positions the candidate as a more well-rounded professional who’s adept in various aspects of their role, while emphasizing their strengths where it matters most. 

Education section

Academic qualifications belong in the education section . You can also add bullet points to include extra details like any relevant courses you completed or specific skills developed. 

Sample education section mentioning relevant customer service skills: 

Bachelor of Arts in Communication | University of State | May 2022 Completed a minor in psychology, including coursework in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. Graduated with a GPA of 3.8

Additional resume sections for relevant experience

These additional sections include: 

• Volunteering
• Extracurricular activities 

In any of these sections, focus on describing transferable skills, as well as methodologies and tools you used to complete customer-related tasks. You can also mention any training you received and accomplishments you were responsible for. 

Sample volunteering resume section proving proficiency in customer service:

Volunteer Customer Service Representative | Local Food Bank | Jun 2023 – Aug 2024 • Resolved inquiries from over 100 clients weekly, ensuring timely distribution of food supplies.

Certifications section

Mention any certificates you’ve received that demonstrate your knowledge in a particular area of customer service. If necessary, add a bullet point to emphasize any particular topic areas or abilities. 

Sample certifications section for a customer service resume: 

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Certification | Salesforce | Aug 2023 • In-depth training on Salesforce CRM, including data management, customer tracking, and reporting features.

Skills section

This one’s fairly straightforward—simply list skills that are related to the job requirements. To show employers the breadth of your customer service expertise, categorize skills from a range of abilities that are essential for the role. 

Sample skills resume section focused on customer service skills: 

Communication: Active Listening, Clear Verbal Communication, Concise Writing Interpersonal Skills: Adaptability, Empathy, Patience, Problem-Solving, Teamwork Technical Skills: CRM Systems (Salesforce, Zendesk), Microsoft Office Suite, Live Chat Support Tools

How to Learn and Develop Customer Service Skills

Starting to learn and develop the CS skills won’t improve your resume today but it will help you become a better professional and, in turn, a stronger candidate in the future. As a result, it can boost your chances of securing your next job opportunity or trying for that internal promotion.

Here are some of the best ways to improve your customer service skills: ‍

• Enroll in online courses that offer training in customer service.  • Join workshops and seminars.  • Practice different scenarios on the spot with a colleague or mentor.  • Request for feedback from customers, peers, and seniors.  • Shadow a seasoned professional to get a better understanding of how they operate and approach different situations.  • Volunteer to take on tasks that require direct interaction with customers so that you gain more practical experience.  • Engage in team projects and group activities that require collaboration.  • Continue to work on yourself. Personal development leads to higher self-awareness, which in turn helps with how you interact with others. 

Let’s recap on the top customer service skills and how to describe them on a resume: 

• The best customer service skills include a mix of communication, interpersonal abilities, problem-solving, technical knowledge, and time management. 
• You can showcase your customer service expertise on a resume through your experience and qualifications.
• To effectively write about customer service skills on a resume, describe relevant tasks, and you completed and results you achieved. Use action verbs and metrics to specify your impact. In other words, your customer service skills are evident based on the responsibilities you’re capable of performing and the results you’ve produced in the past. 
• Learning and developing CS skills can improve the likelihood of advancing in your career and getting a promotion.

Customer service skills are the backbone of any successful business that interacts with clients.

Even if you’re not looking for customer service jobs, many of the skills we’ve discussed in this guide can be beneficial for your career. Some could even be the difference between whether you get promoted. 

How to describe customer service skills on a resume?

You describe customer service skills on a resume by highlighting how you successfully completed certain tasks and specific achievements you were responsible for. Use an action verb to describe either of these, then quantify your duties and positive outcomes you accomplished by using metrics to emphasize your effectiveness. Next, tailor your descriptions by using resume keywords .

What customer service skills are the most important? 

The most important customer service skills for a particular company depend on their job description. Generally speaking, however, these tend to be empathy, active listening, clear communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These lead to positive human interactions, which “ 82% of U.S. and 74% of non-U.S. consumers want more of,” according to PwC. You also need to be able to think on your feet, as PwC states in the same report that there’s misalignment between customer expectations and how employees are delivering. In another report, 90% of customers rated an “immediate” response as highly important , according to HubSpot. This emphasizes the importance of effective time management for faster response times and having technical knowledge in your field, industry, and company products or services. 

How do you say you have good customer service on a resume?

Prove it by demonstrating a real impact you made by applying your customer service skills. Here’s an example of this for the summary section: “Dedicated customer service professional with excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Consistently achieved high customer satisfaction ratings for 3+ years by effectively managing inquiries and complaints. Recognized by industry leaders for strong empathy and the ability to build positive relationships with customers.”

What are the key qualities for good customer service?

Arguably, the most important quality is empathy. This allows you to understand and connect with customers on a deeper level, which builds and nurtures trust. Patience is also important, since you’ll need to be calm when handling different types of situations. Another key quality is optimism and initiative. This helps to consistently ensure a pleasant and supportive customer experience. Additionally, you should be quick to think on your feet. 

What are the principles of good customer service?

Active listening, empathy, clear and effective communication, prompt response times, and a solution-oriented mindset are the principles of good customer service. It involves understanding and anticipating customer needs, and being prepared to address them whenever needed. At the core of customer service is trust and relationships. This can only be built through respect, understanding, and personalized attention. To work on this, continuously seek feedback and strive for higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Are there any golden rules for customer service resumes?

Golden rules for customer service resumes include highlighting relevant skills that demonstrate how you improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. Such skills include communication, problem-solving, and technical proficiency. Use quantifiable achievements to make your resume look more legit, tailor your resume to the job description to prove you’re a good fit specifically for the company you’re applying for, and include examples of how you’ve helped an organization meet or exceed certain goals directly related to business growth.

Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

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Jobscan > Resume Examples > Customer Service Skills and Resume Examples You Need to See

Customer Service Skills and Resume Examples You Need to See

These skills and resume examples reflect the latest trends and best practices for getting a job in customer service, including how to optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

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Customer service is the backbone of any successful business. It shapes perceptions of the organization, drives customer satisfaction, and fosters long-term loyalty.

In an age where consumers have endless choices, the quality of customer service can set a brand apart.

Customer service is not only an important job, but it can also be a fun and rewarding one. You get to connect with all kinds of people, solve problems, and make a positive impact daily.

To pursue a career in customer service, your first step is to write a resume .

Below are ten customer service resume samples, each one followed by an explanation of why it works.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these examples can help you present your customer service resume skills and experiences in the best light.

Entry-level customer service resume

An entry-level resume should highlight your potential by focusing on your transferable skills .

Transferable skills are not job-specific. They are abilities that you can use in any kind of job. For example, communication, time management, and problem-solving are skills you can transfer from one job to another.

An entry-level resume should also mention any relevant coursework, volunteer work , internships, certifications , or part-time positions.

Why this resume works:

• The career objective talks about Emily’s motivation and the specific role she is targeting. It also highlights her strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Emily’s skills section showcases both her technical skills (like familiarity with POS systems and Microsoft Office) and soft skills (like attention to detail and conflict resolution abilities).
• The work experience section emphasizes Emily’s transferable skills. It highlights her ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks, and resolve customer issues.
• The inclusion of volunteer experience is a strong point. It showcases Emily’s commitment to community service and her ability to work in customer-facing roles.
• Overall, the resume portrays Emily as a candidate with a strong foundation of skills and experience. She appears well-suited for an entry-level customer service position.

Mid-level customer service resume

A mid-level customer service representative may work in a retail store or answer calls and emails in an office. ‌They are the first point of contact between customers and the company.

The most essential skill for a customer service representative is the ability to remain professional at all times.

The resume for a mid-level customer service representative should focus more on work experience compared to an entry-level resume. It should also highlight a broader range of skills.

• The resume starts with a short summary of Anthony’s experience in customer service. This provides a snapshot of his qualifications at the beginning.
• Anthony’s work experience outlines specific achievements. It quantifies his impact wherever possible (e.g., “managed 45+ calls per day”).
• The resume highlights results and accomplishments . These include creating best-in-class service and retaining patients through effective communication.
• The resume uses industry-specific terms like “Customer Relationship Management (CRM)” and “Marketing Data Analysis.” This indicates Anthony’s familiarity with the customer service sector.
• The resume emphasizes Anthony’s excellent communication and interpersonal skills . These skills are crucial in customer service.

Senior-level customer service resume

A senior-level customer service resume should include lots of work experience. It’s important to show that you know how to lead a team and make decisions based on facts and information.

At this stage in your career, it is vital to emphasize your strategic approach to customer service management. This involves planning and organizing teams in order to help customers in the best way possible.

• The skills section covers a wide range of competencies. These include team leadership, conflict resolution, marketing data analysis, and event planning.
• The work experience section outlines specific achievements and responsibilities. It quantifies Nancy’s impact wherever possible (e.g., “Defuse 15+ escalated calls per day”).
• The resume uses industry-specific terms and acronyms (like KPI and QA). These show Nancy’s familiarity with the sector.
• The resume highlights Nancy’s experience in leading teams and hiring people.
• The resume shows Nancy’s ability to handle calls and resolve complex issues. She’s a skilled problem-solver who can work in high-pressure environments.

Customer service coordinator resume

In this role, you have a higher level of responsibility. You should highlight your experience in developing customer service strategies and leading teams.

You should also show how you’ve implemented policies that enhanced customer satisfaction. Don’t forget to mention any certifications or training that have helped you to excel in this role.

• The summary highlights James’s certification, years of expertise, and key strengths.
• The skills section showcases James’s hard skills (CRM software, data analysis) and soft skills (problem-solving, communication).
• The work experience section quantifies James’s accomplishments (e.g., “reducing the average response time by 30%”).
• The resume incorporates industry-specific terms like “CRM software,” “customer onboarding,” and “customer support ticketing system”.
• The resume shows a clear career progression, moving from one customer service coordinator role to another.

Bilingual customer service resume

A bilingual customer service resume should show your ability to help customers in more than one language.

It should focus on experiences where you used your bilingual skills to resolve issues and satisfy customers.

• The summary emphasizes Emma’s bilingual skills, her experience, and her commitment to exceptional customer service.
• The skills section highlights Emma’s technical skills (multilingual communication) and soft skills (empathy and active listening).
• The work experience section highlights Emma’s accomplishments. This includes reducing call handling time, being recognized as a top performer, and implementing feedback systems.
• The resume highlights Emma’s fluency in both English and Spanish. This emphasizes her unique value proposition in a customer service setting.
• Emma’s communication degree and her certification further bolster her qualifications for the role.

Call center customer service resume

A call center resume should focus on your ability to provide customer service over the phone. It should highlight your communication skills and your ability to quickly understand customer issues.

You should also talk about your ability to manage high volumes of calls. Try to emphasize how you keep a positive and professional demeanor even in stressful situations.

• The skills section showcases both hard skills (CRM software) and soft skills (active listening and communication).
• The work experience section highlights accomplishments. These include achieving high customer satisfaction ratings, reducing onboarding time, and collaborating with technical teams.
• The resume incorporates terms like “inbound customer calls,” “Salesforce CRM software,” and “customer satisfaction rating”. These terms underscore Pedro’s familiarity with call center operations.
• Including improv classes as a hobby showcases Pedro’s commitment to personal development. It also highlights skills that are beneficial in a call center environment, such as quick thinking and adaptability.
• Overall, the resume demonstrates Pedro’s consistent dedication to the field of customer service.

Remote customer service resume

A resume for a remote customer service job should talk about how you’ve helped customers while working from home or somewhere else.

You need to show that you are good at using online tools to communicate with customers. Also try to mention your ability to get things done without supervision.

• The summary section highlights Ahmed’s experience in handling high call volumes. It also shows he’s good at using customer service platforms.
• The skills section showcases a blend of technical and interpersonal skills.
• The work experience section emphasizes Ahmed’s achievements and responsibilities. It quantifies his impact where possible (e.g., “maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 95%+”).
• The resume talks about Ahmed’s accomplishments. These include receiving awards and contributing to increased sales through upselling opportunities.
• The resume highlights the recognition Ahmed has received. This indicates a track record of excellence and dedication to customer satisfaction.

Retail customer service resume

A retail customer service resume should demonstrate your ability to help customers in a store setting. It should show that you are good at talking with people and helping them find what they need.

Mention times when you’ve gone above and beyond to make a customer’s shopping experience better. Talk about your skills in handling money, organizing products, and keeping the store looking neat and welcoming.

• The resume begins with a concise summary that highlights John’s experience and skills in retail customer service.
• The resume emphasizes results and achievements. These include increasing customer retention and contributing to visual merchandising efforts.
• John’s volunteer experience as a hotline support volunteer showcases his compassion and ability to handle sensitive conversations.
• The resume uses industry-specific terms like “point-of-sale (POS) system,” “visual merchandising,” and “customer retention,” demonstrating John’s familiarity with the retail sector.
• The resume highlights John’s ability to engage customers effectively, improve sales conversion rates, and enhance the overall customer experience.

Customer service consultant resume

A consultant resume should highlight your expertise in advising businesses on how to provide the best service to their customers.

Talk about your ability to create plans and strategies that have helped companies improve their customer service. Mention any projects where you’ve worked with a team to make changes that led to happier customers.

• Emily’s work experience quantifies her impact where possible (e.g., “leading to a 20% reduction in customer complaints”).
• The resume accentuates Emily’s results and accomplishments. These include developing customer service training programs and leading workshops.
• The resume incorporates industry-specific terms like “CRM integration,” “customer-centric solutions,” and “cross-functional collaboration,” underscoring Emily’s familiarity with the customer service consulting sector.
• The resume highlights Emily’s experience in leading teams. It also shows her involvement in the successful launch of new product features.
• The resume highlights Emily’s ability to identify pain points and areas for improvement.

Customer service technician resume

A technician’s resume should highlight your skills in helping customers fix technical issues.

Try to mention times when you’ve successfully solved technical problems for customers. Talk about your skills in troubleshooting and your ability to work well both in a team and independently.

• Michael’s work experience outlines specific achievements. It quantifies his impact wherever possible (e.g., “ensuring a 95% issue resolution rate”).
• The resume emphasizes results and accomplishments. These include working with the product development team to achieve a 15% increase in sales revenue.
• The resume uses industry-specific terms like “network connectivity,” “hardware repair,” and “remote diagnostics.” This indicates Michael’s familiarity with the technical aspects of his role.
• The resume highlights Michael’s ability to diagnose hardware and software problems. It also shows his ability to guide customers through solutions.
• The resume shows that Michael can adapt to changing technology. He is also able to maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends.

6 tips for writing a professional customer service resume

Over the past twenty years, the way resumes are reviewed by employers has changed significantly. This is due to the rise of applicant tracking systems , or ATS.

ATS is computer software that streamlines the hiring process for employers. It works like this:

When you submit your resume, it goes into an ATS database. Hiring managers then search through the database for suitable job candidates by typing relevant keywords into the ATS search bar.

For example, if a hiring manager wants to find a candidate who has good conflict resolution skills, they might type “conflict resolution” into the ATS search bar.

Resumes that contain the keyword “conflict resolution” will appear before the hiring manager. Resumes without that keyword remain in the database, unseen.

Now that you have a basic understanding of how an ATS works , here are six tips for writing an ATS-friendly customer service representative resume.

Tip #1 – Tailor each resume to the job you’re applying for

Most job seekers create only one version of their resume that they send out with every job application. You’ve probably done this yourself.

This strategy is fast and easy, but it’s far less effective than tailoring each resume to the specific job you’re applying to.

The best way to tailor your resume to the job is to add the keywords , or skills, that hiring managers are most likely to look for in the ATS database.

How do you find these keywords? They’re in the job description. Just look for the skills mentioned most often in the job description and then try to add them to your resume (but only if you really do have those skills!).

In other words, use the same language on your resume that the hiring manager used in the job description.

Unfortunately, tailoring each resume takes time and effort. That’s why many job seekers have turned to online tools to help them do it faster.

One tool you can use is Jobscan’s resume scanner. It helps you tailor each resume in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it manually. And it’s more accurate as well.

The scanner works by analyzing your resume against the job description. It then produces a Match Report that tells you exactly which keywords you should add to your resume.

Here’s an example of the Match Report:

In this example, the term “required” means that adding the keywords “ms office” and “google suite” to your resume will significantly increase your chances of getting a job interview.

Using Jobscan’s resume scanner is the fastest and easiest way to create the best customer service resume. You can try it for free here .

Tip #2 – Highlight your transferable skills

A recent study shows that employers consider transferable skills to be more important than ever . Transferable skills are abilities you can use in a variety of jobs and industries.

Let’s say you have worked as an assistant, teacher, or product manager. Then you probably have strong communication and problem-solving skills.

These skills can be “transferred” to a customer service role. They are portable assets you carry from one job to another.

Transferable skills can be either hard or soft . Hard skills are specific and teachable, acquired through formal education or training. Examples include data analysis, accounting, and graphic design.

Soft skills are personal attributes that help people interact with others. Examples include communication, critical thinking , problem-solving, and time management .

Transferable skills are valuable in customer service because it’s a people business.

Tip #3 – Use numbers in your work experience section

Using numbers in your work experience section provides concrete evidence that you can do what you claim to be able to do. This is especially important in a field like customer service, where success is often measured through metrics.

Here are some examples of how to use numbers in a customer service resume:

• Assisted an average of 50 customers per day, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction and resolving inquiries and issues promptly.
• Achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rating based on post-interaction surveys.
• Handled an average of 200 daily emails and achieved a response time of under 2 hours.
• Increased upsell revenue by 20% through effective cross-selling techniques.
• Implemented a new customer feedback system that led to a 30% decrease in customer complaints.

Tip #4 – Use action verbs in your work experience section

Research indicates that adding strong action verbs to your resume can increase your chances of getting a job interview by 140 percent.

Action verbs convey action and engagement. For instance, “Collaborated with the marketing team” or “Fostered improved community relations.”

Here are 25 common action verbs for customer service representative resumes:

• Communicated
• Collaborated
• Facilitated
• Prioritized
• Followed up
• Streamlined
• Coordinated
• Investigated

Tip #5 – Format your resume so it can be easily read by an ATS

The first thing an ATS does when it receives your application is extract and organize your information. This process is called parsing.

But formatting errors on your resume can cause incorrect parsing. Your resume might be perfect in every other way, but formatting errors might prevent it from being seen by employers.

To avoid such issues, follow these formatting recommendations:

• Use simple and easily understandable language to avoid confusing the ATS.
• Choose a widely-used font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica to enhance readability.
• Select an appropriate font size, aiming for 11-12 pt for regular text and 14-16 pt for section titles.
• Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides of your resume to prevent overcrowding.
• Create your resume using a Word document to ensure proper formatting and easy readability for the ATS.
• Thoroughly proofread your resume for any errors before submitting it.
• Refrain from including unnecessary graphics or images that the ATS might have trouble parsing.
• Avoid using special characters or symbols that might be misinterpreted by the ATS.

Before sending out your resume, double-check its formatting. Even a single mistake can diminish your chances of securing a job interview.

You can also use Jobscan’s resume scanner to identify any formatting issues you need to address. Here’s an example of the formatting section of the Match Report:

Tip #6 – Write a cover letter

When submitting your resume, it is common to include a cover letter . This serves as a concise preview of your skills and experience.

Here’s how to write a good cover letter:

• Contact Information : Place your full name, address, and phone number in the upper left corner of your cover letter.
• Greeting : Whenever possible, address the hiring manager. If you don’t know their name, try searching through the company website or call to inquire.
• Opening : Get the hiring manager’s attention by highlighting your unique skills and capabilities.
• Body : Use this section to promote yourself. Provide examples of your measurable achievements. These concrete accomplishments serve as compelling evidence of your abilities.
• Closing : Express gratitude to the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Mention any attachments such as a website, portfolio, or work samples. Maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding overly eager or desperate.
• Use Keywords : Whenever possible, use keywords from the job description in your cover letter.

A well-crafted cover letter lets employers see beyond your resume. It offers a glimpse into your personality and how you might fit in with the company culture.

After completing your cover letter, try running it through Jobscan’s cover letter checker . This will provide you with valuable feedback and suggestions for improvement.

You can even have Jobscan write a cover letter from scratch for you with our cover letter generator . Powered by advanced GPT-4 technology, this tool instantly generates an ATS-friendly cover letter with just a single click.

The best skills and keywords for a customer service resume

As we’ve seen, hiring managers use keywords, or skills, to find resumes in the ATS database. Every customer service job is different, but there are some keywords that hiring managers consistently search for.

Below are the top keywords and skills hiring managers search for in entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level customer service positions.

Entry-level customer service resume skills and keywords:

• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving
• Active listening
• Adaptability
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Customer orientation
• Conflict resolution
• Technical proficiency
• Multitasking
• Positive attitude
• Professionalism
• Product knowledge
• Complaint handling
• Follow-up and follow-through
• Customer satisfaction enhancement
• Organization and prioritization
• Service recovery
• Problem escalation

Mid-level customer service resume skills and keywords:

• Organization skills
• Customer-focused service
• Administrative assistance
• Social media
• Computer literacy
• Account management
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Cash handling
• Customer satisfaction
• Technical support
• Sales management
• Administration
• Data analysis
• Teller operations
• Hotel management
• Back office operations
• Public relations
• Phone etiquette
• Supply chain management
• Public speaking
• Event planning
• Customer experience
• Project management
• Strategic planning
• Customer support
• Customer contact
• Corporate social responsibility
• Business development
• Cooperation
• Team spirit
• Business-to-business (B2B)
• Order processing
• Business strategy
• Logistics management
• Receptionist duties
• SAP products
• Contact centers
• Inventory management
• Negotiation
• Troubleshooting
• Telemarketing

Senior-level customer service resume skills and keywords:

• Merchandising
• Business planning
• Management information systems (MIS)
• Team leadership
• People management
• Team building
• SAP Products
• Business process improvement
• Change management
• Vendor management
• Operations management
• Operating systems
• Performance management
• Sales operations
• Continuous improvement
• Customer retention

How to write a customer service resume

Customer service is a job where you need to be good at dealing with people and solving problems. When you write your resume, it’s important to show that you have these skills.

Follow these six steps to create a resume that highlights your abilities and sets you apart in the competitive job market.

You can also use a customer service resume template to help create your resume. A template is a pre-designed layout. All you have to do is fill in your information.

Jobscan has a variety of free resume templates you can use. Each one is ATS-friendly and easy to read.

Step #1 – Choose a resume format

There are three basic resume formats to choose from. They are:

Chronological – This commonly-used resume format focuses on your work history. In this format, you list your work experience in reverse chronological order, from the most recent to the least recent.

Functional – If you don’t have much work experience, you might consider using the functional resume format . It focuses on your skills rather than work experience.

Hybrid – This resume format begins with a skills section followed by a reverse chronological listing of your work experience.

We recommend using the hybrid format . This is because skills are crucial when it comes to customer service. This resume format showcases your skills while also highlighting your work experience.

Step #2 – Write your contact information

This is fairly straightforward. Your contact information should appear at the top of your resume and include your:

• Phone number
• Location (City, State, Zip Code)
• Email Address
• LinkedIn profile URL

Here’s an example:

Step #2 – Write a resume headline

Your resume headline appears below your contact information. This one-liner is the first thing recruiters and hiring managers read. Your headline should explain who you are and what you bring to the table.

Here are resume headline examples for customer service:

• Customer Service Manager and Contact Center Supervisor.
• Customer Service Professional with Strong Communication Skills.
• Experienced Customer Service Representative.
• Friendly and Attentive Customer Service Specialist.

Always try to include the job title of the position you’re applying for in your headline. The job title is perhaps the most important keyword of all.

Step #3 – Write a resume summary or objective

Right beneath your headline should be your resume summary . This is a brief paragraph or a set of bullet points that summarizes your professional qualifications.

Your summary should highlight your skills, achievements, and experience. Again, to optimize your summary for the ATS, try to include keywords and skills from the job description.

Here’s a resume summary example for customer service. This could also appear as a bulleted list:

“Dedicated and results-oriented customer service professional with 5+ years of experience in providing exceptional support and assistance. Proven track record in resolving customer inquiries, addressing concerns, and ensuring high levels of satisfaction. Seeking to leverage my expertise to contribute to a customer-centric organization and drive customer satisfaction.”

If you are applying for an entry-level job or are changing careers, you could write a resume objective instead of a summary.

A resume objective is a concise statement about your career goals. Here’s an example:

“Motivated and customer-focused individual seeking an entry-level customer service position to utilize strong communication and problem-solving skills.”

Step #4 – Write your skills section

In a hybrid resume, the skills section comes right after the summary and before the work experience section. Featuring your skills up front like this allows hiring managers to quickly assess your key abilities and qualifications.

Here’s an example of a skills section for a customer service representative:

If you can, try to include the skills that are listed in the job description. These are the skills that hiring managers are going to search the ATS for.

Step #5 – Write your work experience section

Your work experience section is the heart of your resume and where hiring managers will spend most of their time.

Each job in this section should include the following information:

• Company name and location : State the complete name of the company and where it is located (city and state).
• Job title : Be specific about your role within the company so employers understand your position clearly.
• Start and end dates : Provide the month and year for each position to ensure an accurate representation of your work timeline.
• Achievements and responsibilities : Use bullet points to list your accomplishments and duties. Try to include numbers and metrics.

Here’s an example of what a customer service resume work experience entry should look like:

Your work experience section is another great place to use keywords found in the job description.

Step #6 – Write your education section

The final step to creating your customer service resume is to add your education section . This is fairly straightforward.

Here’s what you should include for each degree you’ve earned:

• Name of school
• School location
• Year graduated

Here’s an example of an education section:

This final section is also a great place to add any certifications, volunteer experience , or any other relevant information.

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Education and certifications for customer service resumes

You don’t need to have advanced training or degrees to become a customer service representative. For most entry-level roles, you just need a high school diploma or GED.

If you want to move into a managerial role, a bachelor’s degree is more important. Many companies require their managers to have a college degree, but the specific degree is flexible.

You can also get management certifications. Common management certificates include:

• ‌Certified Manager (CM)
• ‌Certified Business Process Associate (CBPA)
• ‌Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• ‌Project Management Professional (PMP)

Common interview questions for customer service jobs

Here are some common questions that candidates might encounter during the interview process. Following each question is a tip on how to answer it:

Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond for a customer?

Tip: Share a specific instance where you took extra steps to satisfy a customer’s needs. Emphasize the positive outcome that resulted from your actions.

How do you handle a difficult or irate customer?

Tip: Discuss your strategy for staying calm and composed. Focus on active listening and empathetic responses to de-escalate the situation.

What strategies do you use to stay up-to-date with product or service knowledge?

Tip: Mention any training, workshops, or research methods you use to stay informed about the company’s offerings .

Can you give an example of how you have handled a high-pressure situation in a previous role?

Tip: Narrate a specific scenario where you successfully managed stress and maintained a high level of service. Highlight your problem-solving and adaptability skills.

How do you prioritize multiple tasks or requests from customers?

Tip: Explain your approach to task management. Mention tools or techniques you use to organize your work.

What do you believe are the most important qualities in a customer service representative?

Tip: Discuss essential traits such as patience, empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving. Explain how you embody these qualities in your work.

What are common action verbs for customer service representative resumes?

Common customer service action verbs include:

• Troubleshooted

How do you align your resume with a job description?

To match your resume with a job description, find the important words and skills it mentions. Then include those words and skills in your resume.

You can automate this process by using a tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . It compares your resume with the job description and provides you with a match score. Increase your match score by following the tool’s recommendations.

What is the best customer service representative resume format?

The hybrid format is the best customer service representative resume format. This is because it combines the strengths of both the chronological and functional formats. It does this by showcasing relevant skills and experiences while providing a clear work history timeline.

More resources

Resume Examples for Any Job

60 Resume Tips to Help You Land Interviews

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How to Write a Resume for Today's Job Market

17 Key Customer Service Skills [List & Resume Examples]

Poor customer service is hard to forget. One mistake and you are out. Businesses understand it better than ever. As a result, skilled customer service representatives are in high demand.

It is clear that you can’t have happy customers without offering amazing support. Period.

But which customer service skills translate into great customer service experiences? Is good service more than solving a customer’s issue?

In this article:

• Customer service hard skills and soft skills
• What personality traits make a good customer support rep
• How to improve customer service skills
• How to list your service skills on a resume

If you want to learn more about delivering excellent customer service, you can also read:

• Do You Know What Customer Service Means at All?
• What is Customer Retention? 8 Best Strategies [+Apps]
• 7 Ways to Deliver Excellent Customer Service [Examples & Tips]
• Customer Success Essentials [Metrics, Stories, & More]
• Customer Support vs. Service [Definition + Software]

What are the best customer service skills and traits?

Here is our list of good customer service soft skills, hard skills, and personality traits.

Soft skills for customer service:

• Emotional intelligence
• Body language
• Clear communication
• Active listening
• Conflict resolution
• Decision making
• Problem solving
• Time management

Hard skills for customer service:

• Foreign language fluency
• Technical knowledge
• Typing speed
• Knowledge of CRM software
• Microsoft Office/Google Docs Editors
• Live chat, chatbots, and email software

Personality traits for customer service representatives:

• Determination
• Responsibility

Learn how to improve customer service and recreate in-store experiences

Let’s discuss each of these customer service core competencies in detail.

If you need general training, you may also be interested in joining a training program for agents. Here are some of our recommended courses and useful exercises: 19 Best Customer Service Training Programs & Activities

1. Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize and manage emotions. This refers both to your own emotions as well as those of your customers.

High levels of emotional intelligence and empathy are critical for dealing with customers. It has become one of the main criteria for employee development. People with high emotional intelligence outperform employees with high IQ but low EQ .

Many modern organizations use EQ assessments on a regular basis. It is one of the essential customer service skills.

There is a very strong correlation between your emotional intelligence and your results as a support agent. On average, high-performing customer service representatives get better scores on emotional intelligence tests. A report by TalentSmart demonstrates that they score 17% higher than engineering and 3% higher than sales departments.

Empathy is the most important component of EQ for customer service jobs. A good agent should be able to see every problem through the customer’s eyes. Here are some useful resources that will help you develop and improve EQ—especially empathy:

• 13 Best Emotional Intelligence Activities & Exercises
• Useful Phrases That Convey Empathy to Customers

2. Positive body language

The role of body language in retail customer service is invaluable. However, it is difficult to put it into an easily definable framework. Some say that 90% of communication is body language. Others argue that 55% is nonverbal, 38% is the tone of voice, and the remaining 7% are words and their meaning as such.

It is difficult to measure the exact impact of your posture or voice. But controlling your body language is a necessary skill for a customer service agent. Unless you are using live chat or other text-based types of customer service , obviously.

Proper posture might be instinctive for you already. But the ability to communicate through body language is also something you can learn. Make sure to:

• Maintain eye contact with a customer (but do not stare at them)
• Smile and nod to acknowledge customers and what they say
• Try to use a calm, low-pitch voice that is not too dynamic
• Observe the behavior of your customers to read what’s on their minds (e.g., if they are irritated or in a hurry)

If you want to learn more about conveying the right message through your body language or read your customers’ body language like a book, check out:

• How to Read Your Customer: The Body Language of Yes and No
• 6 Tips for Increasing Customer Satisfaction Through Positive Body Language

3. Clear communication

Have you ever tried to make a written transcript of your conversation? Sometimes we may think we are communicating in a clear and effective manner. But in fact, most of our everyday conversations with friends are very chaotic and choppy. Chatting with someone is very different from explaining a complex technical issue.

Cohesive communication is one of the most important items on our customer service skills list. Fortunately, you can communicate with your customers very effectively using fine-tuned canned responses . Today, there is no need to come up with original answers to every question from scratch and write new messages. You can achieve clear communication by crafting and perfecting your regular set of canned replies.

Obviously, troubleshooting unusual issues will still require your full attention. You can always reach a good communication level with customers if you follow a process. For example, you should break down your instructions into several steps. Ask for feedback after each step and rephrase the instructions that were misunderstood. This way you can clear up any issue.

Here are two interesting pieces on improving your communication skills for customer service:

• 15 Tips for Better Customer Service Communication
• 7 Rules for Effective Customer Service Communication

4. Active listening

Active listening is a technique that uses paraphrasing and reading non-verbal conversation cues. It gives you more insights about customers and allows you to follow their train of thought. Active listening is equally essential when interacting through office phone systems or live chat tools, as you have to comprehend customers’ needs and concerns quickly and accurately. By asking follow-up questions you ensure that you are on the same side.

Our recent customer experience survey shows that businesses are very bad at listening to customers . Only 17% of customers believe that online businesses listen to them. It is a little bit surprising since the problem is easy to address. You can instantly improve the quality of customer experience by using proven formulas.

Some of the most powerful phrases that you can ask to steer customer service conversations in the right direction are:

• Could you tell me a little bit more?
• It sounds like you are experiencing [X], am I correct?
• I’m sorry you have to go through that
• It would make me angry too
• Let’s make sure that I’ve got everything right

By using active listening skills you show a customer that you understand them. It allows you to make an instant connection. Active listening helps to convey that their problems are your problems too and you feel responsible for finding a solution.

Further readings to improve your customer service active listening skills:

• How to Listen to Customers Effectively
• 20 Best Practices For Live Chat Etiquette

5. Conflict resolution

In customer service, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques are used every day. To deliver good customer service , an agent should be a good negotiator and know how to calm down a raging bull.

Being able to deal with customer complaints and angry customers can be hard at first. But you can learn some useful statements and tricks to turn those situations around:

• Stay calm and don’t argue, even if you are right
• Withhold your judgment and keep your opinions to yourself
• Use empathy, apologize to your customers, and show that you understand how they feel
• Offer a solution and describe the end result
• Provide different alternatives and empower the customer to make the ultimate decision
• Shift the focus of the conversation on achieving the outcomes described before
• Make sure that the problem has been solved
• Thank your customer for providing feedback and bringing the problem to your attention

If you want to find out more about resolving difficult situations with unhappy clients, read:

• How to Handle Customer Complaints [10+ Response Examples]
• How to Deal With Angry Customers in 5 Easy Steps [Tips & Examples]

6. Decision making

Working as a customer support agent requires thinking on your feet. You don’t have to always make the best decision. But you need to be decisive and display confidence. Customers want to be taken care of—and they won’t trust you if you don’t know what you are doing. You should, at the very least, try to make a good impression.

If you want to make a good impression and make the best decisions, keep the following things in mind:

• Focus on your goal . Think what is the ultimate reason why customers reach out to you.
• Make decisions fast . Try to develop a habit of making decisions quickly. Even if something goes wrong, it will be a valuable lesson for the future.
• When in doubt, dig deeper . If you can’t decide on the right solution, it may mean that you don’t have enough information. It’s a good idea to ask the customer for details.
• Ask for help if you need it . Consult with someone who knows more about the topic if you still can’t decide on your best option.

Be careful! Being decisive does not mean that you can make arbitrary judgments. You should make sure what kind of decisions you are allowed to make and which ones are beyond your competencies. Your future customer success manager should prepare a well-defined policy. Situations such as giving discounts or accepting returns should be spelled out. Just stick to the rules.

7. Problem solving

The primary job of a customer support agent is to solve the problems of customers. And you can’t really do that if you are not willing to experiment, analyze, and try out different approaches. Sometimes you’ll have to be very creative and think outside the box.

You can solve anything if you break down the process into smaller steps. Follow this pattern to deal with any challenge thrown your way:

• Describe the problem in your own words and make sure that you understand it
• Check if someone solved a similar problem already (and how they did it)
• Prepare a list of possible solutions and analyze their pros and cons.
• Eliminate the most difficult, expensive, or otherwise impossible and prohibitive ideas
• Determine your main course of action and a backup plan
• Put the plan into action and see if it works. Try to draw additional conclusions and go back to step 1 if it doesn’t.

The most important part of problem-solving is identifying what the problem actually is. You should always try to dig deeper and understand why a customer wants to achieve something.

For example, people keep asking how to trigger automatic messages with Tidio’s JavaScript API . But when our agents ask some follow-up questions it turns out that those users don’t need the API. They can create chatbots to reach their goals instead.

8. Time management

Multitasking is a myth. People can’t really handle many processes simultaneously. But what they can do is divide their time into smaller chunks and use it more effectively . It is another important customer service skill.

There is a very simple way to help your customers around the clock. Many businesses improve customer experience with AI chatbots. In some situations, you don’t need a customer support team at all. One bot can do the job. Find out  how to start with Tidio chatbots here .

But customer service is usually very hectic in itself, right? Do we need to organize our time and work at all? Isn’t it just about dealing with incoming calls as they pile up?

Well, things get complicated if you handle one “important” case for three hours and try to catch up by speeding up during the rest of the day.

It may be a good idea to start using time and task management techniques. For example, the Eisenhower Matrix can help you decide which tasks to prioritize.

Try to measure how long it takes to provide assistance to an average customer. Then you can determine which cases take more effort and require more time. Once you start measuring it, you can discover many patterns and insights. You’ll learn that:

• You can delegate some cases to other agents
• It’s better to take regular breaks than to do customer service marathons
• Setting benchmarks and allocating time slots improves your efficiency
• It is perfectly fine to be assertive and provide customers with resources instead of direct supervision

Time is a critical factor in customer service. You should know when to devote it to providing help and when it’s better to focus on other tasks.

Read more about time management as a tool in your customer service skillset:

• 6 Time Management Tips for Call Center Agents

9. Foreign language fluency

Customer service outsourcing is extremely popular. There are high chances that you are not a native speaker of the language that you’ll use to chat with customers. Working on your spoken language fluency is the single most important hard skill for customer service.

Interestingly, you don’t need to worry if you have a slight accent. Being able to communicate effectively is more important than perfect pronunciation. Using the right intonation and stressing critical words is something you should really pay attention to.

You shouldn’t obsess about using advanced vocabulary. Instead, try to make your language sound more natural by:

• Using filler words such as well/um/right/let’s see to make your sentences less choppy (just don’t overdo it)
• Speak out loud as you practice and record it on your mobile—listen to the recording to catch your mistakes
• Use a chatbot like Chirpy Cardinal to practice “neverending” conversations online in real-time

If you want to brush up on your English speaking skills, check out this document provided by Maryland Department of Labor:

• English for Speakers of Other Languages: Customer Service Curriculum

10. Technical knowledge

People don’t call customer service for fun. They usually need technical support. This means that you must understand the ins and outs of your product. And—let’s face it—they are more likely to need help with their malfunctioning smartphone than a non-electrical device.

Good customer service agents need to be tech-savvy. There is no way around it, especially if you want to work in a corporate environment. The majority of customer service agents have to look things up on their computers and solve technical problems.

Being able to use a computer doesn’t count as a technical skill. You shouldn’t list it on your resume because it is obvious that you should be able to use it. Focus on enumerating specific software tools and technologies instead.

Understanding how products work is an essential customer service skill for SaaS companies. For example, our customer service representatives need to have extensive knowledge on:

• Ecommerce platforms and technologies
• Chatbots and conversational interfaces
• Marketing automation and email marketing
• Integrating live chat widgets on websites

If you are looking for a customer service job, it may be a good idea to show that you are familiar with the products that the company offers. It shows that you are curious and that learning new things doesn’t scare you. Doing it before your actual product knowledge training sends a good signal.

11. Typing speed

This customer service skill is pretty straightforward. The faster you type, the faster your response time . It has a direct impact on your performance as an agent and makes your life a lot easier. This skill is also quite easy to learn and measure.

Typing speed is usually measured by multiplying your accuracy and the number of words typed per minute. For example, if my typing speed is 70 words per minute but my accuracy is 92% (words without a typo), my adjusted typing speed is 64 WPM (70 WMP x 92%).

Typing speed benchmarks:

• Slow: below 20 WPM
• Average: 20-40 WPM
• Fast: 40-60 WPM
• Professional typist: 60-90 WPM

Some companies make it a formal requirement and may assess your typing speed during an interview. For example, to work at Concentrix your typing speed should be at least 35 words per minute.

Go to this website to check your typing speed:

• Online Typing Speed Test

12. Knowledge of CRM software

Customer service representatives usually use CRM software solutions such as Zendesk or Zoho. The tools are quite similar and getting used to them is only a matter of time. Still, if you have experience with a dedicated customer service app, your chances are brighter.

Some of the best apps that companies use include:

To find out more, check out our ranking of the best customer database software .

Make sure you are not confusing CRM software with project management and team collaboration apps such as Jira, Asana, Trello, or Slack.

13. Microsoft Office/Google Docs Editors

Talking to customers makes up the majority of your work as a customer service rep. But what about the rest? Well, dealing with documents, reports, and presentations is a pretty safe bet. 

Sooner or later, you’ll be asked to prepare some kind of a spreadsheet or a dashboard with your results. Or write a detailed onboarding plan for new junior employees. Or help with presenting your company’s quarterly customer service KPIs .

The majority of businesses collect customer feedback by copy/pasting it into an Excel or Google Sheets file. Organizations tend to prefer Google Docs Editors because they make sharing documents easier.

Make sure to know how to create basic documents in:

• Google Docs (Word alternative)
• Google Sheets (Excel alternative)
• Google Slides (PowerPoint alternative)

14. Live chat, chatbots, and email software

The customer service landscape has changed drastically over the last several years. Today, a live chat customer service agent equipped with quick replies and AI chatbot assistants can do the work of 10 call center agents.

Why is live chat so effective? Think of using a sort of autopilot—controlling and adjusting the exchange of messages rather than writing them from scratch. An agent is supervising the customer service flow and intervenes only if they have to.

It is also the favorite communication channel of about 46% of customers. Tools like Tidio allow you to switch between channels and provide omnichannel service. You can start a conversation through a live chat widget, continue it by exchanging emails, and finish on Facebook messenger. And you can manage everything in one dashboard. Firing up chatbots or canned messages is a matter of two clicks.

15. Determination

Determination is the ultimate personality trait for a customer service agent. You must be able to persevere and get to the bottom of a problem even when customers call you names. And you must constantly work on your customer service skills to increase customer satisfaction levels.

You need empathy to understand customers, but it can also take its toll on your mental balance. At first, the amount of work and stress can be overwhelming.

If you are determined to go the extra mile and deliver amazing experiences to customers, it will give you more motivation. After some practice, you’ll learn to get everything under control.

You can measure if you are a determined person by taking a test designed by Angela Ducksworth. Your Grit Score will help you understand if you need to work on the strength of your character and perseverance. For example, West Point cadets usually score higher than Ivy League undergraduates.

16. Responsibility

This one may sound like a cliche. Responsibility is something that the majority of job applicants declare as their strong side. For pretty much every position imaginable.

But, in customer service, it is really crucial that you handle every case from start to finish and never leave your clients in the dark.

The common tasks and customer service requirements include:

• Managing a high volume of incoming messages (or calls)
• Building relationships with customer
• Providing accurate information and answering customer questions
• Meeting customer problem resolution quotas
• Documenting customer interactions
• Managing customer accounts
• Increasing customer retention

You wouldn’t want an irresponsible person to take care of them all, would you?

17. Patience

Customer service professionals should be patient. They must be able to use positive language even if they are dealing with a frustrated customer.

Or if they are exchanging messages with people who take their time to type their messages in.

Incidentally, you can take a peek at customers’ messages even before they send them!

You can find more about premium features offered by one of the top customer service platforms here.

How to list customer service skills on a resume

OK, we have the complete list of excellent customer service skills. But you are probably asking yourself—which skills should I put on my resume for customer service? Surely I can’t put “nice moves and good body language” right next to my Microsoft Excel proficiency!

Skills for customer service resume:

• Active listening skills
• Adaptability
• Attentiveness
• Customer orientation
• Cross-selling and up-selling techniques
• Familiarity with de-escalation strategies
• Great command of the language
• Good communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Positive attitude
• Proactive approach
• Problem-solving skills
• Self-control
• High sense of responsibility
• Team player

Here is an example of a resume that highlights customer service skills and qualifications:

Customer service skills resume

Check out the top customer service interview questions and answers to better prepare yourself and boost your chances of getting the job.

You can become an awesome agent even without much job experience. Typical resume skills for customer service include emotional intelligence, empathy, and clear communication. The way you approach other people is more important than working for X years at a specific company.

If you need more tips on deciding which skills you should put on your customer service resume, here is a useful guide:

• What Skills to Put on a Resume  

Building a customer support team is extremely difficult. If you meet several of the requirements mentioned in this article, you are already among the top. And you can improve the remaining customer service skills through practice.

Customer service representative skills that you should focus on:

• Voice tone/cohesive writing

If you are looking for a job in customer service, make sure to mention at least some of them on your resume.

Still, you can always enhance the effectiveness of your customer service efforts by using the right tools. Want to try an app that turns mediocre customer service skills into great customer experiences? See what happens if you have great customer service skills already.

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Kazimierz was one of the original authors of Tidio Blog. His primary objective was to deliver high-quality content that was actionable and fun to read. His interests revolved around AI technology and chatbot development.

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Never Leave Your Customer Without an Answer

Job-Winning Hospitality Customer Service Representative Resume Example & Tips

Our Resumes are featured in

• • Managed relationships with 15 key accounts, resulting in a 20% increase in customer retention and satisfaction.
• • Led the implementation of cloud-based solutions for new clients, which reduced onboarding time by 30%.
• • Collaborated with sales and implementation teams to drive 10% growth in SaaS revenue.
• • Facilitated regular training sessions to improve customer engagement with the Amadeus platform.
• • Developed best practices for issue resolution, reducing average resolution time from 72 to 48 hours.
• • Delivered quarterly business reviews to senior executives, ensuring alignment with customer performance goals.
• • Supported 20+ customers in adopting Sabre’s cloud PMS, enhancing the overall user experience.
• • Tracked customer feedback and provided actionable insights to product development teams.
• • Contributed to a 15% increase in product usage by creating engaging customer training programs.
• • Executed customer health checks quarterly, leading to a proactive resolution plan for 90% of identified issues.
• • Acted as the primary liaison for technical support, decreasing ticket volume by 25% through improved documentation.
• • Assisted in the daily operations of the front desk, improving guest check-in/out processes.
• • Participated in the deployment of the new POS system, supporting the training of 50+ staff members.
• • Monitored guest feedback on various platforms and proposed enhancements to management.
• • Worked on a project to streamline guest room management, enhancing room turnaround times by 10%.

The heartbeat of any hospitality establishment often rests in the capable hands of its Customer Service Representatives. These individuals are not just employees; they are the face of the brand, the first point of contact between you and your guests. Their professionalism and friendly demeanor can turn a simple stay into an unforgettable experience.

To excel, they need outstanding communication and problem-solving skills. Employers will also appreciate their ability to manage multiple tasks and stay calm under pressure. For your Hospitality Customer Service Representative resume, showcasing these skills effectively is vital.

How to Structure a Job-Winning Hospitality Customer Service Representative Resume

Creating an effective resume for a Hospitality Customer Service Representative involves including key sections that highlight your skills and experience. Here are the main sections you'll need:

• Summary: Start with a brief paragraph about your experience in hospitality and customer service. Mention your years of experience, any specialized skills, and your commitment to excellent customer care. This sets the tone for what the rest of the resume will showcase.
• Work experience: Detail your previous roles, focusing on positions where you interacted with customers. Provide specific examples of your achievements and responsibilities. Use bullet points to make it easy to skim through.
• Education: List your educational background, including any certifications related to hospitality or customer service. Include the institution name, the degree or certification obtained, and the dates attended. This section shows your formal qualifications for the job.
• Skills: Create a list of both hard and soft skills relevant to the role. Highlight skills such as conflict resolution, communication, and familiarity with reservation systems. This will give employers a quick overview of your capabilities.
• Contact information: Provide up-to-date contact details including your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Make sure this information is accurate and professional. This ensures potential employers can reach out to you easily.

In addition to the main sections, here are a few more areas that can complement your resume:

• Languages: If you speak multiple languages, list them here. Multilingual abilities are highly valued in hospitality roles. This enhances your profile as it portrays your ability to assist a diverse clientele.
• Awards and recognitions: Mention any awards or recognitions you have received in your career. Highlighting these achievements shows that you are committed to excellence. It also provides proof of your outstanding service or contributions.
• Volunteer experience: Include any relevant volunteer work. This can demonstrate your dedication to serving others, even outside of a professional setting. Volunteer experiences can also provide additional skills and experiences that are pertinent to the job.

Top Hard Skills for Hospitality Customer Service Representative Resumes

• Reservation Systems
• Point of Sale (POS)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Foreign Language Proficiency
• Complaint Resolution
• Upselling Techniques
• Cash Handling
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Inventory Management

Top Soft Skills for Hospitality Customer Service Representative Resumes

• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability
• Conflict Resolution
• Interpersonal Skills

Top Action Verbs for Hospitality Customer Service Representative Resumes

• Communicated
• Facilitated
• Coordinated
• Implemented

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my hospitality customer service representative resume be.

Your resume should ideally be one page long. This length is perfect for clearly presenting your skills, experience, and education without overwhelming the hiring manager. If you have extensive experience, choose the most relevant positions and accomplishments to keep it concise. Employers often skim resumes, so focusing on quality over quantity is crucial.

What is the best format for a Hospitality Customer Service Representative resume?

The reverse-chronological format is often the best choice for a Hospitality Customer Service Representative resume. This format emphasizes your work history, listing your most recent positions first, making it easier for employers to see your most relevant and recent experiences. This format highlights career growth and stability, which are important in customer service roles.

What should I highlight on my Hospitality Customer Service Representative resume to stand out?

To stand out, highlight your customer service achievements, problem-solving skills, and ability to work under pressure. Showcase any awards or recognitions you've received, and emphasize your communication skills and teamwork. Detail specific instances where you improved customer satisfaction or exceeded service targets, as these examples make your resume more compelling.

What are some ways to quantify my experience on my Hospitality Customer Service Representative resume?

Quantifying your experience involves using numbers to illustrate your impact. Mention specific percentages, dollar amounts, or numerical improvements, such as 'Improved customer satisfaction scores by 20%' or 'Handled an average of 50 customer calls per day.' Numbers make your accomplishments more concrete and impressive, showcasing your effectiveness in previous roles.

For more inspiration, why not check out our free resource of job-focused resume examples?

Hospitality Consultant

Hospitality Consultants are the unsung heroes who make your vacations pristine and your business trips productive. They are the wizards behind the scenes, ensuring that every guest walks away smiling. Without them, the seamless integration of service and comfort would fall apart. Hospitality Consultants must be experts in human relation skills, possess deep market insights, and adapt quickly. Their resume should spotlight activities such as guest experience optimization, revenue management, and strategic planning. Attention to detail on a Hospitality Consultant resume is key, highlighting your skills and notable projects will set you apart.

Assistant Director of Hospitality

In the heart of any successful hospitality operation, the Assistant Director of Hospitality serves as a critical bridge between top management and all other departments. These individuals bring harmony, ensuring that guests experience nothing short of excellence. Your role is pivotal in shaping unforgettable moments and impeccable service quality. You must possess exceptional communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and strong leadership abilities. Your ability to multitask, resolve conflicts swiftly, and mentor your team will make you invaluable. When crafting an Assistant Director of Hospitality resume, it's imperative to highlight these competencies, showcasing your aptitude for excellence in hospitality management.

Director of Hospitality

The Director of Hospitality stands at the heart of unforgettable guest experiences, shaping every moment into a cherished memory. Your role is pivotal, knitting the fabric of impeccable service and seamless operations. Without your guidance, even the most beautiful hotel would simply be another building. Excellent communication skills, the ability to inspire your team, and a keen sense of what guests need are just the beginning. You will shine in roles where managing people, optimizing operations, and exceeding expectations are at the forefront. A flawless Director of Hospitality resume isn’t just a summary; it’s your story of leadership and a testament to your passion for creating world-class experiences.

Top 18 Customer Service Resume Objective Examples

Updated July 20, 2023 14 min read

A resume objective is a short statement of purpose at the top of your resume that outlines your career goals and aspirations. It should be tailored to the specific customer service position you are applying for and should demonstrate why you are the best fit for the job. When writing a resume objective, focus on what you can bring to the organization and how your skills and experience make you a valuable asset. For example, if applying for a customer service role, you may write: “To utilize my five years of customer service experience to deliver exceptional support and foster long-term relationships with customers.” Additionally, mention any relevant certifications or qualifications such as “Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)” or “Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.” With these tips in mind, you will be able to create an effective resume objective that makes you stand out from other applicants.

or download as PDF

Top 18 Customer Service Resume Objective Samples

• To obtain a customer service position in a challenging and professional environment that will allow me to utilize my skills and experience.
• To secure a customer service role in an organization where I can use my excellent communication and problem-solving skills to contribute to the growth of the company.
• To leverage my strong interpersonal and organizational abilities in a customer service role.
• Seeking a customer service position with an opportunity to develop new skills while utilizing existing ones.
• To obtain a customer service position that will enable me to use my exceptional communication and problem-solving skills.
• To secure a customer service role that allows me to interact with customers, build relationships, and provide superior quality of service.
• Seeking an entry-level customer service role where I can apply my knowledge of customer relations and problem-solving techniques.
• Aiming for a challenging customer service position where I can demonstrate my excellent interpersonal skills and ability to resolve complex issues quickly.
• To acquire a customer service job which offers the opportunity to learn new technologies while utilizing existing ones.
• Desiring an entry-level position in the field of customer service, where I can utilize my communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Looking for an opportunity as a Customer Service Representative that would enable me to use my knowledge of sales strategies, product information, and client relations management.
• Motivated individual seeking a Customer Service Representative role that allows me to utilize my strong communication and interpersonal skills while providing exceptional support services.
• Eager to join an organization as a Customer Service Representative where I can utilize my excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills for the benefit of the company’s clients.
• Aiming for an entry-level Customer Service Representative role that allows me to make use of my extensive knowledge about sales strategies, product information, client relations management, etc., for the betterment of the company’s clients’ satisfaction levels.
• Looking for an opportunity as a Customer Service Representative wherein I can make use of my strong interpersonal abilities along with prior experience in handling customers’ queries efficiently.
• Searching for an entry level position as a Customer Service Representative wherein I could apply my knowledge about sales strategies, product information, client relations management etc., while providing superior quality services at all times.
• Pursuing an opportunity as a Customer Service Representative wherein I could effectively employ my exceptional communication abilities along with prior experience in resolving complex issues quickly without any hassle or delay.
• Applying for the post of Customer Service Representative with the aim of using exceptional organizational capabilities combined with prior experience in providing prompt solutions related to customers' queries or complaints efficiently

How to Write a Customer Service Resume Objective

A resume objective is an important part of any customer service professional’s resume. It should provide employers with a brief overview of the candidate’s qualifications and goals, highlighting why the applicant is a good fit for the job. Writing an effective customer service resume objective requires careful thought and planning.

When crafting a customer service resume objective, it is important to include relevant keywords that will help your application stand out from other applicants. Include words like “customer service,” “client relations,” “communication skills,” and “problem-solving” to demonstrate your knowledge in the field. You should also include any other skills or qualifications that make you well-suited for the position.

In addition to including pertinent keywords, your customer service resume objective should be concise and to the point. Employers are likely to have dozens of resumes to review and don’t want to spend time reading long-winded objectives. Keep it short and sweet – two or three sentences at most – and use clear language that gets straight to the point.

Your customer service resume objective should also emphasize your career goals and explain how you hope to contribute to the company if hired. For example, focus on how you plan to exceed customers’ expectations by providing them with outstanding service or how you intend to develop innovative solutions for difficult problems. This section should be tailored according to each individual job posting so that employers can quickly identify how your skills match their needs.

Finally, make sure your customer service resume objective includes action verbs such as “manage,” “coordinate,” or “develop" so that employers can easily see what kind of work you are capable of doing in the role. By taking these steps into consideration when writing a customer service resume objective, you can create an impressive statement that will help get your foot in the door!

Related : What does a Customer Service do?

Key Skills to Highlight in Your Customer Service Resume Objective

In the competitive field of customer service, it is crucial to showcase your unique skills and abilities that set you apart from other candidates. Your resume objective is the perfect place to highlight these key skills, as it provides potential employers with a snapshot of your capabilities right at the beginning of your resume. This section will guide you through identifying and articulating the most valuable customer service skills to include in your resume objective, enhancing your chances of capturing the attention of hiring managers.

1. Active Listening

Active listening is a crucial skill for a customer service role because it involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding and then remembering what is being said by the customer. This skill ensures that customers feel heard and understood, which in turn leads to better problem-solving and higher customer satisfaction. Including this skill in a resume objective demonstrates to potential employers that you are capable of providing excellent customer service by effectively addressing customers' needs and concerns.

Empathy is a crucial skill for a customer service role because it allows the employee to understand and share the feelings of the customers. This understanding can help in providing tailored solutions and making the customers feel valued and heard. It also aids in building strong relationships with customers, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Including empathy in a resume objective shows potential employers that you are capable of connecting with customers on a personal level, which can greatly enhance their experience with the company.

3. Adaptability

Adaptability is a crucial skill for a customer service role as it involves dealing with diverse customers, each with unique needs and issues. The ability to adapt quickly to various situations, adjust strategies, and find solutions can significantly improve customer satisfaction. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate is flexible and capable of handling unexpected challenges effectively.

4. Problem-solving

Problem-solving is a crucial skill for a customer service role because it enables the individual to effectively handle and resolve customer issues or complaints. It involves the ability to assess a situation, identify potential solutions, and implement the most effective one. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are key objectives in any customer service role. Including problem-solving skills in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate is capable of managing difficult situations and ensuring positive outcomes.

5. Zendesk proficiency

Having proficiency in Zendesk demonstrates the ability to effectively manage customer interactions and inquiries. This skill is essential for a customer service role as it showcases the candidate's ability to utilize this popular customer service software to track, prioritize, and solve customer support tickets. It also implies that the candidate has experience in providing timely and efficient solutions to customers, which directly contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, it can save training time and resources for the company if they are already using this platform.

6. Salesforce knowledge

Salesforce knowledge is needed for a resume objective in customer service because it demonstrates the candidate's ability to manage customer relationships and interactions effectively. Salesforce is a widely used customer relationship management (CRM) tool that helps businesses track and analyze their communication with prospects, customers, and partners. A candidate with this skill can efficiently handle customer inquiries, complaints, and other interactions, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. Additionally, Salesforce provides various features to automate service processes, streamline workflows, and find key articles, topics, and experts to support the customer service team. Therefore, having this skill can significantly enhance a candidate's productivity and effectiveness in a customer service role.

7. Multitasking

A customer service role often involves managing multiple tasks at once, such as handling customer inquiries, processing transactions, and resolving complaints. Multitasking is a crucial skill for this job as it allows the employee to efficiently handle various duties simultaneously without compromising the quality of service. This leads to increased productivity and customer satisfaction. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that you can effectively manage your time and responsibilities, which is essential in fast-paced work environments.

8. Time management

Time management is crucial for a customer service role as it involves handling multiple tasks simultaneously such as responding to customer inquiries, resolving complaints, and processing orders. Efficient time management ensures that all tasks are completed in a timely manner, leading to increased customer satisfaction. Including this skill in a resume objective demonstrates the ability to prioritize and manage workload effectively, which is highly valued by employers.

9. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are needed for a customer service resume objective because they demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, collaborate, and build relationships with customers. These skills are crucial in resolving customer issues, understanding their needs and ensuring their satisfaction which is the core responsibility in a customer service role. A strong set of interpersonal skills can also indicate a candidate's capacity to work well within a team and contribute to a positive working environment.

10. LiveChat expertise

Having LiveChat expertise is crucial for a customer service role as it demonstrates the ability to efficiently handle customer inquiries in real time. This skill is essential in today's digital age where customers expect immediate responses. It also shows proficiency in using modern communication tools, multitasking and problem-solving abilities. Including this skill in a resume objective can make a candidate more appealing to employers looking for efficient and tech-savvy customer service representatives.

In conclusion, the objective section of your customer service resume is a crucial area where you can showcase your key skills and abilities. It's an opportunity to make a strong impression right at the beginning of your resume. By highlighting relevant skills, you demonstrate to potential employers that you are well-equipped for the role and can handle the responsibilities it entails. Remember, this section should be concise, compelling, and tailored specifically to the job you're applying for. The right blend of skills in your objective can significantly enhance your chances of landing a customer service position.

Related : Customer Service Administrator Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Mistakes When Writing a Customer Service Resume Objective

A customer service resume objective is an important part of a resume as it provides employers with a concise and clear summary of the qualifications and experiences that make you an excellent candidate for a customer service position. However, many job seekers make mistakes when crafting their objectives, which can lead to their resumes being overlooked by potential employers. In this essay, we will discuss some of the common mistakes made when writing a customer service resume objective so that you can avoid them in your own resume.

The first mistake many job seekers make when writing their customer service resume objective is using generic language. Generic phrases such as “seeking a challenging role” or “looking for an opportunity to grow professionally” are too broad and do not provide any insight into why you would be a good fit for the job. Instead, focus on specific skills or experiences that make you qualified for the position, such as your experience working with customers in challenging situations or your ability to resolve conflicts quickly and efficiently. This will help employers understand why they should consider you as a candidate.

Another common mistake made when writing a customer service resume objective is failing to align it with the job description. Make sure that your objective reflects the type of role that you are applying for, including any specific skills or qualifications listed in the job description. For example, if the employer is looking for someone with strong communication skills, then include this in your resume objective so they know right away that you have what they need. Additionally, avoid mentioning irrelevant information such as hobbies or interests; instead focus on how your qualifications can benefit the company and ensure its success.

Finally, many job seekers mistakenly include too much information in their customer service resume objective statement. Keep it concise by focusing on only two to three key points about yourself that demonstrate why you are well suited for the position at hand. Anything longer than this may be difficult for employers to read through quickly and could result in them overlooking your application altogether.

By avoiding these common mistakes when writing a customer service resume objective statement, you can ensure that employers understand why you would be an excellent fit for their organization and increase your chances of getting hired!

Related : Customer Service Resume Examples

A right resume objective for a customer service position should focus on emphasizing the applicant's ability to provide excellent customer service, while a wrong resume objective should focus on what the applicant hopes to gain from the position.

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Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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CAREER & HIRING ADVICE

Top skills to put on a resume employers will actually read.

• Ryan Bradshaw
• August 30, 2024

A resume allows you to sell yourself as a professional in search of employment. It lets you showcase your work experience, academic background, and other vital credentials. However, it’s best to highlight your key skills, which is an excellent way to enhance your employability .

Why? About 70% of leaders believe there’s a skills gap in their company or organization. This gap negatively impacts employee performance and business success. As a job applicant, it makes sense to showcase the skills employers are looking for nowadays.

Fret not, as employers DO read resumes to be further discussed below. As some business experts have shared, learn what soft and hard skills to put on your resume. 

Do Employers Read Resumes?

The straightforward answer is yes! While some employers skim and scan several resumes, others read them intently from one page to another.

As you can see, a resume is sent to human resources (HR) for a job application. This professional document summarizes your employment experience, educational attainment, and other pertinent details. It often comes with a cover letter expressing your interest in an available job. Many organizations use HRM software to streamline the application process and manage resumes effectively.

But how do employers handle resumes? 

Job portals usually generate leads for recruitment and staffing companies. Whenever they post job openings, they receive a pile of resumes from potential candidates. However, many job applicants wonder if HR personnel read them.

ResumeGo conducted a survey on resume preferences among nearly 500 hiring professionals (recruiters, HR personnel, hiring managers, and C-level executives). The survey primarily aimed to uncover whether they prefer a one-page or a two-page resume. It revealed they were 2.3 times more likely to choose two-page resumes over one-page resumes.

Further, the survey surprisingly found that hiring professionals read resumes. They are willing to read even those that are two pages long. They indeed spend time reviewing them rather than scanning and skimming their content. 

Now, that gives you the confidence to add your skills to your resume since employers read them. But what soft and hard skills should you indicate? Of course, they vary from one industry, employer, and job to another. However, there are popular skills that are in demand these days.

In the next section, learn what top skills to highlight in your resume, as shared by some business experts.

What Soft and Hard Skills To Include in Your Resume

Skills are abilities developed and acquired through training, practice, and/or experience. They are usually required in the workplace for specific jobs or positions. It’s best to highlight them on your resume, whether one or two pages .

That said, discover what soft and hard skills to include in your resume below.

Soft skills

Soft skills are non-technical abilities usually needed in the workplace. Over 90% say they matter as much as or more than hard skills . Likewise, 80% believe they are vital to organizational success.

Below are essential soft skills to add to your resume:

Communication skills.

Communication skills are the ability to convey your message to others effectively. They involve relaying information, active listening, and understanding others. Whether oral or written, this skill can make a world of difference in a company or organization.

Brooke Webber, Head of Marketing at Ninja Patches , believes communication is one of the most important soft skills needed in the workplace. “This skill is crucial for promoting solid employee interactions and building good customer relationships. As they say, effective communication is almost always the key to business success.”

Leadership skills

Leaders play a critical role in a company or organization. Not only do they manage a team, but they are also responsible for motivating and engaging team members. They also set goals , delegate tasks, and make business decisions. That makes leadership an essential skill in the workplace.

Roman Zrazhevskiy, Founder and CEO of MIRA Safety , cites the value of leadership skills in the workplace. “I also have my fair share of understanding what it takes to be a good leader. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about  getting others to work for you; it’s about serving them for the good of all.”

Emotional quotient (EQ)

EQ equates to emotional intelligence, an essential skill in the workplace. Harvard defines it as “ a set of skills that help us recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions as well as recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others.” Simply put, EQ entails managing one’s emotions and relating well to others.

Derek Pankaew, Founder of Listening.com , underscores the importance of EQ in the workplace. “In the business world, we put too much emphasis on IQ for solving problems and accomplishing tasks. We fail to realize that an organization consists of people of different backgrounds. So we need those with high EQ, who can work well with others.”

Problem-solving skill

Intelligence quotient (IQ) is as equally important as EQ in the workplace. However, the accurate measure of IQ is the ability to identify and solve problems. That’s where the problem-solving skill comes in—a skill many employers look for!

Nothing beats employees who can see potential issues and find ways to address them. For example, one worker notices that it takes time to accomplish a particular task. He suggests automating tasks to reduce manual work and accelerate processes. That’s how problem-solving works!

Time management 

Time management is essential in everyday life, especially in the workplace. It’s the ability to organize time to get things done more efficiently and effectively. The key here is to use your time wisely without compromising your work-life balance. This skill should be reflected on your resume.

There are popular time management techniques you can employ. Think of the Eisenhower Matrix for tackling tasks based on their order of urgency and importance. Consider the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes, resting for 5 minutes, and repeating. Lastly, employ time blocking by setting time blocks for a series of tasks to accomplish.

Hard skills

Hard skills are specialized abilities required in the workplace. They are usually technical skills you’ve studied, undergone training for, and become certified for. The in-demand hard skills business leaders need today are data analysis (44.1%), project management (43.9%), and artificial intelligence (36.1%).

Below are the top hard skills to include in your resume:

Artificial intelligence (ai).

AI, the simulation of human intelligence into computer systems, has become all the rage nowadays. Not only is it revolutionizing the world of business, but AI is transforming the job market . While it can take over some jobs, it can also open the doorway for new job opportunities.

Thomas Medlin, Co-founder at JumpMD , suggests developing and acquiring AI skills. “These skills are in demand in business, given AI’s rapid evolution and widespread adoption. Our company, for instance, has started integrating AI into our healthcare referral management software. We need AI developers for its successful deployment and regular upkeep.”

Data analysis

It’s no secret that we live in a data-driven world. Almost all businesses across different industries deal with a vast amount of information called big data. That’s why many companies and organizations hire data specialists for data entry and management. However, acquiring data analysis skills requires a whole different level of expertise.

Volodymyr Shchegel, VP of Engineering at MacKeeper , however, recommends highlighting data analysis skills. “This skill is very much coveted in the workplace in today’s data-centric business. However, it goes beyond data collection and organization. It requires data scientists to research, analyze, and interpret information for informed decision-making. Capitalize on these skills for competitive advantage!”

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become a growing concern in today’s digital landscape. Think of the rising cyberattacks like phishing, malware, denial of service (DoS), and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. They pave the way for cybersecurity trends , such as AI-driven threat detection, regulatory compliance, quantum computing, and incident response automation.

Chris Aubeeluck, Head of Sales and Marketing at Osbornes Law , advises specializing in cybersecurity. “Many companies and organizations seek those with technical knowledge and skills in online security. If you’ve specialized in cybersecurity and acquired the necessary skills, highlight these in your resume. You’ll be hired for such a lucrative job!”

Project management

Project management is crucial to business success. However, it’s more than just managing a particular project. It involves defining goals, setting metrics, allocating resources, delegating tasks, monitoring employees, and tracking progress. The ultimate goal is to ensure a successful project accomplished on time. 

It’s easy to see companies and organizations looking for project managers. However, they have stringent screening and hiring requirements. As someone with project management skills, see what you can bring to the table. More importantly, learn how to highlight these skills on your resume for guaranteed employment.

Healthcare skills 

The pandemic outbreak caused by the COVID-19 crisis has shaken the health industry. If anything, it has compelled health organizations and professionals to reassess how they provide patients with medical care. Today, the industry seeks optimized healthcare skills to help us survive another possible crisis.

As such, Bo Cicak, a Chiropractor Doctor at Neurogan Health , recommends specializing in healthcare. “However, there’s a need to offer new and innovative solutions. For example, health professionals should not only focus on providing medical care but also offer holistic health recommendations. Having a healthy lifestyle is key to promoting overall health and well-being. As they always say, prevention is better than cure.”

Final Words

A well-crafted resume paves the way for a successful job application. Not only does it offer an employment opportunity, but it also helps carve your career path. So, as a job seeker, invest your time and effort in creating the best resume possible.

Start by showcasing your work experience, academic background, and other key credentials. Since a skills gap exists in the workplace, what better way to sell your professional self than to highlight your soft and hard skills? Doing so can help boost your employability and provide you with a job opportunity!

Don’t worry, as employers actually read resumes. You just have to put your hard and soft skills in the spotlight. Consider some of the top skills outlined above, and you’ll ultimately get the job you deserve!

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How to showcase your social media skills on your resume

With billions of people currently using social media, businesses that want to grow need to build a presence on major platforms to connect with a wider audience. As a job seeker, you should showcase how you can help businesses accomplish that goal. Learning how to highlight social media skills like paid advertising and customer care can help you show your value as a candidate and stand out to potential employers.

Understanding social media skills 

Social media skills are a specific set of capabilities that allow people to successfully engage with and market to an audience across social media platforms. Because of the broad nature of social media skills, they can typically fall under the categories of hard and soft skills. 

For example, social media marketing involves data analytics, which is considered a technical skill. However, it also involves communication, which is a soft skill.

Both technical and soft social media skills are important for landing a job because they show employers that you know how to use updated technology and engage with a target audience. Some key skills that many employers value and look for in candidates include:

• Creating organic content for social media feeds
• Writing captions that capture the audience’s attention
• Setting KPIs and reporting on analytics data
• Managing social media communities
• Answering inquiries and providing customer service
• Executing paid advertising strategies to increase sales

When they feature social media skills, resumes for marketing, public relations, and customer service jobs can stand out as particularly competitive . However, these skills can also be highly relevant in a number of other industries — such as human resources, hospitality, and retail — because they signal an ability to attract customers and connect with an audience.

Identifying your social media skills 

Before you can showcase social media skills on your resume , you must be able to identify what skills you have. Conduct a self-assessment of your own skills based on your past professional experience. For example, if you’re an experienced customer service agent, you may be great at engaging customers via direct messages or responding to queries in the comments. 

If business analysis is more your speed, you may be excellent at evaluating social media analytics and understanding how KPIs are affecting business outcomes. Those in the marketing and public relations industry may deeply understand how to create attractive content that brands the business and attracts engagement and sales.

Once you understand what social media skills you already have, it’s time to gather evidence of those skills so you can share this information in your cover letter and resume. You might include case studies of successful social media campaigns, analytics reports that show how social media activity positively impacted the business, or a portfolio of content that drew lots of likes and engagement.

Expert Tip:

If you have already built a social media following of your own, you can add this information to your resume. Consider adding the profile page URL to showcase your content as well as some information about the results you have achieved on each platform.

How to list social media skills on your resume

If you want to bring attention to your social media skills, resumes are the best place to do it. However, the way you list social media skills on your application will depend on the resume format you use. 

If you’re using a reverse chronological format with a separate skills section, you can easily place them there. You can use terms like social engagement, content creation, social media analytics, online community management, social media branding, or paid social advertising. 

Still, when you are highlighting expertise in social media, resume skills sections aren’t the only place you can put this information. You might also want to incorporate it into your work experience section using bullet points under the positions in which you used those skills.

When considering how to put social media skills on resumes, try altering the bullet points on your resume sample using the X-Y-Z method . Touted by former Google executives as the easiest way to land an interview at the tech giant, this method follows a simple formula: “Accomplished [X], as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]. (1) For example:

• Grew followers by 25% this year by launching user-generated content campaigns that encouraged fans to create and share Duet videos on their TikTok profiles
• Improved engagement with 32% more likes and comments using “sneak peek” posts and giveaways during new product launches
• Increased brand awareness as measured by a 14% rise in branded search volume and a 22% rise in the share of voice by incorporating lifestyle imagery in paid social ads

This method highlights the importance of quantifying achievements when sharing social media skills on resumes. Being able to discuss your accomplishments with concrete numbers truly shows that you are aware of how your skills contribute to business outcomes. This is what will help you stand out from the pack, get interviews, and eventually land the job you want.

"Social media skills are important for landing a job because they show employers that you know how to use updated technology and engage with a target audience."

Tailoring your social media skills for the job

Any resume or cover letter templates you use should always be customized for the job you’re applying for. One simple way to do this is to read the job description. When listing social media skills, resumes should use the same terms listed by the company. This will help you customize your document, and it may also help you get past electronic ATS resume systems that are looking for those keywords.

You can also tailor your social media skills for the job by researching the job title and considering how social media skills can contribute to success in the role. 

For example, if you’re looking for a job in sales, how have you used social media to increase conversions? If the role is in human resources, how have you tracked and increased candidate engagement that led to more qualified hires?

Customizing your resume this way ensures that your application materials include only relevant information. It also makes it easier for the recruiter or hiring manager to see why you’re the right person for the job.

Enhancing your LinkedIn profile with social media skills

The use of LinkedIn is increasingly becoming a hot topic in resume articles as more people are recognizing the power of social media in the job search process. Because more recruiters are on LinkedIn looking for their next hire and the platform makes it so easy to electronically apply for jobs, it’s a good idea for you to be ready with a full profile and details about your past experience and skills.

Fortunately, LinkedIn has several ways for you to show off your social media skills. The first is optimizing your profile, which is like your LinkedIn resume . It’s best to highlight your social media skills in your Headline, “About” section, and “Experience” section using the same language you used for the bullet points on your resume. Make sure to enhance these sections with relevant keywords that make your profile easy to find.

Additionally, LinkedIn allows you to add a list of skills to your profile and have your connections endorse your possession of those skills. The platform also allows others to write recommendations for you. 

These endorsements and recommendations can make your profile more attractive. For example, if you list social media manager skills, resume recommendations on LinkedIn can show a recruiter that the content and engagement strategies you employ have gotten tangible results for others and can do the same for their business.

Gain recruiters’ attention with standout social media skills

Showcasing social media skills like content creation, analytics, customer service, and paid advertising on your resume helps you stand out as someone who understands modern technology and can use it to grow the business. 

When highlighting social media skills, resumes (including those on LinkedIn) should include quantified results and use keywords similar to those on the job description.

Because the world of social media moves fast, regularly update your application materials with new skills and achievements to stay competitive. Using resume and cover letter examples and templates as a starting point can make this process a breeze. With some simple tweaking, you can show off your skills in a way that grabs attention and helps you move your career forward.

(1) Inc. Magazine: Google Recruiters Say Using the X-Y-Z Formula on Your Resume Will Improve Your Odds of Getting Hired at Google

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Top Skills You Need on Your Resume

Yarilet Perez is an experienced multimedia journalist and fact-checker with a Master of Science in Journalism. She has worked in multiple cities covering breaking news, politics, education, and more. Her expertise is in personal finance and investing, and real estate.

The job market has its ups and downs but is always competitive. Because of this, it is imperative that you do all you can to set yourself above and apart from the competition by honing and highlighting your skills that are in high demand by employers. To help you on this path, below are the six skills and qualities most desired by employers.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) included in their Job Outlook 2024 report the results of a survey in which it asked employers which of the skills and qualities they value most in candidates. The following are six of the most important, listed in the order of importance based on the results of the survey.

Key Takeaways

• Employers receive thousands of resumes. To get noticed, yours has to stand out and include the skills employers desire in their employees.
• Six of the most important skills, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) are problem-solving skills, the ability to work in a team, a strong work ethic, flexibility and adaptability, communication skills, both verbal and written.
• When applying for a job, be sure your skills match the requirements needed for the job so as to not waste your time or the employer's time.

Problems will eventually arise in every organization, but how well you respond to these problems will determine how you set yourself apart from your peers and help the company that you work for. Making decisions that are in the best interest of the company, and solving problems with the most efficiency, while also limiting damages, are traits of a good candidate.

The ability to tackle a problem and overcome it and push your group and company forward is a trait not everyone has and one that companies seek the most in their candidates.

More often than not, your job will require you to work with others in order to get tasks and projects completed. This means that potential employers will want to be sure that you take kindly to sharing ideas, that you are open to ideas and input from others, and that you are willing to put the team and the company's interests ahead of your own.

Working hard is the name of the game. Working hard, but also efficiently, and putting in the extra work to do it well and not settling for the minimum is noticed by employers. A strong work ethic is the opposite of being lazy and one that is crucial to a successful career.

Every company measures its success based on numbers. The numbers that apply to you may depend on the department in which you work. For example, if you are in customer service , you may need to understand why more customers call during a certain period. Your ability to understand the statistics as they relate to the company can help you to implement plans that help improve efficiency and help the company to make more money.

In order to get work done, you may need to communicate with multiple departments in the organization. This can come in handy when you need to get something expedited for a customer, or if you need to understand how a function or process works.

The least important skill to have according to NACE's survey is fluency in a foreign language.

You will also need to effectively communicate with customers and vendors . An effective communicator is often a good motivator, which means you can get others to do their jobs. Being clear and concise in your work life is important to your success and to that of the company.

Companies love individuals that are able to take on a task themselves and push it forward without much hand-holding. Individuals that take an initiative and are able to bring people together to complete a task and make tough decisions are those who get things rolling in a company and continue to push it further.

Being someone who inspires others through their conduct and their work ethic are those employees that can take the company in a better direction.

What Skills Should You Put on Your Resume?

The skills you should put on your resume should be the skills that you have that pertain to the job. Such skills would include presentation skills, team-building skills, computer skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and people skills.

How Many Skills Should You Put on Your Resume?

The number of skills you put on your resume should correspond with the skills you have and the specific job you are applying for. For example, if you are great at fixing cars but are applying for a computer programming job, then it wouldn't make sense to put the auto-mechanic skills on your resume. In general, having five to 10 skills on your resume should suffice.

What Are Professional Skills?

Professional skills are skills that directly demonstrate competency in a specific job. These are the skills that can be used in the workplace to get a job done, done well, and efficiently. Such skills include communication, presentation, and leadership skills. They also involve the specific technical skills needed for a specific job .

You should never forget that your resume is what will get you the interview , therefore it is up to you to sell yourself well enough so that when a potential employer sees it, they know right away that you are a good candidate for them. Make sure that your resume is up to date and showcases all of your skills and qualities.

When applying for a job, do your research so that you know the skills required by that employer. The importance of skills may vary among different employers and will also depend on the job for which you are applying. Be sure to highlight the skills for the job you want on your resume.

National Association of Colleges and Employers. " Job Outlook 2024 ." Page 26.

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