Customer service is an umbrella term used to describe many job titles. It is any job that consists of providing service to a customer or potential customer. It is the single most important asset that a company can offer to stand out from the rest. How customer service is delivered will determine whether a sale will happen or if people will return for more business. Face to face, over the phone or behind the scenes, regardless of the kind of customer service job held, all employees should follow the same rules to deliver their best work. Companies are looking to hire people that possess the 3 A’s of customer service which are appearance, attitude and accuracy.
Even if you are not serving customers face to face, your appearance should always be clean, neat and business casual unless otherwise stated in your job description. Being well groomed, clean and dressed appropriately, boost self esteem. Your self esteem will help you to do a more productive job, which will shine through in your work. Employers and customers alike will benefit from this.
Your attitude can make the difference of having a good or bad day. How many times have you gone to work upset and it only made your day worse? On the flip side of that how many times have you went to work happy an in a great mood, which made those around you respond in a positive manner, resulting in your having a wonderful day. Nonetheless customers can sense when you have a bad attitude. Even if your assisting over the phone they can hear in your voice whether you are smiling or frowning. Having the right attitude will definitely open up the door for promotions and raises.
If you are filling orders, giving information, sending out letters, etc. you need to work with accuracy. There is nothing more annoying than getting the wrong information. As a customer service employee you can make a difference by just providing accurate information. There is nothing wrong with saying “I don’t know the answer to that”. However, someone practicing great customer service will not leave a customer with such an inadequate answer. If you don’t know the answer it is proper technique to help the person get on the right track to finding out what they are looking for.
Many companies offer in house customer service training. If you work for a company that does not offer training and you want to sharpen up your skills, you can go outside of your job to acquire help. Check with your local unemployment agency, community college and/or library. If they can’t help you, they will point you in the direction you need to go.
Related Links:
Customer Service Jobs File for Unemployment Online Local Unemployment Office
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