The cost-of-living crisis has led to a recruitment crisis in customer service, with nearly 75,000 vacancies in the UK.
As more of us turn to businesses for help, companies struggle to hire additional staff to handle customer inquiries.
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Jobs are available at all levels, from part-time entry-level roles to six-figure customer service directors.
With wages rising and many jobs offering flexible hours, customer service is becoming a more attractive career and opening up opportunities for students, those displaced from other industries or those returning to the job market.
In addition to in-store positions, there are also online and phone associate positions, with evening promotion WFH jobs at some companies.
So if this sounds like it will meet your needs, here’s how to get started with the help of Sun Jobs.
1. What skills do I need?
Customer service is the ultimate interpersonal job, so you must have great people skills.
Many people who contact customer service can be stressed or upset, so it’s also essential to remain calm under pressure and accept criticism.
Problem-solving skills and organization are also useful to have, plus a willingness to work well in a team.
Read more on nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/customer-service-assistant.
2. What qualifications do I need?
Most entry-level positions require basic math and English and provide on-the-job training.
You can take a free level 2 customer service course at reed.co.uk/courses/customer-service-level-2/22979.
Hoping to go into management? Join the Institute of Customer Service to gain the highest qualifications at instituteofcustomerservice.com/professional-development/professional-qualifications.
3. How do I get into the sector?
Test whether it’s something for you with a part-time or fixed-term contract. Most companies offer new starters flexible jobs.
4. What are my chances of progressing?
A lot of. Customer service relies more on skills and aptitude than exams, so having what it takes can help you move up the career ladder quickly.
The normal progression path includes leading a team, then a department, then possibly an entire customer service team or the wider customer and marketing team.
5. What about wages and fringe benefits?
Salaries can range from minimum wage for a contract job to around £25,000 for a full-time basic position.
Team leaders can expect to receive £30,000 to £50,000, while a director of a large company can take home a six-figure salary package.
Serve up a new role this week at one of our top Sun Jobs picks.
Customer Service Advisor, Ascendant Recruitment, Northampton
The roll: Ascendant Recruitment is looking for an experienced Customer Service Advisor who likes to help people.
What you will do: You call new customers to arrange their first delivery and talk to the new customers about arranging training visits. You also update the warehouse system.
What you need: You will need previous experience with a CRM system, good customer focus, good communication skills and great attention to detail.
Apply Now: See more details about this role here.
Customer Service Representative, Metro Bank PLC, Manchester
The roll: Like a Customer Service Employeeyou will work as part of a vibrant and diverse team who are passionate about delivering unparalleled customer service every day.
What you will do: You will greet and welcome customers, identify and address customer needs and accordingly advise them on Metro Bank’s products and services, as well as opening and managing personal and business accounts, and assisting customers with day-to-day banking.
What you need: A minimum of a grade C or 4 in Maths and English GCSE, plus excellent attention to detail is essential as the role handles a lot of client information and this needs to be done accurately.
Apply Now: View the full job description here.
Customer Service Executive, TribePost, London
The roll: In this exciting Head of Customer Service role, you will be the first point of contact for guests contacting Wimbledon.
What you will do: You will support the Guest Services team and manage a range of queries that guests may have, using your genuine passion for delivering quality service in a helpful and unflappable manner.
What you need: A passion for events and sports, previous experience in a customer service role (desirable, not required), as well as excellent listening skills, natural empathy and patience, and excellent problem-solving and problem-solving skills are required.Apply Now: Read more about this opening here
Discover thousands of great job opportunities across the UK on The Sun Job Board