How to Get a Remote Customer Service Job

By Caitlin Lemon

Did you know that customer service is one of the most in-demand remote jobs? Every day, there are thousands of remote customer service jobs posted to the FlexJobs site. In addition to flexible work opportunities, many of these jobs offer company benefits and a comfortable salary.

Plus, these roles are in demand, so with the right job search plan, you can go from overlooked job seeker to sought-after candidate. Here’s what you need to know about what customer service professionals do, the skills required, and how you can find a customer service job.

What Is Customer Service? Definition & Meaning

A customer service job refers to professionals who assist customers before and after purchasing a product or service.

In the past, you may have interacted with these professionals when you had a technical glitch with your computer or needed help rebooking a flight. They are jobs aimed at helping other people resolve a problem. They play a vital role in a business’s customer retention strategy.

What Do Customer Service Representatives Do? (Job Description)

The daily tasks of a customer service representative vary from company to company. However, here are a few general tasks a customer service rep may do every day:

Answer customer calls, emails, or chat messages.
Reach out to customers about products and services.
Serve as a liaison between the customer and customer service manager.
Collaborate with customers and internal team members.

What Education Is Required?

If you’re trying to find a good job without the financial impact of a degree, you’re in luck. Most customer service jobs don’t require a college degree. In addition, many employers provide on-the-job training to help you succeed in the role.

However, if you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder into more senior customer service positions, you may need to get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Top Customer Service Skills

Skills can vary depending on the company and experience level. Here are a few common skills required for customer service roles:

If you see a customer service role that interests you, read the job description carefully to understand the required qualifications. You can print out the job description and highlight skills that you already have, and use that to tailor your resume.

If you notice there are skills you still need to develop, make a plan to find training or talk with hiring managers about how you intend to close that skill gap.

What Is the Average Salary for a Customer Service Professional?

Customer service professionals can earn a comfortable salary. The average salary in the U.S is around $40,000 per year, but some management roles pay as high as $90,000! Salary can vary based on job title, location, and seniority.

Before negotiating your salary for any job offer, check out tools like Salary.com or Get That Raise to understand your specific market rate.

And in addition to salary, many companies that hire for customer service roles also offer benefits, like health insurance, professional development opportunities, paid time off, and tuition assistance.

How to Get a Customer Service Job

So, you know customer service is the right job for you, but how do you actually land a job? Below are a few tips to help you land your next role.

— Create a Compelling Resume

The first step in your job search plan is to create your resume. Your resume should have a concise summary, use action verbs, and focus on your accomplishments, versus providing a list of daily tasks. If you’re switching careers, emphasize the transferable skills you’ve gained from previous jobs.

To proactively manage ageism in your job search, remove outdated information. You no longer should include objective statements, nor do you need to write “references available upon request.” If you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, remove your graduation dates.

And of course, to find remote work options, tailor your resume for remote jobs. To get started, browse these resume examples for customer service jobs.

— Work Your Network

Networking often gets a bad rap as coming off as desperate or slimy, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Networking is essential in a modern job hunt.

Building a robust network will help uncover hidden opportunities you may not have otherwise known about. Plus, you could get a referral from an old colleague, which can be powerful when the hiring manager is deciding who will advance to an interview or an offer.

It’s also important to remember that networking is a two-way street. Make sure to also help your network with any tips, advice, or referrals you can provide.

— Use a Reliable Job Board

Job boards can be full of a lot of junk. There are many job scams to sort through, especially when looking for remote jobs, which can waste a lot of your time. To streamline your job search, consider a subscription job board.

Subscription services like FlexJobs provide access to scam-free, remote or hybrid jobs from legitimate companies. You can also search over 50 job categories (including customer service) and access exclusive job seeker resources.

Find a Remote or Hybrid Customer Service Role

Customer service is one of the most in-demand remote jobs. It also offers a comfortable salary without requiring a college degree. By creating a compelling resume, networking, and using a trusted job board, you can land a remote customer service job and enjoy the freedom flexible work provides.

Ready to skip the long commute and find a flexible customer service job? FlexJobs members get exclusive access to our scam-free jobs database, plus many other benefits. Take a tour of our platform to learn more!

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