Customer service associates interact with customers over the telephone or in person. They answer questions about products, take orders, process returns, handle complaints, document customer interactions, research answers to customer questions and refer customers to a supervisor as necessary.
Skillset: Customer service associates must be patient and polite at all times, even when helping angry customers. Communication and listening skills are necessary to understand a customer's concerns so that the associate can effectively resolve the customer's issue. Problem solving skills are needed to understand the problem, research the problem and develop a solution.
Education: Generally, a high school diploma is all that is necessary to become a customer service associate. In a corporation that is highly technical or complex, the employer may want their associates to have an associate's or bachelor's degree. Training is done in a classroom or on the job. The training educates associates on the company's products, telephone and computer systems.
Career Path: If a customer service associate performs well and has years of experience with a company, the associate may be promoted to team lead, team manager or department manager. Employers may require a college degree in business or management to earn promotions.
Update your browser to have a more positive job search experience.
Upgrade My Browser