Looking for an entry level job or internship in customer service? This is an overview of how to approach the search and a list of companies that might have relevant entry level and internship opportunities.
Don’t you hate when a big game is coming on TV, but you can’t get service? This is a tale about a time when a Duke vs. UNC basketball game was slated to begin in 30 minutes, and my cable was not cooperating. After fiddling with the wires for awhile, I called my cable provider in a state of panic. I was immediately connected with a Customer Support Representative, who walked me through diagnosing the problem, as well as the steps to take to fix it. What a savior! Customer service employees assist customers before, during, and after they make a purchase and build a life-long relationship between them and the company.
Photo Credit: Flickr user adria.richards
Customer service is a series of activities designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction. In most cases now it’s a new way of marketing a company. This means you’re responsible for providing quick, friendly customer service through accurate processing of orders, communication (answering general inquiries like pricing, products, scheduling), and coordinating with other departments to resolve inquires answering customers questions. The main goal is to build and maintain a business relationship with clients so as to promote customer loyalty.
The typical day for a customer service employee varies depending upon what field they’re in. Generally they work 8-5 and spend most of their time discussing with customers via e-mail, online chat, or phone: answering questions, or guiding them through the purchase process. You might also get together with other departments to talk about implementing changes due to the feedback they’re getting from customers. Another task you could encounter is updating the company’s FAQs. In addition you might spend some time logging your interactions.
On average, customer support representatives make between $22,000-$39,365 in their first year. Beyond that you can go on to become an Administrative Assistant ($21,000-$43,000), a Senior Customer Service Representative ($24,000-$53,000), or a Customer Service Supervisor ($21,000-$57,000).
Here are some hot spots for customer service employees:
To be in customer service you generally need a high school diploma. Beyond that it’s important you have great listening and communication skills.
If customer service still sounds like your cup of tea, here are a few things you should do to get started.
| Client Service Specialist Clark & Associates, Inc. Financial Solutions Reston, VA | View |
| Patient Service Representative Solis Mammography/ Washington Radiology Sterling, VA | View |
| Customer Support Specialist CARFAX Centreville, VA | View |
| Associate Service Desk Technician Ironbow Herndon, VA | View |
| Customer Support Executive MSI Dulles, VA | View |
| Caregiver for Woman with Dementia $19/hour, Mon thru Fri 9a-2p BrightStar Care of Leesburg/Gainesville Ashburn, VA | View |
| Application Support Specialist General Dynamics Information Technology Chantilly, VA | View |
| Patient Service Representative ZOLL LifeVest Centerville, VA | View |
| Help Desk/Support Specialist, w/Poly General Dynamics Information Technology Herndon, VA | View |
| Customer Service Assistant RPM Pros Haymarket, VA | View |
Check out the latest job and internship postings in customer service.
