DO YOU need a little extra support to cope with the cost of living crisis? You’re not alone.
As more of us turn to firms for help, companies are rushing to hire extra customer service staff to deal with incoming enquiries.
The latest figures show there are over 300,000 vacancies across the UK, with roles available at all levels from part-time starter jobs to customer service directors on six-figure salaries.
Janine Hunt from the UK's largest customer service outsourcer, Kura, explains: "Demand for customer service advisors is going to go through the roof.
"Companies are seeing an enormous increase in contact from worried and frustrated customers, and they’re suddenly finding themselves short-staffed."
Customer service is one of the most flexible jobs available, so here’s how to serve up a new role for yourself.
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Customer Service has a bad reputation. How hard is it really?
Any job where you deal with the public can be tough and customer service is no different.
Some of the customers will be stressed and looking to you for help, but solving their problems is what makes the job so satisfying. You have the chance to turn a complaining customer into an advocate for your company.
What are the key skills for customer service?
You’ll need to be a people person with the ability to deep listen and to stay very calm in stressful situations.
It also helps to be a problem solver so you can achieve what the customer wants, plus a good team player as you’ll be part of a wider customer service team.
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What are the benefits of working in customer service?
One of the top perks is flexibility.
Plenty of firms, including banks and utilities, offer 24-hour support, so if working at 3am or on a Sunday suits you, then you can find shifts to fit around your life or as a second job.
A number of companies also offer work-from-home phone or online roles. Secondly, customer service can be a fast track into other corporate positions.
Handling customers teaches you about every aspect of a business and lays the foundation for your next career move.
What is the pay like?
Salaries average £24,000 for a junior full-time role and £36,000 for a first management role, senior customer service directors can be on six figures.
Many roles offer some form of performance-related bonus too.
What qualifications do I need?
Most entry-level roles ask for a good standard of maths and English.
Most companies offer in-house training, but you can also take apprenticeships or study online.
Find out more at instituteofcustomerservice.com/professional-development/professional-qualifications/.
Found your new calling? Here are the top Customer Services roles on offer this week on Sun Jobs.
Customer Support Specialist, DIGITEC Financial Technologies and Services GmbH, London or Frankfurt
Love working in a fast-paced environment? This job combines tech and international finance with the chance to work abroad too.
The Job: DIGITEC is hiring a Customer Support Specialist to join its global support team.
What You’ll Do: You’ll play a crucial role as the first point of contact for client queries and will be responding to customer queries via email and phone; researching and answering questions; providing guidance and helping with system customization.
You'll also be identifying and elevating situations requiring urgent attention from other functional teams.
You’ll Need: Prior experience in a helpdesk, customer service or other customer success function would be a distinct advantage.
Apply Now: Apply for this job, or see more openings at DIGITEC Financial Technologies and Services GmbH.
Customer Support Specialist, Motorway, Brighton
Get your career motoring in this driven entry-level job.
The Job: Motorway, the UK’s fastest-growing used car marketplace is seeking a Customer Support Specialist to join its team.
What You’ll Do: You’ll be the kind, understanding voice at the other end of the phone (on inbound and outbound calls) to customers.
You'll answer general written customer service queries across all of our communication platforms, including social media, via a bespoke ticketing system in a timely manner.
You'll need to take ownership of post-sale customer queries by working collaboratively externally and internally with other teams across the company to find a resolution.
You’ll Need: While experience in a similar role is desirable but not essential.
Motorway is looking for friendly, positive personalities with a willingness to work hard as part of an enthusiastic team along with an organised working style with a strong attention to detail and the ability to manage your own workload.
Apply Now: See the full job description or check out more career opportunities at Motorway.
Senior Customer Service Advisor, Lloyds Banking Group, Manchester
ARE you sensitive and understanding? This role needs someone exceptional to support customers.
The Job: Lloyds is looking for Senior Customer Advisors to join its contact centre teams.
What You’ll Do: You’ll be the go-to person when someone registers a bereavement and needs to understand products like mortgages, insurance and lending.
You’ll help deaf customers access services; you’ll learn about powers of attorney and enabling representative access to products and services; and you’ll help cancer sufferers to ensure their banking needs are met.
You’ll Need: You must deliver the highest possible levels of customer service, with strong empathy and listening skills is essential, along with sound judgement, decision-making and attention to detail.
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Apply Now: See further details on this role, as well as more roles at Lloyds Banking Group.
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