What Does a Customer Service Representative Do?

Customer service representatives work directly with customers to provide assistance, resolve complaints, answer questions, and process orders. If you enjoy helping people, a job as a customer service representative could be a good fit. In this role, you'll find career opportunities in almost every industry, ranging from brick-and-mortar retail stores to call centers to your own living room. 

Learn more about what customer service representatives do on a daily basis, and how you can become one.

What does a customer service representative do?

As a customer service representative, your main job is to serve customers. Customer service reps work for most any business that engages with customers, including retail stores, banks, and insurance companies. Their primary tasks may include greeting and communicating with customers in person, by phone, or by computer via chat or email. Specific duties will vary depending on the company and industry where you work, but they may include:

• Answering customer questions about the company, products, or services

• Resolving customer complaints

• Directing customers to the right department or supervisor 

• Taking orders or processing payments 

• Making changes to customers' accounts

• Handling returns and exchanges

• Addressing billing concerns

• Keeping records of customer interactions

• Selling products and services

Where do customer service representatives work? 

Customer service representatives work in a variety of environments and across many industries. They may communicate with customers in person or via phone, chat programs, or email, and work. There are currently about 2.8 million customer service representative jobs in the United States, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [1]. Industries that employ the highest percentages of customer service reps include the following:

One role within customer service expected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030 is that of a computer support specialist. Working in IT support can not only lead to more job opportunities but higher pay as well. Customer support specialists across all industries made a median salary of $36,920 in 2021 in the US, while computer support specialists made $57,910—more than a $20,000 difference [2].

9 tips for getting a job as a customer service representative

If you're ready to start exploring your career as a customer service rep, these tips can help you build the experience and education you need for the job.

1. Develop your workplace skills.

Workplace skills are crucial to being an effective customer service representative. You’ll often be tasked with interacting with customers with a positive attitude and empathy to resolve their problems. Stay calm and diplomatic under pressure, and you’ll be better able to deal with difficult or stressed customers. Other important traits for customer service representatives include flexibility, an eye for detail, and the ability to learn and remember quickly.

2. Build your computer skills.

Customer service representatives can spend long hours at a computer. You'll likely need typing and data entry skills, as well as familiarity with programs like Microsoft Word and Excel. 

Take courses through a local community college or vocational school, or learn at your own pace with an online course.

3. Consider certification.  

Certification isn't necessary for many customer service jobs, but it may be required for some advanced positions. Earning an industry certification can also validate your skills to recruiters and hiring managers. Some common certifications in customer service include: 

• Certified Customer Experience Professional (Customer Service Institute of America) 

• HDI Customer Service Representative 

• Certified Customer Service Professional (National Customer Service Association) 

4. Train for a particular industry.  

Many positions offer on-the-job training for new hires, which can entail working alongside a senior employee. Certain industries may require more intensive training. You may even encounter specific rules, depending on factors like the state or industry you work in. This is often the case in finance and insurance customer service careers. 

5. Take a communication course.

Communication is often a crucial aspect of the work. You can improve your written and verbal skills with courses like Improve Your English Communication Skills offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology. 

6. Gain some customer service experience. 

Employers may like to see that you have experience working with people. Consider gaining some experience with other positions that entail working with the public. This could include working as a cashier, server, or sales associate in a store. Volunteering with your community can also bring you valuable customer service experience.

Read more: 10 Customer Service Skills for Success in Any Job

7. Learn a second language.

Being bilingual can be helpful in speaking with customers who may not speak English as their first language. Learning a second language can help your application stand out above the others. Mandarin and Spanish rank among the most in-demand.

8. Finish your education.

A post-secondary degree isn't required for most customer service jobs. However, many employers may want you to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Consider joining volunteer clubs or other activities that will allow you to gain customer service experience.

9. Practice for your interview. 

When you're ready to apply for a job, make sure you're prepared for the interview by reviewing questions you might encounter in an interview. These might include:

• Describe a time when you successfully solved a problem for someone. 

• How would you handle an upset customer? 

• What would you do if you didn't know the answer to a customer's question?

• Describe a situation where you had to remain calm during a chaotic situation. 

• What would you do if you had to work with someone you didn't like?  

Read more: Practice Interview Questions: How to Tell Your Story

Next steps

Build essential skills to excel in a customer service role with a Professional Certificate from CVS on Coursera. Whether you're looking for a career in retail or remote customer service, learn at your own pace from industry experts while earning a credential for your resume.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)