What Are Customer Service Jobs?
In the work force, jobs are often classified by what they do, or what they provide, or who is benefiting from them. Industrial and factory jobs, for example, are jobs that are in the manufacturing industry. The customer service jobs you are interested in are with companies that serve other people. This can be in such fields as quick service restaurants and stores. You can be a customer representative for the company or you can be person responsible for answering the calls coming in to the location. Here, you are serving people. With that in mind, take into consideration if you can do these jobs before you start on job searches in this area.
If you want to get customer service employment, you should be capable of performing the necessary duties required by this job. For example, you will need to be able to handle dealing with customer needs, talking with customers, calling them, handling complaints, and even serving them. From waitresses to those who work behind a desk, the only thing to remember is that the customer is always right. In this industry, if you cannot please the customer none of the companies are likely to hire you to work for them.
Getting and Finding Jobs
Customer service jobs in this industry usually do not advertise for part time positions, the way they do for full time positions. Those companies that are advertising for part time jobs are often looking for the best of the best so be prepared to show them your experience in working with other people. Some customer service jobs do require that the employees have some level of sales ability, though most of these positions are not hard selling for a commission.
In addition to using a variety of tools to help you to spot customer service jobs available online, you may also want to look where you are already shopping and visiting. Many customer service industry jobs actually hire their own customers. After all, if you visit the local fast food shop, you have a good idea of who they are and what they offer. Plus, if you are coming through their drive through at noon, you may not be working at this time, so this means you are a prime candidate for employment there. What does this mean for someone who is looking for a job here? The best bet is to head on inside and talk with the management. Put in your application and be ready for an on the spot interview. Making an impression like this is essential, though you should never do so during the busy times!
Qualifying for customer service employment is also important. Often, though, the job application is not dependent on who you have worked for. Rather, it is dependent on the skills you have. Can you talk to others? Do you have good math skills? Are you organized, responsible, and dependable? Do you have availability when the location is in need of help? (Hint: if you cannot work when they need you, they do not need you.)
A Look at the Industry
For those who are unsure about finding part time work in the customer service industry, you have to realize that this is an industry that is most likely to stay afloat even in some of the most difficult times. People still need to eat and get their food from grocery stores. Working at these places means you may have to work for fewer hours, but you still have a job. People like to eat out but if they can no longer afford those pricey meals at high-end restaurants, they are likely to head to other locations instead, offering lower prices. The industry is not going to close down; it will fit into the limited number of jobs available, and to secure your position you have to be as flexible as possible.
Job searches in the customer service industry require a lot of hard work. You will need to find employers who are able to provide you with the hours that you want, but you also have to be available when they need you. Locating full time jobs in the customer service industry is much harder, more so if you are over qualified for the position. Many companies do not hire on a full time basis. And even if they do, they are looking for individuals who are qualified, but not so qualified that they will not last long at the job.
The customer service industry may only have part time positions available, but these positions may turn into full time positions as the economy picks up. Customer service jobs advertised should be jumped upon as soon as possible. Do not wait too long to apply since many people can get into these jobs the same day.
