Interpersonal Skills

• People skills, including the ability to maintain a friendly demeanor throughout a long workday, are essential. Customer service representatives should also remain calm under pressure. For instance, if an irate customer calls, you should speak calmly and think logically about what steps you need to take to address the customer's concerns. This might help to calm the customer. Good listening skills and patience are crucial, too. Having an outgoing personality helps you to stay motivated and friendly.
  
  

Education

• Positions in this field often require a high school diploma. Some require a bachelor's or an associate's degree, or computer courses if you will be working with computers. Staff members sometimes need a degree to be considered for promotions.
  
  

Memory

• Customer service representatives must have a strong memory for company policy, so they know how to address customers' concerns. You should become familiar with the merchandise or services the company provides, so you can better assist customers. You might need to remember frequent changes in products, services and special promotions.
  
  

Language Skills

• Customer service representatives must have strong English skills. If speaking on the phone, you should enunciate clearly and be easy to understand. You should have strong written communication skills if corresponding by email. Your writing should clearly communicate your message and be free of grammatical and spelling errors.
  
  

Technological Skills

• People working in this field often benefit from strong technological skills. You might need to operate a telephone switchboard or use computers throughout your daily work. Even if you talk with customers on the phone, you could use a computer for data entry or other tasks. Basic computer skills are often necessary.