4 answers
Abby
Student
Falmouth, Maine
1
Question
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What skills are the most attractive in a job candidate? Specifically for a job involving customer service and business? What qualities do I need to have to be the right fit for jobs involving that?
What skills are the most attractive in a job candidate? Specifically for a job involving customer service and business? What qualities do I need to have to be the right fit for jobs involving that?
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4 answers
deborah kania, bfa, mba
Marketing
70
Answers
New Bern, North Carolina
Updated
deborah’s Answer
Excellent question Abby! To be excellent in customer service, here are some top skills needed in my experience:
- Active listening - Being able to be present, listen without judgement, ensure you get the whole story before responding, eliminating internal (your own thoughts) and external noise that could distract you from listening
- Communications - in addition to listening, your written and verbal communications are essential to ensuring you are an effective communicator
- Empathy and passion for diversity in people - It is essential to understand others' perspectives, which could be far from your own experience.
- Patience - Key to practice, even in high-paced environments
- Do not take anything personal - A vast majority of difficult customer service situations have nothing to do with you personally. If you take situation personally, it will escalate or erode the situation.
- Professionalism - never react angrily, and be careful using humor; be on time; take accountability for your/the company's mistakes; act Ethically.
I hope my answer helps you. Best wishes!
- Active listening - Being able to be present, listen without judgement, ensure you get the whole story before responding, eliminating internal (your own thoughts) and external noise that could distract you from listening
- Communications - in addition to listening, your written and verbal communications are essential to ensuring you are an effective communicator
- Empathy and passion for diversity in people - It is essential to understand others' perspectives, which could be far from your own experience.
- Patience - Key to practice, even in high-paced environments
- Do not take anything personal - A vast majority of difficult customer service situations have nothing to do with you personally. If you take situation personally, it will escalate or erode the situation.
- Professionalism - never react angrily, and be careful using humor; be on time; take accountability for your/the company's mistakes; act Ethically.
I hope my answer helps you. Best wishes!
Sam Idele
Information Security
9
Answers
Cypress, Texas
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Dear Abby, to shine on any job, you will need the right complement of soft and hard skills. Soft skills are all about how you work and interact with others - they are your personal traits and social skills, like communication and empathy. Hard skills, on the other hand, are the technical know-how you bring to the table, like being able to use specific software or speaking another language.
For a role in customer service and business, blending both types of skills is your golden ticket since enhancing your soft skills is just as crucial as boosting technical know-how. So, you can start practicing communication by joining clubs, participating in group project, or starting a blog to hone your writing and speaking skills. Also important is developing teamwork, cultivating empathy, learning to adapt and enhancing your problem-solving skills. You should also actively seek feedback, engage in leadership opportunities when presented with such and actively reflect on your personal experiences, considering what you have learnt working with others, handling stress, and leading projects. This reflection will help you solidify those soft skills.
For hard skills, you will want to develop your tech know-how by learning how to make technology work for you and the customer, whether it's CRM software or Microsoft suite of products.
For a role in customer service and business, blending both types of skills is your golden ticket since enhancing your soft skills is just as crucial as boosting technical know-how. So, you can start practicing communication by joining clubs, participating in group project, or starting a blog to hone your writing and speaking skills. Also important is developing teamwork, cultivating empathy, learning to adapt and enhancing your problem-solving skills. You should also actively seek feedback, engage in leadership opportunities when presented with such and actively reflect on your personal experiences, considering what you have learnt working with others, handling stress, and leading projects. This reflection will help you solidify those soft skills.
For hard skills, you will want to develop your tech know-how by learning how to make technology work for you and the customer, whether it's CRM software or Microsoft suite of products.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Abby,
Skills and Qualities for Customer Service and Business Jobs
In the realm of customer service and business, some several key skills and qualities are highly attractive in a job candidate. These attributes not only enhance the individual’s performance in their role but also contribute to the overall success of the organization. Here are some of the most essential skills and qualities for excelling in customer service and business positions:
1. Excellent Communication Skills: Effective communication is paramount in roles that involve interacting with customers and colleagues daily. Strong verbal and written communication skills enable you to convey information clearly, listen actively to customer needs, and resolve issues efficiently.
2. Empathy and Patience: Demonstrating empathy towards customers’ concerns and exercising patience in challenging situations can significantly improve customer satisfaction levels. Being able to understand customers’ perspectives, show compassion, and remain calm under pressure are crucial qualities for success in customer service roles.
3. Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes of issues, and propose effective solutions is highly valued in customer service and business positions. Employers seek candidates who can think critically, troubleshoot problems, and make sound decisions to enhance customer experience.
4. Adaptability: In today’s dynamic business environment, adaptability is key. Being flexible and open to change allows you to adjust to evolving customer needs, industry trends, and organizational priorities swiftly. Adaptable employees can thrive in fast-paced environments and contribute positively to the company’s growth.
5. Teamwork Skills: Collaboration is often essential in business settings, where employees work together towards common goals. Strong teamwork skills involve being able to cooperate with colleagues, communicate effectively within teams, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve shared objectives.
6. Attention to Detail: Paying close attention to detail is crucial in roles that involve handling customer inquiries, processing orders, or managing business transactions. Accuracy in tasks such as data entry, documentation, and record-keeping helps maintain high standards of quality service delivery.
7. Sales Skills: For roles that involve sales or upselling products/services, having a good understanding of sales techniques, negotiation skills, and the ability to influence customer decisions positively can set you apart as a valuable asset in driving revenue growth for the organization.
8. Time Management: Efficiently managing your time and prioritizing tasks effectively are essential skills for meeting deadlines, handling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and ensuring productivity in customer service and business roles.
In summary, possessing a combination of excellent communication skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, teamwork skills, attention to detail, sales acumen, and time management capabilities can make you a strong candidate for jobs involving customer service and business.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review
Forbes
LinkedIn Learning
These sources were consulted for their expert insights on the most sought-after skills and qualities for individuals seeking employment in customer service and business-related roles.
GOD BLESS!
Skills and Qualities for Customer Service and Business Jobs
In the realm of customer service and business, some several key skills and qualities are highly attractive in a job candidate. These attributes not only enhance the individual’s performance in their role but also contribute to the overall success of the organization. Here are some of the most essential skills and qualities for excelling in customer service and business positions:
1. Excellent Communication Skills: Effective communication is paramount in roles that involve interacting with customers and colleagues daily. Strong verbal and written communication skills enable you to convey information clearly, listen actively to customer needs, and resolve issues efficiently.
2. Empathy and Patience: Demonstrating empathy towards customers’ concerns and exercising patience in challenging situations can significantly improve customer satisfaction levels. Being able to understand customers’ perspectives, show compassion, and remain calm under pressure are crucial qualities for success in customer service roles.
3. Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes of issues, and propose effective solutions is highly valued in customer service and business positions. Employers seek candidates who can think critically, troubleshoot problems, and make sound decisions to enhance customer experience.
4. Adaptability: In today’s dynamic business environment, adaptability is key. Being flexible and open to change allows you to adjust to evolving customer needs, industry trends, and organizational priorities swiftly. Adaptable employees can thrive in fast-paced environments and contribute positively to the company’s growth.
5. Teamwork Skills: Collaboration is often essential in business settings, where employees work together towards common goals. Strong teamwork skills involve being able to cooperate with colleagues, communicate effectively within teams, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve shared objectives.
6. Attention to Detail: Paying close attention to detail is crucial in roles that involve handling customer inquiries, processing orders, or managing business transactions. Accuracy in tasks such as data entry, documentation, and record-keeping helps maintain high standards of quality service delivery.
7. Sales Skills: For roles that involve sales or upselling products/services, having a good understanding of sales techniques, negotiation skills, and the ability to influence customer decisions positively can set you apart as a valuable asset in driving revenue growth for the organization.
8. Time Management: Efficiently managing your time and prioritizing tasks effectively are essential skills for meeting deadlines, handling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and ensuring productivity in customer service and business roles.
In summary, possessing a combination of excellent communication skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, teamwork skills, attention to detail, sales acumen, and time management capabilities can make you a strong candidate for jobs involving customer service and business.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review
Forbes
LinkedIn Learning
These sources were consulted for their expert insights on the most sought-after skills and qualities for individuals seeking employment in customer service and business-related roles.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Abby!
Key Attributes and Skills Desired in a Customer Service and Business Job Candidate
When evaluating potential job candidates for roles in customer service and business, it's crucial to focus on several vital skill sets and qualities. These encompass interpersonal skills, problem-solving capabilities, technical expertise, adaptability, and a solid work ethic.
1. Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are of utmost importance in customer service roles, affecting how efficiently an individual can interact with customers and teammates. Essential components of interpersonal skills include:
Communication Skills: The ability to deliver information in a clear and effective manner is crucial. This involves both verbal communication (clear speech, suitable language use) and written communication (proper email manners, report drafting).
Active Listening: To understand customer needs, one must listen carefully to their issues without interruption. This skill aids in establishing a good relationship and trust.
Empathy: The ability to comprehend and relate to the emotions of others can significantly improve customer interactions. Empathetic employees are better equipped to resolve customer problems by recognizing their emotions.
2. Problem-Solving Capabilities
In any business setting, particularly in customer service, issues will emerge that need swift and effective solutions:
Critical Thinking: The capability to logically examine situations and make informed decisions is crucial. Candidates should prove their ability to evaluate problems from various perspectives.
Conflict Resolution: Effectively managing disputes or complaints is a key aspect of customer service. Candidates should highlight their experience or strategies for resolving conflicts in a friendly manner.
3. Technical Expertise
Given the growing dependence on technology in business operations, candidates must have certain technical skills:
CRM Software Knowledge: Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems is often necessary as these tools streamline customer interactions.
Basic Computer Skills: Mastery of standard office software (like Microsoft Office Suite) is vital for documentation and communication tasks.
4. Adaptability
The capability to adjust to changing circumstances is increasingly valued in today's rapidly evolving business environments:
Flexibility: Candidates should be receptive to change, whether it's new procedures, technologies, or changes in team dynamics.
Learning Agility: A readiness to quickly learn new skills or concepts can distinguish candidates from others who may resist change.
5. Solid Work Ethic
Employers appreciate candidates who show reliability and commitment:
Dependability: Punctuality and consistently meeting deadlines indicate dedication to the role.
Initiative: Proactively taking steps to enhance processes or help teammates reflects well on a candidate's character.
In conclusion, job seekers in customer service and business should concentrate on honing strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving capabilities, technical expertise in CRM systems, adaptability to change, and a solid work ethic. These qualities not only improve individual performance but also positively affect the overall team dynamics within a company.
The answer's accuracy probability: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used to Answer this Question:
Harvard Business Review
A premier resource providing insights into managerial practices, including effective communication strategies and employee engagement techniques relevant for customer service roles.
Forbes
Presents articles on workplace trends, including essential skills for job candidates across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of soft skills like empathy and adaptability.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Offers comprehensive guidelines on recruitment practices and detailed descriptions of desirable candidate traits specifically designed for customer-facing roles.
A wholesome smile helps too. Have a demeanor of wilful assistance!
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Key Attributes and Skills Desired in a Customer Service and Business Job Candidate
When evaluating potential job candidates for roles in customer service and business, it's crucial to focus on several vital skill sets and qualities. These encompass interpersonal skills, problem-solving capabilities, technical expertise, adaptability, and a solid work ethic.
1. Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are of utmost importance in customer service roles, affecting how efficiently an individual can interact with customers and teammates. Essential components of interpersonal skills include:
Communication Skills: The ability to deliver information in a clear and effective manner is crucial. This involves both verbal communication (clear speech, suitable language use) and written communication (proper email manners, report drafting).
Active Listening: To understand customer needs, one must listen carefully to their issues without interruption. This skill aids in establishing a good relationship and trust.
Empathy: The ability to comprehend and relate to the emotions of others can significantly improve customer interactions. Empathetic employees are better equipped to resolve customer problems by recognizing their emotions.
2. Problem-Solving Capabilities
In any business setting, particularly in customer service, issues will emerge that need swift and effective solutions:
Critical Thinking: The capability to logically examine situations and make informed decisions is crucial. Candidates should prove their ability to evaluate problems from various perspectives.
Conflict Resolution: Effectively managing disputes or complaints is a key aspect of customer service. Candidates should highlight their experience or strategies for resolving conflicts in a friendly manner.
3. Technical Expertise
Given the growing dependence on technology in business operations, candidates must have certain technical skills:
CRM Software Knowledge: Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems is often necessary as these tools streamline customer interactions.
Basic Computer Skills: Mastery of standard office software (like Microsoft Office Suite) is vital for documentation and communication tasks.
4. Adaptability
The capability to adjust to changing circumstances is increasingly valued in today's rapidly evolving business environments:
Flexibility: Candidates should be receptive to change, whether it's new procedures, technologies, or changes in team dynamics.
Learning Agility: A readiness to quickly learn new skills or concepts can distinguish candidates from others who may resist change.
5. Solid Work Ethic
Employers appreciate candidates who show reliability and commitment:
Dependability: Punctuality and consistently meeting deadlines indicate dedication to the role.
Initiative: Proactively taking steps to enhance processes or help teammates reflects well on a candidate's character.
In conclusion, job seekers in customer service and business should concentrate on honing strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving capabilities, technical expertise in CRM systems, adaptability to change, and a solid work ethic. These qualities not only improve individual performance but also positively affect the overall team dynamics within a company.
The answer's accuracy probability: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used to Answer this Question:
Harvard Business Review
A premier resource providing insights into managerial practices, including effective communication strategies and employee engagement techniques relevant for customer service roles.
Forbes
Presents articles on workplace trends, including essential skills for job candidates across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of soft skills like empathy and adaptability.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Offers comprehensive guidelines on recruitment practices and detailed descriptions of desirable candidate traits specifically designed for customer-facing roles.
A wholesome smile helps too. Have a demeanor of wilful assistance!
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.