As the world progresses and technology advances, consumer buying power will only grow. The European Commission predicts that the number of consumers worldwide will exceed 5 billion by 2030. And along with this growth in the consumption class, there’s an ever-increasing demand for consumer services.
A career in consumer services is a great way to help businesses meet the needs of their customers and keep them coming back for more. It’s also a field that offers many opportunities for growth and advancement. That’s why consumer services is a good career path for anyone looking to have a stable and prosperous future.
Famous companies like Amazon, Walmart and Home Depot all have one thing in common: they excel at providing excellent customer service. It’s no coincidence that these companies are also some of the most successful businesses in the world.
What Do You Do in Consumer Services?
The service industry is a broad field that covers different aspects of customer relations. But in general, consumer services is about providing intangible value to customers through a process, outcome, or experience.
It could involve anything from providing customer support and advice to organizing events or managing projects. No matter what you do, your ultimate goal is to ensure the customer is happy with the service they received.
How many jobs are available in consumer services, and what kinds of roles can you expect? Countless opportunities are available in consumer services, and the roles vary widely.
Below are some examples of popular consumer service jobs:
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative (CSR) is one of the best-paying jobs in consumer services. That’s because CSRs are the face of the company and play a vital role in customer satisfaction. They handle customer inquiries, provide information about products and services, and resolve complaints. As a direct link between the customer and the company, CSRs must always be ready to provide excellent customer service.
The average salary for a CSR is $53,219 per year, or $15.24 per hour. Some of the most common benefits received by CSRs include a cash bonus ($2,000 per year) and commission ($7,500 per year).
Project Manager
A project manager is responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring projects. They also need to ensure that the project stays on track and within budget. With these responsibilities, it’s not surprising that they get an average salary of $84,687 per year.
Project managers often work with teams of people to get the job done, so excellent communication skills are a must. They also need to be able to deal with stress and have the ability to think on their feet.
Bank Teller
The service industry isn’t just about working in an office. Bank tellers provide excellent customer service while performing various financial transactions. They have a wide range of responsibilities, including handling deposits and withdrawals, issuing loans, and providing account information.
A bank teller can make $30,360 per year, depending on experience. The job usually comes with a benefits package that includes health insurance and paid vacation days.
Other examples of consumer services profession are concierge, tech support and client services coordinator.
Is Customer Service a Good Career?
Although there are many consumer service jobs and roles, they all have one thing in common: they’re excellent career choices. That’s because customer service is a stable and recession-proof industry. No matter what the economy is like, people will always need customer service.
As a customer service professional, you can take pride in knowing that you play a vital role in keeping businesses running smoothly. You’re also making a difference in the lives of customers every day. It’s a rewarding career that can lead to a prosperous future.
Consumer service is also a good career path for job seekers looking for promising opportunities. And because many companies are in the consumer service industry, there are plenty of chances to work with big names, such as McDonald’s, Starbucks and Apple.
Is Finance Consumer Services a Good Career Path?
Finance consumer services is a great career path for those interested in the financial sector. The field offers a variety of job roles, such as financial advisors, account managers and loan officers. With so many options available, finding a finance consumer services job that suits your skills and interests is easy.
Unlike other financial jobs, finance consumer services are well-focused on helping people manage their money. That means you’ll work closely with clients to help them make a budget, save, and invest wisely. It’s a challenging and rewarding career that can make a real difference in people’s lives. And because the finance consumer services industry is growing, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement.
Is There Career Growth in Customer Service?
The customer service industry is a low-entry level job, which means that it is a great place to start a career because it offers plenty of room for growth. As you gain experience in the customer service field, you can move up to positions with more responsibility, such as team lead or supervisor. And if you have the right skills and work ethic, you could eventually move into management.
In addition to offering opportunities for career growth, the customer service industry also provides plenty of chances to learn new skills. With the proper training, you can learn how to use multiple software programs, handle difficult customer situations, and resolve conflicts.
LinkedIn Economic Graph also shows customer service among the top industries with the most hiring gains. That means plenty of job opportunities are available for those looking to start or further their customer service career.
What Benefits are Common for Careers in Consumer Services?
Aside from the peace of mind that comes with working in a stable industry, careers in consumer service also offer several other benefits. For starters, many customer service jobs come with excellent pay and benefits packages. On average, a customer service representative earns $30,000 per year. And depending on the company, you may also be eligible for health insurance, a 401(k), paid vacation days and other benefits.
In addition to competitive salaries and benefits packages, many customer service jobs offer diverse work schedules. That means you can find a job that suits your lifestyle and preferences, which is perfect for those with families or other commitments.
For example, if you’re seeking a 9-to-5 job, you can find plenty of customer service positions that offer regular hours. Or if you’re looking for a flexible job, many customer service roles allow you to work from home. And if you’re interested in travel, many customer service jobs involve traveling to different locations.
Finally, careers in customer service are often very satisfying. Because you’re constantly interacting with people and helping them solve problems, it’s a great way to make a difference.
How to Get a Job in Customer Service
Many factors go into landing a job in customer service. Knowing what each company is looking for and tailoring your application to fit will give you the best chance of being hired.
Here are some areas you might want to focus on:
Education
Stepping into customer service is relatively easy, as most jobs only require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, if you’re looking to advance your career, you may need to obtain additional education or certification. Many management positions require a bachelor’s degree. So choosing a major in college might be something to consider if you’re interested in eventually moving into a management role.
Training and Certification
Additionally, specific customer service positions may require you to obtain certification. You can get these by attending workshops, taking courses, or passing exams.
Training and certifications show employers that you have the necessary skills to excel in the role. They also demonstrate a commitment to professional development, making you a more competitive applicant.
Skill Set
Getting a job in customer service isn’t complicated, but succeeding in the field can be challenging. To be successful, you’ll need excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and superb customer service skills. The proper skill set will help you thrive in this fast-paced and demanding industry.
Getting a job in customer service might seem daunting at first. But it doesn’t have to be as long as you can showcase your skills and commitment to the role. By polishing your resume, preparing for job interviews, researching companies, and being proactive about your career, you can land the customer service job of your dreams.
