Writing a customer service CV

Working within customer service, you understand the importance of getting it right first time. The same is true for your CV. You have just one chance for your CV to work its magic and persuade the reader to say ‘yes’ to inviting you to interview. And if it’s a job you really want, then you have to ensure your CV does the best it can in presenting your achievements. Follow these steps to help make sure your CV gets to the top of the ‘yes’ pile.

Write from the readers point of view

One of the secrets in writing an effective CV is to put yourself in the shoes of the reader. This can be challenging as you naturally write from your own perspective. Read the person specification of the job you are applying for. This tells you the criteria with which your customer service CV will be assessed. Provide specific examples of achievements and you are going a long way to guiding the recruiter to making a positive decision in calling you to interview.

Keep your customer service CV to two pages

There have been various pieces of research carried out into how much time people spend reading CVs. Almost universally the conclusion is this: not very long! Some estimate under 30 seconds, others between 5 and 6 seconds. With this very short window of opportunity there is little point including pages and pages of detail. Keep your customer service manager CV to two pages. Focus on the most recent roles and use as few words as possible to make your points. Keep the CV brief and punchy.

Presentation and formatting

The first time a potential new employer glances at your CV they are shaping their perception of you. So, the CV needs to look professional. It should have clearly labelled headings and sufficient white space throughout to ensure the CV does not look cramped. Make sure the formatting and presentation is consistent throughout. Use a contemporary typeface such as Calibri or Tahoma. You know, over 50% of CVs still contain spelling mistakes. This always amazes me. Make sure yours isn’t one of them and get someone else to proof-read it for you.

ATS Systems

It is estimated applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter out about 70% of CVs. ATS work by analysing CVs against the criteria within a job description and person specification. Look for concentrations of key words in the job description and be sure to weave these into your CV. Include a ‘key skills’ section and populate this with key terms too. Tailor your CV for each application as job descriptions for customer service executives can be written very differently.

Achievements

It is crucial to show the reader how good you are at your job. Don’t be tempted to just reproduce a list of responsibilities and duties. Provide specific examples of achievements. Support these with facts and figures to give real concreteness to your customer service manager CV. What does success look like? This could be transformation projects, improved processes, new systems, improved training. Show how these have impacted on team and individual performance and most importantly – to the customer.

This article is written by Neville Rose, Director of CV Writers. Please do connect with me via LinkedIn.

Check out our CV writing service with details of our packages that include LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. You can get things started with a Free CV review. I am also a qualified career counsellor and provide Career Counselling services for people looking to change career paths.