Occupation AtlasCustomer Service Representatives

O*NET · 43-4051.00

Customer Service Representatives

Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.

Also called Account Adjuster · Account Representative · Adjustment Clerk · Automotive Service Advisor · Automotive Service Writer · Bill Adjuster · Call Center Representative · CCR
62 more

Claims CSR · Claims Customer Service Representative (Claims CSR) · Clerical Adjudicator · Client Relations Specialist · Client Service Rep · Client Service Representative (Client Service Rep) · Client Services Representative · Client Support Professional · Compensation Adjuster · Complaints Adjuster · Complaints Clerk · Contact Center Specialist · CSR · Customer Advocate · Customer Care Representative (CCR) · Customer Care Service Representative · Customer Care Specialist · Customer Complaints Clerk · Customer Contact Specialist · Customer Relations Representative · Customer Service Agent · Customer Service Assistant · Customer Service Associate · Customer Service Cashier · Customer Service Clerk · Customer Service Consultant · Customer Service Coordinator · Customer Service Officer · Customer Service Professional · Customer Service Representative (CSR) · Customer Service Specialist · Customer Support Rep · Customer Support Representative (Customer Support Rep) · Customer Support Specialist · Field Service Representative · Guest Service Agent · Hub Associate · Inbound CSR · Inbound Customer Service Representative (Inbound CSR) · Lost and Found Clerk · Member Services Rep · Member Services Representative (Member Services Rep) · Membership Coordinator · Merchandise Complaint Adjuster · Passenger Relations Representative · Phone Representative · Policyholder Information Clerk · Product Support Specialist · Return-to-Factory Clerk · Returns Clerk · Service Advisor · Service Advocate Contact · Service Representative · Service Writer · Telephone Service Advisor · Trouble Clerk · Utilities CSR · Utilities Customer Service Representative (Utilities CSR) · Utility Bill Complaints Investigator · Verifying Specialist · Warranty Administrator · Warranty Clerk

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code CES35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CESConventional · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional6.32
  • E Enterprising5.08
  • S Social3.77
  • R Realistic1.97
  • I Investigative1.63
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent55%
  • Some College Courses17%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
  • Bachelor's Degree14%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (26%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (35%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (43%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Service OrientationImportance 4.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
Show the other 23

Tasks

7 core · 6 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Confer with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services, take or enter orders, cancel accounts, or obtain details of complaints.Importance 4.7
  2. Keep records of customer interactions or transactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints, or comments, as well as actions taken.Importance 4.5
  3. Check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to resolve customers' problems.Importance 4.4
  4. Contact customers to respond to inquiries or to notify them of claim investigation results or any planned adjustments.Importance 4.2
  5. Determine charges for services requested, collect deposits or payments, or arrange for billing.Importance 4.2
  6. Refer unresolved customer grievances to designated departments for further investigation.Importance 4.1
  7. Complete contract forms, prepare change of address records, or issue service discontinuance orders, using computers.Importance 4.1
Show the other 6
  1. Resolve customers' service or billing complaints by performing activities such as exchanging merchandise, refunding money, or adjusting bills.Importance 4.2
  2. Review insurance policy terms to determine whether a particular loss is covered by insurance.Importance 4.1
  3. Solicit sales of new or additional services or products.Importance 3.9
  4. Obtain and examine all relevant information to assess validity of complaints and to determine possible causes, such as extreme weather conditions that could increase utility bills.Importance 3.6
  5. Compare disputed merchandise with original requisitions and information from invoices and prepare invoices for returned goods.Importance 3.6
  6. Recommend improvements in products, packaging, shipping, service, or billing methods and procedures to prevent future problems.Importance 3.2

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.7Level 5.7
  • English LanguageImportance 3.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • MathematicsImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
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  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.8Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.6Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.4Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • PsychologyImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • TransportationImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • GeographyImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level —
  • BiologyImportance 1.3Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.3Level —
  • DesignImportance 1.3Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.3Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.3Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
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  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • OriginalityImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • MemorizationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Finger DexterityImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Far VisionImportance 2.3Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Time SharingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.6
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.3Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.3Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.3Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.3Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.1Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
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  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 4.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 2.9
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.1Level 2.9
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.7
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.8
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.9
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.3Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Telephone Conversations5.0
  • Contact With Others4.9
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.8
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Time Pressure4.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.5
  • E-Mail4.3
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People4.2
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.2

Technology

112 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot

Hot (23; 3 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Apple macOS
  • Facebook
  • Google Docs
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Kronos Workforce Timekeeper
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Salesforce software
  • SAP software
  • Slack
  • Yardi software
  • Zoom
Other tools (86)
  • Active Data Online WebChat
  • ADP Workforce Now
  • Airtable
  • Apple Keynote
  • Applied Systems Vision
  • AS/400 Database
  • Astute Solutions PowerCenter
  • Austin Logistics CallSelect
  • Austin Logistics CallTech
  • Austin Logistics Valeo
  • Avidian Technologies Prophet
  • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • Customer account management software
  • Customer complaint ticketing management software
  • Customer service and support software
  • Customer service knowledge generation software
  • Data entry software
  • Database software
  • Delphi Technology
  • Dropbox
  • DSC Pacer Interactive Voice Response System
  • eStara Softphone
  • FaceTime
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Fund accounting software
  • Google Drive
  • Google Meet
  • Google Sites
  • GroupMe
  • Handheld computer device software
  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
  • Hosted Support ezSupport Pro
  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • IBM Domino
  • IBM Notes
  • IBM Power Systems software
  • iShip
  • j2 Global Communications onebox
  • LexisNexis
  • LinkedIn
  • LogMeIn GoToMeeting
  • Lynk Everest
  • Main Street Softworks Monetra
  • McAfee
  • Medical condition coding software
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft OneNote
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Multi-channel contact center software
  • Nearpod
  • NetSuite ERP
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Open Text Fax Server, RightFax Edition
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Oracle Taleo
  • Padlet
  • Parature eRealtime
  • Parature eTicket
  • Poll Everywhere
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Sage MAS 200 ERP
  • Sales force automation software
  • Salesforce.com Salesforce CRM
  • SAP Business Objects
  • SAP Crystal Reports
  • ShoreTel
  • Skype
  • Social media sites
  • Stamps.com software
  • SugarSync
  • Tax software
  • Telemation e-CRM
  • Timpani Chat
  • Timpani Contact Center
  • Timpani Email
  • Unified messaging software
  • Virtual private networking VPN software
  • Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.