From this article you will learn:
- What is consumer service?
- Is other consumer services a good career path?
- What skills do I need to work in consumer service?
- Consumer Services Salary Fork
- Ten professions in consumer services
- What companies are in the consumer services field?
- How many jobs are available in consumer services?
- How to get a job in the consumer services field?
What is consumer service?
Consumer service is the support given to a user before or after a purchase.
Working in consumer services aims to guide the customer from the desire to buy the company’s product or service to the purchase itself.
Consumer service goes far beyond the capabilities of a call center operator. It is available through email, chat on the site or in an app, messengers, and social media.
Consumer service is not just about answering questions; it’s essential to a brand’s interaction with its audience.
The main tasks of a consumer service worker:
- Tell the customer about the product.
- Work through objections.
- Conduct the order.
Consumer service jobs can be part-time and with flexible hours. Recruiters sometimes offer to work remotely. A wide range of opportunities to build a convenient schedule will give you a good career path.
Is other consumer services a good career path?
Are you wondering if a job in consumer services is right for you? Afraid you’ll waste your time and not earn much?
Here are 7 benefits of working in consumer services that will encourage you to take that first step and make a good career path.
1. A wide range of industries to choose from.
Most companies need staff for consumer service, so there are plenty of jobs. You can work in almost any field you want.
2. The opportunity to work without experience.
Working in the consumer service industry is a great opportunity to get your first work experience and figure out what industry you want to grow in in the future. Often, companies in the consumer service industry don’t require work experience, but train you during your internship.
3. Developing your communication skills.
In consumer service, you are constantly interacting with people, learning to resolve conflicts, negotiate, and be flexible. The job helps you develop communication and listening skills that will help you not only in your career, but also in your everyday life.
4. Career advancement.
Many companies in consumer services offer a quick and good career path from call center manager to consumer service manager.
5. Flexible work schedule.
At most companies, you can make your own schedule. Many jobs in the consumer services industry allow you to work remotely.
6. Training at the company’s expense.
Companies in the consumer services industry offer free in-house training to help their employees develop and bring more value to the job.
7. Industry Knowledge.
Over time, you’ll learn more and more about the consumer service industry you work in and become an expert in the business.
You’ll be able to use your knowledge and skills to advance your career in this industry and eventually move into it-you’ll already have experience.
What skills do I need to work in consumer service?
To become a successful manager in the consumer service industry and earn a good salary, you need to have specific soft and hard skills.
Get this list of ten consumer service skills that will help you handle the workload on the job and successfully close deals:
Empathy
Empathy is a crucial skill in consumer services. It helps you understand customers’ feelings, get into their pains and needs and find the best solution to their problems.
Active Listening
Listening carefully to the customer is essential for a consumer service manager. That way, you can identify the customer’s desire and find the best product or service.
Understand facial and body language
In a conversation with a client, follow his facial expressions, gestures, and speech to understand the person’s real needs and offer a suitable product.
The ability to quickly and accurately analyze information will be your advantage during the hiring process.
Computer Skills
More and more companies are moving to electronic documentation. Being proficient with computers can be an advantage over other candidates.
Ability to conduct telephone conversations
Working in a call center is one of the most common jobs in the consumer services industry.
You can’t follow a customer’s gestures and facial expressions or read their emotions on the phone, so it’s much harder to make a deal.
When serving a customer on the phone, speak clearly, briefly, persuasively, use high and low intonation, and place logical accents and pauses.
Problem-solving skills
Customer support is all about solving their problems and dealing with objections. Be prepared that angry customers may even yell at you.
However, a good manager can understand the situation and politely solve the conflict.
Multitasking
Often workers in the field of consumer services have to perform several actions simultaneously: draw up reports, answer the client’s questions and enter the call into the database.
The skill of multitasking can help you increase your stress tolerance and handle your job more efficiently.
Time Management
Learn time management to manage tasks successfully and maintain a balance between work and leisure.
The time management technique allows you to increase your time efficiency.
Example goal:
«In 3 years, I plan to take a management position and reach a steady income of $80,000 per year».
Consumer Services Salary Fork
There is a stereotype that the salary range in consumer services is tiny. In fact, the salary range is extensive, so you can get a good career path. The more experienced a candidate is, the higher their salary is.
A consumer service manager’s salary ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 a year. Candidates with a master’s degree or higher earn between $70,000 and $100,000 a year.
Ten professions in consumer services
IT support manager
Tasks:
- Create a work plan for the IT department.
- Assign tasks to employees.
- Supervise the work of employees.
- Average salary: $45,000 per year.
Tax Accountant
Tasks:
- Prepare tax returns for individuals and businesses.
- Conduct financial advice.
- Advise on how to increase a client’s revenue.
- Average salary: $55,000 per year.
Research Analyst
Tasks:
- Search for information.
- Process information and figures for the head of the marketing department.
Average salary: $53,000 per year.
Business Administrator
Tasks:
- Track transactions.
- Keep records and reports.
Average salary: $53,000 per year.
Pharmaceutical sales representative
Tasks:
- Decorate displays and shelves in the store.
- Keep records.
- Sell pharmaceutical products.
Average salary: $89,000 per year.
Product Manager
Tasks:
- Analyze the market and competitors.
- Create product concepts.
- Develop product development strategies.
Average salary: $88,000 per year.
Restaurant Manager
Tasks:
- Prepare the establishment for opening and closing.
- Hire employees.
- Assign tasks to employees.
- Supervise the work of employees.
- Host.
Average salary: $59,000 per year.
Events Manager
Tasks:
- Hire employees.
- Plan events and their budgets.
- Organize deals with customers.
Average salary: $64,000 per year.
Call Center Operator
Tasks:
- Receives and processes incoming calls and orders.
- Conducts telephone surveys and collects feedback from customers.
- Prospecting for customers.
- Provide technical support.
Average salary: $50,000 per year.
Finance Manager
Tasks:
- Analyze company financial reports.
- Develop strategies to increase company revenue.
Average salary: $75,000 per year.
Before looking at consumer services jobs, determine your main criteria: what’s important to you about the job?
Do you want to combine caring for a young child and work? Choose a part-time job. Do you live out of town and value comfort and personal space? Look for a remote job in consumer service. Then you will have a good career path.
What should I pay attention to in the job description?
- Type of employment
- Type of schedule
- Place of work
- Salary
We have collected the best offers on Ucanremote, a remote employee search service. Not only can you find the right consumer service job, but you can also leave your resume and receive offers.
What companies are in the consumer services field?
To enter the consumer services field, research the companies in this market.
What types of companies exist in the consumer services field?
Most companies interact with customers in the B2C market. They offer jobs in the consumer services field, regardless of the industry in which they operate.
Companies in the consumer services field are divided into six basic types:
Hotel business
In the hotel business, customer service comes first. Because of the great competition in companies in the hotel and restaurant industry, companies are strict about the quality of customer service. The hotel business can be an area with a good career path for you.
Examples of companies: restaurants, hotels, parks, bars, and clubs.
Insurance and banking
The demand for jobs in the financial industry is stable. In addition, this type of company serves the premium consumer segment, so consumer service must be top-notch.
Companies are looking for qualified professionals who know how to conduct business communication, advise, talk intelligently about services and sell.
Examples of companies: life, health, home, auto, jewelry insurance companies, and banks.
Entertainment
The entertainment industry is expanding rapidly. The number of job openings has increased by 22% over the past ten years, so you can find work in the entertainment industry even if you have no experience.
Examples of companies: customer service, ticketing, and booking agencies.
Transportation
Companies in the transportation industry value every customer: if they encounter poor service once, they will forever move on to another competitor. This is why customer service employees are in demand for this type of company.
Examples of companies: delivery services, moving services.
E-commerce
E-commerce companies want their online platforms to be active and available throughout the year and at all hours of the day, so customer support is an important part of e-commerce companies.
Examples of companies: marketplaces and social media stores.
Retail
Retail companies aim to identify customers’ needs and provide a wide range of assortments that satisfy them.
Recruiters look for candidates who share the company’s values, have multitasking skills, and can perform various tasks. If you show your abilities, then this area will give you a good career path for you.
Examples of companies: hypermarkets and retail outlets.
How many jobs are available in consumer services?
The field of consumer service includes various professions, so there is no need to worry about how many jobs are available: everyone can find a job to their liking.
Ten popular and in-demand jobs in the field of consumer service where there can be a good career path:
- Customer service representative
- Business Manager
- Wi-fi and Internet Engineer
- Customer Service Specialist
- Field Service Technician
- Support Analyst
- Supply Chain Manager
- Information Services Manager
- Support Engineer
- Courier
Ucanremote has a collection of verified jobs from employers, with new offers appearing, so you’ll be able to find a job that fits your needs.
How to get a job in the consumer services field?
Do you want a job in consumer services but don’t know where to start? Do you think about writing a perfect resume and preparing for an interview to get a job in consumer service?
Catch five tips on identifying and getting your desired consumer service profession.
Tip № 1: Get to know yourself.
Answer the seven questions from the career counselors honestly:
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- What were my interests as a child?
- What are my values?
- What value do I want to bring to the company and society?
- What role should work play in my life?
- What kind of atmosphere do I want to work in?
- Are the professions I am interested in demanding? Will they still be in demand ten years from now?
Exercises to choose a profession in consumer service:
- Write out 3-5 professions in customer service that you like best.
- Rate each profession on a scale of 1 to 10 on four criteria: how much you like the work, how valuable the profession is to people, speed of implementation, and salary level.
- Count all the points and choose the occupation that scored the highest.
Tip № 2: Research the market.
Make a list of companies in the consumer services industry, collect job openings, and carefully read the terms and conditions of employment.
Identify 2-3 positions that fit your long-term goals and lifestyle.
Tip № 3: Get Qualified.
Most consumer service companies will neglect your resume if you don’t demonstrate qualifications and experience.
Tip № 4: Prepare and send your resume
A recruiter’s first impression of you is based on your resume, so take your resume seriously.
Include skills and knowledge that are important to your future profession. Write about your motivation for working for the company.
Create a profile on Ucanremote in a few minutes and create a resume.
You don’t have to wait for the employer to find you. You can start applying today. The more effort you make, the better your chance of getting into the desired company.
Tip №5: Prepare for the interview
Being confident and knowledgeable about your position will make it easy for you to interview and get your dream job.
Show that you are taking action to gain the skills and knowledge you need for your future profession.
Do you want to build a career as a remote specialist and get offers from good companies? Or are you tired of working in the office and want to try remote work from home?
Ucanremote will find the most suitable jobs for you where the chance of getting a positive response is close to 100%.
You will be able to create a resume that will distinguish you from other applicants.
Create a professional profile, compare your resume to your competitors and get a salary recommendation based on your knowledge, skills and experience.