Top customer service skills to look for in candidates

1. Customer service

Included in 53.85% of customer service job postings

Customer service is a core skill for any role that involves interacting with customers. It involves understanding customer needs, providing helpful responses and ensuring a positive experience. Candidates with strong customer service skills are adept at handling a variety of customer concerns, often helping to create a positive customer experience.

Consider these examples when you’re writing descriptions for any job requiring customer interactions:

• 1-2 years of experience in customer service roles.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve customer complaints and provide positive service experiences.

2. Communication skills

Included in 37.29% of customer service job postings

Communication skills are vital in customer service, as they enable employees to clearly convey information, understand customer needs and resolve issues effectively. This includes both verbal communication and written communication, which are essential for providing clear and concise support to customers.

Consider these examples when you’re including communication skills in a job description:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Previous experience in managing customer interactions across multiple channels, such as phone, email and chat.

3. English

Included in 14.61% of customer service job postings

Proficiency in English is often necessary, especially for roles that involve communicating with English-speaking customers. This skill ensures that employees can clearly and accurately provide information, whether in written or spoken form, which is crucial for effective customer interactions.

Consider these examples when you’re writing job descriptions that include English skills:

• Fluency in English with excellent grammar and pronunciation.
• 1-2 years of experience in roles requiring English communication skills.

4. Computer skills

Included in 12.93% of customer service job postings

Computer skills are increasingly important in customer service roles. These skills encompass the ability to use various software applications and handle digital communication efficiently. A candidate’s comfort with technology can significantly impact their ability to manage customer inquiries and record data accurately.

Consider these examples when you need computer skills in your job description:

• Proficiency in using computers, including basic software applications and internet navigation.
• Experience with customer management systems and data entry.

5. Microsoft Office

Included in 10.34% of customer service job postings

When writing a list of skills for a customer service representative opening, add the specific Office tools your agents use routinely.

Consider these examples when adding Microsoft Office skills to your job description:

• Experience with Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to create and manage documents, spreadsheets and communications.

6. Management

Included in 8.34% of customer service job postings

For customer service roles that involve supervising others, management skills are important. These include the ability to lead a team, delegate tasks and handle conflicts effectively. Candidates with strong management skills can enhance team performance and ensure that customer service standards are met.

Consider these examples when asking for management skills in your job description:

• 1-2 years of experience in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage customer service operations.

7. Microsoft Excel

Included in 7.97% of customer service job postings

Part of Microsoft Office, Excel offers spreadsheet capabilities that you might use to analyze customer service data, track pending customer requests and maintain client records. Mention this skill in your job description if your customer service agents regularly use Excel.

Consider these examples when adding Microsoft Excel skills to your job description:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced features like PivotTables and macros.
• Experience in managing and analyzing customer data using Excel.

8. Organizational skills

Included in 7.49% of customer service job postings

Handling multiple customer inquiries throughout the day requires strong organizational skills. Team members also need to keep customer accounts and notes organized and easy to access. You might mention organizational skills if customer service interactions are often involved and take time to resolve.

Consider these examples when you’re including organizational skills in your job description:

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in maintaining customer records and managing workflow efficiently.

9. Cashiering

Included in 6.47% of customer service job postings

If the customer service role is in a retail establishment, cashiering might be part of the job. This skill involves operating a cash register or POS system, handling cash, counting change and performing basic math. Include cashiering if the candidate will complete sales transactions.

Consider these examples when creating a job description that requires cashiering skills:

• 1-2 years of cashiering experience in a retail or service environment.
• Experience handling cash transactions and operating point-of-sale systems.

10. Bilingual

Included in 6.37% of customer service job postings

When you have a diverse client base, bilingual team members help you improve your customer service. Customers who primarily speak languages other than English feel valued and often get better results with their issues. Include this preference if you have a large client base that speaks a different language.

Consider these examples when looking for bilingual candidates:

• Fluency in [specific language] in addition to English.
• Experience providing customer service in a bilingual environment.

11. Hotel experience

Included in 6.04% of customer service job postings

Hotel experience is particularly relevant for roles in the hospitality industry. Candidates with this background often have experience with guest check-ins, room bookings and providing high-quality service in a fast-paced environment.

Consider these examples when your job description requires hotel experience:

• Utilizes experience working at the front desk of a hotel to manage guest check-ins and provide exceptional service.
• Previous experience working in a hotel or hospitality environment.

12. Computer literacy

Included in 5.73% of customer service job postings

Computer literacy refers to overall comfort with operating a computer and using a wide range of functions. It means the person knows how to use the technology efficiently. Customer service roles rely on computers to record details, track data and communicate with customers.

Consider these examples when adding computer literacy to your job description:

• General computer literacy, including familiarity with software applications and internet use.
• Experience in using technology to manage customer interactions.

13. Spanish

Included in 5.72% of customer service job postings

For companies serving a significant Spanish-speaking customer base, fluency in Spanish is a valuable asset. It ensures that customer service representatives can communicate effectively and provide high-quality support to Spanish-speaking customers.

Consider these examples when you’re adding Spanish skills to your job description:

• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish.
• Experience providing customer support in Spanish-speaking environments.

14. Microsoft Word

Included in 5.14% of customer service job postings

Microsoft Word is commonly used in customer service roles for creating documents, forms and reports. Proficiency in Word allows representatives to produce professional and well-organized materials as needed.

Consider these examples of Microsoft Word skills to include in your job description:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, including document creation and formatting.
• Experience using Word to draft customer communications and reports.

15. Sales

Included in 5.08% of customer service job postings

Sales skills are often important in customer service roles where representatives are expected to upsell products or services. This skill set includes understanding customer needs, making product recommendations and closing sales.

Consider these examples of sales skills you might add to your job description:

• Ability to upsell customers to upgraded services, increasing overall sales and customer satisfaction.
• 1-2 years of experience in a sales or customer-facing role.

16. Time management

Included in 4.47% of customer service job postings

Time management is crucial in fast-paced customer service environments where efficiency is key. Representatives who excel in this area can handle customer inquiries quickly and effectively without sacrificing quality.

Consider these examples when you’re writing job descriptions that require time management skills:

• Demonstrates effective time management skills without sacrificing the quality of customer care.
• Experience working in fast-paced environments requiring quick response times.

Read more: Time Management Interview Questions

17. Writing skills

Included in 4.06% of customer service job postings

Writing skills are particularly important for text, chat or email customer service positions. All customer service agents benefit from writing skills to create accurate customer records to document interactions. Request that applicants have writing skills if the position is heavily based on written communication.

Consider these examples when adding writing skills to job descriptions:

• Strong writing skills, particularly in crafting customer communications.
• Experience in roles that require clear and concise written documentation.

18. Restaurant experience

Included in 3.45% of customer service job postings

For customer service roles in the food service industry, previous restaurant experience can be a valuable asset. This experience often involves direct customer interaction, multitasking and handling high-pressure situations, all of which are critical in a restaurant setting.

If you need restaurant experience in your job description, consider these examples:

• Applies knowledge of food handling and restaurant operations to provide excellent service in a food-based business.
• Previous experience working in a restaurant or food service environment.

19. Front desk

Included in 3.12% of customer service job postings

Front desk experience is relevant for positions that require managing customer interactions in person, such as in hotels or corporate offices. Candidates with this experience are typically skilled in greeting customers, managing inquiries and providing excellent service.

Consider these examples when you’re adding front desk skills to your job description:

• Manages the front desk in a busy office environment, greeting customers and handling inquiries with professionalism.
• Experience managing a front desk or reception area.

20. Cash handling

Included in 3.07% of customer service job postings

Retail establishments and offices where clients come for services might require handling cash payments. Cash handling skills include counting money accurately, making change and following security protocols. Include this skill if the candidate will handle money regularly.

Consider these examples when adding cash handling skills to your job description:

• Handles cash transactions accurately and professionally, ensuring security and accuracy.
• Familiarity with cash registers and point-of-sale systems.

21. Microsoft Outlook

Included in 2.99% of customer service job postings

Microsoft Outlook is a software tool primarily used to manage emails and calendars. Having the skills to use the program effectively could be important if your company uses Outlook for communications. You might include it in your job description if you rely heavily on the program to keep your team organized.

Consider these examples when you’re requiring Microsoft Outlook skills in your job descriptions:

• Demonstrates strong skills in using Microsoft Outlook to manage emails and calendars efficiently.
• Experience in using Outlook to coordinate communication and tasks.

22. Typing

Included in 2.75% of customer service job postings

Many customer service jobs use chat or email. A fast typing speed improves efficiency, but accuracy is also essential for creating a positive image of your business. Mention typing skills in your job description if you need someone who is fast or highly accurate.

Consider these examples when requiring typing skills in your job description:

• Typing speed of [specific words per minute] with high accuracy.
• Experience in roles that require frequent data entry or written communication.

23. Windows

Included in 2.62% of customer service job postings

Microsoft Windows is a common operating system found on PCs. A candidate with Windows skills can operate a PC effectively. You might list this skill if the position requires a lot of computer work and your office uses this operating system.

Consider these examples when you’re adding Microsoft Windows skills to your job description:

• Operates a computer with proficiency in Microsoft Windows, ensuring smooth technology use.
• Experience using Windows for daily tasks and customer management software.

24. Hospitality

Included in 2.58% of customer service job postings

Businesses in the hospitality industry might prefer candidates with work experience and skills in that area. Hospitality skills include communicating with a variety of people, multitasking, emotional intelligence and patience. Consider including this in your customer service skills if you run a hospitality-based business.

Consider these examples when adding hospitality skills to your job descriptions:

• Experience in hospitality or customer-facing roles.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create a welcoming environment.

25. Phone etiquette

Included in 2.53% of customer service job postings

Phone etiquette refers to how you interact with customers on the phone, including greetings, word choice and tone of voice. Effective phone etiquette creates a positive impression about your company. Include phone etiquette in your list of skills for customer service roles that require frequent phone calls.

Consider these examples when you’re adding phone etiquette skills to your job description:

• Interacts positively with customers over the phone, using proper phone etiquette to create a professional impression.
• 1-2 years of experience in a role requiring frequent phone communication.

Other top customer service skills in demand

Here are an additional 25 customer service skills that are common in customer service job postings on Indeed:

26.Analysis skills: Included in 2.35% of customer service job postings

27.Leadership: Included in 2.24% of customer service job postings

28.Data entry: Included in 2.17% of customer service job postings

29.Microsoft PowerPoint: Included in 2.04% of customer service job postings

30.Maths: Included in 2.03% of customer service job postings

31.Basic maths: Included in 1.83% of customer service job postings

32.Customer support: Included in 1.83% of customer service job postings

33.Guest services: Included in 1.8% of customer service job postings

34.Supervising experience: Included in 1.64% of customer service job postings

35.Banking: Included in 1.47% of customer service job postings

36.Retail sales: Included in 1.36% of customer service job postings

37.Office experience: Included in 1.16% of customer service job postings

38.Administrative experience: Included in 1.14% of customer service job postings

39.Software troubleshooting: Included in 1.08% of customer service job postings

40.Food service: Included in 1.04% of customer service job postings

41.Upselling: Included in 1.03% of customer service job postings

42.Marketing: Included in 0.97% of customer service job postings

43.Loan processing: Included in 0.94% of customer service job postings

44.Negotiation: Included in 0.93% of customer service job postings

45.Medical terminology: Included in 0.91% of customer service job postings

46.Inventory control: Included in 0.83% of customer service job postings

47.Military: Included in 0.82% of customer service job postings

48.Food safety: Included in 0.75% of customer service job postings

49.CRM software: Included in 0.75% of customer service job postings

50.Project management: Included in 0.69% of customer service job postings

¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023