How to Survive a Job in Customer Service

A job in customer service is a rite of passage for many teenagers looking to make some extra cash or for the full-time college student who can only work at night. Working in retail, waiting tables at a restaurant or ringing up groceries at the local supermarket can all qualify as a job in customer service. However, working in customer service is not for the faint at heart. The work is hard for little pay, the people are rude and you'll probably spend up to 12 hours a day on your feet. However, with a little determination and thick skin, your next job in customer service won't drive you crazy.

First thing is first: a job in customer service is not for the sensitive or emotional. A customer service job in retail or restaurant service means you'll be waiting on customers who are typically in a rush or at the end of a very long day. This translates into rudeness and impatience in not all, but many of your potential customers. A job in customer service means you must have the ability to let rude remarks and odd requests roll off your back. Realize that in many cases, you'll be working for tips or commission, and letting rude customers get to you will undoubtedly cause you to be rude right back, and that will translate into no tip or your coworker getting credit for your sales. Don't let the customer walk all over you, but a job in customer service means you have to tolerate a little more than the average person should.

Another aspect of a job in customer service that you should keep in mind is the probability that you'll have to work quick and be neat. Waiting tables or working retail means you'll be waiting on multiple customers at a time, all with their own requests and needs. In order to make money, you'll have to be quick about your job. Also, personal appearance always counts, but especially with a job in customer service. Nobody wants to eat food or buy clothes from someone who looks sloppy or who looks like they didn't comb their hair that morning. As a server, you'll probably spill food or drink on yourself at least once during your shift, but try to keep the clothing stains to a minimum. Don't be a klutz.

Finally, a job in customer service means you'll be working with people a lot like you: students or full-time workers who have taken a part-time job. I definitely recommend making friends with your coworkers, but I cannot stress enough the importance of not being distracted on the job, especially a job in customer service. Chatting with coworkers will distract you from your customers and ultimately cut into the amount of money you could be making. Keep the socializing with coworkers to a minimum while you're on the clock. Save the fun times for after your shift.

A job in customer service is not for everyone. You must be willing to work hard, long hours and deal with customers who have the tendency to be pretty rude at times. But keeping a thick skin, working quickly and remaining focused on the job will translate into better job performance and ultimately, more pay. Keep these tips in mind the next time you're searching for a job in customer service.