| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 94 (%) | Description: 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: 85 (%) | Description: Refer unresolved customer grievances to designated departments for further investigation. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to resolve customers' problems. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Contact customers to respond to inquiries or to notify them of claim investigation results or any planned adjustments. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Keep records of customer interactions or transactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints, or comments, as well as actions taken. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Complete contract forms, prepare change of address records, or issue service discontinuance orders, using computers. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Determine charges for services requested, collect deposits or payments, or arrange for billing. |
Associate Degree Careers and Jobs
Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less - All On One Page.
Sorted by median annual U.S. salary and including percentage of job holders with Associate's Degree or less.
An associate's degree can open doors to skilled technical, healthcare, and business support roles without the time commitment of a four-year degree. For people who want a faster, more affordable path into a stable career. Compare careers ranked by salary, review degree-holder and experience percentages, and access preparation resources for each role.
Here is a short Helper Video 
.
This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select a career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.
Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover careers that might be of interest.
Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career
Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs
What jobs can you get with an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are careers related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 571 specific careers are listed, with matching jobs currently available. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those careers that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Job Listings for: Customer Service Representatives.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Prepare for the "Customer Service Representatives" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.
Customer Service Representatives
Description: 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.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Customer Service Representatives":
U.S. Total Employment (2023):
2,923,400U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
2,888,800
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
-34,500 (-1.2%) Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
361,700
Core Duties
Supplemental Duties
| Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Resolve customers' service or billing complaints by performing activities such as exchanging merchandise, refunding money, or adjusting bills. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Recommend improvements in products, packaging, shipping, service, or billing methods and procedures to prevent future problems. |
| Importance: 56 (%) | Description: 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: 49 (%) | Description: Solicit sales of new or additional services or products. |
| Importance: 41 (%) | Description: Compare disputed merchandise with original requisitions and information from invoices and prepare invoices for returned goods. |
| Importance: 40 (%) | Description: Review insurance policy terms to determine whether a particular loss is covered by insurance. |
Work Activities
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 91 (%) | Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 77 (%) | Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
Specific Work Activities
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
|
| Calculate costs of goods or services. | |
| Collect deposits, payments or fees. | |
| Discuss goods or services information with customers or patrons. | |
| Execute sales or other financial transactions. | |
| Maintain financial or account records. | |
| Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance. | |
| Process customer bills or payments. | |
| Promote products, services, or programs. | |
| Provide notifications to customers or patrons. | |
| Recommend packing or shipping methods. | |
| Refer customers to appropriate personnel. | |
| Respond to customer problems or complaints. | |
| Review customer insurance information. | |
| Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data. | |
Knowledge Required
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
| Importance: 77 (%) | Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
Essential Skills
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| Importance: 56 (%) | Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
Transferable Skills
| Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
Day-in-the-Life Summaries
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Advise others on business or operational matters. |
| Activity: Assist others to access additional services or resources. |
| Activity: Collect fares or payments. |
| Activity: Determine values or prices of goods or services. |
| Activity: Evaluate the quality or accuracy of data. |
| Activity: Examine financial activities, operations, or systems. |
| Activity: Execute financial transactions. |
| Activity: Explain technical details of products or services. |
| Activity: Maintain sales or financial records. |
| Activity: Prepare documentation for contracts, applications, or permits. |
| Activity: Promote products, services, or programs. |
| Activity: Provide information to guests, clients, or customers. |
| Activity: Respond to customer problems or inquiries. |
Software Skills
|
Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
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| High-Priority Tech Skills | |||||||||||||||
| Electronic mail software: | |||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Outlook | |||||||||||||||
| Office suite software: | |||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Office software | |||||||||||||||
| Spreadsheet software: | |||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Excel | |||||||||||||||
| Emerging Tech Skills | |||||||||||||||
| Accounting software: | |||||||||||||||
| Intuit QuickBooks | |||||||||||||||
| Cloud-based data access and sharing software: | |||||||||||||||
| Slack | |||||||||||||||
| Customer relationship management CRM software: | |||||||||||||||
| Salesforce software | |||||||||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | |||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Access Oracle Database Yardi software | |||||||||||||||
| Document management software: | |||||||||||||||
| Adobe Acrobat Microsoft SharePoint | |||||||||||||||
| Enterprise resource planning ERP software: | |||||||||||||||
| Oracle PeopleSoft SAP software | |||||||||||||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | |||||||||||||||
| Adobe Creative Cloud software Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop | |||||||||||||||
| Medical software: | |||||||||||||||
| MEDITECH software | |||||||||||||||
| Operating system software: | |||||||||||||||
| Apple macOS Microsoft Windows | |||||||||||||||
| Presentation software: | |||||||||||||||
| Microsoft PowerPoint | |||||||||||||||
| Project management software: | |||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Teams | |||||||||||||||
| Time accounting software: | |||||||||||||||
| Kronos Workforce Timekeeper | |||||||||||||||
| Video conferencing software: | |||||||||||||||
| Zoom | |||||||||||||||
| Web page creation and editing software: | |||||||||||||||
| Word processing software: | |||||||||||||||
| Google Docs Microsoft Word | |||||||||||||||
| General Software Tools | |||||||||||||||
| Access software: | |||||||||||||||
| Citrix cloud computing software | |||||||||||||||
| Accounting software: | |||||||||||||||
| Fund accounting software Sage 50 Accounting Tax software | |||||||||||||||
| Backup or archival software: | |||||||||||||||
| SugarSync | |||||||||||||||
| Business intelligence and data analysis software: | |||||||||||||||
| IBM Cognos Impromptu | |||||||||||||||
| Cloud-based data access and sharing software: | |||||||||||||||
| Dropbox Google Drive | |||||||||||||||
| Communications server software: | |||||||||||||||
| IBM Domino ShoreTel | |||||||||||||||
| Computer based training software: | |||||||||||||||
| Padlet | |||||||||||||||
| Contact center software: | |||||||||||||||
| Multi-channel contact center software Timpani Contact Center Timpani Email | |||||||||||||||
| Customer relationship management CRM software (scroll table below): | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Data base reporting software: | |||||||||||||||
| SAP Crystal Reports | |||||||||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below): | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Desktop communications software: | |||||||||||||||
| Skype | |||||||||||||||
| Desktop publishing software: | |||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Publisher | |||||||||||||||
| Electronic mail software: | |||||||||||||||
| Astute Solutions PowerCenter IBM Notes Microsoft Exchange | |||||||||||||||
| Enterprise resource planning ERP software (scroll table below): | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Enterprise system management software: | |||||||||||||||
| IBM Power Systems software | |||||||||||||||
| Fax software: | |||||||||||||||
| Open Text Fax Server, RightFax Edition | |||||||||||||||
| Financial analysis software: | |||||||||||||||
| Delphi Technology Oracle E-Business Suite Financials | |||||||||||||||
| Helpdesk or call center software: | |||||||||||||||
| j2 Global Communications onebox | |||||||||||||||
| Human resources software: | |||||||||||||||
| ADP Workforce Now Human resource management software HRMS Oracle Taleo | |||||||||||||||
| Information retrieval or search software: | |||||||||||||||
| LexisNexis | |||||||||||||||
| Instant messaging software: | |||||||||||||||
| GroupMe | |||||||||||||||
| Internet browser software: | |||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Internet Explorer | |||||||||||||||
| Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software: | |||||||||||||||
| Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software | |||||||||||||||
| Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software: | |||||||||||||||
| iShip | |||||||||||||||
| Medical software: | |||||||||||||||
| Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS Medical condition coding software Medical procedure coding software | |||||||||||||||
| Mobile messaging service software: | |||||||||||||||
| Unified messaging software | |||||||||||||||
| Multi-media educational software: | |||||||||||||||
| Nearpod | |||||||||||||||
| Network conferencing software: | |||||||||||||||
| Active Data Online WebChat eStara Softphone Parature eRealtime Timpani Chat | |||||||||||||||
| Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software: | |||||||||||||||
| Virtual private networking VPN software | |||||||||||||||
| Operating system software: | |||||||||||||||
| Handheld computer device software | |||||||||||||||
| Point of sale POS software: | |||||||||||||||
| Main Street Softworks Monetra | |||||||||||||||
| Presentation software: | |||||||||||||||
| Apple Keynote Poll Everywhere | |||||||||||||||
| Transaction security and virus protection software: | |||||||||||||||
| McAfee NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software | |||||||||||||||
| Video conferencing software: | |||||||||||||||
| FaceTime Google Meet LogMeIn GoToMeeting | |||||||||||||||
| Video creation and editing software: | |||||||||||||||
| YouTube | |||||||||||||||
| Voice recognition software: | |||||||||||||||
| DSC Pacer Interactive Voice Response System | |||||||||||||||
| Web page creation and editing software: | |||||||||||||||
| Google Sites Social media sites | |||||||||||||||
| Word processing software: | |||||||||||||||
| Microsoft OneNote |
Preparation Required
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed |
| Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. |
| Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. |
| Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. |
| These occupations involve following instructions and often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include dishwashers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, counter and rental clerks, dental laboratory technicians, and security guards. |
Education Required
| Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Education |
| Frequency of Attainment: 54.8 (%) | Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 17.4 (%) | Level of Education: Some College Courses |
| Frequency of Attainment: 14.2 (%) | Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 13.7 (%) | Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) |
Training and Experience Required
| Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience |
| Frequency of Attainment: 25.6 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year |
| Frequency of Attainment: 23.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 20.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 11.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: None |
| Frequency of Attainment: 10.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months |
| Frequency of Attainment: 6.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 2.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month |
| Frequency of Attainment: 2.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 0.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months |
Local Salary Information
Select a State (scroll and Select) :
Please select a State to see State and National Salaries
Certifications
| Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them? |
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Accredited Customer Service Representative
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Certified Associate BMC Digital Workplace Catalog 3.x
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Certified Professional BMC FootPrints Service Core 12.x
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Customer Service Representative Certification
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HDI Support Center Manager
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Oracle Service Center 2021 Certified Implementation Specialist
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Professional Certification in Customer Service and Sales
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SAP Certified Product Support Specialist - SAP Commerce
| |
Professional Associations
| Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities? |
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International Customer Service Association (ACSA)
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Job Listings
Related Careers to Consider
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)
This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Customer Service Representatives". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Videos
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Job Description
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
Interviews
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Step-by-Step
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Customer Service Representatives
LinkedIn®
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page
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