Looking for a hot new job in the New Year? Customer Service was ranked #10 in a list of the “13 Hot Jobs for 2013,” according to Randstad via PR Newswire. Hot means plenty of jobs available. Hot also means recession-proof. The number of online sites for shopping, information, products and services is ramping up the demand for excellent customer service reps. Brick-and-mortar stores also need service reps to keep customers coming in the door and protect their share of the market.
Customers have so many choices for products and services. There are hundreds—thousands—of websites for shoes, clothing, electronic equipment, home furnishings, phone and cable services and information. The choices are staggering. Just because customer service jobs are plentiful, it doesn’t mean they aren’t competitive. The quality of customer service is the one factor that sways a customer to choose one provider over another. The quality of customer service representatives is critical to attracting and keeping a happy customer base.
According to a Forbes.com article, “10 Simple and Powerful Body Language Tips for 2013,” the right body language can give you a leadership advantage. The same could be said for an interview. Some of these tips can make sure your body language and your words are in sync.
- Replace your Smartphone with a newspaper. The article refers to studies done by Columbia and Harvard Business Schools that found an upright, expansive posture raises power and confidence-boosting hormones and reduces cortisol, which increases stress. Hunching over a Smartphone while texting or reading the screen is just the opposite. Reading a newspaper forces the body to sit up with feet on the floor and arms wide open, holding the paper. Get the latest news from the newspaper before an interview to boost confidence.
- Avoid the Fatal Four. Touching your hands or face, crossing your arms or leaning away in a conversation are all signs a person may be lying! Done in combination, this is a dead giveaway.
- Smile. Many hospitality companies hire smiles. You can’t train people to smile. It has to be natural. A smile is the first rule of good customer service, even if you’re on the phone. A smile comes through, and is essential in an interview.
- Be agreeable. Smiling, leaning in and nodding your head in agreement are all friendly gestures. But don’t be a bobble-head. You can’t fake friendly. Relax and be yourself.
- Curb your enthusiasm. Customer service reps should be friendly, not scary. Too much enthusiasm may seem fake or make an interviewer uncomfortable. Watch your tone of voice and gestures. A lot of high-pitch expressions and arm waving will have you heading for the door.
- Make a positive first and last impression. Shake hands. If you don’t know how to do it, get a coach and practice. Nothing is worse than a limp, hesitant handshake. Or a bone-crusher or someone who holds on just a little too long. Don’t forget to make eye contact and say “thank you” while shaking hands.
These are simple tips that are often overlooked or forgotten in the stress of an interview. Interviews are considered “dry-runs” by some hiring managers. Through the course of a half-hour or hour, skilled interviewers know what to look for. They can separate the overly eager from authentic service professionals. Use these tips to make the right impression and land your hot job for the New Year.
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