If you are wondering if there are remote customer service jobs for newbies, the answer is yes. Fortunately, there are many companies that have opened their doors to individuals who want to work as one.
Customer service representative is among the U.S. News Best Business Jobs for 2020. Unlike other jobs, becoming a customer service representative does not usually require a degree. In fact, a high school diploma is enough.
The customer service industry in the country is booming. Many companies especially businesses hire people to do the job. No wonder why as of 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 3 million customer service jobs in the country. This includes both office-based and work-from-home customer service representatives.
With the world’s current state, while experts predicted a 2% decline in the coming years, it wouldn’t be surprising if the industry will instead grow even more. After all, health and safety are the main priorities of people (and even companies) nowadays.
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As mentioned earlier, one of the best things about having a customer service job is that you do not necessarily have to have a degree. Anyone can work as a customer service representative provided you have the skills that companies are looking for (later on we are going to tell you more about that).
Yes, when we say anyone, we mean anyone – with or without experience.
So, if you are afraid to take the plunge just because you have no previous customer service experience, don’t be. With so many remote customer service jobs available out there, you will surely find one for yourself.
In fact, we are going to share with you a list of companies that provide remote customer service jobs even for newbies like you! But before that, here are a few important things we thought you should know – first and foremost:
- What is a customer service representative?
- Who qualifies to be a customer service representative?
- How much does a customer service representative make?
- Where to find remote customer service jobs?
WHAT IS A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE?
Before anything else, it is important that you know and fully understands the industry especially the job that you are getting yourself into.
Knowing what it about actually helps build your confidence. At the same time, it helps you assess if you are indeed capable to do what is expected from a customer service representative.
So, what is a customer service representative?
Technically speaking, according to U.S. News, a customer service representative “serves as an intermediary between a company and its customers, answering consumer questions and helping resolve issues with a product or service.”
As a customer service representative, you must have the will and you must be able to help clients and/or customers with their concerns. At times (rather many times), you will face customers who are angry or frustrated, and thus, you are expected to exercise patience. You actually need to have a lot of it if you want to be successful in this kind of job.
Meanwhile, in the video below by Angie Nelson, she shares about some of the most important things you need to know if you want to pursue a customer service job from home:
Moving on, customer service representatives may work with clients in different ways — it could be in-person, through calls, or through online messaging platforms or emails. While some customer service representatives work inside an office, some work remotely.
Yes, over time, the industry has adapted to change. Some companies hire third-party companies to handle customer concerns on their behalf, which normally hires people who work remotely. Don’t get us wrong though because some companies do still hire their own customer service team. Although cost-wise, a third-party company is more efficient.
Anyway, as a customer service representative, you are expected to address customer concerns and ensure customer satisfaction. While some representatives handle computer problems, others may deal with fraudulent activities concerning their client’s card, or some may have to deal with wrong product deliveries, etc. Basically, what you do depends on the company you are working for.
Most industries (e.g. banking, food, insurance, airlines, etc.) need customer service representatives to handle customer concerns. That is why as we mentioned earlier, customer service is booming, and expect that it will continue in years to come.
WHO QUALIFIES TO BE A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE?
As we have said earlier, there are a lot of remote customer service jobs out there, and that there surely is one for anyone who’s looking for a job in this industry.
While a degree is not necessary (depends on the company or the kind of customer service you are providing), having at least a high school diploma will surely help step up your game.
But apart from that, the more important thing is that you have what it takes to be part of a customer service team.
To give you an idea, here are some of the common skills and requirements hiring companies to look for in a customer service representative — whether you work remotely or not:
- You have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- You are patient
- You must be courteous (no matter how the other person on the line is acting up)
- You are able to multi-task
- You have a pleasant demeanor
- You have a passion to help people resolve their concerns
Apart from these, you must also be —
- Able to type at least 30 words per minute
- Familiar with different software programs used in this kind of job
In addition, if you are working remotely, you must have the following technical requirements:
- A computer with at least Windows 7 or whatever the company requires
- A secure, reliable, and high-speed internet connection
- Must meet particular download/upload speeds depending on the company’s requirements
- A good-quality pair of headset preferably with noise cancellation feature
While some of the skills requirements are inherent to people, others can be developed or learned along the way.
HOW MUCH DOES A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MAKE?
Generally speaking, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, customer service representatives earn a median pay of $16.69 per hour or $34,710 per year.
Meanwhile, according to ZipRecruiter, as of September 2020, the average annual salary for a remote customer service representative in the United States is $$27,967.
Similar to other jobs or professions though – whether it be remote work or traditional – how much you make will also depend on certain factors. As a newbie, for instance, do not expect to earn that much in an instant. For sure, you will start small, and slowly, as you gain experience and expertise, you can increase your worth.
Of course, those who have been in this industry for long, those who are considered experts of the craft are surely earning a lot already. So, again, how much you will all depend on certain factors.
As a newbie, your goal has to be to work on your experience so eventually, you get to earn more as a remote customer service representative.
WHERE TO FIND REMOTE CUSTOMER SERVICE JOBS?
As promised earlier, in this section, we are going to provide you some of the many companies that offer remote customer service jobs for beginners. These companies include:
- Direct Interactions
- Fancy Hands
- Humana
- LiveOps
- ModSquad
- NexRep
- Sitel
- Staples
- Sykes
- Virtual Vicky
- Working Solutions
Now, let’s get to know more each of these companies —
Direct Interactions
Direct Interactions is no-doubt one of the places to be if you want to work as a customer service representative remotely. The company offers work from home customer service jobs wherein representatives are tasked to receive and make a call via telephone. Direct Interactions hire representatives as independent contractors.
To get hired, you have to have the ability to communicate quickly with customers, at the same time be able to resolve computer-related issues as soon as possible.
As a remote customer service representative working for Direct Interactions, you are paid somewhere between $10 and $12 per hour. Unlike regular employees, the number of work hours varies. The company requires at least having a high school diploma or GED to be considered for the job. This type of work with Direct Interactions is ideal for those looking for part-time jobs as the position is primarily given for part-timers.
Fancy Hands
Fancy Hands is a company that subcontracts virtual assistant and customer service representatives. It’s a US-based company that prefers hiring people who are excellent in making calls as well as in completing internet research, data entry work, tracking down the best price for a particular requirement, scheduling appointments, and many more.
How much you make entirely depends on the task and the client’s requirements.
Humana
Humana usually has remote job openings, particularly on customer support. Like most companies hiring remote customer service representatives, Humana does not require a college degree to be considered for the job.
Just the same, how much earn from Humana depends on the job, as well as the requirements of the job. Also, some things will also be factored in like your expertise or experience if you do have already.
LiveOps
LiveOps has a wide range of remote customer service jobs. You think of a task that you want to do from home, they basically have it.
What’s nice about LiveOps though is that the company provides prospects that allow you to review available jobs based on the following categories:
- Available Hours
- Skills and Experience
- Recommended Hours Per Week
- Personality
Apart from basic customer service, other job opportunities with LiveOps include technical support, insurance claims, roadside service, inbound representative, and many more.
As with your pay rate, it will depend on your performance, as well as the call volume. The clients will basically be the ones to determine how much your work is worth.
ModSquad
ModSquad is ideal for individuals who are looking for a career in customer support but do not want to talk to people on the phone. As a remote customer representative for ModSquad, the job you are tasked to perform digital engagement services like live chat with customers, moderate forums, as well as manage communities, and check social media.
What we particularly like about ModSquad is that the projects you manage are based on your passions and interests. In addition, you are given the freedom to set your own schedule depending on what’s most ideal for you (which makes it a really good option for stay-at-home moms, and other individuals who have other things to do apart from working as a customer service rep).
Working with ModSquad, you will have the opportunity to work with various brands that range from eCommerce to gaming, as well as entertainment.
Based on Glassdoor, customer service representatives on ModSquad earn around $10 per hour.
NexRep
NexRep is a virtual, on-demand company that is based in the United States. What’s nice about this company is that it allows jobseekers to find clients within the customer service industry.
Additionally, the company takes pride in its flexible work from home schedule, as well as in aligning customer service representatives with clients that match the individuals’ skills and interests.
As a customer service representative for NexRep, you will have the chance to work in a variety of industries including fashion, branded retails, food delivery, products and services, travel and hospitality, and many more.
Remote customer service representative on NexRep earn $15 per hour. But, top-performing agents could earn as much as $25 per hour.
Sitel
Sitel one of the popular companies that offer customer service jobs including remote ones. The company is customer-driven and is continuously looking for remote agents in particular US states, which is why you should always check their company website for an updated list of job openings.
Apart from taking calls, other jobs you will have to perform include scheduling installations, and assisting customers with billing inquiries.
Unlike other companies who hires representatives as independent contractors, with Sitel, you will be hired as an employee, which means, you are capable to receive benefits including:
- Hourly pay with incentive opportunities
- Vacation and holiday pay
- 401 (k)
- Medical and dental benefits
- Paid training from home
Your monthly payment are coursed through direct deposit or total pay card.
Staples
Staples usually have openings every few weeks, which is why it is important to constantly check their website. The company offers a variety of shifts and schedules, which makes it ideal for people who have preferred work schedule. If hired, you can basically choose among the options.
Anyway, the company requires remote customer service representative applicants to have at least a high school diploma or GED, as well as a year or two of customer service experience (not necessarily in a call center setting — could be as a waitress, a cashier, etc.).
While you will be working from home, if hired, you will be required to attend a 4-week on-site training class, which means it would be ideal if you live within the area where they are hiring.
The average hourly salary for a Staples remote customer service representative is $14.
Sykes
Sykes is another famous call center company. In fact, it is one of the largest customer-service companies not just in the United States but in other nations as well.
The company constantly looks for remote customer service representatives in select states.
As an agent, you will be tasked to answer calls, communicate clearly and effectively with the client, address problems as quickly as possible, and be able to multitask while answering a call.
Meanwhile, the average salary for a Sykes remote customer service representative is $10 per hour.
Virtual Vicky
You see, there are so many companies that offer remote customer service jobs out there, and one of them is Virtual Vicky. This company is focused on helping small businesses get a handle on their daily operations by managing their call base.
As a remote customer service agent, you are tasked to handle calls, assist callers with inquiries, as well as book appointments.
Virtual Vicky specifically looks for individuals who have the ability to learn different software that is needed for the job, eager to learn, friendly, pay attention to details, organized, and have the ability to multi-task.
In addition, you have to be a US resident with a fast and reliable computer and an internet connection, and a quiet work environment — free from distractions.
At Virtual Vicky, you can earn $10 per hour.
Working Solutions
Working Solutions constantly hires work from home call agents on a per-program basis. As an agent, your job is to help customers with their overall experience.
As a remote customer service agent for Working Solutions, you get to enjoy benefits like a flexible work schedule, 15 to 20 hours per week requirement for part-time agents, pay rate that ranges from $9 up to $30 per hour depending on the project, and payments that are made either through direct deposit or check.
As part of the company’s hiring process, all applicants will have to go through an application, assessment, and training before the work proper.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON REMOTE CUSTOMER SERVICE JOBS
These days, we cannot deny the fact that working from home has become the safest option for all of us. While we do not know yet until when our situation will be this way, it’s best to find other means to make money from home.
While there are a couple of options out there, one of the most popular and perhaps the easiest is to get into a remote customer service job.
As mentioned, it does not require much in terms of academic requirements. For as long as you are willing to be trained and to learn, you surely will gain a spot.
So, have you thought about getting into this kind of job yet?
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