How to build customer service skills

How to build your customer service skills in middle school and high school

Introduction

Excellent customer service is a skill that can be learned at any age. For middle school and high school students, honing your customer service skills now can set you up for success in your first jobs. Here are a few things you can do to start building your customer service skill set.

1. Start with a positive attitude.

No matter what industry you eventually end up working in, a positive attitude will always be one of the most important aspects of providing great customer service. If you have a naturally positive outlook, that's great! But even if you don't, there are plenty of ways to fake it 'til you make it. Remember to smile, make eye contact, and use "please" and "thank you" - even if the customer isn't being very friendly themselves.

2. Be patient and understanding.

This one can be tricky, especially when dealing with difficult customers. But it's important to remember that everyone has bad days - including the person on the other side of the counter or phone line. So, try to be understanding and patient, even if the customer is being impatient or rude. Showing empathy will go a long way in diffusing tense situations.

3. Be a good listener.

This ties in with being patient and understanding - if you're truly listening to what the customer is saying, it'll be easier to show empathy and patience. Active listening involves not just hearing what the customer is saying, but also trying to understand their feelings and needs. This means repeating back what they've said (in your own words) to ensure that you've understood them correctly, as well as asking clarifying questions when needed.

4. Know your stuff.

If you're going to be providing customer service for a company, it's important that you have a good understanding of their products or services - especially if you're working in sales or tech support. Nothing frustrates customers more than talking to someone who doesn't seem to know what they're doing. So, before taking on a customer service role, make sure you're prepared by doing your research and learning as much as you can about the company and its offerings.

5. Take responsibility for your actions - and for fixing mistakes.

We all make mistakes - it's only human! But part of providing excellent customer service is owning up to those mistakes and doing whatever you can to make things right again. If a product is defective or an order gets mixed up, apologize and offer to rectify the situation as best as you can. Customers will appreciate your honesty and effort, even if things don't end up going perfectly in the end.

Conclusion

Customer service skills are important for everyone - not just those working in traditional "customer-facing" roles. By starting early and practicing these skills in middle school and high school, you'll be ahead of the game when it comes time to enter the workforce. And who knows - you might even find that you enjoy working with people!