.png "Why Customer Service Skills are always valuable...")
Clara Boles
April 23, 2024
Media ArticleThe value of having transferable skills is unmatched in today’s market. You can make yourself a more well-rounded candidate by using your skill set and using it in multiple ways. Per the 2023-2024 AgCareers.com Skills Survey the most desired professional development opportunities- include “soft skills” or general professional development training.
Not to say all, but many career types have some sort of customer service/ communication as a large part of their requirements. And if it is not a requirement, it is an impressive skill to keep in your toolbox. Employers report the most necessary skills for all levels of employees include problem solving & decision making, organization & planning, teamwork, and communication—all skills you can hone with customer service experience.
Sitting down with Chris McLoughlin, AgCareers.com Custom Talent Solutions Specialist, he explained the value of having customer service skills, saying they are transferable not only in your skill set but also in the industries you work in.
“As long as you know how to interact with your clients and provide the service that they expect and deserve from one industry to another, you can bring customer service skills over with you,” Chris explained.
Having an experienced career in customer service, Chris advises that one of the best ways to succeed in your role with clients is to listen. By listening to your clients, you will not only know what they need, but also what to expect. This, in turn, will give you a happy and returning client.
Having soft skills like listening, communication and empathy, not only will aid you in succeeding with your clients, but with your coworkers. Talent Acquisition professionals are more inclined to hire someone who brings not only hard skills but also soft skills to the team.
“By ensuring that we are all good customers and good service providers to our team, we make for a happier team and a more cohesive team environment,” Chris said.
AgCareers.com surveyed employers to assess the importance they place on skills and identify needs. The results emphasize the importance employers place on soft skills in the hiring process. For new graduate hires, the biggest skills gaps were problem solving & decision making, verbal communication, organization & planning skills, and sales. Meanwhile, many hard skills, such as technical knowledge, were ranked lower.
Chris said one of the best ways to grow your customer service skills is by taking feedback from your clients seriously. He emphasized that you want to make sure your customer is getting exactly what they need and want. By taking input from your clients, you are strengthening your customer service skills and, therefore, your overall skill set.
Even if you are not in a typical sales/client facing role, like Chris, don’t underestimate the power of having customer service and soft skills in your skill set! You will always use them!
