How to Write a Great Resume for a Customer Service Internship

How to Write a Killer Customer Service Internship Resume

Landing a customer service internship? That's awesome! It's a great first step toward a rewarding career. But first, you need a resume that wows. This guide will walk you through creating one that gets noticed. We'll cover everything – from the format to showing off your skills.

1. Choosing the Right Resume Format: Chronological or Combo?

For a customer service internship, a chronological or combination resume usually works best. A chronological resume lists your work experience starting with the most recent. It's great for showing how your skills have grown. A combination resume mixes this with a skills section – handy if you have some gaps in your work history.

• Lots of experience? A chronological resume might be perfect for you.
• Need to highlight specific skills? A combination resume can help balance things out.
• Always check the job description! Tailor your resume to what they want to see.

2. Your Resume Summary or Objective: Make a Great First Impression

A strong summary or objective is key. A summary is best if you have some work experience. An objective is better for entry-level folks. Think of it like this:

Resume Summary (If you've worked before):

A short paragraph (3-4 sentences) showing your best customer service skills and accomplishments. Use numbers! For example: "Increased customer satisfaction by 15%!"

Example: Motivated customer service pro with 2+ years in retail. I'm skilled at solving problems quickly and making customers happy. I'm looking for an internship to learn more about [specific area].

Resume Objective (If you're just starting out):

A quick statement (1-2 sentences) saying what you want and how your skills fit the internship.

Example: I'm a detail-oriented student looking for a customer service internship. I'm a great communicator and problem-solver, eager to learn and contribute.

3. Showcasing Your Skills and Experience: The STAR Method

This is the heart of your resume. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to show off what you've done. It's really effective.

For each job:

• Job Title and Company: Name, location, and dates.
• Responsibilities and Achievements: Use action verbs and numbers to show results, not just duties. Think impact.
• Keywords: Use words from the job description. This shows you understand what they need.

STAR Method Example:

Situation: Crazy busy holiday season. Tons of customer complaints about long wait times.

Task: Help customers quickly, stay positive, and solve problems fast.

Action: I created a system to prioritize customers. I also helped people find things, reducing wait times and solving problems before they got big.

Result: Wait times dropped 10%! Customer satisfaction went up 5%! I got great feedback from customers and my boss.

4. Your Skills Section: Highlight Your Strengths

Customer service needs many skills. Make a "Skills" section to show yours off. Categorize them for easy reading.

• Communication: Listening, talking, writing, body language.
• Problem-Solving: Conflict resolution, critical thinking, decision-making.
• Tech Skills: Salesforce, Zendesk, ticketing systems, POS systems (if you know them!).
• People Skills: Teamwork, empathy, patience, adapting to change.
• Other: Time management, organization, multitasking.

5. Education and Certifications: Show What You've Learned

List your education, GPA (if it's good!), relevant classes, and any certifications. This is important for internships.

6. Extracurriculars and Volunteering: Show Your Well-Roundedness

Add any extracurriculars or volunteering that shows skills like teamwork or leadership. These are bonus points.

7. Proofreading: Catch Those Typos!

Proofread carefully! Ask a friend or family member to check it, too. Typos are a big no-no.

8. Tailor Your Resume: Make it Specific to Each Job

Always tailor your resume to each job description. Use the keywords from the job posting! It makes a big difference.

9. Find Some Examples: Get Inspired!

Search online for "customer service internship resume examples." Look at how they're formatted and what they say. Then, make your own, showing off your unique skills.

10. Use a Resume Builder (Optional):

Resume builders can help with formatting. But make sure your personality and skills shine through!

Conclusion: Get That Internship!

By following these steps, you'll create a resume that gets you noticed. Remember, your resume is your first impression – make it count!