Key Signs You Should Not Work In Customer Service

With the economy down and the job market being what it is, people are looking for work, any work. Getting a job in these times is an accomplishment, but getting the right job for you will make your life a lot more enjoyable.

Customer service jobs are more common than ever in America. Call centers are today what the manufacturing jobs were 25 years ago. But is this for you? Here are some key signs that a customer service job may not be a good fit:

You Hate People – This is the easiest way to tell if you should be in customer service. Do people annoy the ever loving crap out of you? Do you frequently get so fed up with your fellow human beings you want to stab them with your ink pen? If you answered yes to these questions, a job in customer service is not ideal job for you. (And you may need to seek professional help)

You are incapable of being polite – Being polite is one of the most crucial parts of working with the public. If you cannot find it within yourself to offer the most common bit of courtesy to another person, you are going to have some major hurdles working in customer service.

You like to belittle people- Are you smarter than the average person? Do you like to prove it? That’s great but the people you are outsmarting are paying your salary. Whether on the phones or in person, you may need to explain a bill or product, speaking down to a customer may help you feel better about yourself, but doesn't do much for the customer.

You have trouble speaking clearly– Lots of people do, but if you’re not willing to work on this it will be hard for a customer to understand you. This could also prevent you from getting a job in this field entirely. Speaking clearly and articulately could benefit you as a potential candidate for a job in the customer service field.

You are not pleasant, ever – This kind of goes along with being polite but I’ll explain. Some people can use all the right words, the pleases, the thank yous, even the ma'ams and sirs. They just can’t pull it off sincerely.

You have anger issues - Everyone gets upset now and then. But if you are just itching for a physical confrontation with the next person that says something you don’t like, you’re not going to make it in this field.

You like to argue or have to be right - In an industry where the customer i always right, something has to give. If you know you're right and make it your personal mission to show the customer how wrong he or she is, it's not going to be a very pleasant customer experience.

Whether it be taking phone calls at a help desk, or working with the public in person, providing customers with courteous and outstanding service can be exhausting. There is a reason for the quick turnaround in this profession, especially the call center positions.

Those who do it well everyday should be commended for it. So let's make a deal, the next time I call, let's play nice, treat each other like humans, and try to get along.