How to Write a Customer Service Resume Objective (Examples Included)

By Mike Simpson

If you want to land a customer service job, you can’t assume your old resume will do. You need to make it engaging and intriguing, so having a standout customer service resume objective is a must. Otherwise, your application could get lost in the sea of other applicants.

Remember, as the coronavirus wreaks havoc across the nation, a stunning 22 million people became unexpectedly unemployed. Many started scrambling, trying to find opportunities that can help them weather the storm. And that led many to one particular niche: customer service.

From call centers to retail giants like Walmart and Home Depot, customer service jobs are available. In some cases, companies are hiring en masse. For example, after filling over 100,000 positions, Amazon still needs 75,000 more workers. And they aren’t the only company bringing on tens of thousands of new employees during the pandemic.

But, even with that many opportunities, you can’t throw in the towel when it comes to the quality of your application. There’s a ton of competition, so going the extra mile is still essential. Let’s take a look at how you can make your customer service resume objective stand out like a diamond in a sea of gravel.

What Is a Resume Objective?

Alright, before you get into how you’ll craft a stellar objective, let’s tackle this important question: what the heck is a resume objective?

In the simplest terms, it’s a statement that outlines your career goals. It’s more than just saying, “I want this job.” You applied, so that’s a given.

Instead, it’s a spot on your resume where you can showcase what you bring to the table but also provide insights into why you are pursuing this role. It lets the hiring manager know what you have your sights set on as well as why you’re an excellent fit.

If you’re interested in learning more, we’ve covered it in-depth in the past. So, let’s pivot this discussion and look at customer service resume objective statements specifically.

What is Unique About a Customer Service Resume Objective?

In many ways, a customer service resume objective is going to be substantially different from those other kinds of candidates use. Mainly, this is because customer service isn’t a technical capability. Instead, it’s a soft skill. You have to rely on a combination of capabilities to thrive in a customer service role, many of which have to do with your personality and mentality.

If you have prior customer service experience in a similar role, you might actually be able to bypass the objective statement. Usually, for customer service jobs, you only need to use this approach for certain reasons, including:

• • • You’re pivoting into customer service from a different field
    • You’re an entry-level candidate new to the workforce
    • You’ve got your eye on a specific position or job type

In any of those cases, using a customer service resume objective is a smart move. It lets you showcase that you have what it takes to excel, even if your work history is non-existent or doesn’t look like it aligns with the job.

Think of it this way. If you want to shift into customer service from another field, you have skills that transfer into this niche. But, since you used them in different ways, your work history might not make that abundantly clear.

With an objective statement, you can spotlight those transferable skills and assert your interest in applying them to the world of customer service. Not only are you showcasing critical capabilities, but you’re also telling the hiring manager why you are applying to this job (and not something in your previous niche).

Hiring managers can be skeptical if someone is transitioning to a new field. They might worry that you’re being a professional “tourist” and have no intention of staying long-term, for instance. With a resume objective, you can give them peace of mind by letting them know that isn’t true. Pretty amazing, right?

In most cases, a customer service resume objective isn’t required. Instead, it’s supplemental information that can help a hiring manager understand why they should take a chance on you, even if you’re new to customer service (or the workforce as a whole).

Common Mistakes When Writing a Customer Service Resume Objective

If you talk to some people and mention you put an objective statement on your resume, you’re going to get inundated with eye rolls.

Why?

Because, not long ago, all people did in their objectives was state the obvious: that they wanted the job. That was a huge mistake.

You know why that was so ridiculous. Because everyone knows you want the job. If you didn’t, then you wouldn’t have submitted an application. But, you did, so you must want the position, right? Yeah, it’s pretty obvious that you do.

But that wasn’t the only misstep people make. Another doozy?

Vague resume objectives.

While brevity can be your friend, ambiguity isn’t. If you think creating a generic statement is a good idea – mainly because you can use the same one every time you apply – you couldn’t be more wrong. Not only is that approach boring, but it also reduces relevancy. If your objective doesn’t speak to a specific position, you’re just wasting space.

Ultimately, whatever you do, avoid saying you want the job. Instead, you want to focus on your desire to use specific skills in ways that allow you to provide value in the role. That’s a much better approach.

Plus, make it specific. Look at the job description and tailor your objective. That way, it provides meaning, increasing the odds that the hiring manager will appreciate this resume addition.

3 Tips for Writing a Customer Service Resume Objective

If you want to write a stand out customer service resume objective, here are three tips you can use right now:

1. Embrace Brevity

When it comes to objective statements, short and sweet is the way to go. Try to limit yourself to a few sentences at most. You don’t want it to look like a giant block of text.

2. Talk Value

Your customer service resume objective needs to showcase the value you bring to the table. Consider how you can be an asset to the company above all else and focus on that.

3. Be Specific

You want your objective to include details, not generic overviews. Mention individual skills and achievements that relate to the role. It’s all about highlighting why you’re an exceptional candidate for this job, not customer service in general.

3 Customer Service Resume Objective Examples

Alright, now that you have an idea of how to write an objective statement, let’s show you how to put those tips to work. Here are three customer service resume objective examples, focusing on different roles in the field.

1. Entry Level

“Diligent and energetic sales professional looking to pivot into the customer service industry and leverage strong communication skills in a fast-paced role that directly enhances the customer experience at ABC Company.”

2. Middle Management

“Customer service professional with over five years of experience in the field and a proven ability to lead team members through challenging projects, boost customer relationships, and enhance both customer and employee retention. Seeking an opportunity to leverage leadership skills in a formal management role.”

3. Executive

“Twenty-year veteran of customer service management aiming to bring a proven track record of successful customer relationship building and employee development to enhance the customer experience, increase loyalty, and enhance performance.”

Putting It All Together

So, there you go. Now you know not just what a customer service resume objective is, but also when and how to use it. That’s powerful stuff as, when executed properly, it can help you stand out from the crowd.

While some may still think that an objective statement is a bit old-fashioned, remember, if it helps you showcase the value you bring, it can be a wise addition. Make it all about the company and hiring manager’s needs, and you might find yourself at the top of the resume pile.

Just keep in mind that if you have a decent amount of experience, the resume summary approach is generally the better choice. But, if you are pivoting into customer service, new to the workforce, or targeting one specific opportunity, an objective statement might be a difference-maker that lands you the interview.

Good luck!

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