You cannot afford to skimp on hiring the best customer service associates. These folks can make or break your company because they are the people your customers interact with daily. Whether you are hiring for a clothing department salesperson, a cashier, a barista or some other position, use a Customer Service Associate job description sample to get you started on the right path for your own job description.
One key element to think about as you review samples and write your own description is the exact function of the customer service associate you are looking for (cashier, for example). It’s helpful to put that word in the job title as well. For instance, you could write “Customer Service Associate – Cashier” or “Customer Service Associate (Cashier).” This method highlights the key customer service aspect of the position while making up for the vagueness of a customer service associate job title. Use the sample below as a starting point for your own description.
Customer Service Associate (Cashier) Job Summary
You are the face of our business as you engage with customers at the cash register in our Bedford, Virginia, location. You’ll operate the register, scan items, bag food and food-related items, and make change. At times, you’ll need to refill the product inventory in your area and communicate with supervisors about customer, vendor and inventory issues.
Customer Service Associate (Cashier) Job Responsibilities and Duties:
- Operate cash register, maintain cash levels, scan items, bag food, make change
- Follow state and federal laws on official identification from customers who are buying alcohol and tobacco
- Interact with customers to ensure an enjoyable shopping trip for all
- Stand for long periods, with much button pushing and reaching required
- Lift food and food-related products regularly weighing 10 to 20 pounds
- Communicate with supervisors about customer concerns
Customer Service Associate (Cashier) Skills and Qualifications
- At least 16 years old
- Ability to lift at least 40 pounds
- Excellent communications skills
- Knack for getting along with a diverse range of people
- Self-starter
- Previous cashier experience a nice bonus but not necessary
- Passion for customer service and for meeting lots of new people every day
- Willingness to work day or evening hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift or 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. shift)
Company Profile
Hans Grocery Company has served the East Coast of the United States since 1930. We have expanded past our roots in Philadelphia to have at least two stores in 13 states. Our newest store, in Bedford, Virginia, is our biggest and sleekest yet. Whatever customers need to find, be it green peppers at 3 a.m. or baby diapers at noon, we help them. Our motto is, “Grocery shopping has never been easier,” and we select employees who help drive this philosophy. We offer benefits such as medical insurance, 401(k) retirement plans and paid college tuition at all levels. Many of our customer service associates go on to become managers; in fact, our CEO, Mark Smith, started behind the cash register at our Atlantic City store. We help folks, employees and customers alike, get where they want to go. Join us on the adventure of a lifetime!
Writing a Job Description Best Practices
- You can use this Customer Service Associate job description sample to start your own description. After you’ve penned your own draft, check it against these dos and don’ts.
- Do write a job title that accurately reflects the job. In most cases, avoid simply listing the job title as “Customer Service Associate,” a title that, for some people, is too vague to be meaningful. Couple the title with a word such as “Cashier.”
- Do include qualifications such as minimum age requirements and ability to lift a certain amount of weight.
- Do include compensation if possible (always follow company policy on disclosure). Benefits such as medical insurance and retirement plans can help you attract the best and brightest customer service associates.
- Don’t assume you know what the job entails. You might even find it fun and eye-opening to work as a customer service associate for one day to help you write a better job description.
- Do remember the call to action that outlines the steps an interested applicant should take. Most commonly, you’ll provide a link to an online application.
The Customer Service Associate job description sample above is a fine starting point as you work to find the best fit for your company.
Customer Service Associate Job Responsibilities
The weightiest section of your customer service associate job description should be the job responsibilities section. A well-written section helps jobseekers understand the expected duties and day-to-day responsibilities you’ll expect as their employer. The customer service associate job responsibilities section is crucial to giving applicants a mental picture of the position.
You’ve already read through some important tips for creating a strong customer service associate job description. Don’t forget important suggestions such as using bullet points to draw attention to specific duties. Be sure to start each bullet with an action verb, clearly emphasizing the role that the applicant will hold if hired. Although you certainly want to pack this section with valuable information, work to avoid detailing a long list of activities a new hire would need to complete each day. Instead, choose between six and eight of the most pertinent duties.
We’ve listed below some good examples of customer service associate responsibilities:
- Consult with sales team and management to develop meaningful ways to resolve client concerns, especially with regard to larger revenue customers
- Respond to customer inquiries using appropriate resources to deliver accurate information, verifying customer understanding of information
- Update company database, recording each customer inquiry and response
- Collaborate on special projects geared toward customizing support for emerging products and those nearing expiration
- Track customer satisfaction levels and assist in determining ways to improve customer service, especially when dealing with upset customers
Customer Service Associate Job Specifications
After completing the responsibilities section of the customer service associate job description, you may feel that the qualifications and skills section will be easy to breeze through. However, this short section is vital to the success of your job description. Your chosen list of customer service associate job specifications will include the minimum requirements necessary for the job (such as education, technical skills and personal characteristics) and can filter out any applicants who don’t meet those requirements and those who are over-qualified for the position.
A great tactic for ensuring the right information is to talk with the hiring manager overseeing this area. Ask specifically about those skills that an applicant must have and those that you prefer but are not deal-breakers. Create two separate lists so that jobseekers skimming through the customer service associate job description can easily discern between the two.
We’ve included some great examples of customer service associate job qualifications you might consider using:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite and general ease with computers
- Three or more years of experience in sales or customer service
- Ability to work well with a team
- Understanding of financial trends, a plus
- College degree preferred