Team Temping: Customer Service Agent Jobs in Leicester

Job Title: Customer Service Agent Jobs

Location: Leicester

Main responsibilities:

• Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback via phone, email, live chat, or in person

• Provide accurate information about products, services, and company policies

• Process orders, returns, and exchanges

• Maintain customer records and update databases

• Meet or exceed customer satisfaction and productivity metrics

• Escalate complex issues to appropriate departments or supervisors

Required skills & qualifications:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and customer service software

• Ability to multitask and work well under pressure

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or training in customer service is a plus

• Fluency in English; proficiency in additional languages is an advantage

Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in customer service, retail, or a related field

• Experience working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment

• Familiarity with industry-specific products or services is a plus

Various Customer Service Agent Jobs in Leicester:

1. Call Center Representative

2. Retail Customer Service Associate

3. Technical Support Representative

4. Customer Success Manager

5. Front Desk Receptionist

6. Client Services Coordinator

Pay rates for Customer Service Agent Jobs in Leicester:

• Entry-level positions: £18,000 – £22,000 per year

• Experienced agents: £22,000 – £28,000 per year

• Supervisory or managerial roles: £28,000 – £35,000+ per year

Please note that pay rates may vary depending on the company, industry, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

What Does a Customer Service Agent Job Involve

Customer service agent jobs in Leicester involve interacting with customers on behalf of a company to provide information, handle complaints, process orders, and solve problems. As a customer service agent, your main responsibilities will include answering customer questions, providing information about products and services, taking orders, responding to customer complaints, and processing returns.

Most customer service is now handled remotely, so many customer service agent jobs in Leicester are work-from-home positions that involve taking calls and responding to customer inquiries via phone, email, live chat, and social media. Having excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, is essential for success in this role.

In addition to communicating directly with customers, as a customer service agent you will also need to use various computer systems and databases to log customer interactions, look up account information, place orders, process payments, and document complaints or issues. Being comfortable using a computer and able to quickly learn new software programs is important.

Customer service agents often have to deal with frustrated or upset customers, so having patience, empathy, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure are all key traits for this job. You’ll need to be a good listener, ask the right questions to understand the customer’s issue, and communicate solutions clearly and positively.

What Are the Requirements to Be a Customer Service Agent

The specific requirements to be a customer service agent will vary depending on the company and industry, but there are some common qualifications that many employers look for:

1. Education: Most customer service agent jobs require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may prefer or require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, especially for more technical support or higher-level roles.

2. Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, as you’ll be interacting with customers primarily through phone, email, and chat. You must be able to clearly explain information and instructions to customers.

3. Computer proficiency: Almost all customer service jobs require using a computer to log calls, access databases, and document issues. Basic typing, data entry, and navigation skills are a must. Familiarity with customer service software and tools is helpful.

4. Customer service skills: You’ll need to be patient, an attentive listener, and have a helpful, positive attitude to effectively assist customers. The ability to empathize, de-escalate situations, and solve problems is key.

5. Multi-tasking: Customer service agents often have to juggle multiple tasks like reviewing customer history while actively listening to the customer and inputting notes in the database. Being able to multi-task effectively is important.

6. Flexibility: Many customer service jobs require working shifts that may include evenings, weekends, or holidays to cover extended service hours. You may need to be flexible with your schedule.

While a background in customer service is helpful, many companies provide on-the-job training to learn their specific products, services, and systems. Having a friendly demeanor and a genuine desire to help customers is often more important than direct experience.

What Companies Are Hiring for Customer Service Jobs in Leicester

Leicester has a strong customer service job market, with opportunities available across a range of industries like retail, financial services, healthcare, technology, and more. Some of the top companies often hiring for customer service agent jobs in Leicester include:

1. Barclays: This major bank has a large customer service center in Leicester and frequently hires for customer support roles in sales, banking, and credit cards.

2. Hastings Direct: This insurance company has a Leicester-based contact center and hires customer service agents to handle policy sales and customer inquiries.

3. Octopus Energy: This renewable energy supplier has a customer service team in Leicester and looks for agents to help customers with account management and support.

4. Vacancy Filler: This software company often hires remote customer service representatives in the Leicester area to provide technical support and customer care.

5. Suits Me: This online banking company relies on Leicester-based customer service agents to deliver telephone-based support to their account holders.

6. Dunelm: This home furnishings retailer has its headquarters in Leicester and sometimes recruits for customer service advisor roles.

Other companies that have been known to hire customer service agents in Leicester include Next, Virgin Media, Santander, and various energy suppliers, insurance firms, and retailers. Many recruitment agencies in Leicester, such as Adecco, Reed, and Manpower, also regularly list customer service job openings on behalf of client companies.

In addition to these larger employers, there are also many small to medium size businesses in the Leicester area that have in-house customer service teams. Checking local job boards and company websites is a good way to find these opportunities.

What Is the Salary Range for Customer Service Jobs in Leicester

The salary for customer service agent jobs in Leicester can vary based on factors like the hiring company, specific job requirements, and the employee’s experience level. On average, entry-level customer service agents in Leicester earn around £18,000 to £22,000 per year. Those with more experience or in supervisory roles can earn up to £30,000 per year or more.

According to data from Indeed.co.uk, the average base salary for a customer service representative in Leicester is £9.61 per hour. However, many companies offer higher starting rates. For example, Barclays starts its Leicester-based customer service agents at £10.80 per hour. Hastings Direct offers a starting salary of £19,000 per year for its customer representatives, with the opportunity to earn up to £21,500 with experience.

It’s important to look beyond just the base pay, as many companies offer additional compensation and benefits that can significantly increase the total package. Some common benefits for customer service jobs include:

– Performance-based bonuses or incentives

– Paid time off and holidays

– Medical, dental, and vision insurance

– Retirement plans or pensions

– Employee discounts

– On-site amenities or perks

– Training and career development opportunities

For example, Octopus Energy offers its Leicester customer service team members perks like an above-average pension plan, private health insurance, life insurance, mental health support, and even an equity scheme that allows employees to own a stake in the company.

When evaluating job offers, be sure to consider the full compensation package and not just the base salary. Also, keep in mind that many customer service jobs offer opportunities for advancement, so the starting pay may not reflect your long-term earning potential in the role.

What Is the Job Outlook for Customer Service Roles in Leicester

The job outlook for customer service agent roles in Leicester is quite positive. Leicester has a thriving business services sector, with many companies choosing to base their customer support teams in the city. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) has identified customer service as one of the key growth areas for job creation in the region.

One reason for the strong demand for customer service professionals in Leicester is the city’s excellent connectivity and transportation links, which make it an attractive hub for businesses. Leicester is also known for its diverse and multilingual workforce, which is a significant asset for companies serving a global customer base.

The shift towards online shopping and remote service delivery is also driving job growth in the customer service field. As more businesses move their operations online, there is an increasing need for customer service agents who can handle inquiries and provide support via digital channels like email, chat, and social media.

While some routine customer service tasks are being automated with artificial intelligence and chatbots, there is still strong demand for human agents who can handle more complex issues and provide empathetic, personalized service. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of quality customer service, as many businesses have had to rapidly adapt to new ways of serving customers.

According to the UK government’s Labour Market Insights, the customer service occupation is projected to see an 8.1% growth in employment between 2020 and 2030 in the East Midlands region, which includes Leicester. This growth rate is higher than the national average for all occupations.

In addition to job growth, the customer service field also offers good opportunities for advancement. Many companies provide paths for agents to move into team leadership, training, quality assurance, or specialist support roles. There are also opportunities to transition into related fields like sales, marketing, or operations with the right skills and experience.

Overall, the strong business services sector, growing digital economy, and focus on customer experience all contribute to a bright outlook for customer service jobs in Leicester in the coming years.

Conclusion

Customer service agent jobs are a great opportunity for people in Leicester who enjoy helping others and want a stable career with good growth potential. These roles offer competitive pay, benefits, and the chance to work for leading companies across industries like banking, insurance, energy, retail, and technology.

While the specific requirements may vary, most customer service agent jobs in Leicester require a high school education, excellent communication skills, computer proficiency, and a helpful attitude. With the right qualifications and a commitment to delivering great service, you can succeed in this field and build a rewarding career.

Leicester’s thriving business services sector and strong economic growth make it an excellent place to pursue a customer service job. With a variety of companies hiring and a positive long-term job outlook, now is a great time to start your search for a customer service role in Leicester that matches your skills and interests.

FAQs – Find Customer Service Agent Jobs in Leicester with Team Temping Agency

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Customer Service Agent in Leicester?

Most Customer Service Agent roles in Leicester require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business or communications. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and strong problem-solving abilities are essential.

2. What are the typical responsibilities of a Customer Service Agent in Leicester?

Customer Service Agents in Leicester are responsible for handling customer inquiries, complaints, and support requests via phone, email, or live chat. They provide information about products and services, resolve issues, and ensure customer satisfaction. Agents may also process orders, refunds, or exchanges and maintain accurate customer records.

3. What is the average salary for a Customer Service Agent in Leicester?

The average salary for a Customer Service Agent in Leicester is approximately £18,000 to £22,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the employer, industry, and the agent’s experience level. Some positions may also offer additional benefits, such as bonuses or commission.

4. What are the working hours for Customer Service Agents in Leicester?

Working hours can vary depending on the employer and the specific role. Many Customer Service Agent positions in Leicester offer full-time employment, with standard working hours from Monday to Friday. However, some companies may require agents to work evenings, weekends, or holidays to provide extended customer support.

5. What career growth opportunities are available for Customer Service Agents in Leicester?

Customer Service Agents in Leicester can advance their careers by taking on additional responsibilities, such as training new hires or handling more complex customer issues. With experience and strong performance, agents may be promoted to supervisory or managerial positions within the customer service department. Some agents may also transition into related roles, such as sales or account management, depending on their skills and interests.