Become a Bank Customer Service Rep

A bank customer service representative performs duties related to working with a bank's customers and helping customers understand their accounts. Often, their duties are to check the status of bank accounts, explain incurred fees and help customers with any issues, problems or questions. Basic accounting knowledge, computer literacy and good communication skills are necessary for anyone who wants to become a customer service representative. Use the following tips to learn how to become a bank customer service rep.

Steps

  1. Acquire a high school diploma. Classes should include speech, basic accounting, math and business courses. The more you can learn about the business and accounting world while still in high school, the better your chance of landing full-time employment in the banking industry.
  2. Work in customer service positions in other industries if nearby banks have no openings. Experience received from other customer service jobs will carry over when you are applying for bank positions.
  3. Become familiar with general banking policies concerning debit cards, checking accounts, mortgages, loans, savings accounts, CDs and fees. Even if the bank you work for has different fee amounts or minimum balances, you will have general knowledge of banking functions.
  4. Get more education. Accounting classes, business management and marketing classes will help you become a better candidate for customer service representative positions. Many of these classes are available online or at a local community college.
  5. Practice your phone skills and communication skills. Many customer service representatives conduct business over the phone. Learn to speak clearly, be courteous, listen well and provide answers in the most concise way possible. Customers want a customer service representative who is knowledgeable, polite and efficient.
  6. Learn basic computer skills. Being able to use the Internet is a necessity when working as a customer service representative. Accurate and quick typing skills are essential. Good customer service representatives are proficient in various office programs and can access information easily from a database. General computer knowledge will help a new customer service representative quickly learn any computer software used exclusively by a particular bank.
  7. Be prepared to sell bank services. Many customer service representatives market bank products beyond what the caller inquires about. Often, a customer service representative will offer a customer bank overdraft protection, extra credit accounts, debit or credit cards, and other bank products or services. Sometimes, callers will ask specific questions about new products or services, and a customer service representative must be prepared to answer them.

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