16 Best customer service skills for success in 2024

Ever had a customer service experience that left you smiling? Or maybe one that made you want to pull your hair out? We’ve all been there. The truth is that great customer service can turn a bad day around, while poor service can definitely test our patience.

But here’s the good news: outstanding customer service isn’t magic. It’s a skill set that anyone can learn and improve. Whether you’re refining your skills as a customer support agent or striving to improve your team’s performance as a customer success manager, mastering these skills for customer service can make a world of difference.

In this blog, we’re going to look into the 13 essential skills that can turn your customer service from satisfactory to impressive. We’ll explore everything from active listening to problem-solving. Excited to learn how you can make every customer interaction count? Let’s jump in!

What are customer service skills?

Customer service skills are the qualities and competencies that enable agents to effectively address customer needs, resolve issues, and deliver exceptional support experiences. These skills include both interpersonal abilities (soft skills) and technical know-how (hard skills).

So, what exactly are these skills? They’re a blend of soft skills and hard skills. Imagine a customer service representative who can listen attentively to your concerns, express genuine empathy, and communicate solutions clearly and concisely. That’s the power of active listening, empathy, and effective communication in action!

Problem-solving remains a core skill for customer service teams. As they handle a large volume of customer issues of various types, they must quickly devise creative solutions, a process that benefits greatly from comprehensive product knowledge. This expertise ensures that teams can offer precise and beneficial support. Today’s customer service extends beyond traditional phone interactions to include various platforms such as email, live chat, and social media, necessitating an adaptable skill set. To cater effectively to diverse customer preferences and the dynamic nature of consumer interactions, teams must engage in continuous learning and development in these areas. This ensures they remain competent as both technology and customer expectations evolve.

What are the key principles of customer service?

Key principles of customer service are the essential elements that ensure high-quality support, including speed, efficiency, accuracy, clarity, empathy, transparency, consistency, and accessibility. These principles build strong customer relationships and drive customer loyalty.

Let’s explore seven key principles of excellent customer service:

1. Swift resolution drives satisfaction

We all love quick results, right? Your customers do too! Customers value quick responses and swift problem resolution. Implement systems to reduce wait times and streamline processes. For example, use automated ticketing systems to categorize and route queries efficiently. Set clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to maintain consistent response times.

2. Clarity builds trust

Provide correct, reliable information in a clear, easy-to-understand manner. Regularly update your knowledge base and train staff to communicate complex information simply. This principle helps build trust and reduces the need for multiple interactions.

3. Friendly service builds relationships

Show genuine care for customers’ concerns. Train your agents in emotional intelligence to better connect with customers. Remember, a friendly voice can turn a grumpy customer into your biggest fan.

4. Transparency breeds loyalty

Be open about processes, potential delays, and limitations. Keep customers informed about the status of their inquiries. If you can’t fulfill a request, be upfront about it. Honesty builds long-term trust and respect.

5. Consistent quality assures reliability

Ensure uniform service quality across all touchpoints and representatives. Standardize processes and guidelines to maintain consistency. This principle creates a reliable brand experience, regardless of how or when a customer reaches out.

6. Accessible service enriches experiences

Make it easy for customers to reach you through multiple channels. Offer self-service options for those who prefer to solve issues independently. Empower your staff to make decisions that can resolve issues promptly without unnecessary escalation.

7. Continuous learning ensures quality

Equip your team with comprehensive product and service knowledge. Regularly update training to keep skills sharp. Continuously gather feedback and use it to refine your customer service approach.

Top 16 customer service skills

By focusing on the following skills for customer service, you can create positive experiences that turn satisfied customers into loyal brand advocates.

1. Empathy

Empathy is the foundation of great customer service. It’s the ability to put yourself in your customer’s shoes and understand their perspective, even when it differs from your own. When you approach interactions with genuine empathy, customers feel heard and valued.

Imagine a customer reaches out, frustrated by an unexpected delay in their software implementation timeline. An empathetic response might be: “I completely understand how challenging it is when a project gets off track. I know you and your team are eager to start using our platform. Let’s discuss how we can get things moving forward efficiently while ensuring we don’t overlook any important steps. I’m here to support you through this.”

Strategies for demonstrating empathy:

• Listen attentively to understand. Do not listen just to respond
• Validate the customer’s experiences and feelings.
• Use language that shows you relate to their perspective

2. Clear communication

In customer service, how you say something is just as important as what you say. Clarity is key to effective communication. This means providing information in a way that is easy for the customer to understand, regardless of their level of familiarity with your product or service.

For example, rather than telling a customer their invoice is “90 days past due,” you might say: “I noticed your last payment was received on August 15th. Our standard payment terms are Net 30, so your account is currently showing a balance of $1,500 for invoices older than 30 days. I’m happy to walk through your options for bringing your account current and answer any questions you may have about our billing policies.”

Strategies for communicating clearly:

• Use plain language and avoid unnecessary technical terms
• Break complex information into digestible pieces
• Offer step-by-step guidance for processes
• Check for understanding and encourage questions

3. Patience

Patience is a virtue in life and customer service. Customers often reach out when they’re already stressed by a problem. They may need to express their frustrations before they’re ready to focus on solutions. A patient service rep creates space for the customer to share their concerns without rushing the conversation.

Suppose a customer calls in with a lengthy complaint about a software bug that’s disrupting their team’s workflow. Instead of immediately jumping in with troubleshooting questions, you might say: “I’m so sorry to hear you and your colleagues are facing this challenge. It’s understandably frustrating when a tool you rely on isn’t working as expected. I want to make sure I have all the details before we start exploring solutions. Please take me through what you’re experiencing, and I’ll listen carefully. Once I have the full picture, we’ll work together to get this resolved for you.”

Strategies for cultivating patience:

• Let the customer fully express their concerns without interrupting
• Take a deep breath before responding, especially in tense situations
• Set realistic expectations and provide frequent updates
• Approach each interaction with a fresh perspective

4. Attentiveness to detail

Regardless of the need to multitask and divide attention, giving a customer your full focus shows you value their time and care about their experience. Attentiveness means actively listening to understand, asking clarifying questions, and noting subtle cues that may point to unstated needs.

Imagine you’re helping a customer compare different service plans, and they mention their team is growing quickly. By picking up on that detail, you have an opportunity to provide more tailored guidance. You might say, “It sounds like scalability is an important factor as you evaluate your options. Based on your team’s current size and growth rate, I’d suggest considering our enterprise plan. It includes features like unlimited user seats and advanced security controls that will give you room to expand without needing to upgrade again down the line. Of course, I’m happy to discuss the nuances of each plan in more detail. What other factors are at the top of your mind as you weigh your choices?”

Strategies for strengthening attentiveness:

• Minimize distractions and give customers your undivided attention
• Take notes on key details shared by the customer
• Read between the lines for opportunities to anticipate unstated needs
• Confirm your understanding by rephrasing what you heard

5. Resourcefulness

Resourceful service agents view every challenge as an opportunity for creative problem-solving. They don’t settle for the first answer that comes to mind. Instead, they draw upon their knowledge, tools, and networks to explore multiple approaches.

Consider a customer who reaches out in search of a specific product feature that doesn’t currently exist. A resourceful rep might suggest: “While our platform doesn’t include that exact functionality, I can think of a couple of ways we could help you accomplish something similar. One option would be to leverage our API to customize a solution. Alternatively, I can reach out to our product team to share your feedback and see if this feature might already be on the roadmap. If it would be valuable, I’m also happy to set up a call with your team to discuss your workflow in more detail and brainstorm other potential approaches.”

Strategies for nurturing resourcefulness:

• Continuously expand your knowledge of your product, industry, and customers
• Build a diverse network of colleagues you can turn to for insights
• Approach problems with curiosity and an openness to unconventional ideas
• Proactively share suggestions for process or product improvements

6. Efficiency

In customer service, efficiency means respecting your customer’s time by providing prompt, focused support. Efficient agents use their resources wisely to maximize their productivity without sacrificing quality of care.

Imagine a customer reaches out with an issue you know other clients have faced before. Rather than treating it like a brand-new problem, you might say: “Thanks for alerting us to this issue. I’ve worked with a few other customers who encountered a similar error message. We’ve found that adjusting your notification settings using the steps outlined in this help doc generally does the trick. Why don’t you give that a try and let me know if you have any trouble following the steps or if the issue persists? I’ll be happy to investigate further.”

Strategies for promoting efficiency:

• Prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact
• Develop a toolkit of resources for commonly asked questions
• Leverage technology to automate routine aspects of your workflow
• Know when and how to escalate complex issues to maintain momentum

7. Positivity

Positivity is a powerful tool in customer service. When you approach interactions with enthusiasm and confidence, you set a tone that puts customers at ease. A positive outlook isn’t about minimizing challenges but rather believing in your ability to navigate them successfully.

Even in tense situations, a constructive attitude can be a game changer. For example: “I know the shipping delay has put your team in a tough spot since you were counting on these resources for your upcoming meeting. It’s an understandably stressful situation. Here’s what I’m going to do to get your order expedited and into your hands ASAP. I’ll personally reach out to our warehouse team to see if we can bump your shipment to the front of the line. Assuming that’s possible, your deliveries should arrive by this Friday at the latest. I’ll be in touch before end of day with a definite ETA.”

Strategies for maintaining positivity:

• Reframe challenges as opportunities for creative solutions
• Celebrate milestones and acknowledge progress
• Express appreciation for your customers’ patience and partnership
• Make time for self-care to avoid burnout

8. Adaptability

Rigid thinking is the enemy of progress. Adaptable agents can think on their feet and adjust their approach to meet each customer’s unique needs. They see the value in trying new tools, techniques, and communication styles.

Suppose a customer is unresponsive to your attempts to resolve an issue over email. An adaptable approach would be to try a different channel: “I know we’ve been playing a bit of email tag, and I want to make sure we get this sorted out efficiently for you. I’ll follow up via text with a couple options for scheduling a 10 minute chat at your convenience.”

Strategies for honing adaptability:

• Seek out opportunities to learn new skills and tools
• Pay attention to the communication preferences of different customers
• Practice brainstorming multiple solutions to the same problem
• Embrace change with a spirit of curiosity and experimentation

9. Ownership

Customers appreciate when service agents take personal responsibility for seeing their issues through to resolution. Ownership means resisting the urge to point fingers or pass the buck. Instead, you hold yourself accountable for delivering results, even when it means going above and beyond your standard duties.

Imagine a customer reaching out about an unexpected charge on their account. Instead of simply explaining the charge, an ownership-minded rep might respond: “I apologize for any confusion caused by this charge. It looks like your account was mistakenly placed on our premium plan during last month’s billing cycle. I’m going to place a refund request for the overcharge immediately. To prevent this mix-up from happening again, I’ll also make sure your account plan is updated to reflect your correct subscription level. Is there anything else I can help clarify or adjust on your account while we’re at it?”

Strategies for embodying ownership:

• Resist the temptation to make excuses or place blame
• Communicate proactively about obstacles and your efforts to resolve them
• Do what you say you’ll do, and if you can’t, say so
• Look for opportunities to overdeliver on your promises

10. Teamwork

Excellent customer service is a team game. The most successful agents recognize the power of collaboration in creating positive customer experiences. They see their colleagues as valuable allies in problem-solving.

For example, if a customer reaches out with an issue you suspect may impact others, you might say: “Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I’m going to loop in my colleague from our technical team. She’s our technical expert on this particular system and will likely have some insights to share. I’ll ask her to review the details you provided and weigh in on next steps. You can expect to hear back from both of us by end of day.”

Strategies for fostering teamwork:

• Share knowledge and best practices with your colleagues
• Be generous with your time and expertise when teammates need help
• Celebrate successes as a team and recognize individual contributions
• Approach collaborations with an open mind and willingness to learn

11. Consistency

Customers value knowing what to expect from your brand. Consistency breeds a sense of reliability and trust. It means upholding the same high standards of service across channels, products, and touch points.

For example, if a customer expresses frustration with a chatbot interaction before reaching a live agent, you might say: “I’m so sorry the chatbot wasn’t able to fully resolve your issue. We’re always working to improve our automated support options, but in the meantime, I’m here to help. I see you were trying to update your payment information. Let’s make sure we get that sorted. To pick up where you left off…”

Strategies for ensuring consistency:

• Familiarize yourself with service protocols across all channels
• Strive to maintain a positive, professional tone even on “bad” days
• Document key information to equip colleagues during handoffs
• Periodically audit your own communications for opportunities to improve

12. Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions while skillfully navigating the emotions of others. In customer service, it means staying composed under pressure and finding ways to build meaningful connections.

Imagine an angry customer lashes out at you for a mistake you didn’t make. An emotionally intelligent response could be: “I can hear how frustrated you are, and I want you to know I’m committed to making this right. I know it doesn’t change what happened, but I sincerely apologize for the confusion and inconvenience this has caused you and your team. Here’s what I’m going to do to get this resolved…”

Strategies for applying emotional intelligence:

• Practice self-reflection
• Put yourself in the customer’s shoes before responding
• Tailor your communication style to build rapport and trust

13. Growth mindset

A growth mindset is essential for staying relevant in customer service. This means embracing continuous learning, seeking out constructive feedback, and reframing setbacks as chances to improve.

Consider an agent who makes a mistake that escalates a customer issue. Instead of getting defensive, they might say: “I appreciate you bringing this oversight to my attention. You’re absolutely right that I should have caught that detail. I clearly have room to improve when it comes to double-checking my work before hitting send. I’m going to talk to my manager about strategies for slowing down and being more intentional. In the meantime, I want to make sure we get your original issue resolved. Here’s what I’m going to do to get us back on track…”

Strategies for cultivating a growth mindset:

• View challenges as opportunities to expand your skills
• Proactively request feedback from customers, peers, and managers
• Set aside dedicated time for learning and development
• Reflect on successes and failures with an eye for lessons learned

14. Product Knowledge

Customer service in any domain requires deep product knowledge to deliver customer value. A strong understanding of your products and services enables your team to provide insightful recommendations, answer complex questions, and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

Suppose a customer reaches out with a question about integrating your software with their existing CRM system. An agent with extensive product knowledge might respond: “Absolutely, our platform offers that integration. Based on what you’ve shared about your CRM setup and business processes, I’d recommend configuring the tool for this specific feature and establishing a bidirectional sync between the two systems. This will ensure data consistency. I’m happy to walk you through the configuration options and best practices to get you up and running smoothly.”

Strategies for deepening product knowledge:

• Participate in regular product training sessions
• Stay current on product updates and new features
• Engage with the product team to understand the roadmap
• Seek opportunities to test and provide feedback on new releases

15. Digital Literacy

Today, customer service often takes place across a range of digital channels. Strong digital literacy enables agents to switch between these effectively and ensure customer satisfaction.

Imagine a customer reaches out via your company’s social media profile with a time-sensitive issue. A digitally literate agent would respond: “Thanks for bringing this to our attention via LinkedIn. To best assist you, I’ll need to access your account details, which I’m unable to do securely through this channel. I’ve just sent you a direct message with a link to our support portal. Once you log in there, you’ll be able to provide additional context, and I can investigate the issue further. If you have any trouble accessing the portal, please let me know, and I’ll be happy to guide you through the process.”

Strategies for strengthening digital literacy:

• Familiarize yourself with your company’s digital support channels and tools
• Understand the communication norms and limitations of each platform
• Continuously update your digital skills through self-directed learning

16. Data centricity

Data-centric support agents understand the importance of leveraging information to drive personalized, proactive service. By analyzing customer data, agents can identify patterns, anticipate needs, and make recommendations that add value.

Consider a support agent who notices a usage pattern in a customer’s account indicating the underutilization of a key feature. The agent could reach out proactively: “I was reviewing your account and noticed your team hasn’t been using our automated reporting function. Based on your business model and KPIs, I believe this feature could significantly help you gain valuable insights. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to set up a brief call to walk you through the setup and share some best practices. Let me know what you think!”

Strategies for strengthening data centricity:

• Regularly review product usage data for insights and trends
• Use data to personalize recommendations
• Proactively share data-driven insights within your organization

By developing these 13 core customer service skills, support agents become well-equipped to handle a wide range of customer interactions with grace and confidence. Leading with empathy, taking ownership of issues, and remaining adaptable in the face of change are all important to building lasting customer relationships. Consistently demonstrating these skills is simply what transforms one-time buyers into loyal brand advocates.

One step to improve your customer service now

Great customer service is about making every interaction count. The 13 skills we discussed—including empathy, clear communication, and adaptability—are your keys to creating positive, lasting connections with your customers. These aren’t just skills; they’re the building blocks of trust and loyalty.

At DevRev, we understand the real-world challenges of delivering excellent customer support. That’s why we’ve created tools that help your team work smarter, not harder. Our AI-native support platform automates routine tasks, like resolving common inquiries through intent-aware chatbots that don’t require manual training. Additionally, our dynamic knowledge base continuously improves by converting your customer interactions into useful articles, ensuring your team always has the latest information. With DevRev, your team can focus on what truly matters—building meaningful relationships with your customers.

To help you take your customer service to the next level, we’ve put together a collection of ChatGPT prompts tailored for real-world support scenarios. These templates are designed to make your responses faster and more effective, so you can handle everything from service disruptions to complex queries with ease.

Download the template for free and help your team ace every customer interaction.