If you want to land your next customer service advisor role, then writing a killer cover letter is essential. It allows a hiring manager to see, at a glance, why you’re applying for the position, the skills and qualities you have and why you’re the best person for the job.

Without one, you could reduce your chances of success. So what do you have to do to make sure you get it spot on?

Why do people still use cover letters for customer service jobs?

As a customer service advisor, you deal with the public on a daily basis and you’ll no doubt have great interpersonal and communication skills. These things can be hard to get across in a CV. In a cover letter, you can explain how you serve customers and what qualities you have that help you to do that.

It’s not simply a rehash of your CV but a chance for you to let your personality shine through and convince the reader you’re the right person for the job.

What to include in a cover letter for a customer service job.

There is no one-size-fits-all cover letter and you’ll need to tailor it to the job and company you’re applying to. Having said that, there are general things you should try and include to make yourself stand out.

  • Why you’re applying: explain what attracts you to the role and why you’re applying for it. For example, you might say you have previous customer service experience, which gives you a strong understanding of what’s required.
  • Pick out key skills you have such as building rapports with clients, strong listening skills, commercial understanding and good communication skills. Making customers happy is a vital part of the role and you should illustrate what skills and experience you have to achieve this.
  • If you have previous experience, then mention it and what you have gained from the role. If this is your first time applying, try to draw on any previous work experience or voluntary roles – think of transferable skills you have learned and how they’d be valuable for a customer services role.
  • Check the advert for the skills it requires and match your skillset to it. For example, the company might require someone with strong telephone skills. If you can demonstrate how you deal with customer calls, then this will increase your chances of getting to interview.
  • If you have any gaps in employment history such as children, travel or redundancy, a cover letter is the perfect opportunity to explain it.

Top tips.

  • Be concise – stick to one side of A4, make each sentence count and keep it relevant
  • Check spelling and grammar
  • Think of key customer service advisor skills you have 
  • Research the company and position you’re applying for
  • Reflect your personality
  • Address the letter correctly 
  • Use key words which match the job description