How to Say “I Answered Phones” on a Resume
When crafting a resume, it is essential to highlight your skills and experiences in a way that effectively communicates your value to potential employers. One common task that many professionals have experience with is answering phones. While this may seem like a simple responsibility, it is important to showcase this skill in a way that demonstrates your professionalism and ability to handle various communication tasks. In this article, we will explore different ways to effectively convey your phone answering experience on a resume, ensuring that it stands out to hiring managers.
1. Highlight the Scope of Your Phone Answering Experience
When listing your phone answering experience on a resume, it is crucial to provide a clear understanding of the scope of your responsibilities. Start by mentioning the number of phone lines you managed, as this indicates the volume of calls you handled. For example, you could state, “Managed a multi-line phone system, handling up to ten calls simultaneously.” This demonstrates your ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Additionally, consider mentioning the types of calls you received. If you dealt with customer inquiries, technical support, or sales calls, specify these details. For instance, you might write, “Handled customer inquiries and provided technical support for a diverse range of products.” This conveys your versatility and adaptability in handling different types of calls.
2. Emphasize Your Communication Skills
Answering phones requires strong communication skills, so it is essential to highlight this aspect on your resume. Start by mentioning your ability to communicate effectively with callers, ensuring that their needs are met. For example, you could state, “Provided exceptional customer service by actively listening to callers’ concerns and providing accurate information.”
Furthermore, if you possess any additional language skills, be sure to mention them. Fluency in multiple languages can be a valuable asset, especially in a multicultural or international work environment. For instance, you might write, “Assisted callers in English and Spanish, effectively bridging language barriers and providing excellent service to diverse clientele.”
3. Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Phone answering often involves handling challenging situations and resolving issues for callers. Highlighting your problem-solving abilities on your resume can demonstrate your capacity to handle difficult conversations and find solutions. For example, you could state, “Effectively resolved customer complaints by actively listening, empathizing, and finding appropriate solutions.”
Additionally, if you have experience in de-escalating tense situations or managing irate callers, be sure to mention it. This showcases your ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain professionalism even in challenging circumstances. For instance, you might write, “Successfully defused tense situations by remaining composed and addressing callers’ concerns with empathy and understanding.”
4. Mention Relevant Software or Systems
In today’s digital age, phone answering often involves the use of various software or systems to manage calls efficiently. If you have experience with any specific phone systems or customer relationship management (CRM) software, include this information on your resume. For example, you could state, “Proficient in using Cisco Unified Communications Manager to handle incoming calls and manage call routing effectively.”
Furthermore, if you have experience with any call tracking or ticketing systems, such as Zendesk or Freshdesk, mention it as well. This demonstrates your familiarity with industry-standard tools and your ability to adapt to different technological environments.
Conclusion:
Effectively conveying your phone answering experience on a resume can significantly enhance your chances of securing a job. By highlighting the scope of your responsibilities, emphasizing your communication skills, showcasing your problem-solving abilities, and mentioning relevant software or systems, you can demonstrate your value as a professional who is capable of handling various communication tasks. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements, ensuring that your phone answering experience aligns with the needs of the potential employer.
