Communication Skills

• Customer service agents need to speak clearly, listen effectively, follow guidelines and communicate company policies while remaining courteous at all times, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS.
  
  

Problem Solving

• Sometimes the customer has a problem, but doesn't describe it in a clear way or lacks idea for a solution. The customer service agent's job is to clarify exactly what the issue is and what can be done about it, then communicate that information to the customer.
  
  

Conflict Resolution

• Dealing with angry customers is routine in customer service jobs. The agent must stay calm, listen to the customer, ask questions to diffuse the situation and determine the specific problem.
  
  

Computer Skills

• Customer service agents often work in call centers using a computer system to access a customer's information. The job may involve entering or changing data, accessing frequently asked questions, checking product data or confirming shipping and repair records.