I was crafting my first cover letter, and the pressure felt immense. Like most of us, at some point in our careers, I faced the daunting task of condensing my skills, experiences, and enthusiasm into a single page that would hopefully land me an interview.
Soon, I realized it was about focusing on my skills and matching them with the job's needs. Regarding hiring, 45% of hiring managers read the cover letter before they even look at a job applicant's resume.
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That’s why I’m excited to share some insights you need to craft a stellar customer service cover letter to leave a lasting impression, including:
- What to Include in a Customer Service Cover Letter
- Customer Service Cover Letters With Experience
- Entry-Level Customer Service Cover Letters
- Best Practices for Writing a Customer Service Cover Letter
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5 Free Cover Letter Templates
Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.
- Standard Cover Letter Template
- Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
- Data-Driven Cover Letter Template
- And More!
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What to Include in a Customer Service Cover Letter
When I applied for my first customer service job, I wasn‘t sure what to include in my cover letter. I’d spent hours staring at cover letter templates, trying to figure out how to make mine stand out. A customer service cover letter with experience seemed out of reach since my background was limited.
However, I realized the cover letter wasn‘t just about experience but showing who I was and why I cared about the job. Here’s what I learned to include in a strong cover letter:
1. Why you're interested in the job.Employers want to know why you care about the role. Discuss what excites you about customer service and why this job caught your eye.
2. Your relevant experience.Even if you don‘t have years of experience, highlight any customer-facing roles you’ve had. This could include retail, volunteer work, or anything helping people.
3. Specific skills you are most proud of.Focus on the most important skills in customer service, like communication, problem-solving, and patience. Ensure these skills are directly related to the job you're applying for.
4. Achievements or recognitions you’ve gained throughout your life.If you‘ve received any awards or praise for your work, include that too. It shows that you’ve not only done the job but done it well.
5. Your experience in teamwork and passion.Customer service often involves working with others, so mentioning how you collaborate with teammates can be a plus. Also, show your passion for customer service — hiring managers want someone who genuinely enjoys helping others.
These points helped me land my first customer service job, and they'll help you, too. Tailor each cover letter to your desired job, and let your enthusiasm shine through.
Let’s go over an example of a high-quality customer service letter.
Customer Service Cover Letters With Experience
1. Standard Customer Service Cover Letter Example
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
My name is [Your name], and I am a seasoned [Industry] professional with over [number] experience. I am very interested in [position] at [Company name], and my experience in [previous customer service experience] makes me an excellent candidate. I believe my [insert role-relevant skills] can help [Company name] achieve [desired goals for the role].
In my current role as a [your current role] at [Current company], I’ve achieved results with [insert achievements or data that shows expertise]. I’m eager to bring these skills to [insert position] and help customers achieve success.
Additionally, [insert other relevant experience or skills related to the role].
I look forward to further discussing my past achievements and how they will help me succeed as [insert role title].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name Here]
Why I love it: When I first wrote a cover letter for a customer service job, I didn’t know what to include or how to structure it. The standard format ended up being a lifesaver. It gave me a clear path: a space to introduce myself, a section to summarize my experience, and a spot to highlight the skills I gained, like mastering the ticketing system at my last job.
I love this format because it’s straightforward and lets you showcase what you’ve learned in a professional yet personal way. It helped me land my first role.
2. Data-Driven Customer Service Cover Letter Example
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a customer service professional currently working as a [current title] at [Current Company]. I am interested in the [position] role at [Company Name].
In my current role, I have taken on significant responsibilities, including [action #1], [action #2], and [action #3]. With a focus on improving customer satisfaction, I have implemented strategies that have helped the company achieve:
- A [statistic #1] increase in customer satisfaction ratings.
- A [statistic #2] reduction in average response time.
- A [statistic #3] improvement in customer retention.
After reviewing the job description for the [job title] position at your company, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience in handling [business need #1], [business need #2], and [business need #3] to your team. I am confident that my skills in [area of expertise] and my hands-on experience with customer service software and ticketing systems make me a strong candidate for this role.
My resume, which further details my qualifications, is attached. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team.
Best,
[Your Name Here]
Why I love it: Numbers speak louder than words, or that’s how I see it. Including data and statistics about your achievements is a great way to grab a hiring manager’s attention. I’ve found that many don’t read every word, with 60% of hiring managers reading your letter in only two minutes. A bulleted list of key accomplishments is a smart move. It makes your message easy to scan and ensures your most impressive points stand out.
I love this approach because it works for any role. You can always highlight measurable successes in customer service or something else.
3. Referral Customer Service Cover Letter
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
My name is [Your name]. [Referral name], [Referral name's job title], suggested that I reach out regarding the [job title] position that [Company name] is looking to fill. [Referral name] flagged this opportunity for me upon realizing that my [industry] experience aligns seamlessly with the qualifications for the opportunity at hand.
After working as a [current job title] for a [industry] company for [number] years, I am ready to transition into a position that presents an exciting new set of challenges. While my time at [current company] has led me to career milestones such as [milestone/achievement #1], [milestone/achievement #2], and [milestone/achievement #3], I'm excited by [Company name]'s need for [business need #1] and [business need #2].
I feel confident that my ability to [skill #1] and [skill #2] would enable me to ramp up quickly in this position so that I could begin making an impact as soon as possible.
For more information regarding my qualifications, see my attached resume. I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to discuss this position in more detail. Thank you for considering my application.
Best,
[Your Name Here]
Why I love it: Getting a referral for a job is great, though it doesn‘t guarantee you’ll land the position. That's why I love the Referral Customer Service Cover Letter. The first paragraph lets you acknowledge your connection to the company immediately.
Mentioning your referral shows you‘re confident and transparent, which hiring managers appreciate. Relying solely on that connection, however, isn’t enough. The rest of your cover letter should highlight your skills and achievements, just like any other application. Your referral is a bonus, while your experience and abilities still need to shine.
4. A Customer Service Letter That Explains ‘Why’ and Not ‘How’
I pretty much spent my childhood in the chief seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that memory that shaped my career — from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach — and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.
Why I love it: You might already know how to explain what you’d do in a customer service role, but have you considered why you want the job? Sometimes, leading with the “why” can make your customer service cover letter with experience stand out. I love a cover letter that shares a personal story or passion for the company — it’s memorable and shows genuine interest.
The beauty of this approach is that it makes your cover letter feel unique. Explaining why you’re drawn to a particular company goes beyond the usual “I’m qualified” pitch and creates a real connection with the hiring manager.
If you’re applying for a customer service position and haven’t held any customer service roles yet, don't worry. Below, I will explain why.
5 Free Cover Letter Templates
Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.
- Standard Cover Letter Template
- Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
- Data-Driven Cover Letter Template
- And More!
Download Free
All fields are required.
Entry-Level Customer Service Cover Letters
When I applied for my first customer service job, I didn’t have much experience to lean on. Yet, I knew a well-crafted cover letter could still make me stand out. Even without a long work history, you can highlight what makes you a great fit for an entry-level customer service role.
Here’s what I like to include in an entry-level cover letter:
- The transferable skills you have that relate to the customer service role you’re applying for. For example, you’re a skilled communicator, which can be useful when talking to customers over the phone or in person.
- Any customer service or related training you’ve received, even if it’s minimal. This shows a commitment and genuine interest in the role you’re applying for.
- Any relevant coursework or extracurriculars that have helped you develop the necessary skills for the role.
- Your passion for helping others and resolving issues are key qualities for any customer service professional.
- The qualifications make you a good team member because, regardless of experience, you’ll be working with people.
These steps helped me craft a cover letter that got noticed, even as a newbie in the field.
1. Entry-Level Customer Service Cover Letter Example
Dear [Hiring manager name],
My name is [Your name], and I am writing to express my interest in the [role title] position at [Company name]. I am drawn to the role because [insert interest] and my skills with [insert relevant skills] make me an excellent candidate.
My relevant customer service experience is with [explain applicable or transferable experience], and I believe this would allow me to excel at [insert role requirements]. I’ve been recognized for [insert data or achievements that demonstrate skill set], and I’m eager to achieve the same results for [Company name].
As I look forward to my next chapter, I hope to apply my experience and perspective to help the [Company name] team hit and exceed goals. I admire [Company name]’s commitment to [business priority] and feel passionate about your mission to [company mission here].
Attached is my resume for further review, and I look forward to further discussing my experience and how my background fits [Company name] needs.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
[Your Name]
Why I love it: We’ve all felt those butterflies when applying for our first role. When I was starting out, I learned that a well-crafted cover letter could make all the difference. Instead of focusing on my lack of work experience, I highlighted the skills and knowledge I gained through my education and part-time jobs.
I love that this entry-level cover letter lets you showcase your potential, even without a long job history. It’s straightforward and perfect for students or recent graduates who want to make a strong first impression.
2. The Pivot Customer Service Cover Letter Example
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for considering my application for the [job title] position. As you can see from my résumé, I have a quite diverse background, ranging from [previous industry/field] to [previous industry/field]. These experiences have shaped me into a compassionate, customer-focused professional. Working as a [previous job title] and later as a [previous job title] taught me the importance of clear communication and staying calm under pressure.
I shifted my career to customer service because I wanted to help people differently. Listening to [previous role's responsibilities] day in and day out made me realize I wanted to focus on improving people‘s everyday experiences. I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can make someone's day a little easier, and customer service is the perfect fit for that.
I'm excited to bring my [skills] to your team. Even if my background isn‘t exactly what you’re looking for, I hope you‘ll consider how my unique experiences can bring value to your customer service department. I’m confident that my ability to connect with people and resolve their issues will make me a great addition to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team.
Best,
[Your Name Here]
Why I love it: When I decided to change careers, I wanted a cover letter to help me make a strong case for why I was the right fit, even without traditional experience in the new field. The letter does just that. It’s straightforward yet persuasive, allowing you to explain how your previous experience, though in a different industry, is relevant and valuable.
What I love about this cover letter is how it bridges the gap between where you’ve been and where you want to go. It’s perfect for anyone making a career shift and looking to highlight transferable skills.
Best Practices for Writing a Customer Service Cover Letter
When I wrote my first cover letter for a customer service job, I felt like I was navigating uncharted territory. I didn't know what to include or how to make it stand out. After trial and error, I landed on a few best practices that made all the difference.
1. Personalize your cover letter.
Tailoring the cover letter to each job application shows genuine interest. I always researched the company and the specific role. Mentioning their values or recent achievements helped me connect my skills to their needs.
2. Include keywords from the job description.
Many companies use software to screen applications. I made sure to weave in keywords from the job listing, like “customer handling” or “help desk software,” as long as they matched my experience.
3. Avoid common pitfalls.
Some mistakes can derail an application. Here's what I avoided:
- Oversharing: I kept the focus on my professional background.
- Over-praising Myself: Let my achievements speak for themselves without grand claims.
- Making Demands: Waited until the interview stage to discuss salary or benefits.
- Ignoring Directions: Followed all application guidelines meticulously.
4. Avoid the fluff.
Your customer service cover letter with experience should be direct and concise. Every line should show why you are the right fit for the role. Skip the fluff, and make sure each sentence adds real value.
5. Avoid repeating your resume.
Your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Use it to expand on how your specific experience gives you an edge. If you must reference your resume, say, “As listed in my resume…”
6. Get feedback.
Before sending your cover letter, ask someone else to review it. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes or suggest ways to improve your message. A second opinion can make all the difference.
These strategies helped me craft cover letters that resonated with hiring managers. Hopefully, they'll do the same for you.
An excellent customer service cover letter gets you hired.
A well-written cover letter can make all the difference in landing your ideal customer service role. Ashley Stahl said, “A good cover letter can set you apart. A bad cover letter can hurt you.” The examples and tips I’ve shared here are based on what I’ve learned from my experiences. It surprised me how much a tailored, thoughtful cover letter could stand out, even more than I expected. Here are my key takeaways:
- Focus on matching your skills to the job’s needs rather than listing everything you’ve done.
- Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company for a better chance of success.
- Use personal stories or experiences to make your cover letter stand out.
- Avoid repeating your resume, and use the cover letter to add new information or context.
- Keep your cover letter concise, avoid unnecessary fluff, and always seek feedback before sending.
While I can’t promise that every cover letter will lead to an interview, I’ve found that the right one can open doors you didn’t even know you were there. Follow the tips and best practices mentioned above, and you’ll likely get interviews that land you new customer service roles.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in August 2022 and has since been updated for comprehensiveness.
5 Free Cover Letter Templates
Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.
- Standard Cover Letter Template
- Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
- Data-Driven Cover Letter Template
- And More!
Download Free
All fields are required.
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