Unfortunately, the job of customer service representative has often been given a bad name and is mostly associated with a crowded office and rows and rows of people working frantically. We can safely say that this outdated image is now a thing of the past.
In recent years, many large companies have chosen to move parts of their operations to other countries to take advantage of cheap labour and tax breaks. Countries such as Estonia, Bulgaria, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Romania have various international companies based there and handle all communication and customer service from there. Many of these companies are constantly looking for new employees who speak different European languages (employees who speak Nordic languages are highly sought after) and offer jobs with good salaries if you are interested in living and working in another country for an extended period of time.
Working abroad as a customer service representative is actually better than many people think and often involves working in a young, modern and fresh environment alongside colleagues from all over the world. If you choose to work in southern Europe, you can also enjoy a pleasant climate all year round and many afternoons on the beach after work.
If you are curious about a new adventure abroad but are not sure what you want to do, you can always try something new and apply for a job as a customer service representative. It may be the right job for you and definitely a chance to get a foot in the door of the foreign job market.
Still not entirely convinced? OK. Below you will find a list of both the pros and cons of working as a customer service representative abroad. This should give you a broader perspective on the profession and what it entails.
Advantages
No special knowledge or previous experience is required to work as a customer service representative
It doesn’t really matter what your background is, you can still work in customer service even if you don’t have any experience. You will find that, surprisingly, many of your colleagues probably don’t have much experience either, especially if they are younger.
However, this does not mean that it is an unimportant job. Working in customer service often means that you are the face of a company, and market research has also shown that customers place a lot of trust in reviews and are happy to return to a company if they feel that the customer service has been professional.
Some qualities that a customer service representative should have:
- Empathy
- Adaptability
- Self-control
- Persuasiveness
- Patience
- Good listening skills
- Communication skills
You can build a career and grow
Many people who start out as customer service representatives tend to grow in their role and have the opportunity to build a career within a company. You may have leadership qualities and want to become a team leader for other customer service representatives, or you may decide to switch to something else thanks to the new knowledge and experience you have gained in your role as a customer service representative.
You can benefit from various perks and bonuses
Many companies motivate their employees by awarding various bonuses and rewards if certain targets are met within a set time frame. Working as a customer service representative can also mean working in a competitive environment where certain targets and objectives must be met. If you perform particularly well, you can often enjoy an extra bonus or other benefits such as a spa weekend or a weekend away somewhere, at the company’s expense, of course.
Many companies offer relocation packages for those who want to work as customer service representatives abroad
Are you interested in trying something new while living in another country? There are many companies abroad that specialise in customer service and are looking for customer service representatives for their new and modern offices.
These companies also offer complete relocation packages for you and your family if you choose to work for them. This usually includes accommodation (or at least a paid apartment for the first few months), a good salary and private health insurance for the whole family.
You have the opportunity to see and discover another country
Working abroad gives you the opportunity to see and discover another country in a completely different way. You can travel to different places on weekends or during your holidays and experience another culture up close.
In addition, you can learn a new language and improve your English skills, as English is usually the language spoken among colleagues in international companies abroad.
You can live more cheaply abroad and get more value for your money
This clearly depends on which country you choose to work in and your lifestyle, but it is certainly possible to live more cheaply in many countries in Europe. Your salary will obviously be lower than what you are used to, but so are the living costs in many of these countries, so in the end it evens out pretty well. Another advantage is that many people who work for international companies abroad often have a higher average salary than is usual for the country.
You can choose to work as a customer service representative in different countries
There are now many countries in Europe that have become real hubs for telephony and customer service, so it is a great advantage to be able to choose and decide which country suits you best. Some countries that offer various customer service jobs include Hungary, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, Spain and the Baltic countries.
You can work as a customer service representative in your own language
Nowadays, many companies are looking for customer service representatives who speak several languages so that they can handle different types of enquiries from customers all over the world. You will often be required to speak one language, together with English. If you are lucky, you may get to deal with customers from Sweden and Scandinavia, in which case you will handle all conversations in Swedish or English. It can be quite reassuring to start working in your own language and then expand your skills as you become more confident in the role.
You will work in an international environment
Working with people from other countries is both exciting and challenging. You will learn to work in a team and to collaborate. Often, your colleagues will be in the same situation as you.
Disadvantages
Stressful environment
Working in customer service can be stressful, so it is definitely an advantage if you are able to handle stress well. Many cases and enquiries need to be responded to within a certain time frame and in a professional manner, which can lead to stress and a heavy workload.
You have to deal with complaints and angry people
It can be difficult to stay calm when dealing with angry people and lots of complaints. The most important thing to remember is that the person on the other end of the line usually has nothing against you, but is perhaps just frustrated and angry about everything that has been going on, or simply had a bad day, so it is important not to take it personally and try to stay calm and respond in a professional manner. Usually, talking in a calming manner is enough to calm the other person down.
Changes, new rules and requirements can sometimes be stressful
Sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of new rules, new customers and new colleagues. You have to stay up to date all the time and adapt frequently. While it can be exciting to learn new things all the time, it can also be challenging and stressful at times.
Homesick
We’ve all been there. When you’re far away from your family and friends, you’re bound to miss them and feel a certain homesickness. Even if your job keeps you busy, it can feel lonely and empty not being able to see your loved ones when you want to. Fortunately, Skype and Zoom are there to help to some extent.
You have to make new friends
While it’s fun to meet new people and make new friends, it can also be a little difficult at times, especially when you’re at a certain age and don’t necessarily want to go out partying every weekend. You may not get along with your colleagues or have anything in common with them either. A good tip is to start a new sport or activity so that you have the opportunity to meet other people with the same interests as you. In addition, these groups usually organise various activities outside the gym.
Big responsibility
It’s not always easy to please everyone or to always be in a good mood with a smile on your face. Often, there can be a lot of pressure on you to perform better or do things in a better way. After all, you are the first point of contact the customer has with the company, so you have to be professional. Sometimes you may even be responsible for large sums of money (and we all know that time is money), so it can feel very responsible and challenging.
In summary
A job as a customer service representative abroad can be an extra qualification on your CV while you gain work experience. It can be your first job after graduation, but also an opportunity to work abroad and live in another country if you are looking for a different experience.
Nowadays, it has become increasingly important for large companies to have satisfied customers and receive good reviews in order to be considered reputable, which is why this is a rapidly expanding market and it is not too difficult to find a job.
You represent the company and help customers and solve their problems. You will also develop your social skills and persuasiveness, which may give you the opportunity to work in sales, for example, in the future.
Working in customer service is not always the easiest job, and it is good to have certain personal qualities such as patience and empathy, but it can also be a very rewarding job where you help customers and try to solve various problems. It is up to you to find out if this is the ri
