Is Health Care Considered Customer Service When Applying for Jobs?

When transitioning from healthcare to a customer service role, you might wonder if your previous experience is relevant. The good news is, it absolutely is! While they may seem like different fields, healthcare and customer service share a surprising amount of common ground. Understanding these similarities can help you leverage your healthcare background to showcase your transferable skills and land that customer service job.

Transferable Skills from Healthcare to Customer Service

Many skills honed in healthcare translate seamlessly to customer service roles. Let’s break down some key areas:

1. Communication is Key:

• Healthcare: You’ve mastered explaining complex medical information to patients in a clear and empathetic way.
• Customer Service: This translates to effectively communicating product details, troubleshooting issues, and guiding customers through processes.

2. Empathy and Patience:

• Healthcare: You’ve learned to interact with patients who may be anxious, frustrated, or in pain.
• Customer Service: This empathy allows you to connect with customers facing challenges and provide understanding and support.

3. Problem-Solving Prowess:

• Healthcare: You’re accustomed to assessing situations, identifying needs, and finding solutions quickly, often under pressure.
• Customer Service: This translates to efficiently addressing customer concerns, finding creative solutions, and ensuring their satisfaction.

4. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work:

• Healthcare: You’ve collaborated with doctors, nurses, and other professionals to provide optimal patient care.
• Customer Service: You’ll work seamlessly within a team to handle inquiries, escalate issues, and maintain a positive work environment.

Highlighting Your Experience on Your Resume and in Interviews

Resume Tips:

• Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs like “assessed,” “educated,” “resolved,” “collaborated,” and “communicated” to describe your healthcare experience in a customer-focused way.
• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying “provided patient care,” say “provided compassionate care to an average of 15 patients daily, exceeding patient satisfaction goals by 10%.”
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application, highlighting the specific skills and experiences most relevant to the customer service role.

Interview Tips:

• Tell Your Story: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to share specific examples from your healthcare experience that demonstrate your transferable skills.
• Show Your Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the customer service role and the company. Research the company’s values and customer base to align your answers with their culture.
• Ask Thoughtful Questions: Prepare questions that demonstrate your understanding of the customer service field and your eagerness to learn and grow.

Conclusion

Don’t underestimate the value of your healthcare background when applying for customer service jobs. By highlighting your transferable skills, tailoring your resume, and preparing effectively for interviews, you can confidently showcase how your experience makes you a strong candidate for a successful transition into the world of customer service.