How to Get Security Clearance for Employment

How to Get Security Clearance for EmploymentHow to Get Security Clearance for EmploymentWhatis a security clearance for employment, and how do you get one? Job applicants may notice that some vacancies mention that applicants must be eligible for a security clearance or must already possess a security clearance in order to be hired. Security clearances are primarily required bygovernment employersandprivate contractorswho will have access to sensitive information that has a bearing on national security. Hereis information on how to get a security clearance for employment. Levels of Security Clearance There are three standard levels of security clearance Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. AConfidential clearance is the easiest to obtain and covers positions where the disclosure of classified information would cause damage to national security.ASecret clearanceindicates that the type of confidential information covered would cause serious damage to national security if divulged. If an individual would be able to access classified information of the highest sensitivity, then aTopSecret clearance would be required. There are alsotwo categories of classified informationthat require additional handling and access restrictions Sensitivecompartmentedinformation (SCI), which includes intelligence sources, methods, and processes.Specialaccessprograms (SAPs), which are highly sensitive projects and programs. These categories are for classified information that has been deemed particularly vulnerable, and eligibility standards and investigative requirements for access to SCI and SAPs clearances are higher than for other clearances. HowtheSecurity Clearance Process Works Applicants for a security clearance undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if they are loyal to the U.S. governmentand arefree from influence by foreign individuals,arehonest, trustworthy, morally upright, mentally and psychologically sound, and have avoided criminal activity. Only U.S. citize ns are eligible for a security clearance. The process begins with the applicant completing the Personnel Security Questionnaire (SF-86) through thee-Quip application site. The next phase of the process involves an investigation conducted by the governments Office of Personnel Management, the Defense Department, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence or another investigation service provider (ISP), depending on the position. Agents conducting the investigation will interview a broad sortiment of the candidates contacts, potentially including current and past employers, neighbors, business associates, former classmates, fraternity/sorority members, and other individuals who may have associated with the applicant. The applicant will be interviewed- and possibly re-interviewed as additional information is gathered- to clarify any potential issues that couldaffectthe clearance. Candidates should be sure that they are honest and inclusive as they complete the SF-86 and an swer interview questions,since discrepancies uncovered in the investigation may be grounds for disqualification. The final stage of the investigative process involves a review of all the information gathered to determine eligibility for a specified clearance. The duration of the entire investigation and review will vary,but the average length of time is 120 days. Interim Eligibility Pending Approval According to theDefense Security Service(an agency of the Department of Defense), all applicants for a personnel security clearance submitted by a cleared contractor will be routinely considered for interim eligibility. The Personnel Security Management Office for Industry reviews the Personnel Security Questionnaire (SF-86) and other files and systems. The interim eligibility is issued only when access to classified information is clearly consistent with the national security interestsof the United States. The interim eligibility is issued at the same time as the initiation of the i nvestigation and will generally remain in effect until the investigation is completed. At that time, the applicant is considered for final eligibility. Statuses in the Review Process The Defense Security Service issues the following statuses throughout the investigation to let candidates know what is happening during the process Received The investigative service provider (ISP) has acknowledged receipt of the investigation request and will be reviewing it for acceptability.Unacceptable The ISP determined the investigation request to be deficient. The applicant will then receive a message with the reasonwhythe request welches rejected. If the employee still requires a clearance, a new investigation request will need to be initiated and submitted with the corrected information.Scheduled The ISP has determined the investigation request to be acceptable and the investigation is currently ongoing/open. Closed The ISP has completed the investigation and the investigation has been sent for adjudication. Delays in Investigations Themost common reasons an investigationcould be delayed include security application packages that are not complete, issues with fingerprints, and investigations that involve coverage of extensive overseas activities. To expedite the process, be sure to include all the requireddocumentswith the applicant. Why Would an Applicant be Denied a Security Clearance? Various reasons exist for why someone may be denied a security clearance. The most important factors in an investigation are the individuals honesty, candor, and thoroughness in the completion of their security clearance forms. Every case is individually assessed, using theSecurity Executive Directive 4 National Security Adjudicative Guidelines,to determine whether the granting or continuing of eligibility for a security clearance is clearly consistent with the interests of national security. Theadjudicative guidelinesinclude allegiance to the United States foreign influence f oreign preference sexual behavior personal conduct financial considerations alcohol consumption drug involvement and substance misuse emotional, mental, and personality disorders criminal conduct handling protected information outside activities and misuse of information technology. How to Appeal if Denied a Clearance If you aredenied a security clearance, or your continued eligibility for access to classified information is revoked, you will be informed why and you willthenbe givenaprocedure for filing an appeal. You will also be able to address any derogatory information that was gathered during the investigation and will be able to correct or clarify the details. How Long Security Clearances Are in Effect Security clearances are active only for the time when an individual holds the original job for which the clearance was designated. A clearance holder may be re-investigated at any time, but a formal review is required after five years for aTopSecret clearance, ten years for aSecret clearance, and 15 years for aConfidential clearance. A clearance may be reactivated in certain cases without going through the entire investigative process again. However, the break in employment must be less than two years and the original investigation cannot be mora than 5, 10, or 15 years old for theTopSecret,Secret, andConfidential categories, respectively. More Information Before you apply for a security clearance, be sure to review thelatest guidelines and updates from the U.S. Department of Statesothatyou have current information on requirements, the process, and approval. The information contained in this article is not legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own states laws or the most recent changes to the law.

8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Job Interview

8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Job Interview8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Job InterviewGoing to a job interview is both exciting and anxiety inducing, especially if you dont feel like you are fully prepared. Before a job interview, try asking yourself a few questions to help alleviate some of the stress and help yourself be prepared to impress.To get you started, weve compiled a list of eight questions all job seekers should ask themselves while preparing for an interview.Check out the questions below to ask yourself before a job interviewWhat is the companys history, mission, industry standing, and work environment?Knowing about the company beforehand puts you in a fleck of impressing those who are interviewing you. The employer is ultimately looking for passionate, creative, and productive employees, and youll communicate this to them with your company knowledge. Plus, if you feel confident about the company and wanting to work there, this natural enthusiasm will shine through during the interview.Do I have facts or examples to back up my claims?Your resume was used to provide enough detail about your professional life to impress the employer. Although you may have quantified your experience or provided a work sample along with your application, the interview is a great time to provide more samples. If nothing else, have these samples ready to back up examples you provide during the interview. Make sure you know your resume and the specific details surrounding your capabilities and prior experiences.What rare skills and experiences do I have?In relation to the job you are being interviewed for, consider rare skills or experiences that could be applicable. Think about how these skills or experiences apply to the position, how you would use these in the job, and how you would use them to help the company.What skills or experience am I missing for the job?This may be your dream job, but perhaps you are missing a skill or two. The employer has most l ikely noticed this too. Make sure you know what these skills are and provide examples of how you can overcome it. Think about ways you can obtain the skills or experience to support the job.How will I be able to grow and develop my career in this job?For many, a job search is the result of hitting the ceiling of their current career. Its at that time that a career change takes place to continue to grow and reach full professional potential. Unless you want to conduct another job search in a year or so, checking out the potential of the job is a big deal. Think about job progression and when you think you will no longer be challenged in the job.What questions do I have for those interviewing me?There will inevitably be questions posed to you, and then it will be your turn. Dont wait until the day of the interview to start pondering what you will ask. Make a list of a few detailed questions that show you are interested in learning more. Then as the interview takes place, if something intrigues you, try to revisit it during this time.Do I have all of my documents and work samples together?With stress levels running high before the interview, you could easily walk out without a copy of your resume, references, or portfolio. Get everything together and in a safe place that you will remember ahead of time. This will allow you to be able to focus on keeping yourself calm, rather than rushing around looking for a number of different papers.Do I know how to get there and the names of those Im meeting?Showing up late is going to leave a bad impression and may even cost you the interview. Make sure you know the names of those you are meeting so that you can ask for them by name. Additionally, make sure you know how to get to the location of the interview and how long it will take. This will help you avoid being late.If you have a virtual interview, prepare your space and computer ahead of time. Make sure the microphone and camera settings are accurate, the lighting is go od, and your Internet is working as it should.Readers, what do you do before a job interview to prepare yourself? Share your tips in the comment section

An Interview Process Protocol Leads to Better Hires

An Interview Process Protocol Leads to Better HiresAn Interview Process Protocol Leads to Better HiresSure, Colbert, Kimmel, Noah, Bee and Winfrey make the bewerbungsgesprch process look like a snap, but thats because these TV talk show hosts had lots of preparation and practice - not to mention tremendous creative teams backing them.Many hiring managers think they can just wing it during interviews, not investing the time, energy or concentration that effective job interviewing requires. Thats no laughing matter because hiring on the basis of a faulty interview can leave you with underperforming employees who cost you in terms of both time and money.Create a protocol for interviews so you have a platzset way to determine the best hire for your business. Heres how.Decide who will conduct the interviewIts best for the hiring manager to conduct one-on-one interviews with applicants first. He or she typically then chooses a few finalists to come in for a second interview. This is somet imes in the form of a time-saving panel interview, which includes the hiring manager and two to four members of the management team or work group who evaluate the candidate at the same time.Robert Half has been finding A-list candidates for companies since 1948. Let us take on the time-consuming steps and the administrative details of bringing a new rolle on board.REQUEST TALENTZero in on the candidateBefore asking the first interview question, review the job description, especially the hiring criteria, as well as everything the candidate has submitted resume, cover letter, online profile and any other pertinent materials. This preparation is a significant part of the interview process because it allows you to hone in on what youre looking for in the job candidates youll be speaking with. It should give you Firsthand information about the candidates background, work experience and skill level. Its your chance to clarify what you learned from the resume, profile or previous interview sA general sense of the candidates overall intelligence, aptitude, enthusiasm and attitudes, and whether he or she fits the jobEvaluation of the candidates motivation to tackle job responsibilities, desire to join the company and ability to integrate into the current work team.Decide what to askPrior to the actual interview, write down questions you intend to ask, based on key areas of the candidates background. While its a good idea to have a core list of questions that you ask every candidate, its also helpful to jot down some targeted questions as you review the candidates job description and resume about areas in which you wish to gain clarification. Stay focused Keep your list of questions in front of you during the interview.Mix up the types of questions you ask, but ask mora open-ended questions since they require more thought on the part of the interviewee than closed-ended questions and will help the candidate open up. Ask hypothetical questions - two or three at the most - that are framed in the context of an actual job situation. Feel free to ask an off-the-wall question to see how the candidate thinks on his feet.Make every question count. Pay attention to the candidates answers dont rehearse your next question in your mind. Although you have your questions written down, dont hesitate to veer from those if you want to reword or follow up on something, or to eliminate questions that were covered in a candidates response to another question.Hire the best candidateAfter youve given the candidate a chance to ask questions, close the interview by thanking him for his time, and tell him when to expect to hear from you.As soon as the candidate leaves from the interview, collect your thoughts and write down your impressions and a summary of your notes. Collect feedback from other interviewers while the interview is fresh in everyones mind.Selecting the right person for a position in your business isnt easy. If you find yourself second-guessing your decis ion, let the hiring criteria serve as your guide. Make sure any changes you make to your hiring criteria are because of a workplace need and not because youre enamored with a particular candidate for subjective reasons. Focus on your business needs during your interview process, and youll find the best new hire time after time.Learn more about how to get the most out of your interviews with candidates by reading the Robert Half blog.

How to Navigate Through Politics in the Workplace

How to Navigate Through Politics in the WorkplaceHow to Navigate Through Politics in the WorkplaceAccording to a 2012 Robert Half study,56 percent of employees in the United States believe it is necessary to engage in arbeitszimmer politics in order to get ahead.Author and career coach Julie Jansen explains that todays diverse workplaces are filled with individuals with differing values, goals, experiences and personalities. Office politics are a natural occurrence. Jansen says that geschftszimmer politics are common because, some employees have more power and authority than other getting promoted or gaining visibility with senior management is important to many employees and staff often have to compete for limited resources.Does your office break room or kitchen mirror a high school cafeteria complete with lunch table cliques? If youre intimidated by the political jostling of the elite Plastics of the board room or unsure how to approach the Band Geeks or Jocks, here are a few tips from Simply Hired employees to help navigate the treacherouswaters of office politics1.Be confidentRemember as a child how teachers and parents comforted you after a bullys attack, telling you that the bully was only picking on you out of his or her own insecurity? Well office politics operate in much the same way. If youre experiencing negative behavior at the hands of coworkers, take a deep breath and give yourself a pep talk in the mirror. Having and displaying confidence in yourself and your work will help make you unflappable in the winds of office politics.2.Stay self-awareImagine this scenario two of your colleagues are jostling for the same promotion. One of them is your close friend while the other is someone you havent worked closely with. Throughout their interviewing process your good friend keeps you up-to-date and informed. You exchange words of advice and a bit of harmless gossip back and forth about the other candidate. Stop. Did you just rationalize harmless gossip? In moments like this where friendship and work life collide its important to remember that professionalism must come first. Dont contribute to the struggles of day-to-day work life by becoming a negative force in the office. Try your best to provide positive feedback and support for your friend while keeping yourself out of any mudslinging.3.R-E-S-P-E-C-TWhen you were a kid and you had a disagreement with friends in elementary school, oftentimes your parents counseled you saying,Youre not going to like everyone in your life, but its your job to learn how to coexist. Thissimple message can be applied to most stressful or uncomfortable workplace situations. While you may not always get along with your coworkers, and in some cases may rather dislike certain team members, it is important to treat each with respect.4.Find alignmentOften negativity arises in the workplace when shifting priorities conflict with one another, causing team members to jostle one another for budget, time or at tention. The competitive tendency is natural in business, but it should be approached systematically. Take the initiative to seek guidance on priorities when discord becomes a distraction. Sometimes this means having a quick check-in with management or with the other project owner. No need to squabble when you can work cohesively.5.Escalate when necessaryIts always important to approach these matters calmly, pleasantly and diplomatically. If you are feeling bullied or harassed in any way do not suffer in silence. Bring this to the attention of your manager or human resources.While many of us may enjoy watching high school comedies or reminiscing about our glory days, few people actually want to live that day-to-day cliquey life any longer. Take care to act kindly and respectfully and youll be doing your part to make your work environment comfortable for everyone.

Find Out Who is Discussing Banking Resume and Why You Need to Be Concerned

Find Out Who is Discussing Banking Resume and Why You Need to Be Concerned The job responsibilities of your finance resume depend on what type of industry you become involved with. If you would like to be in a position to compile a very good finance resume as a personal financial advisor, then you have to have a college degree in business or accounting. You have earned the ideal personal banker resume. To have a good banking job, you should make your resume attractive and professional. Youve got in order to craft something whichs best for the field in which youre applying. Since its just the start. The qualification section is a brief, yet eye-catchyparagraph located at the very start of a resumein that you outline your skills to a particular job or an area. There are a lot of hard skills for banking, and you want to list not just the ones that youve mastered, but all the keywords about the particular role youre applying for that guy or machine may be searching for. Ok, I Think I Understand Banking Resume, Now Tell Me About Banking Resume Our resume builder provides you with tips and examples on the best way to compose your resume summary. Youve got to remember to make it appear professional. Domain expert are master of the matter, and he can know the inside-out of the solution or application. Get the Scoop on Banking Resume Before Youre Too Late One of the very first misconceptions that individuals hold about the usage of resumes is that theyre never actually read, especially whenever there are zugreifbar application forms to be filled out. 1 fixation that I have observed in plenty of resumes is information overload. A relevant resume sample is a beneficial tool that may supply you with formatting and writing ideas as you construct your own resume. Our 20 templates give you examples for fruchtwein instances you can face. All About Banking Resume Sample Bank Teller Resume Objectives Be certain to customize each resume to incorporate the n ame of the business. Every region of your bank CV needs to be well-presented and totally free of grammatical or typographical error. Browse thousands of Resume Objectives Samples to find out what it requires to stand out. This banking CV samples will allow you to create the ideal job application. New Questions About Banking Resume Plus Your GPA is of utmost importance. Concentrate on the achievements related to the job for which youre applying. The Basic Facts of Banking Resume Basically, employers wish to realize that you can bring something to their team. Figure out which sample fits your credentials most and how it is able to help you produce a standout resume. Because anyone can find with a similar looking list. Many resumes are put on job hunting websites or included within an individuals profile on a site like LinkedIn. Introducing Banking Resume On the flip side, if you need to attach as a branch manager in any bank, you desire a great work history with related i nstitutions. Bank tellers have an extremely particular set of responsibilities. Basic Accounting Bank tellers handle money and so must have the ability to keep an eye on numbers. You should bank on more than just your abilities and experience to have a wonderful job. The majority of the technical skills can be quickly learned at work, so prior experience isnt required either. Youre going to compose a resume for one of the most competitive jobs on the planet. Every man or woman seeking employment in the banking industry can take advantage of Free Banking Resume templates to boost their likelihood of landing the job. Would-be employers arent impressed by the 1 sentence, what-I-am-looking-for kind of resume objective. In reality, you shouldnt create your own document the precise same as an example or template. My private view on a resume section for interests is it can hurt you more than it can assist you. Together with helping with your layout, resume examples are able to help you see what sort of content you should have in your document. Prepare turnover elements check list to create the turnover procedure is seamless. Someone who is aware of what EBITDA stands for. Retail banking is an immense industry that encompasses variety of roles in accordance to the a variety of requirements and requirements of distinct clients. The best thing about a finance resume is it opens the doors to several exciting and intriguing career alternatives, and the majority of the career options connected with a finance resume permit you to help people. If youre a beginner employee in a bank with graduation degree, you might get up to $50,000 annually. An eye-catching resume will improve your likelihood of getting a work interview. A well-designed banking resume sample really can go a very long way in deciding the probability of you landing your favourite job in a financial institution. Top Choices of Banking Resume Using resume maker computer software program c an likewise be sure your resume makes the appropriate impression. There are plenty of programs out there which supply resume maker computer software program, but plenty of them, especially the completely free versions, usually arent very helpful and everybody is utilizing them, so your resume will probably look the identical anyway. If youre short on specific abilities, you can also cite personal skills. You must have enough computer skills too, especially knowledge of banking software, and standard navigation of a computer.

Top Advice on Resume Writing for Professional

Top Advice on Resume Writing for Professional Choosing Resume Writing for Professional Is Simple There are lots of Professionals who guide you and help you with CV writing tips. A great CV is your very first step towards a fantastic vocation, as its your CV that will to represent you in your absence facing your potential employers. Therefore, a great deal of work has to be undertaken on preparing your CV. A professionally written resume or CV provides a ton mora than simply listing your skills in a typical way. Resume Writing for Professional and Resume Writing for Professional - The Perfect Combination The target of a work application is to highlight your skills, experience and accomplishments which are highly related to the part you want to know more about becoming in. Remember you wish to sell yourself, your experience and any contribution youve got to offer the business. Writing a resume for employment within the art industry can be difficult. A teacher applying for a job should have a very good communication skill alongside excellent managerial skills. Formatting your resume referrals is a somewhat straightforward work. Writing a strong application is a difficult procedure and we would like to make it simpler. It can be particularly hard to get a job in the modern economy, and equally as difficult to acquire an interview. Based on the accomplishment of your blog, you might even find you dont will need to obtain work. If at all you are applying for employment for the very first time then see that your resume is short and sweet. Once your resume is finished, Ill send you a totally free in-depth study on the best regions to send your resume to find the interviews you desire. What You Should Do to Find Out About Resume Writing for Professional Before Youre Left Behind If youre considering increasing the quantity of places that recruiters can discover expert details about you, here are a couple places to think about. You may depend on us because weve helped hundreds of different men and women get the jobs theyve always dreamt of. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. A complete selection for prospects with abundant encounter who wish to get a great one-page job application template. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre utilized to secure new employment. They may be organized in different ways.

Law Students Flouting the Law on Facebook

Law Students Flouting the Law on FacebookLaw Students Flouting the Law on FacebookThe things people post on Facebook, sometimes, right? Some of those things could potentially be a problem, legally speaking, but did you know that a lot of those people posting those problematic posts are actually law students and lawyers?From a Kaplan survey of law school 3LsNearly half (49%) report that they have seen something on someones Facebook page that could get the poster in trouble with the law. Surprisingly, 44% of that group said the alleged offender welches a law school student or lawyer, begging the question shouldnt those who should know the law best know better?Kaplan

Interview Tips Stay Cool! - Job Search - FlexJobs

vorstellungsgesprch Tips Stay Cool - Job Search - FlexJobsInterview Tips Stay Cool - Job Search Its never fun to squeeze yourself into a suit for a job einstellungsgesprch- and especially so during hot summer days. Beat the heat with these interview tips to stay coolInterview Tip 1 Dress for the weatherIt can be a challenge to look professional without sweltering in the heat. Wear short sleeves under your suit jacket, wait until you get to the parking lot of the interview to put on your tie, pull long hair up in a professional dothese are all things that will help. Hopefully you have a nice, lightweight suit to wear as well.Interview Tip 2 Stay well hydratedWater should be your drink of choice. Sugary drinks will actually dehydrate you, so water is a much better choice. Be sure to drink enough but not too much You dont want to be uncomfortable during your interviewInterview Tip 3 Visit the restroomA few minutes before your meeting with a potential boss or hiring manager, duck int o the restroom. While you may be thinking about regretting tip 2, you should also run some cold water on the inside of your wrists. Why? There are major arteries that are right under the skin in your wrists. Letting cool water run over them helps to almost instantly calm your entire body.Its common to feel nervous before an interview, which will naturally raise your body temperature. Follow these interview tips to keep yourself calm, cool, and collected and land that great jobReaders, what other tricks have you used to calm your nerves before a big interview? Share your interview tips in the comments section below

Customer Service Career Path Personality, Jobs, and Salary

Customer Service Career Path Personality, Jobs, and Salary Customer Service Career Path Personality, Jobs, and Salary 2Take a moment and recall a time when you were the client in a customer tafelgeschirr call. Was the representative on the other end courteous? Did they listen actively and know the details about the product or tafelgeschirr at issue?And fruchtwein important, was your issue resolved? If youre considering a customer tafelgeschirr career path, its a good idea to understand the qualifications needed to succeed in this sometimes challenging job.To be sure, being a so-called people person is a great attribute to have if youre exploring customer service jobs. But being good with people is a fairly generic description.To seriously embark on a customer service career path, there are a few specifics to consider in weighing whether the profession is a good fit for you.While many customer service interactions can be pleasant, customer service professionals can also encounter more potentially contentious scenarios that require a cool head and, lets face it, thick skin. In assessing whether you want to be a customer service representative, knowing your threshold for dealing with people who may be upset or dissatisfied with a product or service is fundamental.A customer career path can be a fantastic way to work from home and enjoy a steady income and better work-life integration. If youre just beginning your career in customer service, take inspiration from these uplifting testimonials from members who found great jobs in customer service.Personality Characteristics for Customer Service JobsEmotional intelligence can play a huge part in determining whether youre cut out to be a customer service professional. A high EQ (emotional intelligence) capability is a reliable predictor of success. People with high emotional intelligence often stay calm under pressure and are good at conflict resolution. The good news about EQ (as compared to IQ) is that you can contro l and develop your emotional responses to situations in a customer care setting.More specifically, there are a bunch of other personality qualities that can define a high-performing customer service professional. Here are a fewCommunicative.The ability to interact on a case-by-case basis and articulate thoughtfully is the basis of fruitful communication in a customer service setting.Empathic.Empathy can be a byproduct of good communication, and can make the customer feel that their issues are truly being heard.Patient.Customer service representatives often work under specific time constraints, but the more you can exercise patience to work through each interaction, the better for both parties.Active Listener. Active listening skills require being in the moment and truly listening to (or reading about, in email interactions) a customers issues and concerns.Detailed. Since customer service often involves correcting mistakes and making things right, an ability to sweat the details is k ey.Problem Solver.Thinking proactively, and often creatively, can make clients feel youre on their side in helping them reach a happy resolution.Upbeat.It can be easy to feel discouraged, especially after any encounters that test your mettle try to hit the refresh button and maintain a positive attitude going into each interaction.Adaptable.If you have a facility for staying open to changing circumstances and can find ways to adapt your skills to the task at hand, you may be a good fit for a customer service career.Gaining a Foothold on the Customer Service Career PathMost customer service jobs only require only a high school diploma or the equivalent. But, if you have education that goes beyond the requirements, you should highlight this in your resume and deckblatt letter. Once youre hired, most companies will provide some on-the-job training to bring you onboard with the companys procedures and policies. Youll also be expected to have some computer skills- basic for entry-level p ositions and more advanced as you move up the ladder. All of this will likely be covered before your customer service interview.If youre hired to work in a call center, youll likely be provided with the workspace and equipment needed to do the job. For many remote customer service workers, employers will require specific equipment that you must supply yourself. Depending on the job, remote equipment requirements might include a quiet home office or workspace a newer, up-to-date computer reliable high-speed Internet and noise-canceling headphones.Career Levels for Customer Service ProfessionalsCommon customer service career paths often follow a route that begins at the entry level and can advance to supervisory roles at the manager or senior manager level.Customer Service Representative.Entry-level customer service jobs are available across virtually all industries, and can include positions in healthcare, technology, retail, and financial services (i.e., debt collection).Customer Su pport Manager.Mid- and senior-level customer service professionals often oversee a staff of direct reports. The role may include coaching and training, and in some cases a college degree may be preferable to qualify.Technical Support Specialist.The specialized role of technical support professional will typically require IT-related knowledge in order to help customers troubleshoot and resolve issues.Customer Service SalaryAccording to PayScale, the average hourly pay for customer service representatives is $15.19, which amounts to about $32,000 a year. However, pay can increase in some cases due to commissions and other sources. For those who receive them (and that can vary from employer to employer), the average annual bonus is $1,631 the average annual commission is $6,500 and average profit sharing earnings are $1,179.Types of Customer Service JobsIf youre on a customer service career path, youll be happy to hear that there are many types of customer service jobs, ranging from re ceptionist jobs that primarily answer phone calls, to technical jobs that require a high degree of technological knowledge. The biggest market segments for customer service jobs, according to federal figures, areRetailInsurancegeschftsleben supportWholesale tradeProfessional, scientific, and technicalThe database offers two primary categories for jobs in the customer service sector. If youre just beginning to explorer a customer service career, its helpful to have some general job titles to help narrow your search. The job titles below offer work flexility, including remote, part-time, and alternative schedule optionsCustomer Service JobsSome recent job titles in this category include customer service representative field call specialist technical support representative customer solutions manager sales and service consultant account services representative and manager, customer experience.Call Center JobsThis category includes inbound call jobs (taking incoming calls from customers either online or via an internal calling system) and outbound call jobs (generating outgoing customer calls on behalf of clients or businesses).A few recent job titles in the call center category include call center representative bilingual call center associate sales and service associate outreach specialist foreign language interpreters client care representative and benefits associate.Growing Your Customer Service CareerThose on a customer service career path should know that the job outlook is solid overall, with a projected growth of 5% over a 10-year period ending in 2026, federal figures show. By comparison, jobs at call centers have a significantly higher projected growth- a 36% increase for the same 10-year period.Experience and a successful track record are primary requirements for advancement in a customer service career path. Once youve proven your value as a first point of contact for customers, youll have the foundation to build a successful career in customer service. CONNECT TO YOUR NEXT CUSTOMER SERVICE OPPORTUNITY