A Customer Service Representative has an occupation that requires the ability to manage many tasks. They typically take inbound telephone calls as well as provide information via the phone, however certain Customer Service Representatives call outbound to their clients. Most of the time, it is mandatory to possess a high school diploma, but in the majority of cases, an Associate degree in Business or Arts is highly desired. In the current fast-paced technology sector, it is required that Customer Service Representatives are knowledgeable or have experience with certain computers, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or Power point. Additionally, being a certified typer is highly recommended because the majority times, you'll input data into a database software, while the business that you work for will require people with experience in typing and speed. There is usually an upper limit to the speed of typing per minute test that the majority of Customer Service Representatives have to pass and be able to pass. Customer Service Representatives work for a variety of diverse companies, including manufacturing corporations, insurance companies cable companies and rental industries, to beverages industries, and a myriad of other businesses. It is also common for most Customer Service Representatives work in call centers. Their colleagues are typically educated in the same programs that they do. They are usually seated in cubicles, and the typical working hours vary, ranging from Monday to Friday 8am-5pm. If you work in a call center they are usually open all hours of the week. If you are working in a call center you could work the first shift, which is usually from 7am to 3pm, the second shift from 3pm until 11pm and third shift from 11p until 7am. Customer Service Representatives no need to be tied to an office, as many are getting the chance to work at their homes.