Devoted to customer service and the principles of exceptional customer services

In this week's issue of Business Week, there's a little blurb stating that 27% of undergraduates say "contributing to society" is a top career goal.   I feel a sense of relief that today's youth is still thinking about how they can make a difference in other people's lives instead of just making tons of money and dominating the business world.  Not to say that those aren't good goals to go after, but there is more to life than just "making money". 

I know that some college students look for jobs related to customer service because those jobs are fairly simple to acquire.  Jobs in fast-food chains or at the mall are disposable. They seek jobs because they just "need the money" and most employers just need someone to do a task they think is easy.

Most of the time employers don't think about how a potential hire is going to contribute to the business in terms of providing excellent service.  They ask the interviewee what their definition of customer service is and just because the interviewee says, "Helping people", this confirms that they know what they're doing.  When in actuality the candidate in question simply just "needs a job".   

So, if you're a person looking for a customer service position, ask yourself, "Am I applying for this position because "it's easy and I need the money"?  I ask you to take a hard look at your life and your  values. Decide how taking this position is going to benefit you in the long run and what you think you can contribute to this business and to the customers that support this business.    Do you really want to invest in others?  Are you happy?  Do you want to contribute and help make this business successful? I've addressed these questions here before.

If you're an employer looking for someone to fill that customer service position, I recommend that you take your time in finding the right candidate.  When I was a manager I oftentimes "freaked out" when someone put in their two week notice and felt the need to find a replacement for that position.  I rushed the process and would interview just a handleful of candidates instead of being patient and waiting for that one ideal candidate.  Find someone who is happy, has a passion for your business, and is genuine about helping people.  Hire someone who says that they want to "contribute to society"...