Other Customer and Information Services Representatives

(NOC 6552)

in All Sales and Service

Customer and information services representatives answer enquiries and provide information regarding an establishment's goods, services and policies and provide customer services such as receiving payments and processing requests for services. They are employed by retail establishments, contact centres, insurance, telecommunications and utility companies and other establishments throughout the private and public sectors.

Job Outlook

Average

Estimate decline employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 105 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2016

Compared to: All Sales and Service

Estimate Decline slightly employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 5260 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2016

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Other Customer and Information Services Representatives most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.

The median employment income for 54% of Other Customer and Information Services Representatives who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $31,557. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

$11.55

Minimum

$14.00

Median

$21.83

Maximum

Annual Pay

$4,676

Minimum

$23,232

Median

$46,630

Maximum

Compared to: All Sales and Service

Hourly Pay

$11.55

Minimum

$12.50

Median

$21.17

Maximum

Annual Pay

$2,949

Minimum

$16,629

Median

$45,086

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

The following is a summary of main duties for some jobs in this group:

Customer service representatives in retail establishments answer, in person or on the phone, enquiries from customers and investigate complaints regarding the establishment's goods, services and policies; arrange for refunds, exchange and credit for returned merchandise; receive account payments; and receive credit and employment applications.
Contact centre agents take customer orders for goods or services; promote goods or services; respond to enquiries and emergencies; investigate complaints and update accounts.
Customer service representatives in insurance, telephone, utility and similar companies explain the type and cost of services offered; order services; provide information about claims or accounts; update accounts; initiate billing and process claim payments; and receive payment for services.
Information services representatives provide information to customers and the public concerning goods, services, schedules, rates, regulations and policies in response to telephone and in-person enquiries.

Sample job titles

call centre agent - customer service
contact centre agent - customer service
customer relations clerk
customer service agent
customer service representative - call centre
information resource specialist
kiosk information clerk
public relations clerk
service adviser
tourist information officer

Skills

Good communication and interpersonal skills are important, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to continually changing equipment and software. You should also be cooperative and able to work as part of a team.

Job requirements

Completion of high school is usually required.
Completion of some college or other post-secondary programs may be required.

Other considerations

The widespread application of computer technology to the duties performed by many customer service and information clerks means that a solid foundation in computer skills is often necessary for entry into these jobs. Clerical or sales experience may be required. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

5,935

employed in 2016

82.1%

employed full-time

0.7%

self employed

65.1%

34.9%

37.9

median age

Compared to: All Sales and Service

102,605

employed in 2016

59.4%

employed full-time

6.2%

self employed

60.1%

39.9%

median age

Where will I likely work?

54.4%

Halifax

17.3%

Cape Breton

10.8%

Northern

8.8%

Southern

8.6%

Annapolis Valley

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

Northern

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

39.3%

Management, Admin & Other Support

16.6%

Retail Trade

6.6%

Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing

6.1%

Public Administration

6.0%

Wholesale Trade

What is the age of Employment?

23.1%

35-44

23.1%

25-34

20.6%

45-54

17.0%

15-24

13.0%

55-64

2.9%

65+

Compared to: All Sales and Service

35.7%

25-34

28.6%

35-44

21.4%

55-64

Top levels of education

40.4%

High school

$25,638 median annual income

29.1%

College certificate or diploma

$28,820 median annual income

12.8%

Bachelor's degree

$27,126 median annual income

8.2%

Less than high school

$16,494 median annual income

5.1%

Trades certificate

$28,866 median annual income

Compared to: All Sales and Service

40.4%

High school

$12,982 median annual income

19.9%

College certificate or diploma

$19,514 median annual income

18.8%

Less than high school

$9,486 median annual income

10.0%

Bachelor's degree

$20,807 median annual income

8.0%

Trades certificate

$18,797 median annual income

Education & training

Accounting technology/technician and bookkeeping

This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.

This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to provide technical administrative support to professional accountants and other financial management personnel. These programs include courses in posting transactions to accounts, record-keeping systems, accounting software operation, and general accounting principles and practices.

Institutions providing this program

Maritime Business College - Dartmouth

45 Ochterloney Street, Suite 100

Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6

(902) 463-6700

admissions@maritimebusinesscollege.ca

Website

Eastern College - Halifax

6940 Mumford Road, Suite 111

Halifax, NS B3L 0B7

(902) 423-3933

Website