Organizations count on a customer success manager (CSM) to do the important work of ensuring their products are serving the client base well. Your CSM resume should show you have the necessary skills to build lasting client relationships and maintain these profitable connections. This guide will show you how to write a resume highlighting your ability to create positive customer experiences while sustaining business growth.
Key takeaways:
Using a resume template can help you write an effective CSM resume. Your CSM resume should include these sections:
Provide your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your online professional profile. Ensure your contact information is current so potential employers can contact you for an interview.
Sarah Johnson
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
Boston, MA 12345
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Creating a compelling snapshot of your CSM career will capture the attention of hiring managers. Begin by listing your job title, years of experience, and three to four specializations that align with the job posting. In the following sentences, establish yourself as a committed professional in the field.
For example, if you have more than 10 years of experience managing customer support for membership-based companies, note this in your profile.
Customer success manager with more than 10 years of experience in membership-based businesses. Expert at managing challenging customer cases, problem-solving resolutions, and providing continual customer support. Analyzes data from customer relationship management (CRM) systems to improve service quality and internal processes.
Hard-working customer success manager with a proven track record for reducing case resolution times and elevating customer satisfaction ratings. Knowledge of multiple customer communication platforms. Known for diligent reporting and empathetic nature.
A success-driven professional experience section will demonstrate accomplishments achieved throughout your CSM career. Detail past responsibilities and show you can collaborate with cross-functional teams and de-escalate complex customer support inquiries. If you have limited experience in the customer support field, highlight internship experiences or previous job experiences in other industries where you supported companies’ customer service missions.
Customer Experience Director, DIY Members Club, Detroit, MI
May 2017 – present
Customer Support Representative, ABC Pest Control Services, Minneapolis, MN
March 2019 – May 2021
Use numbers and metrics to show the results you achieved in previous CSM roles. Provide context to your work history and give recruiters a better understanding of your scope and impact. You can demonstrate your value and potential by detailing employee recruitment and retention results. Also highlight your ability to drive employee engagement.
When applying for your first CSM role, you’ll need a solid strategy for your resume. Keep your focus on instances when you’ve interacted with customers, engaged in sales, or used similar products. Also, highlight the soft skills required for the job, such as cross-functional collaboration, navigating customer complaints, and working under pressure.
Describe times you’ve built customer relationships, closed sales, and followed up afterward. If you’ve had experience onboarding or training customers or even coworkers, mention that as well. By going into detail on the programs and applications you’ve used in previous jobs, you show you can handle things like point-of-sale systems, email, and customer loyalty software.
Start with your highest academic achievement at the top of the education section, providing the degree type, major, name of the institution, and graduation dates. If your major falls outside the realm of business, consider listing any coursework relevant to the job you’re applying for. Also, include any certifications that display you’ve invested in professional development. CRM software proficiency, customer success training, and industry-specific credentials can help you stand out.
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Arts, (B.A.), Marketing, December 2018
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Examples:
Salesforce Associate Certification, Trailhead, 2020
Certified Customer Success Manager (CCSM), SuccessCOACHING, 2016
Most organizations rely on some form of applicant tracking system (ATS) to identify qualified candidates for job openings. To get your resume through the initial screening process and into the hiring manager’s hands, incorporate keywords from the job description directly into your profile, professional experience, and skills section. Below, you’ll find a list of key terms and skills that you may encounter while applying for CSM positions:
Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
---|---|
Communication | Computer skills |
Conflict management | Critical thinking |
Customer experience (CX) | Empathy |
Interpersonal skills | Leadership |
Management | Negotiation |
Organization | Problem-solving |
Project management | Relationship management |
Teaching | Team-oriented |
Time management | Training |
Understanding |
Take a strategic approach with the words you use on your CSM resume. In the professional experience section of your resume, incorporate action verbs to communicate your job duties and accomplishments. Instead of listing responsibilities, start each bullet with an engaging verb that shows how you executed critical customer support tasks. Avoid using first-person language such as, “I was responsible for…” Following are some action verbs you can use to liven up your CSM resume.
Action Verbs | |
---|---|
Analyze | Collaborate |
Communicate | Empathize |
Lead | Listen |
Manage | Negotiate |
Organize | Prioritize |
Problem-solve | Respond |
Teach | Train |
Understand |
When selecting your CSM resume template, prioritize structure and readability over visual appeal. Avoid loud graphics and overbearing colors, and instead focus on a clean design that showcases your content in an organized way. Keep in mind, hiring managers will always be more interested in your achievements and qualifications than the style of your template.
Cameron Malfara
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
Minneapolis, MN 12345
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Hard-working customer success manager with a proven track record for reducing case resolution times and elevating customer satisfaction ratings. Knowledge of multiple customer communication platforms. Known for diligent reporting and empathetic nature.
Customer Success Manager, Apex Solutions, Minneapolis, MN
June 2020 – present
Customer Support Representative, ABC Pest Control Services, Minneapolis, MN
March 2019 – May 2021
Bachelor of Arts, (B.A.), Marketing, December 2018
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for customer service representatives are projected to decline by 5% from 2022 to 2032, more than average for most occupations. However, most large companies must employ customer service specialists that also offer sales support and you’ll find a range of job opportunities in diverse arenas.
To succeed in a highly competitive job market like this, you must align your resume with the job description to secure interviews for the most lucrative opportunities. Tailoring your document to individual job postings will significantly increase your chances of landing your next job opportunity.
For example, suppose a company is looking for a CSM who has a track record for developing customer support protocols that reduce response time. In this case, highlight your experience to show how you add value to organizations seeking this expertise.
Reverse chronological format is ideal for most resumes, including those for CSM professionals. This approach ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is featured at the top of your document. Even at the entry-level, avoid functional resume formats. If you lack hands-on experience, your resume will still be more effective if you highlight academic projects rather than only listing technical skills.
Your CSM resume should demonstrate your strong communication skills, organizational skills, conflict resolution, problem-solving capabilities, and any areas of expertise such as knowledge of various CRM platforms. Include hard and soft skills that show you are a well-rounded professional candidate.
Make your CSM resume stand out by highlighting achievements, demonstrating the value you bring to companies by incorporating numbers and data and using keywords that align with the job description. Begin with a compelling profile summary, detail your accomplishments in the professional experience section, list relevant skills, and include your education and certifications.
ResumeTemplates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.