Admin & Support
A call center representative handles high volumes of inbound or outbound calls, answering questions, resolving issues and meeting service targets. The role gives customers a first point of contact and directly shapes how they view the company.
Median pay
$44,770a year
Customer service representatives, U.S. BLS, May 2025
The role
Companies hire them ahead of seasonal peaks, product launches or open enrollment periods, or when call volume and wait times begin to exceed current staffing.
Typical responsibilities
Core skills
Tools and systems
Related titles
Typical background
Typically a high school diploma and six months to two years of phone-based customer service; contact center experience is preferred.
At a glance
The essentials for planning the hire: level, background, how you can hire and what the role typically pays.
Request talent
Share a few details and a administrative and support recruiter will be in touch. There is no obligation and no cost to talk.
What happens next
Request talent
Takes about two minutes. A specialist recruiter will call you back within one business day.
By submitting, you agree that RUS Recruiting may contact you about this request. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Send your resume once and a administrative and support recruiter will match you to call center representative roles that fit your experience, pay expectations and the way you want to work. We only put you forward for roles you have said yes to, and it is always free.
FAQ
Straight answers to the questions employers and candidates ask about this role.
Still have a question?
Talk to a recruiter about your role or your search. We reply within one business day.
A call center representative handles high volumes of inbound or outbound calls, answering questions, resolving issues and meeting service targets. The role gives customers a first point of contact and directly shapes how they view the company. Typical responsibilities include: answer inbound calls and place outbound calls following approved scripts and procedures; verify customer identity and pull up account details accurately; resolve complaints, billing questions and service requests during the call.
Look for active listening, typing speed, call handling, de-escalation, CRM data entry and multitasking. Experience with Five9, Genesys Cloud, NICE CXone, Salesforce Service Cloud and Zendesk is common in this role.
Yes. A call center representative is one of the roles employers most often hire on contract, for projects, busy periods, leave cover and vacancies. Contract-to-hire is also an option if you want to work together before making a permanent offer.
Both models work. Remote agents widen the talent pool and help cover extended hours, but require reliable home internet, a quiet workspace and secure systems. On-site suits training-heavy launches and tightly supervised teams. Decide based on your security needs, coaching style and shift coverage.
Yes. Inbound work centers on service and problem solving, while outbound calling, such as collections, appointment setting or surveys, adds resilience to rejection and script adherence. Candidates move between the two, but matching the experience to your call type shortens ramp-up and can reduce early turnover.
Related roles
Every role in the practice is recruited by the same specialist team.
