Financial services customer advisors work in contact centres handling enquiries by telephone, email, and other digital means for the financial services industry.
Who can I work for?
You could work for high street and online banks, and credit, insurance, pensions and investment companies.
Where and when can I work?
Evening and weekend shift work is common, as contact centres are often open in the evening and at weekends. Part-time hours and temporary contracts are widely available.
What can I earn?
The starting salary for a financial services customer advisor is anywhere between £12,000 and £18,000 a year. You could look to earn around £30,000 in supervisory and managerial positions.
What are the benefits?
You may earn commission if you are required to sell products, such as life insurance, as part of your role. You could also enjoy subsidised mortgages, loans, pensions, shares and insurance.
Are there chances of promotion?
With experience, you could progress to become a team leader, supervisor or manager. You could also specialise in a particular area, such as mortgages, and go on to further training in that discipline.
What will I be responsible for?
You will be processing payments and withdrawals, answering customer questions, maintaining accurate records, promoting financial products and services, handling complaints or escalating them to senior staff members plus handling administrative processes.
Do I need any experience?
It's extremely useful to have computer skills and experience of customer service, cash handling or office work.
Employers will usually ask for a good standard of general education, and good GCSE grades including English and maths are an advantage.
What attributes are needed?
Excellent communication, computer and numeracy skills plus the ability to stay calm under pressure is beneficial. You will also need to demonstrate a keen eye for detail and the ability to work to targets and deadlines.