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Customer Relations Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Competencies: * Serving Customers. * Prioritizing and Organizing. * Supporting Coworkers ... Associate's degree. * 1 - 3 years of relevant experience. Preferred Education and Experience:

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Customer Relations Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$24.2K

$45.6K

$64.9K

How much do customer relations associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for customer relations associate in Illinois is $45,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,800.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a customer relations associate?

Customer Relations Associates are professionals responsible for interacting with customers to address their inquiries, resolve issues, and ensure a positive experience with a company’s products or services. They often handle customer complaints, provide product information, and process orders or returns. Their primary goal is to build strong relationships with customers, fostering loyalty and satisfaction. Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and patience are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a customer relations associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Customer Relations Associate, you need strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, phone systems, and basic office software is commonly required. Exceptional communication, patience, and a positive attitude help you engage effectively with customers and resolve issues. These skills are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and representing the company professionally.

What are some common challenges faced by customer relations associates, and how can they be effectively managed?

Customer Relations Associates often handle high volumes of inquiries and must resolve diverse customer concerns efficiently. Managing difficult or upset customers can be challenging, but developing strong communication skills and maintaining patience are key. Collaborating with other departments, such as sales or technical support, is essential for providing accurate solutions. Regular training and feedback help associates stay updated on products and improve their problem-solving abilities, ensuring a positive customer experience.

What is the difference between Customer Relations Associate vs Customer Service Representative?

AspectCustomer Relations AssociateCustomer Service Representative
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer customer service or communication certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often no specific certifications required
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, client-facing roles, sometimes remoteCall centers, retail, office environments, remote options
Employer & Industry UsageRetail, hospitality, financial services, healthcareRetail, telecommunications, banking, tech support
Common Search & ComparisonCustomer Relations AssociateCustomer Service Representative

The main difference between a Customer Relations Associate and a Customer Service Representative lies in their focus. Customer Relations Associates typically handle more relationship-building tasks, managing ongoing client accounts and addressing complex issues. Customer Service Representatives often focus on resolving immediate customer inquiries and providing support. Both roles require strong communication skills and customer-focused credentials, but the Customer Relations Associate role emphasizes long-term relationship management within various industries.

Is a Customer Relations Associate an entry level job?

Customer Relations Associate positions are often considered entry-level roles that require strong communication and customer service skills. They typically do not require extensive prior experience and may offer on-the-job training, making them accessible to recent graduates or those new to the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Customer Relations jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Customer Relations jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Customer Relations Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Customer Relations Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Customer Relations Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,630 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Full-Time Seasonal Customer Relations Specialist

1-800-Flowers Family of Brands

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Join Our Seasonal Team!
We're currently building our talent pipeline for Full-Time Seasonal Customer Relations Specialists! If you enjoy helping customers, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are looking for a rewarding seasonal opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
As a Seasonal Customer Relations Specialist, you'll be the front line of the customer experience, providing exceptional support through phone, email, and live chat while helping customers with orders, product questions, billing inquiries, and issue resolution. You'll play a vital role in delivering outstanding service during our busiest season.
This is a full-time, seasonal, on-site opportunity with a starting pay of $17.00 per hour.
If you're interested in joining our team and making a difference for our customers, we encourage you to apply today!
Position Overview
The Seasonal Customer Relations Specialist serves as the front line of the customer experience, delivering timely, accurate, and empathetic support across phone, email, and live chat channels. This role is responsible for resolving customer inquiries, processing orders, and addressing service-related concerns while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and brand representation.
This position plays a critical role in protecting the customer experience during peak seasons by balancing speed, quality, and accuracy in a high-volume contact center environment.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Support & Issue Resolution
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for customer inquiries across phone, email, and live chat channels.
  • Resolve customer concerns related to orders, billing, product issues, and service experience.
  • De-escalate customer concerns and escalate complex or sensitive issues appropriately.
  • Troubleshoot basic technical issues, including online order placement and password resets.

Order Management & Transactions
  • Process customer orders in compliance with PCI regulations.
  • Modify, cancel, or reship orders as needed.
  • Issue refunds, credits, and billing adjustments in accordance with company policies.
  • Process returns and initiate shipping claims for lost or damaged items.

Customer Experience & Brand Representation
  • Deliver a positive, engaging, and solution-oriented customer experience.
  • Serve as a product and brand ambassador by providing accurate product and promotional information.
  • Review and moderate customer feedback and product reviews, escalating trends when necessary.
  • Support customer follow-up and communication related to claim resolutions.

Documentation & Operational Support
  • Accurately document customer interactions, including inquiries, complaints, and resolutions.
  • Maintain customer account information and ensure data integrity.
  • Support Address Verification System (AVS) and fraud-prevention processes as required.
  • Stay current on product updates, promotions, and operational procedures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Operations, Merchandising, Customer Relations, and other internal teams to resolve customer issues.
  • Escalate recurring customer concerns or operational trends impacting the customer experience.
  • Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Associate degree preferred.
  • Minimum of two years of customer service experience required.
  • Call center or contact center experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Professional phone presence and a customer-first mindset.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Effective problem-solving, de-escalation, and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and general computer systems.
  • Ability to quickly learn new systems, processes, products, and procedures.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism when handling sensitive or challenging customer concerns.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish.
  • Previous e-commerce or online shopping experience.
  • Experience supporting customers through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat.
  • Experience processing orders, refunds, credits, returns, or shipping claims.

Work Environment and Schedule
  • This is an on-site position and is not remote.
  • Full-time seasonal schedule.
  • Flexibility is required to support peak business periods.
  • Candidates must be available to work overtime, evenings, and weekends as business needs require.
  • Consistent and reliable attendance is required.

Compensation
The starting pay for this position is $17.00 per hour. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and other factors permitted by law.