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Customer Relations Trainee Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Cary Company

Leadership Trainee

Addison, IL · On-site

Customer Relations (4-5 months): Engage directly with customers, understand their needs, and ensure satisfaction. * Inside Sales (2-3 months): Learn sales strategies, build client relationships, and ...

The Cary Company

Leadership Trainee

Addison, IL · On-site

Customer Relations (4-5 months): Engage directly with customers, understand their needs, and ensure satisfaction. * Inside Sales (2-3 months): Learn sales strategies, build client relationships, and ...

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Customer Relations Trainee information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$23

$42

How much do customer relations trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for customer relations trainee in Chicago, IL is $23.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $26.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a customer relations trainee?

Customer Relations Trainees are entry-level professionals who learn how to interact with customers, resolve their concerns, and ensure customer satisfaction. They typically undergo training in communication, conflict resolution, and company policies while working closely with experienced customer service staff. The goal is to prepare them for roles such as Customer Relations Representative or Customer Service Associate, where they will manage customer inquiries and help build positive relationships between the company and its clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a customer relations trainee?

To thrive as a Customer Relations Trainee, you need strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software and basic office applications is typically required. Active listening, patience, and a positive attitude help trainees excel in building rapport and resolving customer issues. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering excellent service and fostering long-term customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by customer relations trainees, and how can they be overcome?

Customer Relations Trainees often encounter challenges such as handling difficult customer interactions, learning to balance empathy with company policies, and quickly adapting to a fast-paced work environment. Overcoming these challenges typically involves active listening, seeking guidance from experienced team members, and practicing conflict resolution techniques. Many organizations provide mentorship and structured training programs to help trainees build confidence and develop the communication skills necessary for success in the role.

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

AspectCustomer Relations TraineeCustomer Service Representative
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer ongoing educationHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training provided
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, entry-level settings, supervised environmentCustomer support centers, retail, call centers
Employer & Industry UsageInternship or training programs in various industriesCustomer support roles across multiple sectors
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level training roles in customer relationsSeeking direct customer support jobs

The main difference is that a Customer Relations Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and development within customer relations, often part of a structured program. In contrast, a Customer Service Representative is a more established role responsible for handling customer inquiries and support on a daily basis. The trainee role emphasizes learning and skill-building, while the representative role involves direct customer interaction and problem-solving.

Is customer relations a stressful job?

Customer relations roles can be stressful due to handling difficult customer interactions, meeting performance targets, and managing high call volumes. Success often depends on strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Is customer relations trainee an entry level job?

Yes, a customer relations trainee position is typically an entry-level role that requires minimal prior experience. It often involves on-the-job training and developing skills in communication, customer service, and problem-solving. These roles are suitable for individuals starting their careers in customer relations or related fields.

What does a customer relations trainee do?

A customer relations trainee assists in managing customer interactions, addressing inquiries, resolving complaints, and providing information about products or services. They often learn communication skills, use customer management software, and work under supervision to develop their understanding of customer service processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Customer Relations jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Customer Relations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Customer Relations Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customer Relations Trainee job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,853 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Leadership Trainee

Addison, IL • On-site

The Cary Company
Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about The Cary Companyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Future Leadership Program - Leadership Trainee
Location: Addison, IL
Program Duration: Comprehensive rotational program (details below)
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Company-Funded Profit Sharing, Short-Term Incentive Plan, Childcare Reimbursement, and moreAbout The Cary Company
The Cary Company is a forward-thinking industrial distribution company committed to excellence in customer experience, innovation, and employee development. Our culture is built on collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. We strive to create an environment where employees can thrive and contribute to our mission of providing exceptional products and services.Position Overview
Join our Future Leadership Program as a Leadership Trainee and gain hands-on experience across core areas of our business. This immersive program is designed to build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in management. If you're motivated, organized, and eager to grow, this is your opportunity to lead.Rotational Assignments
  • Customer Relations (4-5 months): Engage directly with customers, understand their needs, and ensure satisfaction.
  • Inside Sales (2-3 months): Learn sales strategies, build client relationships, and contribute to revenue goals.
  • Quality Assurance (1-2 months): Manage cases and ensure compliance with quality standards.
  • Logistics (1-2 months): Gain experience in supply chain management, inventory, and shipping processes.
  • Purchasing (1-2 months): Assist in procurement, supplier negotiations, and inventory optimization.
  • Warehouse Administration (1 month): Learn operational aspects of order fulfillment and inventory control.
  • Additional Options: Accounting, Finance, and Marketing rotations available based on background/skillset.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Strong academic background with a high GPA
  • Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills
  • Professional demeanor and collaborative attitude
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Passion for learning and leadership development
Career Path & Growth
Upon completion, you'll be prepared for leadership roles such as:
  • Sales Team Lead/Manager
  • Customer Relations Lead/Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Purchasing Manager
  • Product Management
  • Staff Accounting/Financial Analyst
  • Technical Marketing

Ongoing opportunities for professional development and advancement with a strengths-based approach.Perks & Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life and Supplemental Insurance
  • Short-Term Incentive Plan
  • Company-Funded Profit Sharing
  • HRA & Cafeteria Plan
  • Seasonal Company-Sponsored Events
  • Work/Life Balance Initiatives
  • Childcare Reimbursement Program
  • 9/80 Scheduling Option (after 1 year)
About Us
  • Established in 1895
  • Grew from 30 employees in 2005 to over 240 today
  • Locations: Addison, IL (HQ), Indianapolis, IN, Pittsburgh, PA, Salt Lake City, UT, Jurupa Valley, CA, Livermore, CA, Charlotte, NC
  • Distribute rigid packaging products and industrial filtration
  • Recently renovated corporate office/warehouse in Addison
  • Privately owned, focused on autonomy, connectedness, and confidence in your role
Culture Highlights
  • Strengths-based approach to leverage what employees enjoy and excel at
  • 2-4 structured one-on-one meetings per year (replaces traditional performance reviews)
  • Mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders
  • Committees: Culture Committee and Cary Cares
  • Fun Fridays, Weekly Yoga, and other events (check out our Facebook page!)
  • Core Values: Growth, Positivity, Customer Driven, Spirited Work Ethic, In This Together
  • People who thrive here are positive, open-minded, curious, customer-focused, and supportive of co-workers

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