Without a doubt, BPO's are probably one of the biggest provider of jobs in our country. Thousands of applicants turn to call centers with hopes of higher than the usual salary and a five-day work week. It's true call centers provide this and more. By experience, I know for a fact that they offer more benefits than most jobs advertised. HMO, overtime pay, night differential, bonuses, commissions, insurance, etc. The package is complete!
The business of call centers in recruitment alone is already so huge that there are plenty of companies offering services to train to become a call center agent. A lot of people are given the impression that getting a job in a call center is hard. Come application or interview day, some applicants become so nervous and think that those who are experienced or got trained in advance have an edge already and it would be too hard for them to get accepted. What happens is that even if an applicant passes the written or computer-based exam, when it's time for their speaking skills to be evaluated, they stutter and sometimes just completely shut up.
I think that getting a job in a call center is quite easy. If you practice and try to follow my tips, I can guarantee you'll get that job offer instantly! I've been in that industry for over four years in four very different companies so I can guarantee that the information I'm about to say is true. Before I continue, I would like to make it clear that even if I believe that self confidence is the key, make sure you know at least the basic skills required. Practice speaking English out loud. If you can, try speaking ONLY the English language at least 24 hours before your interview. There are IQ tests online, try taking those tests. If you type slow, go to one of my favorite websites for practice: http://typingtest.com. Believe it or not, I've seen people who apply in call centers without knowing basic computer skills, especially the Internet. You must at least know how to access an e-mail account or Google information. If not, then learn it first.
This may be hard to believe but some call centers are not so critical about English speaking skills. I met so many people in this industry with "just okay" English speaking skills. Writing skills even worse. What almost everyone has in common is conversational English skills. Most call centers provide lengthy trainings and it's almost impossible for a normal person not to be able to learn. What I'm trying to point out is, even if an ad says that a call center is looking for someone with exceptional English speaking skills and you don't think your exceptional, apply anyway. For as long as you show confidence in your interview, you'll make it. Not arrogance but confidence.
If you think that working in a call center is hard, it is in some ways. The recruitment staff are experts and will be able to determine on what level you can work. You will be trained. Think of it this way: you have a new mobile phone, a different brand from your old one. First day you have it, even sending SMS is just too hard. Next day, you're using it like a pro. Weeks passed, you can operate your phone even without looking at it! That's just how it goes. Let me tell you that when training starts and when you begin taking calls or calling out, you and your colleagues who started with the company at the same time are all equal. You all share the same knowledge that was taught in training. Account-sensitive information are not taught in any call center school at all! You only have access to that information once you are in production training.
Same goes for other jobs as well. My first month working in a hotel was difficult. I didn't even want to talk to guests because I might say something wrong. On my second month, I was working on my own. Third month, I was an expert!
I'm writing about this because it's common knowledge that the unemployment rate in the Philippines is high. However, if you check on job ad sites and Sunday newspapers, thousands if not millions of jobs are available. Working in a call center has improved millions of lives and provided enough, sometimes even more than enough income for a family. Some call centers do not even require a degree, a high school diploma is fine. Some people just don't even try applying thinking they are under-qualified. There is no harm in trying. Just do it! You'll never know unless you try. And if you try, give it your best shot! If you fail the first time, there are plenty more companies where you can apply. Just keep on trying!
So I say to you: Keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you. Luke 11:9 (International Standard Version)
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