How to really be qualified as a call center agent in the Philippines?

@mayrah (1144)
United States
December 26, 2010 2:41am CST
I just admired those people who have worked as a call center agent. I wonder how excellent they are in English communication. I just want to ask, is it really that hard to be qualified as a call center agent? I wanted to apply for that position but I'm scared to try and failed. So I want to be prepared first before applying because most call center offer one day hiring process. Is a call center really a high paying job here in the Philippines? Can you give me some tips on how to be successful in applying for a call center job. I admit I'm not fluent in English communication but I'm willing to try and learn.
8 responses
@ansi09 (151)
• Tunisia
26 Dec 10
It's not that hard mayrah, my friend used to work in one of those call center, & his spoken english is not that good,LOL, i don't know about you there in philippine. But as long as you can speak english, understand anyone that speaks english, that's what matters, you don't have t master the english accent. Rule number one when dealing with a foreign speaking person is to understand him & communicate with him. From what i saw in your writings, your english is pretty good. Go ahead Mayrah, don't be afraid, you are not going to loose anything, may be you are better than some who actually work in that call center right now. I was scared like you before i actually speak to a friend in the usa, i started talking to her, i understood her very well & she said she can understand all what i was saying.
@mayrah (1144)
• United States
29 Dec 10
Oh really, thank you for encouragement, right now I am viewing English films and reading English pocket books. My problem is my speaking skills since, here in my place it's very unusual to speak English during day to day conversation.
• United States
26 Dec 10
I think you have to adapt to the accent of the country that the call center is providing service in. In America you have the American accent though maybe it isn't as important as idioms because that is where people get lost in conversations on the phone. Idioms in every country is different so you must learn those as well. I'm just speculating, I'm not a call center agent.
@mayrah (1144)
• United States
29 Dec 10
Yes, I agree with you and most of them are providing service in US.
• United States
29 Dec 10
You should also speak or talk to someone in English. The more you use it the more it becomes much easier for you to speak. Try to strike a conversation with a friend. Don't be shy if you are.
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
27 Dec 10
i don't know about Philippines... but it is not that difficult to work as a call center agent here in Australia... just try to apply for the job and do not be scared... i don't think that there is anything wrong with your english... from our post, i think your english is perfectly fine... so just go for it and try your best... you have nothing to lose anyway by trying... good luck... take care and have a nice day...
@brew2x (3094)
• Philippines
30 Dec 10
Hi mayrah! Don't be scared to try and don't give up if ever you fail the first time. You don't have to be excellent (though that would be a plus) in English communication, there is a training when you get through anyway. As long as you can explain your thoughts well and you can speak English clearly then there will be a good chance that you will get hired. Goodluck to you!
@syoti20 (5293)
• Philippines
27 Dec 10
Tip you should know about: 1. Reached College Degree 2. Know how to speak English, accent is a plus. 3. Computer Literate.
• Philippines
27 Dec 10
Fluency is not the main key to be hired in a call center company, what's important is your understanding not your pronunciation (it's just a plus factor) because eventually you will learn it on the job. I worked in a call center for 8 months, I'm not fluent, just confident so long as you understand and can express your thought in an understandable english manner, you're good to go.
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
27 Dec 10
I have a lot of friends who are working in a call center and trust me not all of them are best speakers. Don't be scared there will be training for everyone in order for you to learn and adapt the accent and enhance your ability to speak English.... Watch a lot of English movies, practice a lot, you can do this even if you are alone.... I know you can do it, just practice and be confident.... I heard that a lot of them received good amount of salary and take note, don't be scared to fail....you can always try again!
@asliah (11137)
• Philippines
26 Dec 10
hi, i applied some call center company 3 years ago, and they only hired those who can speak English fluently and with accent.