Some Questions before Applying For Call Center Agent!  

Hi Yaseen! I'm a call center specialist. I'm not an agent at all. My job is to give trainings for newly hired trainees.
Applying for a call center agent is not actually as difficult as can be. This is what we call the core competencies for applicants. Vacancies are always open. Because call centers hire continuously because employees can easily come and go.
Students are welcome to apply but with at least second year in college for the equivalent of high school grad for US based companies or BPO contact center companies.
When it come to nature, of course, computers and phones are associated as always. But the mechanics of the work depends to the account that you will apply for or it is also depends to what account your qualifications are qualified for.
There are actually lots of accounts. And different accounts have different departments.
There are also different types of agent position. Most common agent positions are outbound, inbound, technical support and what they usually call as the DDS or domestic directory assistance, which is the easiest agent position ever.
Yes, some call centers offer high salary. Plus bonuses and commission. And I guess the people who are easily gets bored with their job, because they need to do the usual procedure everyday and see the same environment as always. No holidays at all. I guess those are the people that's easily dissatisfied with their jobs and just easily leave it. But for people like me who love what I do and likes my work very much including the benefits that I can get, I can stay forever and let my career bloom in it and by it.
For the interviews, as always, just a tip,(but it's still depends to the company on how they will conduct their interview) some companies usually do the regular type of interview which is asking or telling some thing about yourself and the hypothetical questions. Difficulties depends to the interviewee. If the applicant finds the interview difficult, maybe the position he or she applied for is not for his or her qualifications. But for some companies, if the interviewer sees a potential for the applicant, they give chance to them. And some companies actually have trainings that are for free. They even have allowances for their trainees.
When applying for a call center agent, it's not necessary to have or must have finished a training course for call center agents. But you have at least to speak in neutral English. Your speech, intonation and grammars are a must.

I hope these tips can help you in what way or how :)
Don't hesitate to ask if you still have more questions or if you doubt to something with regards to applying in a call center industry :)

Happy Mylotting!

Regarding the satisfaction of the agents on their job depends mainly on the salary if they are highly paid for taking in calls, or if the account itself is very interesting and they don't find it boring, or maybe because of circle of friends that they have in the workplace. I came from an account about mobile phones, I deal with technical data and other stuffs which are beyond my league so I decided to leave the company. But I transferred to an airline account which I find very interesting and the friends I met there are nice, so I can consider that as a factor why agents stay on the company.

Regarding interview, it varies of course. You will be given a training before actually taking calls. Training is the most exciting part so make the most of it. A piece of advice, be strong, flexible, and emotionally prepared. Prayers always work for me.

I've undergone the TESDA call center training three years ago. The reason I took the short term course was just for fun and it's free anyway plus, TESDA provided us with 60 pesos per day as allowance. The training lasted for 2 weeks and thats 6 whole days a week. I had a lot of fun, the trainer even taught us how to handle job interviews. After the training, each of us submitted like 5 copies of our resume's and they were the one's who looked for a call center for us to work. I also had fun with my first job interview (callbox Iloilo), I never thought I could be so random and good at it! The question that I really liked was "what are you going to do with your first pay check?" I said I would feed the poor, and the interviewer was like: are you serious?? And on the last part where she needed to ask me If I have any questions, of course I said no but she insisted and gave me 10 seconds to think of any questions. And so, I asked her if she's married because seriously she's cute. I even told her how beautiful she was. I think that helped me pass the interview. Thats it...

It is true that the call center industry is one of the highly paid. In terms of being satisfied, it would depend on the person's sense of satisfaction. And therefore it would depend on how you will fit in. There are times that I would say that this job may not be for you. The interview may seem difficult depending on your capability because this will be oral and therefore this will test your oral communication skills which is part of the qualifications if noticed on the newspapers ads.

The things that I can advise you is that you really have to be a natural English speaker even though English is your second language, you should be able to think and respond immediately just like you are speaking your native language. I could tell by the way you formulate your words you would never have any difficulty at all. Second thing is you should have to be honest and confident. The things that they will ask you are the things written in your curriculum vitae. They will also try to know if your previous jobs would have any customer service or sales experience. They will also test how patient you are in difficult customers.
Some call centers would also test your computer skills because this is main tool that you are going to use for call center jobs. If you pass all of these then you are most likely to be chosen for the position.

Yes it will require trainings before they endorse you to the production floor to take live calls. you will have to master the product and you will also undergo accent and conversation trainings.

If you are already taking calls and you are consistent in receiving high grades then you will get promoted after a few months.

Good luck!

Hi,

Good afternoon !!

Let me share with you my experience working in the bank call centre.
I was there for 3 years and worked in 2 different banks in Singapore.

Not an easy job,but quite interesting and fun and you get to know more
people and interact with different level of people everyday.

Pay - The pay is definitely good and after over the 3 months probation period, will get some increment for the fixed salary. With monthly allowance and bonus.
If you were to work in the bank, the staff benefit is good(in term of annual leave,sick leave,claim for transportation fee ,claim of medical expenses,etc).

Interview for the job - It is depend on the position that you are applying for.
Of course, you need to tell your working experience and also about yourself.
The interviewer might ask you why you apply for this post and what is your interest
toward this job. How will you be handling some nasty customers on phone.
This might be some basic questiones can be asked for the interviewer.
You also must speak fluent in English,the grammer,intonation has to be right.

Training - a training will be given after you are chosen as the staff.
For me, I was in training for about 3-4 weeks before going to the job.I was trained on the computer system,how to use all the function,the technique to handle
customers,how to start the conversation while picking up the calls,how to verify customers,what to 'say' and 'not to say' in the calls,and also training on the banks products.
During the training, I would get my fixed pay as per normal.
During the training, I will have a role play with the team mates and the trainer and I have to pretend to be a customer and also an officer.Very good practice and it definitely give me a confidence to start my work after the training.

You might get nervous at first,but as time pastby, you will get used to it and not a big deal anymore.

If you are performing good everyday and always in the HIGH performance portfolio,you may be promoted to upper level if there is an opportunity comes out.

Do trust yourself and your capability,you sure can do it.
Good luck!!

For your info, there is always a call evalution going on every month to see your performance throught your working day. This valuation will be done by your team manager and yourself,You will be listening to one of your call and the manager will give a comment on it.It is kinda of encouragement and also to upgrade your skills.

being in a call center industry, its not usual job that you will have. But what is important is that you will have a JOB, right. Now, all you need to know is some background of the company.And during the interview, no better preparation is just BE YOURSELF..Just answer straight and sensible..Well, call center training is advantage but not necessary..Anyways when you'll be hired, there will be a series of trainings.And there, it will enhance your English communication and some other trainings too. What's fun is that you train by wave and you will have set of new friends..Enjoy each training and aim high on every performances that will be given to you.. Good Luck...

The interview is difficult but you can do it. As long as you are confident to answer their question, you can be considered. Now for the training, you don't need to pass a special training to be get the job. But once you are accepted as an employee already, that's the time that you will undergo training.