Call centers are significant employers in the modern job market.If you want to be a successful call center agent, there are some basic people skills you need to know.You can get a call center job if you practice being calm and patient, learn the alphabet, and are good at multi-tasking.To get the job, you need to practice for the interview, write a great cover letter, and learn about the company.You can get yourself ready to be a great candidate in the meantime by searching the job boards and applying.
Step 1: Practice being patient.
People don't want to be on the phone with you, that's one of the stressors of call center work.They want the problem to be solved quickly.They might feel intruded upon if you called them.To prepare for call center work, you must be patient with the most difficult people.You will need to reduce these tendencies quickly if you are prone to hurrying people along.Don't interrupt people in your daily conversations.Even if they take too long, always finish what they are saying.Take deep breaths when you are having a misunderstanding with someone and remind yourself to stay calm.
Step 2: The alphabet can be learned.
NATO designed the ABC's code which designates a word for each letter of the alphabet.You will often speak to people with different accents.It is hard to hear calls where the connection has static.If you are unsure of what you hear, use the phonetic alphabet to double check.This is a good place to start since memorization skills are helpful.If possible, learn both the standard and the variations of the alphabet.A simple graph listing all of the code letters is what an internet search for "phonetic alphabet" will return.Since they have similar sounds, you might not know if they said B or P.You can ask, "Is that B in the show?" which will clear things up.
Step 3: You have to be proficient at multi-tasking.
While working on the computer, call center jobs usually involve speaking to the caller.Your mind needs to be sharp at thinking through multiple processes at the same time.When a person asks for information, you need to figure out what to tell them and find the information on your computer.Start thinking more than one thing at a time.Try to listen to someone talk through headphones, while also searching the internet for something completely different.You have to listen and read the information at the same time.
Step 4: You should be available.
Depending on the company, you may be asked to work nights, weekends, and even holidays when the call center is open.Your non-work schedule needs to be flexible to account for the hours you may have to work.You don't want to lie about your schedule when applying or interviewing, but you need to be flexible about when you are willing to work.Someone who only works a regular 9-5 shift may be less likely to be hired than someone who is willing to work nights.You should make an honest assessment of your willingness and ability to work hours.Don't say you are able to be awake at night.
Step 5: Call center jobs are available.
A call center is a possibility for almost any company with a customer service number.Call centers are used by phone companies.You can check the job listings on their website if you were interested in the company.You can look at job board sites like Indeed or Monster which will give you many options.Callcenterjobs.com has listings by location and job category.You wouldn't have to commute to get to work if you worked from home.Salt Lake City, Utah, and San Antonio, Texas have a lot of call center employees.Most states have a few call centers.
Step 6: You should write a cover letter.
A cover letter is a great way to make a positive first impression, since call center jobs are very people oriented and require strong communication skills.It's good to highlight the skills and experiences you have that make you a good fit, since call centers may not require experience specifically in a call center.Point out the skills you have been honing, such as patience, efficiency in fulfilling multiple tasks at once, and solving problems quickly.Don't be afraid to talk yourself up, while being honest, as cover letters are all about selling yourself as the best candidate for the job.Think of the jobs you have held so far and highlight the skills from those that would translate well to the call center model.Specific skills you have working with computers or customer service can be mentioned.Make sure to look over the cover letter a few times and edit it thoroughly to make sure there are no errors.A friend can check it out to see if you missed anything.
Step 7: Practice for the interview.
In general, interviews may be done over the phone or in person, and given the aspect of call centers, a phone interview is likely.When you are asked about yourself, you should know the information from your cover letter.Communication is the most important aspect.The interviewer will be able to understand you if you speak clearly.Think of good answers to interview questions.You can answer the interview questions by saying, "I enjoy meeting new people and typically find it easy to talk with strangers."I am weak in the area of learning quickly, but good at remembering what I have learned.I help people figure out their problems by talking to them.
Step 8: You can learn about the company.
Before you meet with someone who may decide whether or not to hire you, do some research into the company and what they do.Sometimes a criminal may run a call center to cheat others, but it would be hard to be sure if you were working for someone like that.It is important that you have a good foundation of knowledge about the company you want to work for.If they sell products, learn about the specifications.Find out what the customers have purchased if they run customer service.This knowledge will allow you to understand what calls your job requires.
Step 9: Ask if there are chances for advancement.
One of the benefits of working in a call center is that you can advance beyond the frontlines of phone calls.If you stay with the company long enough, you may be able to earn more and move into positions of authority if you establish a strong track record of high quality and efficient calls.When interviewing, it is a good idea to ask what advancement opportunities are available because this will show that you value commitment to the company.You can make a stronger case for yourself as a candidate if you tell the hiring person that you want to stay with the company long-term and work your way up the ranks.
Step 10: You should follow up after applying or interviewing.
This kind of job is likely to have a lot of applicants and people who get interviews.To show the company that you are serious about the job, be sure to call after you apply to see if someone got your application.You can call after the interview to find out if there are any more steps you can take.Unless they specifically tell you not to call, they will most likely see this as you being eager and interested in pursuing the job further.You can follow up by calling the company and saying, "I put in an application for a customer service job in your call center and I wanted to make sure my application was received."