Want a Job in a Call Center! Please Help! Need Advice!

[JillianAlexis]

Hello

I just graduated from High School this year and I would like to work in a call center answering inbound calls. I did have experience taking inbound calls from home for a year. Im very good w/ computers but don't have any education in computers. My question is, what type of education would I need in order to get a call center job?

And does it matter what school you go to for the education because I was thinking of taking a couple of computer courses. Also do you make good money in a call center?

I hope your able to answer my questions, feel free to e-mail me: blue_moons_barn00@yahoo.com

Thank You,
Jillian

[ilenep]

I would suggest that instead, you focus on what type of business or industry you want to be in. I would strongly suggest you consider any kind of sales.
There are many roads leading from sales jobs.
Yes, you should have basic computer and software skills. Internet/ web experience, windows software such as WORD, EXCEL etc.
Lastly, do anything you can to improve your communication skills; both written and verbal.
If you are interested in customer service type jobs, you might look into anything in public service like utility companies etc.
Good luck!

[Please Hold]

Hi Jillian:

Here's what I suggest.....

in the call centers that I've worked in, there didn't seem to be too much of an education requirement, other than centers of course want a well spoken person, who can think quickly on their feet and knows basic computer programs. You should be able to type relatively fast (40WPM+). Keep in mind that callers to call centers are calling be/c they usually have a problem, and as such calls can be negative....you have to be able to deal with that (call after call, day after day). People don't call Bellsouth to say "hey, I just wanted to thank you and let you know that every time I pick up my phone there's a dial tone....thanks a lot". Be prepared for that, but also bring that out in your interviews, that you can handle negativity without being condescending.

Places to look for a call center job.....local CableTV company, phone company (extensive pre-employment testing), local hospitals (switchboard), car dealers, hotel reservation center, credit card company etc. Good Luck.

-Please hold!

[daveste]

Turnover, percentage of people that quit compared to the staff size of a company, is usually high with all call centers. Most call centers require limited education; however they pay close attention to attitude, timeliness, professional appearance, and overall communication comfort. I would suggest that you look on www.monster.com search for call centers and apply to the positions in your area. Also, most agent positions are listed in the local newspaper. Before signing up for classes find a company that you want to work for and explain that you are interested in furthering your education and ask for their recommendation as to the classes that would be a good fit with your new job. I would also recommend that you not limit yourself to just inbound calls, as outbound centers also generate revenue for a company.

There is definitely money to be made in the call center business. Depending on the area of the country, type of business and incentive pay available will determine your compensation package. Also remember that benefits paid by the company should be considered in your overall pay. I have worked for many call centers across the nation and have made a very good living for my family. Call centers can be a great career path as most centers are always looking for hardworking people that are trying to better themselves and strive to improve and meet goals. Good luck!