Before we start, I just want to clear and reiterate that I am not some sort of Talent Acquisition Specialist or HR Specialist. I am writing this article based on my 7 years and counting experience in the industry. If you're still questioning me, read the tittle again. :)
It all started when me and my mom had an argument and misunderstanding. I decided to go to Manila with my close friend Jousef to land a job. During that time, I only have P150 in my pocket and I really don't know where to start way back then. I experienced lots of failures applying in different companies. I am questioning myself if I can really speak in English, what's wrong with me, what are the things I need to improve and all that questions you might have as of the moment. By the way, we used to live in our cousin's apartment. "Hi ate Aileen if you're reading this." :)
With a single penny in my pocket, I've experienced applying with an empty stomach and kilometers of walking. Drinking fountains and Sky flakes were my best friends during those times. I'll never forget the joke we cracked that time "Kung nag mumura lang ang tiyan tinadtad na tayo nyan" I am almost hopeless that time and thinking to quit until one of the head hunters of the leading BPO company approached me and offered a FREE Meal if I will apply. Who am I to say no? Guess what? I was hired and my stomach was the happiest! Finally! :D
The application process took 10 hours, from 5PM to 3AM wow! I walked from Mother Ignacia going home to Caloocan. It was raining then and my shoes were filled of water because they were old and butas na sa ilalim talaga. Imagine that? I didn't feel anything during that time because my heart was filled with happiness and excitement. I am clueless what's waiting for me in that company. Though, I already have an outbound call center experience in the province, I knew that working in a bpo here in Manila is far different. So I submitted all the requirements needed and passed the medical. During training, I felt like I am an alien because most of my batch mates had their experiences already. I keep on telling myself that I am from the province and I will excell no matter what. "Proud Promdi Boy"
I was amazed by the glamorous pantry and other facilities. The company offered a free meal, coffee and milk every shift and I was like, holly cow? That's cool dude! I've been a top agent in that company and I am so proud of myself lol. After 8 months I decided to resign and found a better offer. I've been part of the 5 biggest BPO companies in the Philippines and even promoted as a TL in my last. Currently, yours truly is a Social Media Specialist of the leading Telco company here in PH. Though, I'm no longer taking calls, I believe that my experiences helped me built where I am right now. I know it's just the start of another journey and I will continue to work hard to achieve my dreams.
4 things you MUST possess if you want to work in a call center:
I know you already knew and perhaps memorized all the qualifications being posted on jobstreet etc. But aside from those important qualifications, you need these 4 in real life.
1. Bravery
The fact that you'll be working with hundreds of people every night, expect hundreds of personalities too. You'll experience bullying, loud shout from your TL, bad mouther, white liar etc. You'll also have to deal with late night shifts, walking on dark streets, riding a sardines like bus or jeepney and many more. In short you must be immortal lol. You need to be brave to face all of those.
2. Patience
You need patience to accommodate beast mode customers who wanna eat and curse you. You should be patient to deal with failing CSAT. Promise it'll affect your mood. Most importantly, you need patience to adjust in sudden changes with the production and what not.
3. Passion
In order for your job to love you, you must love your job first. Believe me! If you're just applying because you have no choice at all, then don't continue anymore because you'll just end up resigning. Being a customer service representative takes deep passion doing customer service roles. When you love what you're doing, when you love your work, you'll never have to work a day.
4. Strong Personality
This is very important. After getting the job that you want, it is important for you to find a career growth. For that to be possible, you must have a strong personality. You cannot be promoted if you're just sitting there taking calls and not going extra mile. I mean you should always show the heart of a leader, the personality of a strong man and the bravery of a lion. You must show the management that you can get along with others and you're worthy of higher position.
So there! I hope this can inspire aspiring call center agents there or even those who are losing hope and can't find the job and career they want. Don't give up! fight! You’re the one creating your destiny so mold yourself like a potter, walk the jungle like a lion and soar high like a falcon. :)
Never ever quit!
If you have some experiences that you wanna add, please do so by commenting on the comment box below because it might inspire others. If you also have questions, feel free to leave a comment.
God Bless Everyone! :)
It all started when me and my mom had an argument and misunderstanding. I decided to go to Manila with my close friend Jousef to land a job. During that time, I only have P150 in my pocket and I really don't know where to start way back then. I experienced lots of failures applying in different companies. I am questioning myself if I can really speak in English, what's wrong with me, what are the things I need to improve and all that questions you might have as of the moment. By the way, we used to live in our cousin's apartment. "Hi ate Aileen if you're reading this." :)
With a single penny in my pocket, I've experienced applying with an empty stomach and kilometers of walking. Drinking fountains and Sky flakes were my best friends during those times. I'll never forget the joke we cracked that time "Kung nag mumura lang ang tiyan tinadtad na tayo nyan" I am almost hopeless that time and thinking to quit until one of the head hunters of the leading BPO company approached me and offered a FREE Meal if I will apply. Who am I to say no? Guess what? I was hired and my stomach was the happiest! Finally! :D
The application process took 10 hours, from 5PM to 3AM wow! I walked from Mother Ignacia going home to Caloocan. It was raining then and my shoes were filled of water because they were old and butas na sa ilalim talaga. Imagine that? I didn't feel anything during that time because my heart was filled with happiness and excitement. I am clueless what's waiting for me in that company. Though, I already have an outbound call center experience in the province, I knew that working in a bpo here in Manila is far different. So I submitted all the requirements needed and passed the medical. During training, I felt like I am an alien because most of my batch mates had their experiences already. I keep on telling myself that I am from the province and I will excell no matter what. "Proud Promdi Boy"
I was amazed by the glamorous pantry and other facilities. The company offered a free meal, coffee and milk every shift and I was like, holly cow? That's cool dude! I've been a top agent in that company and I am so proud of myself lol. After 8 months I decided to resign and found a better offer. I've been part of the 5 biggest BPO companies in the Philippines and even promoted as a TL in my last. Currently, yours truly is a Social Media Specialist of the leading Telco company here in PH. Though, I'm no longer taking calls, I believe that my experiences helped me built where I am right now. I know it's just the start of another journey and I will continue to work hard to achieve my dreams.
4 things you MUST possess if you want to work in a call center:
I know you already knew and perhaps memorized all the qualifications being posted on jobstreet etc. But aside from those important qualifications, you need these 4 in real life.
1. Bravery
The fact that you'll be working with hundreds of people every night, expect hundreds of personalities too. You'll experience bullying, loud shout from your TL, bad mouther, white liar etc. You'll also have to deal with late night shifts, walking on dark streets, riding a sardines like bus or jeepney and many more. In short you must be immortal lol. You need to be brave to face all of those.
2. Patience
You need patience to accommodate beast mode customers who wanna eat and curse you. You should be patient to deal with failing CSAT. Promise it'll affect your mood. Most importantly, you need patience to adjust in sudden changes with the production and what not.
3. Passion
In order for your job to love you, you must love your job first. Believe me! If you're just applying because you have no choice at all, then don't continue anymore because you'll just end up resigning. Being a customer service representative takes deep passion doing customer service roles. When you love what you're doing, when you love your work, you'll never have to work a day.
4. Strong Personality
This is very important. After getting the job that you want, it is important for you to find a career growth. For that to be possible, you must have a strong personality. You cannot be promoted if you're just sitting there taking calls and not going extra mile. I mean you should always show the heart of a leader, the personality of a strong man and the bravery of a lion. You must show the management that you can get along with others and you're worthy of higher position.
So there! I hope this can inspire aspiring call center agents there or even those who are losing hope and can't find the job and career they want. Don't give up! fight! You’re the one creating your destiny so mold yourself like a potter, walk the jungle like a lion and soar high like a falcon. :)
Never ever quit!
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| Sketch credits to Kuya Chuck. (comic blogger) Thank you kuya! :) He sketched it with just a piece of scratch paper, pen and highlighter in the office. |
If you have some experiences that you wanna add, please do so by commenting on the comment box below because it might inspire others. If you also have questions, feel free to leave a comment.
God Bless Everyone! :)
