Optimism in inbound/outbound call center job?

Question

I'm only 22 and have spent the previous 5 years since High School working in a busy medical environment and since moving, am looking for anything with a bit less critical responsibility.I have an interview for a call center position, both Inbound & Outbound primarily for a cable company. I'm not nervous about it, as I've known many people to work for this specific company who have said that the 'interview' is more like 'orientation' and they typically train you just days later. What I hear often though, is that "some people love it," and "others hate it." I'm looking for any pros/cons that I may better relate to. I'm quite social and probably more intelligent than half the people who work there, so if a bunch of potheads and teenage moms can do it I don't see how I'd have difficulty. I love boring, tedious repetition which hopefully will help with outbound. And I'm good at remaining sweet and unaffected while being insulted (although that usually angers them more, lol.

Answer 1

Working at a call center is tough.

I would describe myself exactly as you described yourself.  I love boring, tedious, repetition.  I'm also good at remaining sweet and unaffected while being insulted.  Because of those qualities, I am very good at my job, but being good at it doesn't mean I enjoy it.

Call centers are typically pretty busy.  One call finishes, and another comes in.  Management is usually really nice (because happy employees make happy customers) but very focussed on numbers (time you take to "wrap up" after a call, sales, up-sells, etc.)  You're told to do what's right for the customer, but if you do what's right and it takes 3 extra minutes after you get off the phone, they forget about the fact that you were doing the right thing.

These are the things I like, and dislike, about the job.  I like the problem solving, being able to speak with strangers, helping people, being in a climate-controlled environment (air conditioning is everything!), and the pay (I get paid $14/hour... not GREAT, but good for an 18 year old.)

The things I dislike are as followed (and forgive me if I rant a little here.)  I hate being blamed for other people's mistakes.  I hate when I take a call, and the first thing the person on the line says to me is "LOOK..." or "I DEMAND".  I hate having to enforce strict billing policies on people with fixed incomes and extenuating circumstances.  I hate when other people s***w up, and no matter what I do, it can't quite fix the mistakes they're making.  And some people are just plain rude, too.

Overall, the job will do for now.  It's mentally tiring, but it's not as bad as it could be.  You'll know within your first month or two if it's the job for you.

Best wishes!

Answer 2

call center was a great job but i think it stock out your knowledge.. maybe explore on to something related to your degree