how come call centers are so hot these days? [Archive]

Gabriela

Apr 30, 2002, 11:06 AM

Call centers started booming here during early to mid 90's. A lot of companies followed suit because of the profit you get. Lalo na pag US calls ang specialty. You just need the technology and good English-speaking people.
Call centers can be good training ground pero hindi matagalan. Screening is tough in some companies (e.g E-Telecare) pero mataas din ang turnover rate. The job doesn't appear fulfilling kasi in the long run. Our agents complain of monotony.
Kanya-kanyang gusto naman yun eh. Pero I definitely disagree that it's a lowly job dahil mahirap maging call center agent.

Adroth

May 1, 2002, 02:32 PM

* tinny gUrL *

May 1, 2002, 05:21 PM

i don't mind working in a call center... who knows... it might even serve as my stepping stone towards a better job... ;)

--------------
bb'sEarth:tinyangel:

kathy_luscious

May 3, 2002, 07:49 PM

spadia

May 7, 2002, 01:24 AM

yup its not easy to get the job...not as easy as you think

yun job ko nga..needs around 4 tests..although mine is more like phone interpreter.....

IQ(includes leadership,customer handling,phone skills), computer skill, language assessment and later on..phone,customer skills again..

why its high paying? because its a demand nowadays due to globalization..clients are internationally based...

its also a stepping stone for you.....you may have opportunity to travel.....know more people...this kind of job helps improves your people relation skills etc. :)

TheGENTLEMAN

May 7, 2002, 11:22 PM

Originally posted by spadia
yup its not easy to get the job...not as easy as you think

yun job ko nga..needs around 4 tests..although mine is more like phone interpreter.....

IQ(includes leadership,customer handling,phone skills), computer skill, language assessment and later on..phone,customer skills again..

why its high paying? because its a demand nowadays due to globalization..clients are internationally based...

its also a stepping stone for you.....you may have opportunity to travel.....know more people...this kind of job helps improves your people relation skills etc. :)

wer do u work can u help me get a call center career? tnx.

inihaw

May 8, 2002, 03:46 PM

Call centers are in boom in the country because companies nowadays started outsourcing their customer support division. Since this will be less expensive and less hassle to do. They do not have to go through the processes of hiring since the call centers will be responsible for this. Outsourcing is a trend in other countries speacially europe and US base companies. For FYI, Outsourcing is the process of getting another entity to do a certain task for a company.

Usually call centers are in Asia because it is cheaper to maintain it here. The Philippines and Singapore I think are the main competitors. We are at edge because we speak better english and Filipinos are very hospitable.

I think it is not a lowly job because you cannot be a call center representative if you are not a college student with at least 3 semester of study. It is a honorable job that you can be proud of. Yes other pexers are right, it is not for a long time though. Since the job is very demanding physically and mentally and it has fast turnovers. However, it will be a good training ground and there is always a possible for promotion.

Hope this will help :D

inihaw

May 8, 2002, 03:48 PM

Originally posted by TheGENTLEMAN

wer do u work can u help me get a call center career? tnx.

Actually pldt is now hiring call center representatives, im not sure though if it is still open, better try contacting them.

TheGENTLEMAN

May 8, 2002, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by inihaw

Actually pldt is now hiring call center representatives, im not sure though if it is still open, better try contacting them.

wer? can u give d contact info tnx.

Mr_Buchi

May 10, 2002, 08:13 AM

ano ba yung eksaktong ginagawa sa call centers???

spadia

May 10, 2002, 01:38 PM

in call centers you receive phone calls from customers
and you try to explain or help the person...

there is also another kind where you do multinlingual interpretation...its harder

another one is you make calls to other people and try to offer them your service or product....more like a telemarketer

try
e telecare
sykes asia
people support

:)

bro_eli

May 10, 2002, 04:34 PM

Originally posted by kathy_luscious
Um, hija -- if you keep this attitude, I'm sure you'll be jobless for a long, long time. Just think about the other people who are all dying to be offered a job --and would be willing to do anything, and be paid for it.

I understand how new grads sometimes is VERY idealistic about getting the right job, the one that's 'in line' with the course that they studied for 4-5 years -- but if you keep that up-- naku, I'm sure you'll be an expert being a bum.

Hope these new grads better think twice about being "pihikan" on the jobs being offered to them.

:rolleyes:

But can you be a call center agent forever? Are call centers here to stay or are they just like the dot-com industry in the late 90's -- an industry ravaged by hype? After working, say, 3 to 5 years as a call center agent, and you finally realize that a fat paycheck is not all there is to a career, what's in store for you?

I'm also asking this to some of my friends who work in call centers, but all they can give is an indefinite reply. So ok, they converse very well in English, but what's next after that? A teacher of Phonics in some low-grade private elementary school?

I have nothing against call centers. Heck, I still get envious whenever I see their payslips :p , but the prospect of having a dead end in your career after being an agent may far outweigh being a bum while waiting for your "ideal" job.

:)

tammers

May 12, 2002, 01:51 AM

you don't have to be a college graduate to enter these call centers... most of the employees in etelecare are from benilde... you just have to be fluent in english... thats it!

spadia

May 12, 2002, 06:36 AM

not all are like that..
some call centers require you to be multilingual

most of employees of e telecare are from benilde?
do you mean benilde is a lousy college? thats a terrible statement

well there are also ateneans. lasallians and Upians.etc. even foreigners
working there...
in the co. i worked for there around 60+ applicants and only 18 got in to think of it there are ateneans and lasallians

if youre not a college graduate you may not be that competent in handling customers...being fluent is just one of the requirements
just check www.copc.com and see what is requirement to be a world class call center agent

call centers are not a hype..with the ongoing globalization its a need now..most companies in the US are trying to cut cost thats why they relocate to countries like China, Phils, india, etc.

yep obviously you cant stay there forever...but then ,...being a call center agent doesnt mean no future...you can be promoted to supervisor..acct. manager...regional manager etc.you have opportunity to undergo training outside the country..with all the money you earn there..you can start your own biz..from your experience in handling customers you wont have problems with your marketing and public relations...and you also get to know lots of contacts

do you know that your complaints on a certain product are being handled by call centers? Microsoft, dell, aol, intel, adobe are just a few examples

sex hotlines are also examples of call centers..

in short call centers is a great stepping stone for your career

come on why cant some of you accept the fact be realistic..and start submitting your resumes...
btw...im just fresh grad and i ll be earning 30k a month =)

marcel

May 16, 2002, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by TheGENTLEMAN

wer? can u give d contact info tnx.

hi inihaw!

yes pldt is still hiring. I'm actually one of the newly hired
CSR(customer service rep). Ok i will give you the contact number of the agency. Pygmalion, the name of the agency was hired by pldt to do the recruiting for them. You can call at 8445835. Please look for Edward Ponti. Tell him I (Michelle Arcilla) gave you his contact number. Main requirement is for you to be a college graduate. You'll also have to take a grammar test and a personality test. After that you'll now undergo the final interview.

Anyway, i agree that it is difficult to get hired in call centers because even magna cum laude's were rejected. Even ateneans were rejected. The main reason is that they had a different focus. They showed the interviewer that they had qualms in becoming a CSR. So one tip is that you should show them that you really want the job.
I also agree that it is diffcult to become a CSR. For one, you would sometimes deal with dissatisfied customers and thus your patience would get pushed to the limit. Second, we all know the shifts are in the wee hours of the morning. Sleep in the morning does not compensate sleep in the evening.
Lastly, becoming a CSR is a stepping stone. There is career growth since you can get promoted.
There is so much to tell but i think my post is quite long. Anyway, one last thing...if you love challenge then this job is for you.

twixz

May 17, 2002, 05:12 AM

marcel: what's the shifting schedule at pldt - parlance? how long does it usually take to get a promotion?

sarin

May 17, 2002, 09:06 PM

i actually work for one. what people already said before is mostly true: shifting schedules, high employee-turnover rates and is a little unfulfilling in the sense that you may not end up practicing what you actually studied for in college, which can be a good thing for some people ;)

the job requires that you be fluent, if possible very fluent, in english. and if you're doing technical support, you also have to be very familiar with computers and operating systems, particularly the differences between the multiple versions of Windows. finally, you have to be extremely patient, because some of the calls I receive have irritated, cursing clients at the other end of the line.

in general, the job does offer high salaries, so it's okay. the turnover rate is often caused by dissatisfaction with the job (can you imagine giving tech support, usually to computer-illiterate clients, for 5 years?). but it is a good stepping stone to other jobs out there.

marcel

May 18, 2002, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by twixz
marcel: what's the shifting schedule at pldt - parlance? how long does it usually take to get a promotion?

The shifts are either 11p, 1am or 2am. And then work ends after 9 hours. 9 hours since you have a 1 hour break.
Promotion would depend upon the CSR. If he/she is really good then he/she can get promoted after 6 months and would then become a team leader. Team leaders often help newly employed CSRs since team leaders have more experience in handling calls. After that you can become a trainor. Training usually takes place in the morning or in the afternoon. With this you can finally rid of yourself from working in the wee hours of the morning. Anyway, the list goes on...the highest position is becoming the head of the call center.

twixz

May 19, 2002, 05:03 PM

marcel: thanks for the detailed answer! :)

freestyled

May 20, 2002, 02:12 AM

Originally posted by tammers
you don't have to be a college graduate to enter these call centers...

I agree. Call center jobs don't really require you to have a degree, you just have to have the knack to excel under pressure (from what I have seen, talagang tinanggalan sila ng daga sa kanilang mga dibdib). Pero here in the Philippines, this is different eh. Just like any other decent job, you have to be a college graduate just to be qualified in that job.

I have realized that after passing even the final interview in Infonxx, my recruiter told me that I made it but my papers were put on-hold because they have just implemented a new policy discouraging undergraduates to apply for them. In my case, she told me that once I finish my degree (I have to finish it by October, MRR na kasi ako sa State U eh), I call back to them if in case I'm still interested.

However, there are 2 things that worry me the most:

1. By October, baka freeze-hiring na sa kanila. (talk about saturation.)

2. Do you think once I call them by October, sulit pa ba iyun or baka pagdaanin pa ulit ako sa preliminarty exam, meaning I have to start all over again?

What do you think?

And may I also know which cal centers accept undergrads (wag lang E_Telecare, sumemplang ang application ko dun, C-Cube kasi hindi ako tinawagan and PeopleSupport wherein they opened up their application to undergrads but after 2 weeks I think announced that they are frozen the hiring process at the moment). What about C-Quadrant?

marcel

May 21, 2002, 02:06 AM

Originally posted by freestyled
And may I also know which cal centers accept undergrads (wag lang E_Telecare, sumemplang ang application ko dun, C-Cube kasi hindi ako tinawagan and PeopleSupport wherein they opened up their application to undergrads but after 2 weeks I think announced that they are frozen the hiring process at the moment). What about C-Quadrant?

hi!

if you're worried that you might run out of call centers for you to work at then don't fret. PLDT is planning to put up two call centers each year. So in 5 years they'll have 10 call centers. And they're gradually hiring 50 people per month. But, i think they aren't accepting undergrads. If i were you, enjoy your life as a student. :) My boss during practicum even told me that i should bum around for a while after college since once you start working there's no stopping. You'll be so used to working that you'll never opt to rest from work even for a short while. Anyway, I didn't follow her advice. :) Maybe because i already wanted to work even when i was in high school. But, at least i enjoyed one month of vacation after college before i started working.

freestyled

May 21, 2002, 05:14 AM

Originally posted by marcel

hi!

if you're worried that you might run out of call centers for you to work at then don't fret. PLDT is planning to put up two call centers each year. So in 5 years they'll have 10 call centers. And they're gradually hiring 50 people per month. But, i think they aren't accepting undergrads. If i were you, enjoy your life as a student. :) My boss during practicum even told me that i should bum around for a while after college since once you start working there's no stopping. You'll be so used to working that you'll never opt to rest from work even for a short while. Anyway, I didn't follow her advice. :) Maybe because i already wanted to work even when i was in high school. But, at least i enjoyed one month of vacation after college before i started working.

That's good to hear, at least. Kaso, personally I'm no longer enjoying life as a student; in fact I'm 23 and I'm too old to be considered an undergraduate student. [Technically I'm still tagged as a student though I also work in Makati as a clerk because I still have 6 units more to finish this 1st semester, kaya nga I'm resigning from my current job]. But still, since I'm already used with working, naisipan ko rin to look for a side job (kahit sa gabi, OK lang, coz I'll be a student during daytime naman eh -- i.e. call center) so that hindi rin naman ako maburo, although my parents advised me against working and studying at the same time (in fact nag-away kami kanina dahil lang dito).

In fact, I applied for a part-time job opening for call centers (I think it's Vocativ) which is advertised in the Classifieds section of PEx. They're open to undergrads, yun nga lang, hindi everyday ang shift. But still I'm looking for other call centers which are accepting undergrads. Will you advise me/recommend me one or should I forget about it as of the moment and wait till I graduate first (kahit na student by day ako and CSR/call center agent ako by night)?

Just YHO please.

Thanks!

marcel

May 21, 2002, 11:09 AM

hi freestyled!

Well, if you only have 6 more units left then i guess you'll be able to handle work at night and school in the morning. Sad to hear though that your parents disagree with you. Have you tried telling them that you really want to work while studying since konti na lang units mo? My mom actually told me to find another job instead of becoming a CSR. I know she believes in me that's why ayaw niya ako maging operator but the thing is I'm a fresh grad and its difficult to find a job not related to call centers. And i also thought that i'll be able to gain the much needed experience if i work as a CSR. I told her that i won't become a CSR forever since medyo lang monotony would kill me. :)
Oh so you've applied for vocativ? that's also under PLDT. I hope you pass so that you can the most of out of your free time!

The decision really is upto you. If you really want to work then go for it. I just hope your parents would understand your decision, but at least assure them that you won't take your studies for granted. :nope:
ok hope this helps.

freestyled

May 21, 2002, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by marcel
hi freestyled!

Well, if you only have 6 more units left then i guess you'll be able to handle work at night and school in the morning. Sad to hear though that your parents disagree with you. Have you tried telling them that you really want to work while studying since konti na lang units mo? My mom actually told me to find another job instead of becoming a CSR. I know she believes in me that's why ayaw niya ako maging operator but the thing is I'm a fresh grad and its difficult to find a job not related to call centers. And i also thought that i'll be able to gain the much needed experience if i work as a CSR. I told her that i won't become a CSR forever since medyo lang monotony would kill me. :)
Oh so you've applied for vocativ? that's also under PLDT. I hope you pass so that you can the most of out of your free time!

The decision really is upto you. If you really want to work then go for it. I just hope your parents would understand your decision, but at least assure them that you won't take your studies for granted. :nope:
ok hope this helps.

Thanks! Never mind my parents; in fact they're under the cloud of traditional way of thinking (along with my brother na napakababa ang tingin sa mga undergraduate people). Para bang ayaw nila akong pagbigyan ng chance, but if ever I prove my worth in the call center job-hunt (that is, if ever I make it in Vocativ as part-timer) I'll show the stuff I've made of!

And if ever I make it to Vocativ...OK lang sa akin kung once-a-week lang, pero sa tingin ko pwede namang pagpartidahan yan so that I won't just idle time in our house...like, make it 3 times a week or so...is that possible?

BTW, are you also the one with the username contentdev in the other forum within PEx?

dissident

May 21, 2002, 12:25 PM

hello. is there a call center na hindi 24 hours and operation? I believe AIG is only until 10 pm

a123

May 22, 2002, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by kathy_luscious
Um, hija -- if you keep this attitude, I'm sure you'll be jobless for a long, long time. Just think about the other people who are all dying to be offered a job --and would be willing to do anything, and be paid for it.

I understand how new grads sometimes is VERY idealistic about getting the right job, the one that's 'in line' with the course that they studied for 4-5 years -- but if you keep that up-- naku, I'm sure you'll be an expert being a bum.

Hope these new grads better think twice about being "pihikan" on the jobs being offered to them.

:rolleyes:

im actually speaking in defense of 'winkee.' its not about being pihikan. its about knowing what you want in life and trying to reach for it. aim high and hit the mark. being ambitious pays off in the end. if its not the path she wants to take, if its not the opportunity she wishes to pursue, then give her a break. whats hard is taking a job and not learning from it and not growing from it. kaya wala gaanong umaasenso ngayon sa pilipinas dahil sa attitude na 'kahit ano, basta meron (trabaho). she may be jobless for some time but when the right opportunity for her comes, inggit kayo. sometimes, we just have to hold off of certain things to wait for the better ones to come.

Apostle

May 25, 2002, 11:19 AM

thehitman

May 28, 2002, 06:33 AM

Some of the most successful people began their careers as clerks. A career depends on the person, not the job. Just like a clerk, a CSR will never prosper if he/she decides to stay in that position. If anything, a CSR position should be able to hone some skills while you are waiting for better opportunities in another company or field.

:cool:

spadia

May 29, 2002, 10:52 AM

I dunno bout others but here in my co.
we all got chance to go up the ladder
csr-->team leader-->shift supervisor-->account manager--->site manager-->etc.
who says you cant go up?
besides ...after earning the money you can also put up your own biz

twixz

May 29, 2002, 12:02 PM

spadia: are you from e-telecare?

funkybaby

May 29, 2002, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by thehitman
Some of the most successful people began their careers as clerks. A career depends on the person, not the job. Just like a clerk, a CSR will never prosper if he/she decides to stay in that position. If anything, a CSR position should be able to hone some skills while you are waiting for better opportunities in another company or field.:cool: I definitely agree with you *okay*

funkybaby

May 29, 2002, 08:30 PM

spadia

May 30, 2002, 03:50 PM

Nopes
im not
my co. is basically a call center
however were not doing tech support
but more of interpretation..so have to be fluent in english+foreign language
btw...
there are UP, admu, dlsu grads there.....:)

dont be picky .....try to grab on any opportunity.....as long as you earn...its good
why there are some people against it? i just dont get it..
is it due to high pride? envy? lack of knowledge bout it?

in call centers ..you get to brush up your english...establish contacts which will be beneficial in your near future.....foster cooperation...time management....self discipline..punctuality..you also learn to be polite..some human psychology....also learn about your product...e.g sykes..they have support for mswindows...msoffice..adobe..you get to learn a lots of things about those softwares...or like mine..which is medical interpretation..you ll learn the basics of medicine.....there are lots to talk about.....
so give it a try...:)

twixz

May 30, 2002, 04:30 PM

spadia: i totally agree with the many benefits you cited about working in a call center :) i'm going to give it a try as soon as i graduate :redgrin:

a123

May 31, 2002, 11:45 AM

Originally posted by funkybaby
This is exactly the kind of mentality that some have that's why there are a lot of Filipinos are contributing to the country's UNEMPLOYMENT problem.
:teehee:

sure, its very muh different from the mentality you have. and i totally agree that a person has to first do some dirty work before it reaches the top of the corporate ladder. however, being a customer care representative is not the only job that is available to us. why force the person if he/she doesnt want to work as a CCR? it is a persons obligation to realize and actualize its own destiny and its own ambition. and if being a CCR is not it, then try to look for other opportunities. it is hard to be doing a job that you dont like...the more na hindi ka magde-develop.

kathy_luscious

Jun 1, 2002, 06:52 PM

funkybaby

Jun 1, 2002, 07:06 PM

Originally posted by a123 ...however, being a customer care representative is not the only job that is available to us. why force the person if he/she doesnt want to work as a CCR? :wave:It's not that I'm forcing you to work for a call center, or work as a customer care rep -- the point is, it will still be up to the person if they decide to get a job like this one, or not. But, since this there is availability of the job, and if you really want a job at the moment, this is one great opportunity. It's an added credit to your resume, too. :teehee: ....it is a persons obligation to realize and actualize its own destiny and its own ambition. and if being a CCR is not it, then try to look for other opportunities. Yep, that's the point. If you're not happy with your job anymore, your next option is to move and get another job. yun lang naman yun, di ho ba? *okay*it is hard to be doing a job that you dont like...the more na hindi ka magde-develop. And yes, I agree on this too:up: What's the point of doing something that you don't like, diba? You won't be able to grow at all if you're not even enjoying what you do.

Kaya.... my advice: if an opportunity comes your way, and it's a job offer... weigh things out, and see if you'll be able to handle the job or not. If you really can't take the job, at nasusuka ka sa possibility of working for them, then don't take the job, coz you won't be happy. Keep an open mind, and be practical too.

soulthird

Jun 2, 2002, 05:10 PM

just recently I was so confused on which job to choose. One in line with my course or one in a call center. I'm a shoo-in for both jobs, you might think that it's a no-brainer since it's logical to choose a job that is in line with the course you took up.

But the problem is I didn't like my course. I like talking a lot and I like the idea of having to talk to lots of people (irate or not!)... in the end though I didn't go for the call center job simply because I am uncertain if it'll increase my "market value" once I go look for another job. I don't even know what training I'll get.

littleone

Jun 14, 2002, 08:43 AM

Originally posted by winkee
well as a new grad, it's really frustrating to have all job offers in customer service..i mean, the only nice thing about customer service and call centers is the fat salary...

i don't know,,it's just that i don't have a very high regard for such work...and besides, i don't like the idea of having irregular schedules!

:hmm:
i don't mind working in a call center. i am better paid than those who go to a regular office job. and besides i don't have to wear those stupid "smart casual dress" as what they call it.

and if you think it's easy to get a job as a customer service representative, well, you're wrong. a lot of people i know smarter than me did not make it to this company. I did not make it to other companies as well. you have to undergo a series of training for you to be able to make it to the floor. after that, you'll still have to undergo certification process in which the clients from the US are the ones who will certify you.

don't ever think that this is such a lowly job. it's really very hard you know! it takes wit, knowledge, skills, and communication proficiency (since you're not going to speak with the locals
but with international clients, americans so to speak), for you to ba able to be considered a certified customer service representative.

it(the work) is kinda boring, i might say but think about it. you're earning a lotta dough doing this "boring" job!
okay na ko dun! basta ako masaya, masaya na rin ang mundo ko...
bwekekekekekekekeke!!!!

abcxyz

Jun 14, 2002, 12:58 PM

what is the average salary for jobs like this? for new graduates? for those with 2 to 3 yrs experience?

makoy11

Jun 14, 2002, 04:16 PM

Originally posted by abcxyz
what is the average salary for jobs like this? for new graduates? for those with 2 to 3 yrs experience?

it ranges from 10,000 (low) to as much as 35,000

Yakuza_Oyabun

Jun 15, 2002, 04:18 PM

I am a call center veteran and working in a call center can have it's share of ups and downs...sure the salary is sometimes great considering you are seated most of the time and your dialogue is usually standard spiels..the workmate bonding is also good...you get to talk to people from all walks of life( and sometimes get to be intimate with them if u can get away with it):naughty3:...

now here is the downside: :yuck:..if you are the type of person who wants to be intellectually stimulated, who has very little patience when dealing with cretins who call, cannot stand being in one position fo 9 hours, who has a thing against structured worktime( breaks are strictly enforced and not according to your convenient time), can't afford to give up holidays and weekdends, easily get's rattled when dealing with an irate caller, then you better not only think 2x but a thousand times about what you are getting yourself into...a call center job is no joke:smile2skull:

jeff_kaith

Jun 15, 2002, 06:16 PM

Originally posted by Yakuza_Oyabun
I am a call center veteran and working in a call center can have it's share of ups and downs...sure the salary is sometimes great considering you are seated most of the time and your dialogue is usually standard spiels..the workmate bonding is also good...you get to talk to people from all walks of life( and sometimes get to be intimate with them if u can get away with it):naughty3:...

now here is the downside: :yuck:..if you are the type of person who wants to be intellectually stimulated, who has very little patience when dealing with cretins who call, cannot stand being in one position fo 9 hours, who has a thing against structured worktime( breaks are strictly enforced and not according to your convenient time), can't afford to give up holidays and weekdends, easily get's rattled when dealing with an irate caller, then you better not only think 2x but a thousand times about what you are getting yourself into...a call center job is no joke:smile2skull:

but i wouldn't call it exactly a downslide...those are strenghts and flexibility which some people don't have. i've been doing customer servicing especializing in call centres too since 1993. it's one of the reasons why i'm working now in another country. so i'd say to each his own ... it's also a respectable job so, for the threadstarter, don't be so choosy when it comes to job. it's too early for you to be disillusioned

Ives

Jun 20, 2002, 10:10 AM

do we (Filipinos) get high chances of being hired abroad?

what if i'm currently earning 20k, is it still okei to transfer to a call center?

if i already have 5 years experience in a not-so-similar field, will i be paid the same as fresh grads/ entry level?

thanks... :)

abcxyz

Jun 21, 2002, 12:31 AM

Originally posted by makoy11

it ranges from 10,000 (low) to as much as 35,000 sounds pretty good. what qualifications?

astaga

Jul 9, 2002, 04:58 AM

Call Centers = Technical Support

No difference sa job description! Mwahahahahah!:D

mccoy26

Jul 9, 2002, 05:45 PM

Just avoid this call center in emerald avenue,ortigas where they pay their agents "per hour" as in like 40 pesos an hour if ur starting.And even if your a regular employee working for like more than a year they still pay by the hour.To those who are quite familiar w/ the labor law is this "per hour" thing legal even if your a regular employee.

abcxyz

Jul 10, 2002, 01:34 AM

interesting pdi article where a practitioner said while jobs in call centers pay well, it is a poor long term career option because the opportunities for individual growth in terms of skill sets and financial growth are not present and short lived. the organizational set up is too flat for any upward growth. it is not a long term career.

for those in call centers right now ---- where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years from now? will you be in the same job, position and industry? what skill sets are being honed right now and to what kind of jobs other than yours can they be applied to?

blue_querubin

Jul 11, 2002, 08:05 AM

Originally posted by mccoy26
Just avoid this call center in emerald avenue,ortigas where they pay their agents "per hour" as in like 40 pesos an hour if ur starting.And even if your a regular employee working for like more than a year they still pay by the hour.To those who are quite familiar w/ the labor law is this "per hour" thing legal even if your a regular employee.

hmmm.....pakisabi naman kung anong call center o.....para d n ako magsayang ng oras.....

mccoy26

Jul 11, 2002, 10:38 PM

Originally posted by blue_querubin

hmmm.....pakisabi naman kung anong call center o.....para d n ako magsayang ng oras.....

Sent you p.m.

massimo

Jul 12, 2002, 05:26 AM

guys I need some tips.

I took up the test yesterday at digitel in libis. and luckily I got a call this morning that I could start my training today.myang 1030pm.

I just want to know, kasi i went thru an agency. i saw an add sa net nakalagay Mirof resources Inc. na kalagay sa ads na they need a call center rep. so I went there for my interview. yun pala manpowering agency sila. one of their client is Digitel. so thru Mirof they gave me referals,den I went to digitel.

ask ko Lang sa inyo so if there is a 3rd party may "KALTAS" ba yung salary na makukuha? assuming na I will start working in digitel.they told me na I have to go to their office this sat to explain everything regarding a certain contract.(mirof office)

and guys meron ba sa inyo taga digitel? or do you anyone working there?

ok ba dun? magkano starting salary nila?

spadia

Jul 14, 2002, 04:42 PM

mccoy pls pm bout the call center youre talking bout..kasi im woking at emerald..thanks

may long term benefits naman to ah...you hone your skills too
communication skills, people skills, confidence, personality development..of course..there is the competition among employees to get to ranks of ..like team leaders..supervisors..account managers, site manager etc...

there are 3 million people working in call centers alone in the US...
pano pa sa mga countries like India...

long terms? as you can see..the world is going global..
philippines is best choice for call center...due to cheap labor..and good command of english...cheap to foreigners that is..but to us is high enough...
as long as more companies are tapping your company's services you get up...if the call center's new..you have lots of chance to get promoted...

after 5-10 years of time..i see myself earning enough mney to establish my own business or put it in the money market...

id rather be a call center agent earning 15K-30K
rather than a CPA earning 10k-15k or less....
an engineer or programmer working endlessly to have a salary of 10-20k
..sa call center..all you have to do is talk..n relax.. :)

i dont know anything about digitel..but those you called third party agency...usually partners sila ng call center...walang kaltas...so if you applied via agency or direct same lang salary mo dats for sure
ganun rin co. ko...i got via staffing co. ..contract is from staffing co...and get paid by the staffing co. ...
maybe after a yr. you might be absorbed by digitel...and become their regular employee...

mccoy26

Jul 14, 2002, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by spadia
mccoy pls pm bout the call center youre talking bout..kasi im woking at emerald..thanks

Do you work in a call center?where?Its true malaki sweldo ng mga agents...depending on what company.Sorry takot ako baka may spy dito:D Abusado talaga iwasan mo na lang.kung sa ibang call center nag-reresign ang employees because of the atmosphere,ambience etc.Dito lokohan kaya madami nagreresign.
Name some call centers that u know in Emerald ave. baka nagiisa lang naman to.

bzbee

Jul 15, 2002, 03:09 AM

I once bought a multi canon printer. I have hard time installing it. So I called the tech support. I could hardly understand the tech rep. Yon pala tumatawag pala ako sa India. I ended up returning the printer and exchange it with HP. To me, mas ok ***** ang mga pinoy kc we speak very fluent english and easy to understand. Di namumulipit ang dila. Kaya yong mga nagtratrabaho sa call center dyan sa Pinas, mabuhay kayo. *okay*

twixz

Jul 16, 2002, 09:09 AM

bzbee, :toofunny: funny!

pexpress

Jul 16, 2002, 09:25 AM

15-30K thats pretty high! is 30 k the rate of a senior cal center agent? what kind of work do they do?

melrosegirl

Jul 16, 2002, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by littleone

:hmm:
i don't mind working in a call center. i am better paid than those who go to a regular office job. and besides i don't have to wear those stupid "smart casual dress" as what they call it.

and if you think it's easy to get a job as a customer service representative, well, you're wrong. a lot of people i know smarter than me did not make it to this company. I did not make it to other companies as well. you have to undergo a series of training for you to be able to make it to the floor. after that, you'll still have to undergo certification process in which the clients from the US are the ones who will certify you.

don't ever think that this is such a lowly job. it's really very hard you know! it takes wit, knowledge, skills, and communication proficiency (since you're not going to speak with the locals
but with international clients, americans so to speak), for you to ba able to be considered a certified customer service representative.

it(the work) is kinda boring, i might say but think about it. you're earning a lotta dough doing this "boring" job!
okay na ko dun! basta ako masaya, masaya na rin ang mundo ko...
bwekekekekekekekeke!!!!

i have this feeling we work in the same call center...
;) is that in makati? what batch? :D but yeah, i totally agree with everything you said...its not as easy to make it through the training...

and yeah, i don't mind doing a boring job as long as im paid well...heck i've tried working at a bank..i was over worked and underpaid! anyway, where i am now...i am completely happy...i can't complain...esp with that TV in the pantry...hehehe!
:D :p

littleone

Jul 18, 2002, 12:50 AM

ups! thanks for agreeing with me
kaso po dito ko sa libis eh!
malapit lang sa etelcare.
sa loob pa ng eastwood...

:D

:butter:

expat_1

Jul 18, 2002, 11:44 AM

greetings, guys, have enjoyed browsing through the thread.

I am a Kano, a management consultant based here, involved around the edges of the industry -- you might find an article on Customer Contact World of interest:

http://www.ccworldnet.com/Tmpl/article.asp?CID=10&AID=13413&SCID=97&TCode=FT&T1=15/6/2002

Also, one of my Pearl of the Orient Seas columns, "Globalization Revisited," also deals with the topic, see:

http://www.apmforum.com/columns/orientseas29.htm

Good luck to all of you -- I am trying to bring more investors here to put up call centers, thus creating more jobs -- among other things, wages are likely to rise in the long run. But not a whole lot you can do about the realities of what CSR work entails.

chltzn

Aug 12, 2002, 01:40 AM

Anybody here from E-telecare?

I want to know how much exactly is the penalty stated in the contract when you resign within a year?

How much also is the starting pay for a Technical Support Representative?

Answer naman kayo kasi I need this because this will decide the career path I will take! May pending application kasi ako na VISA, so anytime now eh I might migrate to U.S.A. For the meantime, I want to get a job. Gusto ko malaman kung magkano penalty and kung kaya kung bayaran. :(

mister_G

Aug 12, 2002, 03:30 PM

because they're labor intensive and that's what the government wants, more jobs.

but working at a call center is boring. it's a dead end job. when you get better at taking calls, what do you become? chief call person? senior call person? bottom line is that you're still taking calls and doing the same thing..

Paolo_Aquino

Aug 13, 2002, 05:47 AM

I'm a corporate trainer for different call centres. We also hire CSR's for now. I'd be glad to help you with all your queries. Call me during office hours for any questions. 7511595

twixz

Aug 13, 2002, 06:48 AM

Hi Paolo_Aquino! :wave: Are you also a recruiter for call centers? Where (what location) will you be assigning the CRS you will be hiring?

http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server-smilies/kao/otn/kao3.gif

spadia

Aug 13, 2002, 12:31 PM

Wrong mr. g
you dont handle calls at higher position
e.g supervisor, account manager, site manager...
better do a research on CSR

call center is not an easy job...

boring??? dont think so...depends on your attitudes towards work...and how you mingle with officemates...and boss :)

why do you think doing accounting is a fun thing? it makes your head turn isnt it?
how bout programming? stressful too...when you got projects

there are diff. types of call center agents...

telemarketers....
tech support...
multilingual ...
intepreter...

some earn as high as $1500 a month... (interpreter or multilingual)

call center fits the philippines..
since our salaries are low compared to other countries..
so probably the US..will try to set up call centers here...
although what they deem as low salary here is...high enough for us...
we are a better choice compared to INdia..because were more fluent with our english...

twixz

Aug 13, 2002, 12:51 PM

Originally posted by spadia
call center is not an easy job...

I agree ... although I've only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to training in a call center, i've realized that there's more to answering calls with an american accent matched with an enthusiastic voice ... also one must not only look forward to what you'll be earning but must also possess a genuine concern for the clients. :)

http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server-smilies/kao/otn/kao3.gif

geekhead

Aug 15, 2002, 08:44 AM

working in a call center ROCKS!!!! :rocker::rocker::rocker: www.airrelay.biz

soulthird

Aug 15, 2002, 10:43 AM

mister_G, I think you're misguided. When you go up the ladder you take in less calls and your work becomes more of supervisory, managerial. I suggest you do your homework first. Try asking around the hierarchy in these call centers.

the_BuGs

Aug 15, 2002, 02:18 PM

Insecure lang **** karamihan sa mga bumabatikos sa mga call centers eh......

Why?? for example Systems Analyst Programmer ako tapos nsa matibay na company pa ako.... then yung friend ko nsa call center then sweldo nya doble pa sa akin tapos yung trabaho ko mas mahirap pa kesa sa kanila........ shempre sino ba ma iinsecure dun di ba????

sa panahon ngayon kahit sa states mas pipiliin mo ang malaking sweldo kesa sa career....... dahil kelangan mong maka survive.... lalo na dyan sa Pinas....... ang dami mo ngang natututunan at nalalaman pero yung sweldo ba fit dun sa nalalaman at natututunan mo??? at shempre gutom pa pamilya mo.........

saan ka pupuwesto????

chltzn

Aug 16, 2002, 12:03 AM

Originally posted by the_BuGs
Insecure lang **** karamihan sa mga bumabatikos sa mga call centers eh......

Why?? for example Systems Analyst Programmer ako tapos nsa matibay na company pa ako.... then yung friend ko nsa call center then sweldo nya doble pa sa akin tapos yung trabaho ko mas mahirap pa kesa sa kanila........ shempre sino ba ma iinsecure dun di ba????

sa panahon ngayon kahit sa states mas pipiliin mo ang malaking sweldo kesa sa career....... dahil kelangan mong maka survive.... lalo na dyan sa Pinas....... ang dami mo ngang natututunan at nalalaman pero yung sweldo ba fit dun sa nalalaman at natututunan mo??? at shempre gutom pa pamilya mo.........

saan ka pupuwesto????

Korek ka dyan! :) These days its the money and happiness in a job that counts. Hindi na important yung sasabihin ng ibang tao basta ba masaya ka at kumikita ka. We Filipinos should have the mentality of Americans when it comes to work. Americans don't criticize or discriminate when it comes to profession. Every profession is respected! ;)

starvingwriter

Aug 17, 2002, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by chltzn
Anybody here from E-telecare?

I want to know how much exactly is the penalty stated in the contract when you resign within a year?

How much also is the starting pay for a Technical Support Representative?

Answer naman kayo kasi I need this because this will decide the career path I will take! May pending application kasi ako na VISA, so anytime now eh I might migrate to U.S.A. For the meantime, I want to get a job. Gusto ko malaman kung magkano penalty and kung kaya kung bayaran. :(

45,000 pesos yung penalty.

12,000 starting pay.

chltzn

Aug 18, 2002, 01:14 AM

Originally posted by starvingwriter

45,000 pesos yung penalty.

12,000 starting pay.

Thanks starvingwriter, I already knew and I recently turned down the offer. Sayang nga eh! Pero siguro hindi para sa akin yun! I'll look for other type of work na lang, yung walang contract. :(

gracem

Aug 22, 2002, 01:17 PM

different call center!!! different shifting schedule!!!

what are the shifting sched of these different call center in the philippines???? thanks:)

littleone

Aug 22, 2002, 09:56 PM

Originally posted by mister_G
because they're labor intensive and that's what the government wants, more jobs.

but working at a call center is boring. it's a dead end job. when you get better at taking calls, what do you become? chief call person? senior call person? bottom line is that you're still taking calls and doing the same thing..

actually,soulthird is correct!
better do your homework first
before you open your mouth...

ayt?!:D

:butter:

Ellheym

Sep 6, 2002, 10:17 AM

Etelecare called me up.

they just told me that they need to review my resume..and they will try to contact me tomorrow..hahay! sana may pag asa..

kung hindi naman.... well....... i thinkkkkkkk marami pa diyan daba?

:rolleyes:

Ellheym

Sep 8, 2002, 05:38 AM

asan na kayo:?:

do_jour

Sep 13, 2002, 12:05 PM

may call centers bang naga-accept ng part-timers? as in night shift lang, mga 4 hours, thanks!

oblique_tease

Sep 27, 2004, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by winkee
well as a new grad, it's really frustrating to have all job offers in customer service..i mean, the only nice thing about customer service and call centers is the fat salary...

i don't know,,it's just that i don't have a very high regard for such work...and besides, i don't like the idea of having irregular schedules!

question is, why do u say u dont have high regard for the work. do have a clear, concrete idea of whats goin on in a call center? do u know the screening/hiring process? do u know the kind of training the agents receive?

u say call centers provide "fat salary?" for certain accounts the "fat salary" isnt even enough or worth the kind of job the agents have to do or endure everyday. you're lucky if u chance upon accounts or clients as generous as ours - simple, easy work, big pay/incentives/bonus :D

as for irregular hours, like what the others have said.. to each his own. i love my shift. its fixed at 10pm to 7am.. imagine, u go home in the morning, catch on some sleep. get up in the afternoon, and u can increase ur productivity throughout the rest of the day before goin back to work.

in my opinion, thats better than working for a regular company, a regular 8-5, u have to go thru bad traffic in the morning and even worse traffic on ur way home. and to top it off, u have to bring some of the work home. for call center agents, when u leave the office, u leave everything behind and have nothin to worry about ;)

oblique_tease

Sep 27, 2004, 01:17 PM

Originally posted by a123
im actually speaking in defense of 'winkee.' its not about being pihikan. its about knowing what you want in life and trying to reach for it. aim high and hit the mark. being ambitious pays off in the end. if its not the path she wants to take, if its not the opportunity she wishes to pursue, then give her a break. whats hard is taking a job and not learning from it and not growing from it. kaya wala gaanong umaasenso ngayon sa pilipinas dahil sa attitude na 'kahit ano, basta meron (trabaho). she may be jobless for some time but when the right opportunity for her comes, inggit kayo. sometimes, we just have to hold off of certain things to wait for the better ones to come.

i can give one word to summarize your post: IDEALISM

its not the filipino people's attitude towards work that should be condemned. its the government that u should question. why do u think the present administration gives tax incentives to BPO's? why do u think I.T. zones grow faster than mushrooms alll over metro manila and even in the entire philippines? because they have to address the fact that there are not enough jobs available for the people. have u seen the news on tv, in the papers? ang magaling nating presidente ay umaasa sa contributions ng tycoon private companies at umaasa sa kung ano anong mapagkukunan ng tax para maagapan ang deficit ng kawawa nating bansa.

i have nuthin against being ambitious, after all, ambitions and dreams are free of charge, so they say. but we come to a point where we have to succumb to the irony of REASONABLE ambitions. its true that one must aim high, shoot for the moon, if u dont conquer the moon, at least youve reached the stars. but to get to that goal, u have to start somewhere. u cant aim high and expect to hit the mark in a one-time-big-time step.

i hope you're not implying that call center agents (quote) "are taking a job and not learning from it and not growing from it." do not attempt to describe a kind of work that u r not familiar with (and i think its safe to say that if u know the goings on in an agents work station... u will not have said such mocking words). i wouldnt like to think that u r one of those people who think that CSR's are merely people who speak fluent english and simply answer phone calls all day. there is so much more into it, believe me. (kahit ano basta meron? sheesh, not even!)

u said, she may be jobless for some time but when the right opportunity for her comes, inggit kami? not necessarily. because by the time she's gotten the job she wants, we would have already saved up a significant amount of money to maybe invest in a business or who knows what.. while she is just starting to pull strings to climb up the ladder of her "IDEAL JOB." :cool:

SaintLuci

Sep 28, 2004, 09:28 PM

just a thought for everyone... I know a President of a big and EARNING (take note of earning) company started his career as a call center agent.

One step at a time ika nga. There are different roads to success. One of them is the call center way. Unfortunately, other people are too idealistic to think their "regular" job is the only way to success. That they are wiling to wait and be a bum until this ideal job comes. They do not know that by the time their ideal job comes to them, the owners/executives of the companies offering them their ideal job are the very same call center people they looked down years ago.