The Initial Interview

For call center applicant newbies, passing the initial interview is the hardest of them all.

Do you know why? 

It's because some of the initial interviewers speak fluent English with an American accent to boot. Sometimes, you'll be so mesmerized and won't be able to grasp what the interviewer is saying at all. To applicants who haven't had a trained ears for an American accent, it maybe difficult for them to provide a good response to the questions thrown at them.

Here's a piece of advise: Pay attention and anticipate unusual questions.


Interviewer: How would you describe a red apple to a blind person?


Additional advise: Be creative. ;)


Fun Facts:
  • Convergys prefers one-on-one interviews but be careful how you answer because they'll eat you alive.
  • 24/7 likes to group applicants for initial interviews. Aside from the interviewer asking you questions while the other applicants listen, you will also take a listening exam during the initial interview.
  • Initial interview at Teleperformance is also held by group. Expect questions like "Who is your favorite hero and why?" Be specific and make sure you stand firm to your answers.
  • Teletech's initial interview is simply self-introduction. It's mostly done with a group as well but it's not as nerve-wracking as the others. Don't worry about accent. They're not too particular with it.
  • IBM's style is similar to that of Teletech's but be mindful about your pronunciation.
  • Initial interviewers at Telus prefer 2 to 3 persons at a time. They too are not that particular with accent and questions are mostly about one's self.
  • Dell go for 1-on-1 interview as well and mostly focus on your technical skills since they usually hire those who have past call center experiences.
  • Initial interview at Stream is easy. They usually do the talking. They mostly confirm what you have in your resume.




Closing Spiel: Again, this is Yallit and thank you for visiting. Have a Nice Day!

The Reasons

I have been asked a lot of times why I chose to work for a call center company. It seems like some people can't understand the reasons why a graduate of a 4-yr bachelor's degree spend his time working in a call center environment than pursuing a career that's in lined with the course he took up way back in college.

Honestly, I like a lot of opportunities. If I have my way, I'd like to be a singer, an actor, an astronaut, a pilot, a backpacker, a CEO and the list goes on and on.

But then, I can't say all those things directly to a person who asks. So, I limit it to the following answers:

  1. The salary of a new agent even tops what an engineer of a manufacturing plant earns monthly.
  2. Freedom - A call center agent only needs to log for 8 hours (9 including 1-hr lunch) work. After which, he is free from any stress. With other companies, you have to worry about reports and even have to go overtime without pay.
  3. Extra-curriculars - Who says we're all work and no play? There are a lot of activities that an employee of a call center can join. There are different groups and clubs you can sign up for. Want to sing your heart out? Then, join a singing contest organized for a recreational event.
  4. Additional benefits - Where can you find companies that give out 10-15 days PAID vacation leaves in a year? Or one that will give you HMO? How about educational assistance?

Now, here are some reasons why others kept urging you to switch careers or as to why they seem to hate call center companies (of course you can't tell them right in their faces):
  1. They are simply not fluent in English.
  2. They got rejected when they applied for a call center position. Bitter! lol.
  3. Their salary is small but their workload is too much.


Closing Spiel: Again, this is Yallit and thank you for visiting. Have a Nice Day!

13th Month Pay is just around the corner

Yey! It's just a few days before everyone gets their 13th month pay in their ATM accounts.

Depending on your company's policy, your 13th month pay can be credited as early as last November but not as late as Dec 23.

I used to have my 13th month pay on the 5th of December with my previous company. The current company I'm in will be releasing it this 13th of December. I think it's a way to lighten the mood. Lol!


Agent 1: Kelan ang 13th month pay natin?
Agent2: Sa December 13 pa. Kaya nga 13th month eh!



FYI:
- 13th month pay is non-taxable if it doesn't exceed Php30,000.
- 13th month pay is based on your monthly basic salary and is pro-rated. What do I mean by pro-rated? It means that if you just started working for the company you're 13th month pay is computed as:
Basic Salary / 12  X  number of months of stay



We also received another good news from our management as well. Our Tech Premium fee was increased by almost 300% and it has started December 1. Now, that's what we call as GOOD NEWS!




Closing Spiel: Again, this is Yallit and thank you for visiting. Have a Nice Day!