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Call centre -- Sunder Ramachandran

Tackling interviews

In all the BPO interviews, the first question that is asked is, "Tell us something about yourself." What's the best way to answer this question?

Raja

This question gives you an opportunity to differentiate yourself from others. You have to be smart and list your unique qualities rather than just stating facts from your resume.

Say something interesting about yourself and than validate this with an example.

Mention any key accomplishment, which could be related to your previous work experience or education.

Signing bonds

I was asked to sign a six-month bond for the role of a customer service agent. Is this policy being followed by all companies? Is it safe to sign a bond?

Vivek Aroskar

Bonds are legal employment contracts that tie you to a company for an agreed period of time, say six months to one year, sometimes more.

Before you commit to a company for any time period, get your facts cleared about training and growth opportunities. If you are comfortable with what you have learnt, you can consider saying `yes'.

Remember, however, that you may have to pay the company a fixed amount if you choose to break the bond and leave before the stipulated time frame. Some companies are following this policy in order to tackle the problem of attrition.

Tech jobs

I have recently completed my B.Tech. I am interested in joining a BPO but would like to be in the technical field rather than customer service. As I don't have any experience, is it possible to directly join the technical department?

Anitha Raman

There are several BPOs that serve technology clients and hire engineers to provide technical support.

You can try joining them as a Technical Support Associate. BPOs also have an in house technology team and you can move to that department through an internal transfer after you have spent some time with the organization.

You should consider acquiring some professional certifications like MCSE and CCNA depending on your area of interest as that would improve your chances of finding a good job.

Improving pronunciation

I have been told that I need to improve my pronunciation and diction before I can think of getting a BPO job. How do I go about doing that?

Indraneel

There are a few things that you could do in order to improve your pronunciation and diction: Watch news shows on international channels like CNN and BBC and try to duplicate the way the anchors speak.

The web site www.m-w.com is great for pronunciation help and will help you understand how to pronounce any word.

Try making sure that `air' comes out of your mouth when saying the letters, `T, P, K' and the sound `Ch'.

You can buy books on pronunciation that come with audiocassettes. The one that I would recommend is Better English Pronunciation by J D O'Connor. It is part of the Cambridge series, and is available most bookstores.

Shifting from BPOs

I have been working with a call centre for the last three years and would now like to shift to a daytime job.

I have given a couple of interviews but my call centre experience seems to come in the way. Which are the other sectors that I can find a job in?

G. Shailesh

I am certain that three years in a BPO would have added value to you as a professional.

If the only reason for change is night shifts, than try discussing the same with the H.R team in your company and see if you can shift to something that allows you to work during the day.

Your skills are transferable in jobs in the service sector. Hospitality, airlines and retail are some sectors where you can apply for jobs.

(Sunder works with a leading global BPO. If you have any questions, write in to sunder.ramachandran@gmail.com)

RAJA

(Sunder works with a leading global BPO. If you have any questions, write in to sunder.ramachandran

@gmail.com)

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