How to prepare yourself for a customer service job?

by sherriwhite

job, jobs, career

Almost all businesses have a form of customer service job. It could be as minimum as a receptionist or as large as a dedicated call centre. The key to a customer service job is to create a positive relationship with the customers. The job of a customer care executive or manager is to ensure that the customer’s experience of the interaction with the business has been efficient.

If you are preparing yourself for a customer service job in a call centre, you must consider the process for getting the job. You first act would be to send in a resume. Your customer service resume is your first impression on the interviewer. Resumes are a key to get interview calls. If you ignore this fact, you might end up with no interview calls. Before preparing anything for your call centre job, you must ensure that your call centre resume is perfect. Ensure that you make your resume as attractive and job specific as possible. A general resume would not get you the consideration you deserve.

Second aspect is the interview questions. You will be asked a wide array of questions. These will include both standard questions and job specific questions i.e. related to customer service. Standard question like “tell me about you”, “strength and weakness” etc would be asked. You must not give general answers to these questions. Interviewers have no interest in your life. They just want to know whether you are fit for the job or not. So answer in accordance to your profile. When you apply for a customer service job at a call centre, you must say you are a social person, you like to talk to other people and listen to them, you have problem-solving skills etc.

You must also have the knowledge of your domain. Job specific questions would include: “what does good customer service mean to you?”, and “what is customer service philosophy?” etc. if you know everything but not your own function, that could be a problem. So prepare for the job related questions also.

Another aspect is the key competencies for a customer service position. You must possess these in order to make a good customer service representative. These include service orientation, patience, problem analysis, problem solving, accuracy and tolerance. Generally, an interviewer would put you in a situation to test one or more of these competencies. Remember, the interviewer is not your enemy, if he is being rude or biased, that is to understand your reaction and judge your temperament. They wish to know if you can be patient and tolerant. Do not lose your temper. That would be the end of the game.

Before you go for the interview, do some research on the company. Know the company’s products and services and their future plans. Know their competition, and other facts about the company. Pre-interview background research will help you to ask some questions to the interviewer.

To top it all, good communication skill and clear language is a key to any customer service job. If it is a call centre job you are applying for, you must remember that your customer can only hear your voice. Therefore, the interviewer would judge your communication throughout the interview process. You must listen carefully and answer precisely. Your voice must not be too loud or too low. Ensure that you speak clearly and slowly so that what you say is clearly understood.

Follow up is important for customer service. After your interview is over, send a thank you mail to the company to demonstrate your customer service orientation.

Top Guidelines on How To Influence People and Establish Rapport

by Paul Anderson

job, jobs, career

Humans are social creatures and a lot of their lives are defined by the interaction they have with each other. This interaction is highly subject to being able to influence others to our bidding. Right from an early age we get influenced by our parents and we also learn to influence them in return. Eventually, our ability to influence others comes to shape our lives. This article explores a number of methods that helps you to influence others.

Ask Open Questions

People don’t tell you everything they have in mind. They expect encouragement and interest by the other person. You can show this by asking them open questions. Open questions, as opposed to closed questions, lead to increased information exchange and are a great way to open up a conversation. As a rule of thumb ask questions starting with the following words to get open questions: Why, When, What, Where, Who and How.

Make Clear Statements

One reason why you may fail to influence others is when they don’t understand what you wanted them to do. Hence, don’t make vague requests that are subject to misinterpretation or let the other person deliberately misunderstand them. Make a clear statement, followed by open questions to test the knowledge of the other person. Remember, the meaning of a communication is the response you get.

Think Win/Win

Don’t always think about wining on your own. Include others and think of win/win situations. You will find that is easier to get others accept your terms when there is something for them too. As the saying is, if you win too many times, no one would want to do any deal with you.

Promise a Lot, Deliver a Lot More

This is the standard practice in business dealings, earning forecasts, project outcome, etc. and for a good reason; it works. When you promise beyond someone’s expectation they become impressed and assume that there is a possibility that you won’t make it. When you break your own expectation and forecast, you will look like God. They are much more likely to believe in you and accept your wisdom in the future.

Think of What Others Need

Everyone needs something. We value things very differently and something that is valuable to a person might be nothing to you. By understanding this disparity, you can start to influence others by giving them what they want without costing you too much. Satisfying other’s needs is a great way to motivate people and influence them.

Listen Before You Talk

Much has been said about the importance of listening, but it is still not enough. Most people don’t listen and they suffer as a result. If you listen to others, you start to see the world from their point of view and you can better see their specific needs. In turn this allows you to satisfy them accordingly. A person who feels has been listened to will be more inclined to tell you about himself and share his world with you. This makes it a lot easier for you to influence him.

Show off the Benefits

Clearly state the benefits of the action you want the other person to do so they know what’s in it for them. Usually, you have thought about the request a lot more than them, especially if you have prepared for the conversation beforehand, so they are likely not to see all the benefits straight away. By bringing the benefits to their attention you increase the likelihood of influencing them.

Don’t Attack Personalities

Always focus on specific acts, task, roles and jobs, but not personalities. A generalised attack on the personality of a person or even other people produces a very different kind of conversation and generally has a negative effect on your image. If you show that you are the kind who easily attacks personalities, they can easily imagine that you may talk negatively of them behind their back. This reduces their trust in you and your ability to influence them. Hence, always talk positively of others and avoid negative gossip. This may be difficult for some people who are too used to gossiping, but there is simply no way to become a likable person if you have a reputation to talk behind everyone’s back and be the centre of gossiping in an organisation.

A great way to get people master the art of influencing is to train them on Influence Skills using training exercises and interactive scenarios in a training classroom. In addition, trainers who like to teach people influence skills can take advantage of Influence Skills Training Materials which contains slides, workbooks, course notes and exercises to quickly setup a course and teach the subject. For details see the training resources provided below.

What qualifications one has to achieve in order to get human resource job?

by Chris Jerico

job, jobs, career

Human resources jobs

In demand

If an individual is looking for the particular interest then the human resource companies are available with the various options which meet the interest of the individual. There are various sites and institution which provide efficient and specific information regarding the human resource jobs. This jobs are in great demand and the will be gaining it popularity in the coming 10 years as well. These jobs are in demand as the need of the efficient management as well as the personnel is increasing rapidly which is beneficial for all the types of business units especially in case of digital systems. The individual can achieve there dream by working with this human resource companies according to there personal interest and with the best training facilities.

Training and hard work

Human resource jobs are not as simple as they look. There should be proper training provided to the people so that they can meet the demand of the work. There are various jobs which can be looked upon after having the exact information and training from the educational area.Jobs like compensation manager, director of human resource, employment manager, Industrial security specialist, labour relation manager, employment diversity specialist, corporate recruiter, and many more. This all the various jobs in human resource which can individual get and have to real work hard to achieve this. As for any work in any field there should be proper training required and should have the knowledge about the work.

Different requirements needed

For performing the human resource job there are different and important consideration in every company. Human resource jobs are basically for the betterment of the employee and solving all the related problems regarding the business. Taking care of the employees in all the matter from hiring the individual for the work till providing them with the tax information and payment of there wages and incentives during there work performed. Many companies look for the young graduates as they are fresh and are aware of all the necessary problems faced by the employees, but also the experience professionals are also been recruited by certain companies. For the job there are certain basic specifications required by any company regarding any position in the human resource job like the candidate should have the basic knowledge and skills of computer, he should be having an positive mentality towards other person, and the most important he should have good communication skills which will make it easy for the clients as well as employees in understanding and performing the work in an appropriate manner.

Increasing competition

Now the human resource is much been valued in many organisations and when the company is in need of taking decisions on the basis of strategy which is to be followed, divestitures. And acquisition then the human resource personnel is been given the first preference to show his talent. The human resource is going to be in great demand and there will be increase in the competition as there are many graduates who are looking for it for there career development. Companies are ready for hiring the individual in entry level as well as the management level.

How To Boost Your CV Writing Success For Free - Guaranteed

by EnglishCV

job, jobs, career

Today I want to give you one special tip to boosting your job hunt success. Using this tip you can dramatically increase the number of employers that book you for interview. Simply keep reading to take advantage!

The secret lies not in obsessing about your CV but in paying greater attention to the cover letter. This is because the cover letter is the first thing employer see in your application. Hence it's absolutely crucial. If the cover letter doesn't convince employers you're a worthwhile candidate then you've wasted your time sending the application.

How then can you create a really persuasive cover letter? Let them tell you first of all that doing this isn't easy. It takes hours to get the approach right and weeks to find out whether you're succeeding. But once you've got the formula down the hard work will be worth it. You'll enjoy replies from almost every employer you contact.

Start by adopting the employer's perspective. Think to yourself: What information would convince me to invite a complete stranger to interview? How would this stranger present themselves?

Remember that you're attempting to both convince the employer you're a perfect candidate but also a good human being. Employers want candidates who can both do the work and contribute to a nice atmosphere.

Once you've noted down this information start to consider the context in which employers read applications. They probably don't have time to read every cover letter in detail. In addition they've probably got dozens of applications to read through.

How then might this alter the application you send? Do you risk boring the employer by writing a detailed cover or choose something more brief?

Finally you can begin sending out the cover letter to employers. Treat each application as though it's part of an experiment. Instead of hoping and praying for a response learn from what happens. If you don't get a reply it's because you've not persuaded the employer.

Think to yourself: How might I be more persuasive? What can I change to create a better response next time? Tinker with each batch of applications and you'll soon figure out what works.
Like I say though this approach takes a long time and a lot of effort. Without paying for a professional service though it's the best chance you've got.

Job Hunting Tips

by Jack Doe

job, jobs, career

Are you a fresh graduate and planning to look for a job? Did you just recently quit your job and are looking for greener pastures? Are you unemployed and have little experience regarding ways to secure a job? Whatever your situation may be, it would be to your advantage to study the following tips:

Check your resume for mistakes

Before submitting your resume to a prospective employer, check your resume for corrections at least three times before handing it over. After researching about the job position, it is critical that you format your resume to match the needs of the company. For example, if you are applying for an accounting job, you should put in detail your accounting experience on your resume. Typographical and grammatical errors are serious no-no's. It is also ideal to keep the length of the resume' to at least a page and a half long.

Taking the interview challenge

A survey conducted by a staffing and consulting firm based in California which corresponded with 1,400 chief financial officers concluded that candidates for employment made most of their mistakes on their interviews. Some of the mistakes they made include: arriving late, having little knowledge about the company and the position applied for, and having a superiority complex and behaving arrogantly. The body language of the applicant must also denote that he is confident yet not overpowering. He must maintain eye contact, have a strong handshake, and avoid looking defensive by the act of crossing the arms. Wearing the right clothes is crucial for projecting a confident stance. As they say, it is better to go to an interview over-dressed than being under-dressed.

Answer questions smartly

A common mistake of interviewees is that they tend to get tense and forget the questions that are given to them, which has the effect that they are not prepared for the interview. It is important to research about the company and the position applied for to prevent being side-tracked during the interview. If you do not know the answer to the questions being asked, it is better to admit you don't know the answer to the question and add that you can research about it. Look for the skills or expertise that the company is looking for so that when interview day comes and the interviewer asks about your strengths and core competencies, you will be able to match it to what they need.

Getting the necessary referrals

Having a referral from one of the company employees can go a long way toward landing an interview. A typical company may receive job applications in the hundreds and usually 35% to 60% of all job vacancies are filled by referrals. The odds of getting hired when you have a referral are very high if you have another 200 to 500 applicants vying for the same position. If you do not know anyone from the company that may give you a referral, it is a good idea to the alumni network of your college, trade groups, social networks, and professional associations. Remember, having a referral greatly increases your chances of getting the position.

On online application

With the current trend of technology and its merging with business processes, more and more companies are now requiring prospective applicants to submit their application online. Thus, first impressions are relayed not by your first appearance but by the quality and content of your e-mail. E-mails regarding job application should be polished and well-articulated. When applying on-line, use the following tips:

Complete your sentences and do not abbreviate.

Employers do not like when you send them application letters that seem to be too casual. It is important to make a letter that is both formal and well written. This gives a good impression regarding your capabilities and skills.

Get directly to the point

When writing an application letter, you must be concise and straightforward. Do not put a story on the letter just to get the attention of the employer, chances are he or she will just get irritated with you and this only reduces your chances of getting hired.

Consider potential issues that may hinder you from getting the job

Although there are instances wherein there is a lot of need for a job but the requirements for the position may entail training programs that may bar you from getting the position due to its highly competitive nature. Some require a lot of experian even at least 3 years of work experience. Some may have no barriers to entry but the job itself may entail a very routine work flow.

Getting the job you want may be a challenge but never lose hope. It is better to wait a while and get the job that you will enjoy rather than get a job as soon as possible but ending up dissatisfied and unhappy. Make the right decision then act on it.

9 More Job Searching Tips

by Jack Doe

job, jobs, career

Most of the times it is far more than easy to answer the question " What would you like to do for a living ? " And most of the times the answer is "How should I know? " There are only a few people extremely lucky knowing what the want to do with their lives.

If you’re not sure what to do, here’s a list that might help.

1. Know thyself.

Identify what really interests and excites you. Understand that these traits define you and use it to explore career choices and opportunities. Here is where you have to put a lot of thought. Most of the times it is far more than easy to answer the question " What would you like to do for a living ? " Most of the times it takes decades to identify who we really are. Doing something now later you might descover that you hated it or vice versa. Or maybe there is something out there that if you do it you would really love it. Try as many different things as you can. Is there a possible way to try every single legal job on the planet? Then do it. You might be really good in something but you hate it or you might not be good at all in something else but you really love it. Take advantage of both situations. Use all your abilities or try to descover what abilities are sleeping inside you. It is really hard to identify your self and it takes a lot of time.

2. Take a career assessment test.

There are a lot of career assessment tests available online. Find the time to take one. The test gives you a lot of insights about your core competencies and work preferences. But be careful because those tests are making your personal profile based on some generic questions that were not designed to get to know you as a person. A lot of factors are not included and the result will not be 100% correct. There is no possible way a couple of dozens of questions to figure out who you really are and what you really want. All I am saying is do the test but do not feel restrained to the test's results.

3. Ask others.

It’s actually quite difficult to see yourself as others do. It would be to your advantage to ask friends and family on your traits and skills. Your co-workers are also a good source of information. Knowing how they perceive you, what they like and don’t like about you and what skills or traits need to be changed can be helpful in determining your professional profile.

4. What moves you?

Would you be more interested in status or a six figure salary? Or both? Do you want to make a difference in your community and the world or just on your company’s net worth? What makes you to want to wake up in the morning and go to work?

5. Take charge.

In the ‘80s, when you worked for a large company, you usually could conclude that you would be working there for your entire career. In those days, the corporation drove your career path, advancing as it saw fit.

At the turn of the century, times have changed. In the span of your career, you would probably work for at least five companies. In most cases, you will probably work for more than five. Know which career track you desire, and make sure that track brings you to where you wish to go.

6. Determine the company fit.

With the current emphasis on streamlined and productivity-focused companies, the cultural and company fit are just as important as the professional goals. Consider the values and principles of the company and compare them with your own. It is important that you feel comfortable and fit in with company.

7. Free your mind.

The career path you choose is about change and more change. It includes expansion and new opportunities. All of these changes require a desire to journey and discover, well most of the times not literally.

8. Balance is the key.

A huge amount of time is devoted to your career when you are in your 20s and 30s. When you reach your 40s, your personal life might took a hit and you forgot how important is to you. Find a corporation that will provide you with a balance in your work and your life.

9. Don’t hang around.

If you’re not satisfied with the way your career is going, go do something. Always be in control of your career path to have a satisfying career. Do not fall in the trap staying somewhere because you are feeling secure even if you hate. If it is not for you then change it. Remember we only live once and we will spend our lives working so you don't want to spend the rest of your life doing something that you hate.

What To Wear For A Job Interview

by Jack Doe

job, jobs, career

Prepare and practice for an interview. After the date and venue has been set, allow time for enough preparation for the big day. Remember that first impressions do last, so the way an applicant look really does matter. Employers could easily give the verdict based on the manner of dressing during the initial interview.

Better questions and service can be received if the appearance itself commands respect. It is important to consider the surroundings of the company granting you an interview. There is no reason to be over dressed or poorly dressed during this very significant day. In fact, it is a good rule of thumb to always dress appropriately for any situation. All to often appearance is glossed over. Some might say that the inner characteristics of the person matter more, but in reality, you only have one opportunity for a first impression. Make it count!

Although there are specific guidelines that can be followed, these does not apply to all states like New York for example, where people wear trendy up to extreme styles that are far away from the usual fashion rules common people know. The rule of thumb should be to wear something that could boost more confidence.

Below are the top ten do's and don'ts during an interview:

1. Avoid wild colored nail polish before the interview. The same goes with long nails that could easily turn off some conservative employers. These should be neat and very tidy looking.

2. Never wear jewelry that rattles and jiggles as you speak and move. Try not to wear two or more rings or earrings. Piercing aside from the ears is also a no.

3. Professional hairdo also counts

4. If you are a woman, wear closed shoes. Heels are very appropriate as this gives more confidence to an individual and sense of respect is also provided once they see the person wearing them.

5. Again, for the ladies, never bare those newly shaven legs. If possible, use stockings regardless of the temperature. But make sure not to use fancy colored ones. Only use those made for neutral looking legs. These should also match the shoes.

6. Remember that a good suit or dress brings more confidence as well. This will also allow more comfort and chance for the applicant to answer comfortably or with ease.

7. Avoid short skirts for women. Wearing pants or leggings are a no, no during interviews.

8. Wear the appropriate blazers just as long as they do not look fashion outdated. Do not use any leather coats or jackets.

9. For men, the tie is still appropriate. Avoid using turtlenecks. If there is no suit and tie available, use a collared shirt or white long sleeves.

10. Men must not use too much aftershave.

11. Women should be using bags that are not too bright and conspicuous. These should be conservative and matching the dress.

12. Any briefcase used must be in perfect condition.

The way a person looks equal the message he is trying to convey. During the interview, this can either become a plus factor for the applicant or big loss. Know for a fact that the way an applicant should look must be appealing, fashionable but not loud.

Consider the latest trends in the area or location where the prospective job is located. One aspect that is a part of how employer picks a new hire is based on the physical attributes of the applicant. From the way the hands were shaken, keeping an eye contact, the way the posture was maintained, the smile was delivered up to the manner of dressing is being rated already.

Regardless of your personal career background, skills, and underlying talents, if the first impression was never striking enough to make an outstanding appeal to the interviewers, nothing else counts. This can be the potential employers’ initial interpretation of how an applicant will do on the job.

Whether that perception is “fair” is irrelevant. Do you want the job or not ? Then do the things right and your chances for success are much greater!