Whether inbound or outbound, Omaha has an abundance of call centers that constantly look for new talent.
Because call centers generally have high employee turnover, they always seem to be hiring. Most offer generous bonuses and other extras for top performers. This often allows those who excel at call center work to earn more than their base pay.
Whether working at a call center is easy or torturous can only answered by each employee. While some thrive in a call center environment and truly enjoy the work, others have a difficult time finding any type of groove. They quickly decide call center work is not for them.
How to succeed
To make the best of a call center job requires you to accept certain things:
- Your activities will be monitored.
- Your breaks will be regimented.
- You will spend the majority of your time seated and talking on the phone.
Here are reasons why working at a call center can be good for many people:
- The work is not physically demanding.
- The schedule is predictable.
- Performance bonuses are common.
- Casual dress is the norm.
Call center work is a good choice for those who enjoy speaking with other people over the phone and can maintain a calm, polite demeanor even when the other person does not.
The truth is that customers who call in often are already irritated. So when they must wait on hold to get to an associate, they’re ready to scream at whoever finally answers.
Call center workers are expected to not take anything callers say personally, otherwise a day’s work quickly becomes an emotional drain way.
Call center workers who wish to work their way up the corporate ladder should make their intentions known. Asking a supervisor for guidance is a good idea and can yield helpful suggestions and even advocacy.
Applying for a call center job
Most call centers let applicants complete job applications online. Be prepared to provide your contact information as well as a resume with your experience and education.
Even if you don’t have call center experience, stress the experience you have that pertains. For example, customer service jobs of any type demonstrate you have experience working with customers.
If you’re brought in for an interview, present a professional appearance. Even if you know people at a particular call center wear sweats and jeans, you should still show up in an interview-appropriate outfit.
Demonstrate your professional demeanor and upbeat attitude to make a great first impression.
Call centers in the Omaha area
Following is a list of some of the call centers in the Omaha area. This list is not exhaustive, as there are many other call centers nearby seeking employees.
- Complete Call Solutions hires inbound customer service representatives.
- Dial America offers flexible schedules for both day and night shifts. It has focused on outbound programs since its inception.
- Gallup hires interviewers for their telephone polling campaigns.
- com hires inbound representatives, as well as email-response specialists. The local company, now owned by Walmart.com, is expected to hire 200-300 more call center agents by the end of the year.
- PayPal is consistently voted one of the best places to work in Omaha. Its focus is on financial transactions and their secure disposition
- Pentagon Federal Credit Union has a call center to handle inbound calls, as does SAC Federal Credit Union, Centris Federal Credit Union, First National Bank of Omaha and most other financial institutions.
- Professional Research Consultants (PRC) contacts people to ask them about their hospital experiences.
Many factors should go into your decision about which call centers in the Omaha area are best for you. If you enjoy sales, consider an outbound call center where you can earn extra money in commissions. Search for Omaha call center jobs now.
If the idea of calling people and interrupting their day makes you cringe, an inbound-only call center is probably best for you.
Also, consider the other variables important when you apply for any job, such as pay, hours, benefits and workplace culture. While it’s certainly important to find a job that fits your personal preferences, you also want to be paid what you’re worth.
What it takes
Most call centers ask for similar attributes: a friendly voice, problem-solving abilities and the ability to multi-task. Call center workers are the “voice” of their company or clients, and that voice needs to be friendly and approachable
People who don’t like other people will probably not enjoy a call center. But those who can stay calm and friendly over the phone no matter what will thrive.