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Working for a call center is a very good way to start at the bottom of a company and learn the details of what the job requires. You learn about the product or service the company offers and how it is sold to the customer. You learn about customer service, difficult conditions that can be made better and trouble shooting any problems that can occur. Becoming an operator teaches you about the employees jobs on their level and the problems they encounter with customers and the service's sold.

All call centers tend to have a large turn over because the job is a lot more demanding then it appears. You may think talking on the phone all day is fun but try to keep up a continuous conversation using the same words over and over for about the next four hours. This is only half of your working day. You must also learn to navigate computer programs and screens quickly while talking to the customer about their product/service. You will encounter many people that hang up on you, scream at you, have incorrect orders and are just plain lonely. If you are looking at climbing the ladder of management this experience can teach you how to adjust problems and how to keep employees happy at the same time.
As a call center operator you spend most of your time on the phone talking so here are a few lesson's to help survive the job. When you are talking lower you voice just a little. This keeps your vocal cords more relaxed so you don't burn out before your shift is over. Keep cough drops near by. Your throat will dry out from all the talking so keep water on your desk and just take small sips throughout the day.
Never yell at a customer. If they are angry, remember they are angry at the situation, not you! Let them yell then calmly tell them you will help to solve their problem. If you cannot solve it find someone that can. If it can't be solved then say you are sorry and go on to the next customer.
If your company allows you to read magazines are the easiest to material. You have to be able leave off where you are reading and concentrate on the customer so keep it light. Look away from your computer screen often to relax your eyes and if the lights are bright wear a hat to shade them.
Good luck and remember if you just hang in there it will get easier!

Learn more about this author, Sherrie Taylor.
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