There was that time when college undergraduates who had spent at least two years in their study of their chosen course in college can apply as call center agents. Call center companies will put them into a series of skill test starting from online application wherein an applicant will use the company’s computer to fill an application already prepared by the company, English essay writing as well as English oral skill and if you are lucky to pass it all, the final interview in English. By the way, once inside the company building everyone must speak only in English. The company will train an applicant for a month to see if they are able to stand night duty. Surprisingly, this is the hardest part because most of those who already passed the previous test will fail. Either because they get sick or they decide they don’t like the nature of the job. Of course these are the stories that I heard about. I already failed the first test because I didn’t have the necessary skill to complete my application in 45 minutes. And I admire the patience of those who waited for me to finish.
There were some would be applicants who knew my daughter and asked her help in preparing their resume to be submitted to the front desk. I heard that most of them failed and that started me thinking that it is common to fail than to pass. At that time independent training centers had not yet flourished. Curiosity hit me and I asked if I can also apply even with my very little computer skill. I was told that if I have well enough English written and oral skill, the company might decide to train me. At least I believe that my English is the only test that I can pass. Or just maybe? It’s only my own opinion.
Finally! The day of reckoning came. My daughter who is a call center agent was on a day shift. Together we arrive at the site and before she went in to work, she submitted my resume to the front desk. I was told to sit down and wait. Nervously, I waited. More applicants arrive. We were ushered into a room where we viewed a presentation about the benefits of working for the company. I think the benefits were good and I’m praying to the Lord God Almighty for a miracle. I know I have a very small chance. The only thing that excites me is that I can take a peek at the inside of the building and see how a call center is set-up. The experience is what I’m really after. The thought amused me.
I finish filling up my online application and I’m surprised that they let me waited along with the other applicants for the next test. I sat there wondering. I would be lying if I would say I hadn’t expected to at least pass the next test. And then it came and again we were told to enter a room. Wow! I said to myself. This is where call center agent work. I was told to sit down before a table with a computer and a telephone. I put the headset over my head and down to my ears. The phone rings and I picked it up and heard the voice of a woman talking. I am nervous and it is then that I realized that my English is not really that good when I’m nervous. My embarrassment was overshadowed by my excitement to be actually inside a call center building. The experience alone consoled me.
The experience actually ignited a fire inside me to improve myself. I like to be in this world. I think it is a better world. I never succeeded in actually working in a call center but I came to know that there are a lot of opportunities in this world, the internet.
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