Want to crossover to a BPO?

ou have a number of years of experience in a different sector. 

Now you want to jump onto to the BPO bandwagon.

At what level can you join?

BPO training expert Nasha Fitter clears your doubts on the industry.

• Do you have a question for Nasha? Write to us!

I have been working for an express company, incharge of customer service, for the last eight years.

I would love to work for a BPO firm, but I really don't know how to go about it. Can you help me?

I would also like to know about the age limit.

I have a pleasing personality, good experience when it comes to talking to clients, am very hard working and have all the abilities to make it big. Please help me.

- Pushpa

You certainly sound enthusiastic!

Pushpa, age is not an issue. I think it is great you have a good personality and experience in talking to clients as these are important qualities. But, for a BPO, the most important thing will be your grasp of the English language. 

Here I suggest reading business journals, newspapers and good books. Also, watch international news channels such as CNN and BBC.  

Hi Nisha, this shankar kamle, currently im woking as Account executive in a private organisation. i would like join in BPO field. i have been getting some interviews and i faced many interviews. i could not able to get in the job. i want know how could i prepare and how to get the job.

- Shankar Kamle

To get a job in a BPO, your command over the English language has to be strong. You need to improve your English grammar and diction as well as basic pronunciation. You could pick up a basic grammar book and also read business journals, newspapers and good books. 

From the short e-mail you sent me, I can tell right away that your grammar comprehension and application are weak. I have edited your e-mail and have re-written it for you below, I hope this helps. 

Here is a corrected version of your e-mail.

Hi Nasha,

My name is Shankar and I am currently working as an accounts executive in a private organisation. I am interested in a career in the BPO field. I have gone for a few interviews but have not been able to get a job. I would like some advice from you as to how I could prepare for these interviews.

Also, there are many private classes to help people improve grammar, diction, pronunciation, interpersonal communication and public speaking skills.  

I am a post-graduate in service industry management and have been working for the past 14 months in a five star hotel as a coordinator.

Do you think I can apply for a job as team leader in a BPO?

- F&B

Probably not. With only 14 months of experience in a non-BPO field, you would most likely have to start at the agent level.

I have experience in HR (recruitment) and was working for Reliance on a contract basis (engineering division) and now for a manpower consultancy firm. I want to join a BPO. How should I go about it? 

- Sajit Nair

To join a BPO firm, your grasp of the English language must be very good. Here I suggest reading business journals, newspapers and good books. Also watch international news channels such as CNN and BBC.

I am working in a manufacturing company of repute. I am a qualified chartered accountant with six years of experience. What is the likelihood and career prospects if I wish to enter BPO industry? 

- KK

It depends at what level you wish to enter the BPO space. Also, in what capacity. 

Are you looking for a voice-based position or a technical position? 

For the most part if you are starting at the agent level in a voice-based process, the most important factors are your grasp of the English language, pronunciation and ability to communicate effectively.