Way back in 2008 I was looking for a job so that I could help my husband in our financial needs during that time. I have been hearing about BPO companies accepting applicants regardless of their age as long as they know how to speak English and use a computer. I became interested because I know I can speak English I just need to practice more because I had not been using the language for a long time. But my biggest problem is, I do not know how to use a computer.
It was during one of our household meetings when out of the blue one of the member announced that TESDA is conducting a free course and one of them is for being a call center representative. The next day I went to TESDA to verify the information and true enough there is a free course for becoming a call center representative. So I applied and luckily I pass the examination and was accepted.
My brothers and sisters in the community was so happy when they found out that I was accepted in TESDA. Knowing also our financial predicament at that time they knew I would still hesitate because of transportation expenses. So what they did in order for me not to back out and pursue my training, they volunteered to help me with my transportation expenses. Since my training was for one month, three times per week the members of our community contributed for my expenses. I became their "scholar".
My expectations for the training was they would teach us the actual jobs of a call center agent. Like practicing receiving calls and how to handle the calls. And computer navigation. I found out that the training was for English 101 and american culture. We were able to use the computer on the last week of the training for typing practice. In short I finish my training improved my English but still zero knowledge in using the computer.
So what I did was seek again the help of one of my friend Sheila for computer navigation and basic parts of the computer.
Thinking that I'm already equipped with knowledge and confidence I began my first actual applying in a BPO company. I selected the one nearest my home. I was shocked when I entered the company because the guard that greeted me is english speaking. And the HR people assisting your application were all english speaking. I felt I was transported to another country. And to top it all, I found out that applying in a BPO company is way different from applying in a regular company. Because there are several phases that you have to pass during application.
The first phase was a group interview. We were five in the group, each one will say something about oneself. Luckily I passed that phase but I remembered one of the girls in our group burst out crying because she was unable to express herself. The second phase was exam done in a computer which was also new to me because I'm used to taking exams by paper. I also passed that phase. Then came the third phase which was computer navigation. I vividly remember that part. We were given a paper with instruction of going to the homepage of the company and copy paste the address. My mind turned blank. And I just stared at the computer because I do not know what copy paste is and how to copy paste hahaha. Well I know you already guess what happened next. You're right I did not make it so goodbye for me hahaha.
The next three months I applied to different companies, to the point that I almost memorize the questions being asked as well as the exams. I almost gave up because no one wants to hire someone without a call center experience. But the fighter in me and my objective of having a job pushed me to continue and not give up.
What I did was applied again to the first company wherein I failed due to copy paste. The reason for that is because this company is near my house. Mind you I already readied myself on that exam but to my surprise that phase was removed it was changed to typing skill. And would you believe that I was accepted by that company who first rejected me! I was elated when it was announced that I passed. And when I received the id card and badge of the company I felt like an award was given to me. I keep telling myself that this is the fruit of my sacrifice. I would be able to work again.
I went through all the hassle of undergoing training, experienced rejection - not once, not twice, but countless times. If I had given up that time, I can't imagine how our life would have been. All those hurdles along the way were just a preparation for a brighter future for me and my family. Times were still hard, but I can say that being a call center representative has helped us cope with the difficulties in life. I am thankful that I did not give up no matter how many times I was given a "NO." I hope my story would inspire others experiencing setbacks and difficulties in life. Just remember to always look forward, be patient, never give up and pray🙂🙂🙂