Work from home customer service and remote call center jobs are at the forefront of the digital work revolution. In the past, workers huddled together in massive cubicle farms across the country. But today, the ability to work from home is transforming how companies choose their employees, increasing the opportunities for employment for work from home parents and qualified individuals alike.
And although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 1% drop in job growth over the next 10 years, this is the product of the many brick-and-mortar call centers that remain. If you’re a person who loves to help others and is great at defusing people in certain situations, read on to find out more about the best remote call center jobs available to you.
Everything You Need to Know About Remote Call Center Jobs
One of the greatest and most alluring aspects of remote call center jobs is that they have low barriers of entry, are extremely flexible, and offer plenty of opportunities for personal advancement. With this trifecta of positives, more candidates aim to join the ranks of call center workers. Furthermore, the omnichannel approach to customer service has been proven somewhat ineffective. Over 90% of consumers prefer to speak to a call center or customer service representative, despite the growth of AI, chatbots, and other automated customer service programs.
With that said, the demand for work from home call center jobs will continue to flourish until automated solutions provide an adequate customer service experience. So if you’re looking for a job with low entry requirements you can do from home, here’s what you need to know to become a remote call center worker.
Education Required
Unlike some of the other remote positions available, remote call center jobs only require a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree, however, may present you with more opportunities moving forward, especially if you’re interested in becoming a remote call center manager. Instead of continued education, most employers simply want someone with experience, whether it’s from actual call center experience or something different, such as retail, tourism, and hospitality, or food and beverage.
Skills Needed
Any job that deals directly with customers necessitates soft skills that many other remote jobs don’t require. But as a call center representative, you’re constantly in contact with dissatisfied, upset, or angry customers. But with a positive attitude and some of these other soft skills, you can traverse the often choppy waters that are part of customer service and satisfaction.
- Patience
- Empathy
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently
- Great communication skills and clarity in speaking
- Knowledge of products and services
- Organizational skills
In addition, you should also be comfortable with the various hardware and software requirements of the job. Use of a set of headphones and customer service software is essential, although your employer may train you on their in-house solutions.
Certifications
Because of the low barriers to entry and education needed to land a virtual call center job, very few certifications exist in the field. But if you’re searching for ways to stand out from other applicants, these certifications can give you the upper hand while also giving you knowledge that makes you a better employee and worker. Here are some of the most popular certifications:
- Call Center Associate Certified from the Management & Strategy Institute
- Call Center Certification through COPC Inc.
- Certification from the Call Center Industry Advisory Council
Salary Information
According to the BLS, call center jobs paid a median annual wage of $35,830 a year, or $17.23 per hour. Around 10% earned less than $11.59, while the highest earners pocketed more than $27.80. Wholesale trade companies and insurance companies were the two highest-paying roles in the call center industry.
Common Remote Call Center Job Titles
Remote call center jobs have numerous titles, so don’t be off-put by the sheer number you’ll find when you’re searching for open positions. From part-time to full-time roles, you can find a job in entry-level and management positions. Here are some of the most popular titles.
- Remote Deputy Call Center Manager
- Remote Business Services Call Center Representative
- Entry-Level Remote Call Center Representative
- Remote Call Center Workforce Analyst
Companies Hiring for Remote Call Center Jobs
Companies large and small always require workers to handle the phones, leaving the door for opportunity wide open. However, doing some research on potential employers is always a great way to find a job and make a lasting first impression in the interview process. Take a quick glance at some of the most popular companies hiring for remote call center jobs.
Anthem, Inc.
With over 800,000 customers across 11 states and more than 70,000 employees, Anthem, Inc. is one of the world’s largest healthcare providers and the biggest for-profit managed healthcare organization on the globe. Over 85% of Anthem’s employees say it’s a great place to work. Anthem earns numerous accolades each year for its generous benefits and diversity and inclusion measures.
Skybridge Americas
Founded in 1953 in Minneapolis, Skybridge Americas is an omnichannel customer care solutions provider and one of Virtual Vocations’ Employer Partners. Through its customer service outsourcing, the company provides its clients with top-rate customer care, so that businesses can focus more on the mission, vision, and core elements of the organization.
Is a Remote Call Center Job Calling You?
As more companies turn to remote call center jobs to improve customer relations and find the most qualified candidates, remote call center jobs will continue to grow in popularity. So if you have experience in customer service, basic tech knowledge, and the required calm, cool attitude, a remote call center job could actually be the one calling you.
Which one of these remote call center jobs would you like to pursue? What attracts you to the industry? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!
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