Critical Skill Sets for Optimal Call Center Agent Teams

Want to work in a call center? You are not alone. This career has boomed in popularity over the past few years. Call center roles offer employees flexible working conditions and plenty of advancement opportunities. Plus, it is a great way to learn and grow with all types of brands or industries that interest you. It is important to remember that call center jobs are, at their core, customer service roles — a career requiring a specific skill set. 

Ask yourself the following 10 questions if you think you might be a good fit for a call center role.

1) What Does ‘Customer Service’ Mean to Me?

It is crucial to grasp what customer service means to you if you want to be a great call center agent. While solving problems for your company is a big part of the role, the most important aspect is the customers themselves. Do you have what it takes to focus attention on the customer?

2) How Is My Memory?

When working in a call center, you will speak with dozens of customers daily, each with unique queries and issues. It is crucial to remember that these people require great customer service. The client should feel like an actual person with needs, not a number. That’s why a great memory is considered an asset in call centers. Being able to recall and reference things your customer has mentioned will instill more confidence in your support and assure them that you are taking their query seriously. 

What if you do not have a great memory? That’s also OK, but try to keep a pen and paper by the phone during your calls and take notes on important details. 

3) Am I Patient?

Have you ever heard someone say, “Patience is a virtue”? This phrase is extremely relevant in the world of customer service. After all, your role as a call center agent sometimes involves communicating with customers when they are feeling big emotions. Often, customers are frustrated, scared, confused, stressed, or angry when they contact a call center. That’s why the ability to remain calm and regulated during calls is so important — for good customer service and your emotional well-being.  

4) What Is My Communication Style?

As a call center agent, your job is all about communicating! In order to provide great service, you must be able to provide clear, accurate, and helpful information to your customers. It is also important that you impart this information in a respectful manner. 

5) Am I a Good Listener?

Being a good listener will serve you well throughout every aspect of your life, not just your career. However, knowing how to be an active listener is especially important when working in a call center. When your client explains their question or issue to you, showing you are “with them” and understanding through verbal cues is helpful. This can be as simple as saying “mmhmm” or “right.” They are small enough interjections that will not break your customers’ flow of thinking but will show that you are on the same page. 

6) How Do I Solve Problems?

Think about how you approach problem-solving. Do you think outside the box? Do you look at possible solutions from every angle? If so, then you are likely an ideal candidate to become a call center agent. After all, your customer has likely tried a few solutions before contacting your call center for support. What they need now is your unique expertise and problem-solving skills. 

7) Do I Have Marketing or Sales Experience?

While call center roles are in the customer service sector, there are times when agents end up wearing other hats — especially sales and marketing ones. Your inherent knowledge of your company’s values and branding might help you close a few deals. Having a good grasp of marketing and sales strategies will make that even more likely.

8) What Type of Working Hours Do I Require?

One of the best things about call center work is how flexible it can be. Call center agents often work from home and can choose a schedule that revolves around their lives, not the other way around. However, it is important to remember many call centers were developed to serve customers outside of regular business hours. While it may not be necessary for you to work evenings, weekends, or overnights, certain roles require this availability. 

9) Can I Work Under Pressure?

While most call center agents have plenty of training and scripts for their phone calls, it is essential to have the ability to think on your feet. After all, you cannot predict the nature of every call or query that you receive. By being able to keep your cool during a high-pressure scenario, you will be able to remain clearheaded and provide better service and care to your clients. 

10) How Are My Tech Skills?

While you do not need to be a complete IT whiz to work in a call center, having a strong technical background is definitely helpful. Your call center will likely utilize some specific software to serve your customers better and streamline your responsibilities. This is great for maintaining an efficient and helpful service. While your company will likely train you to use this software, having a background and understanding of technology is also beneficial.

Once you have considered these 10 questions, you will better understand the ideal call anchor skill set and whether it’s the right position for you. Good luck as you embark on this exciting part of your career.

Further Reading: AI Insights From Sales Call Analysis: Techniques For Maximizing Revenue